paying SAG actors a signing bonus to avoid fringes

Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the process of paying SAG actors a 'signing bonus' for the bulk of their pay to avoid paying the 17% fringe benefits? For example, instead of paying $100k + 17% for 117k, you would pay $30k salary + 17% for $35,100. The remaining $70k would be paid as a signing bonus which would not be subject to 17%, which would result in almost $12k in savings.

How does this process work in practice? Does SAG give its tacit approval to this process? I dont see how SAG would not be aware of this considering they have a detailed budget of the project.

Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks
Mike
 
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