SCHEDULE OF MINIMUMS
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
2020
THEATRICAL AND
T
ELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
REVISED NOVEMBER 2021
SCHEDULE OF MINIMUMS
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
2020
THEATRICAL AND
T
ELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
This schedule covers the entire term of the 2020 Basic Agreement, but is
not a substitute for the Basic Agreement. If there is any inconsistency
between this schedule and the Basic Agreement, the Basic Agreement
controls.
If you have any questions regarding the application of these provisions or
minimums, or relating to categories of minimums not included in this
schedule, or if you have a question as to interpretation of the Basic
Agreement, contact the Guild.
Writers Guild of America, West, Inc.
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, California 90048-4329
MAIN SWITCHBOARD (323) 951-4000
AGENCY (323) 782-4502
CONTRACTS (323) 782-4501
CREDITS (323) 782-4528
MEMBER ORGANIZING (323) 782-4567
LEGAL SERVICES (323) 782-4521
MEMBERSHIP (323) 782-4532
REGISTRATION (323) 782-4500
RESIDUALS (323) 782-4700
SIGNATORIES (323) 782-4514
Writers Guild of America, East, Inc.
250 Hudson Street
New York, New York 10013
MAIN SWITCHBOARD (212) 767-7800
AGENCY (212) 767-7837
CLAIMS (212) 767-7852
CONTRACTS (212) 767-7852
CREDITS (212) 767-7852
LEGAL SERVICES (212) 767-7844
MEMBERSHIP (212) 767-7821
ORGANIZING (212) 767-7808
REGISTRATION (212) 767-7801
RESIDUALS (212) 767-7814
SIGNATORIES (212) 767-7837
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Theatrical ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Compensation ................................................................................................................................................ 1
First Period ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Second Period ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Third Period ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Theatrical Budget Thresholds ........................................................................................................................ 4
Issuance of Contract/Deal Memo ................................................................................................................... 4
Payment Schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Purchases ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Optioned Material ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Week-to-Week and Term Employment ........................................................................................................... 4
Script Publication Fee .................................................................................................................................... 4
Prior to Commencement ................................................................................................................................ 4
Narration ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Theatrical Residuals ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Pension Plan, Health Fund and Paid Parental Benefit Fund Contributions ................................... 6
Agent Commissions ........................................................................................................................... 6
Television Compensation................................................................................................................... 7
Network Prime Time ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Length of Program: 15 Minutes or Less ...................................................................................................... 7
Length of Program: 30 Minutes or Less ...................................................................................................... 7
Length of Program: 60 Minutes or Less ...................................................................................................... 8
Length of Program: 90 Minutes or Less ...................................................................................................... 8
Length of Program: 120 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................... 9
Payment Schedule ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Television Long-Form Revisions .................................................................................................................. 10
Teams .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Made-for Pay Television or Videocassette/Videodisc ................................................................................... 10
Made-for Basic Cable ................................................................................................................................... 10
Informational Programming and Videogames ............................................................................................... 10
Animation ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Radio Compensation .................................................................................................................................... 10
Other Than Network Prime Time .................................................................................................................. 11
Length of Program: 15 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................... 11
Length of Program: 30 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................... 11
Length of Program: 60 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................... 12
Made-for Basic Cable One-Hour High Budget Dramatic Series ................................................................ 12
Length of Program: 90 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................... 13
Length of Program: 120 Minutes or Less .................................................................................................. 13
Programs in Excess of 120 Minutes ......................................................................................................... 13
High Budget Minimums ................................................................................................................................ 14
Rewrite ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
Polish ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Plot Outline – Narrative Synopsis of Story ................................................................................................ 14
Back-Up Scripts ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Format ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Bible ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Low Budget Minimums ................................................................................................................................. 15
Story ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Teleplay .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Story and Teleplay .................................................................................................................................... 15
Rewrite ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Polish ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
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Narration ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Week-to-Week and Term Employment ......................................................................................................... 17
Writer Employed in Additional Capacities ..................................................................................................... 17
Compensation Per Week .......................................................................................................................... 17
Program Fees ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Purchases of Literary Material ...................................................................................................................... 17
Optioned Material (Television) ..................................................................................................................... 17
Serials and Other Dramatic Five-Per-Week (Strip) Programs ....................................................................... 18
Aggregate Minimum ................................................................................................................................. 18
Script Fee ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Long-Term Story Projection ...................................................................................................................... 18
Breakdowns .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Script and Breakdown Editing ................................................................................................................... 18
Quiz and Audience Participation .................................................................................................................. 19
Applicable Minimum ................................................................................................................................. 19
Writers of Questions and/or Answers........................................................................................................ 19
Ideas for Stunts Where Such Writer ......................................................................................................... 19
Comedy-Variety Programs ........................................................................................................................... 20
Applicable Program Minimums – Per Program ......................................................................................... 20
One Program Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment ................................................................ 20
Five Programs Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment ............................................................... 21
Applicable Weekly Minimum ..................................................................................................................... 21
Discounts for Non-Cancellable Contracts ................................................................................................. 22
Sketch Minimums ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Lyrics Unaccompanied by Music .............................................................................................................. 22
Minimums for Pre-Production Periods ...................................................................................................... 22
For Writers Employed Under Minimum ..................................................................................................... 22
Variety Show Commitment ....................................................................................................................... 22
Documentary Programs ............................................................................................................................... 23
Story and Telescript .................................................................................................................................. 23
Story Only ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Telescript Only ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Narrative Synopsis of Story ...................................................................................................................... 24
Rewrite or Polish Minimum ....................................................................................................................... 24
News Programs ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Non-Dramatic Programs............................................................................................................................... 26
Once-Per-Week Non-Dramatic Programs ................................................................................................. 26
Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs ..................................................................... 26
Non-Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs ............................................................. 26
Non-Commercial Openings & Closings ........................................................................................................ 27
Additional Terms Applicable to Certain Appendix A Programs ..................................................................... 27
Minimal Writing ......................................................................................................................................... 27
Segment Formula ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Minimum Series Commitment ................................................................................................................... 27
Discounts for Non-Cancellable Contracts ................................................................................................. 28
Applicable Time Period ............................................................................................................................. 28
Television Residuals ........................................................................................................................ 29
Network Prime Time Reruns ........................................................................................................................ 29
Other Reruns ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Timing of Residual Payments ....................................................................................................................... 31
Prime Time Comedy-Variety Residuals, Once Per Week or Less ................................................................ 31
Foreign Telecast Compensation................................................................................................................... 31
Comedy-Variety Foreign Telecast Compensation ........................................................................................ 31
Residuals for Made-for Pay Television and Made-for Videocassette/DVD Programs ................................... 32
Free Television Product ............................................................................................................................... 33
Reuse of Television Programs in New Media ............................................................................................... 33
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New Media Compensation ................................................................................................................ 34
Derivative New Media Programs .................................................................................................................. 34
New Media Productions Derivative of Dramatic Programs ........................................................................ 34
High Budget SVOD Programs ...................................................................................................................... 35
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers ..................................................................................... 35
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers .......................................................................................... 35
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by a Prior MBA ............................................................................... 37
Platforms with Fewer than 15 Million Subscribers ..................................................................................... 37
Platforms with 15 Million or More Subscribers .......................................................................................... 37
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers ..................................................................................... 39
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers .......................................................................................... 39
New Media Residuals ....................................................................................................................... 41
New Media Programs Reused in Traditional Media ...................................................................................... 41
Original New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD Programs) ................................................. 41
Derivative New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD Programs) ............................................. 41
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused in Other New Media Markets ........................................................... 41
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused on the Original Platform ................................................................... 42
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2014 MBA ............................................................................ 43
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2017 MBA ............................................................................ 43
Other Compensation ........................................................................................................................ 45
Series Sequel Payments .............................................................................................................................. 45
Movie-of-the-Week (MOW) Sequel Payments .............................................................................................. 45
Direct-to-Video Sequel Payments ................................................................................................................ 45
Character "Spin-Off" Payments .................................................................................................................... 45
Recurring Character Payments .................................................................................................................... 45
Use of Excerpts ............................................................................................................................................ 46
Upset Price .................................................................................................................................................. 47
Interactive Reuse Compensation ................................................................................................................. 47
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 13.A.1.a.)
Compensation
First Period
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21
LOW HIGH
A. Original Screenplay, Including
Treatment $77,495 $145,469
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Original Treatment 35,108 58,138
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 30,512 58,138
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 11,875 29,193
B. Non-Original Screenplay,
Including Treatment 67,802 126,089
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Treatment 25,424 38,759
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 30,512 58,138
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 11,866 29,192
C. Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase of
Original Screenplay 52,059 106,571
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 40,205 77,518
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 11,854 29,053
D. Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase
of Non-Original Screenplay 42,366 87,191
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 30,512 58,138
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 11,854 29,053
E. Additional Compensation for
Story included in Screenplay 9,693 19,380
F. Story or Treatment 25,424 38,759
G. Original Story or Treatment 35,108 58,138
H. First Draft Screenplay, with or
without Option for Final Draft
Screenplay (non-original)
First Draft Screenplay 30,512 58,138
Final Draft Screenplay 20,337 38,759
I. Rewrite of Screenplay 25,424 38,759
J. Polish of Screenplay 12,721 19,380
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 13.A.1.a.)
Second Period
Effective
5/2/21 – 5/1/22
LOW HIGH
A. Original Screenplay, Including
Treatment $ 79,432 $ 149,106
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Original Treatment 35,986 59,591
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,275 59,591
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,171 29,924
B. Non-Original Screenplay,
Including Treatment 69,497 129,241
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Treatment 26,060 39,728
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,275 59,591
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,162 29,922
C. Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase of
Original Screenplay 53,360 109,236
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 41,210 79,456
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,150 29,780
D. Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase
of Non-Original Screenplay 43,425 89,371
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,275 59,591
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,150 29,780
E. Additional Compensation for
Story included in Screenplay 9,935 19,865
F. Story or Treatment 26,060 39,728
G. Original Story or Treatment 35,986 59,591
H. First Draft Screenplay, with or
without Option for Final Draft
Screenplay (non-original)
First Draft Screenplay 31,275 59,591
Final Draft Screenplay 20,845 39,728
I. Rewrite of Screenplay 26,060 39,728
J. Polish of Screenplay 13,039 19,865
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 13.A.1.a.)
Third Period
Effective
5/2/22 – 5/1/23
LOW HIGH
A. Original Screenplay, Including
Treatment $ 81,220 $ 152,461
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Original Treatment 36,796 60,932
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,979 60,932
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,445 30,597
B. Non-Original Screenplay,
Including Treatment 71,061 132,149
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Treatment 26,646 40,622
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,979 60,932
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,436 30,595
C. Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase of
Original Screenplay 54,561 111,694
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 42,138 81,244
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,423 30,450
D. Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding
Treatment or Sale/Purchase
of Non-Original Screenplay 44,402 91,382
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft
Screenplay 31,979 60,932
Delivery of Final Draft
Screenplay 12,423 30,450
E. Additional Compensation for
Story included in Screenplay 10,159 20,312
F. Story or Treatment 26,646 40,622
G. Original Story or Treatment 36,796 60,932
H. First Draft Screenplay, with or
without Option for Final Draft
Screenplay (non-original)
First Draft Screenplay 31,979 60,932
Final Draft Screenplay 21,314 40,622
I. Rewrite of Screenplay 26,646 40,622
J. Polish of Screenplay 13,332 20,312
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION
THEATRICAL BUDGET THRESHOLDS
LOW BUDGET - Photoplay that costs less than $5,000,000
HIGH BUDGET - Photoplay that costs $5,000,000 or more
ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT/DEAL MEMO
The Basic Agreement requires timely delivery, generally 10-12 days, of a contract or deal memo to the writer or
the writer's representative after agreement on the major deal points. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for
details.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ARTICLE 13.A.3.)
Upon commencement of writing services, the writer is to receive the greater of:
(a) 10% of the agreed compensation for delivery of first material;
or (b) $5,854 (effective 5/2/20 – 5/1/21);
$6,000 (effective 5/2/21 – 5/1/22);
$6,135 (effective 5/2/22 – 5/1/23).
In addition, Company will make its best efforts to pay the writer within 48 hours of delivery but in no event more
than 7 days after delivery.
Payment shall not be contingent upon the acceptance or approval by the Company of the literary material so
delivered, or upon any other contingency such as obtaining financing.
PURCHASES FROM A PROFESSIONAL WRITER
The minimums on pages 1-3 apply to purchases of literary material from a "professional writer" as that term is
defined in the Basic Agreement and to any writer who has negotiated the right to be treated as a “professional
writer.”
OPTIONED MATERIAL (THEATRICAL)
Company may option literary material from a "professional writer" for a period of up to 18 months upon payment
of not less than 10% of minimum. Each renewal period of up to 18 months requires payment of not less than an
additional 10% of minimum.
WEEK-TO-WEEK AND TERM EMPLOYMENT (ARTICLE 13.A.15.)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20 – 5/2/21 – 5/2/22 –
Compensation Per Week 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Week-to-week
$ 6,307
$ 6,465
$ 6,610
14 out of 14 weeks
5,854
6,000
6,135
20 out of 26 weeks
5,405
5,540
5,665
40 out of 52 weeks
4,975
5,099
5,214
SCRIPT PUBLICATION FEE (ARTICLE 16.A.10.)
Credited writers receive $12,500, in the aggregate, within 30 days after final determination of credits for the
Company’s right to publish a theatrical motion picture script on a DVD or on any new media platform (whether
or not the script is actually included in the DVD or published online). For other publication rights, contact the
Guild Contracts Department.
PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
The writer must be notified of all conditions that must be met prior to the writer’s commencement of services
(e.g., securing the rights in the underlying property, signing of producer’s contract).
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION & RESIDUALS
NARRATION (ARTICLE 13.A.2.) (written by a writer other than writer of Screenplay or Story & Screenplay)
Minimums for narration are based on the status of film assembly and nature of previously written material as
follows:
Nature of Material Written
Prior to Employment of
Narration Writer
Film Assembled in Story
Sequence
Film Footage Not
Assembled in Story
Sequence
None
Applicable Screenplay
excluding Treatment Minimum
Applicable Screenplay
including Treatment Minimum
Story Only
Applicable Screenplay
excluding Treatment Minimum
Applicable Screenplay
excluding Treatment Minimum
Story and Screenplay
Per Rate Schedule A
Per Rate Schedule A
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20 – 5/2/21 – 5/2/22 –
Rate Schedule A 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Two minutes or less $ 1,183 $ 1,213 $ 1,240
Over two minutes thru
five minutes 4,191 4,296 4,393
Over five minutes
of narration Applicable Polish Minimum
THEATRICAL RESIDUALS (ARTICLE 15.A., ARTICLE 51, ARTICLE 58, and SIDELETTER ON
EXHIBITION OF MOTION PICTURES TRANSMITTED VIA NEW MEDIA)
Residual compensation of 1.2% of distributor’s gross receipts is due to the credited writer(s) of a theatrical motion
picture for reuse in the following markets: free TV, pay TV, basic cable, new media (rental, streaming, ad-
supported). No residual is due for the worldwide theatrical release (including in-flight). Videocassette/DVD
residuals are 1.5% of producer’s gross for the first million dollars and 1.8% thereafter, and Electronic Sell
Through (e.g., iTunes purchases) residuals are 0.36% of distributor’s gross for the first 50,000 units and 0.65%
thereafter. Contact the Guild Residuals Department for more information.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
PENSION PLAN AND HEALTH FUND / AGENT COMMISSIONS
PENSION PLAN, HEALTH FUND AND PAID PARENTAL BENEFIT FUND CONTRIBUTIONS
All employment under the WGA 2020 Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement is subject to employer
contributions of:
10% (10.5% effective May 2, 2021 and 11.25% effective May 2, 2022) to the PRODUCER-WRITERS
GUILD OF AMERICA PENSION PLAN, except for pilots and the first season of any one-hour series, the
contributions for which are 8.5% (9% effective May 2, 2021 and 9.75% effective May 2, 2022) to the
PRODUCER-WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA PENSION PLAN;
11.5% to the WRITERS GUILD-INDUSTRY HEALTH FUND; and
0.5% to the PAID PARENTAL BENEFIT FUND, to be paid directly to the WRITERS GUILD-INDUSTRY
HEALTH FUND.
Employer reporting forms and information regarding benefits are available from the Pension Plan and Health
Fund offices:
Producer-Writers Guild of America Pension Plan
Writers Guild-Industry Health Fund
2900 W. Alameda Ave, Suite 1100
Burbank, California 91505
Telephone: (818) 846-1015
www.wgaplans.org
AGENT COMMISSIONS
Initial compensation,
*
whether or not at minimum, for writing services and for an option or purchase of literary
material is generally subject to a 10% commission.
Other MBA payments – such as residuals, program fees and sequel payments – are not commissionable.
If you have any questions, contact the Guild Agency Department at (323) 782-4502 or [email protected]
.
*
Except minimum comedy-variety pre-production payments.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.d.) (ABC, CBS, FBC and NBC)
Length of Program: 15 minutes or less
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $ 4,929 $ 5,052 $ 5,166
TELEPLAY 11,971 12,270 12,546
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 14,807 15,177 15,518
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
Length of Program: 30 minutes or less
STORY+ $ 9,036 $ 9,262 $ 9,470
TELEPLAY 19,436 19,922 20,370
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 27,100 27,778 28,403
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
+On pilots only, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance against such first installment) upon
commencement of services.
The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable minimum set forth above.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.d.) (ABC, CBS, FBC and NBC)
Length of Program: 60 minutes or less
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $ 15,904 $ 16,302 $ 16,669
TELEPLAY 26,223 26,879 27,484
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 39,858 40,854 41,773
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
Length of Program: 90 minutes or less
STORY+ $ 21,248 $21,779 $22,269
TELEPLAY 37,783 38,728 39,599
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 56,078 57,480 58,773
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
+On pilots and one-time programs 90 minutes or longer, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance
against such first installment) upon commencement of services.
The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable minimum set forth above.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.d.) (ABC, CBS, FBC and NBC)
Length of Program: 120 minutes or less (but more than 90 minutes)
EPISODIC
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $28,374 $29,083 $29,737
TELEPLAY 48,474 49,686 50,804
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 73,784 75,629 77,331
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
Length of Program: 120 minutes or less (but more than 90 minutes)
NON-EPISODIC
#
STORY+ $ 30,967 $31,741 $32,455
TELEPLAY 52,899 54,221 55,441
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 80,647 82,663 84,523
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
For programs in excess of 120 minutes, compensation is based on the 120 minute or less minimum plus, for
each additional 30 minutes or less, the following additional payments:
STORY $ 4,760 $ 4,879 $ 4,989
TELEPLAY 8,876 9,098 9,303
STORY & TELEPLAY 11,911 12,209 12,484
+On pilots and one-time programs 90 minutes or longer, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance
against such first installment) upon commencement of services.
#The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable non-episodic minimum set forth above.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Company will make its best efforts to pay writer within 48 hours of delivery but in no event more than 7 days after
delivery.
Payment shall not be contingent upon the acceptance or approval by the Company of the literary material so
delivered.
TELEVISION LONG-FORM REVISIONS
In certain instances, on long-form television movies, the network (or other licensee) has agreed to reimburse the
Company for a "producer's draft," even when such draft is not delivered to the network (or other licensee). Call
the Guild Contracts Department for further information.
TEAMS
A bona fide team of 2 writers who, prior to employment, agrees to be a team, may split not less than a single
minimum.
In addition, a Company may employ a team of 3 writers for no less than 200% of minimum initial compensation
(150% in the case of a television team of 3 production executives). No individual writer may receive less than
1/3 of the above increased minimums. Pension and Health ceilings and the Upset Price increase accordingly.
Note: There are no teams under aggregate formulas in Appendix A.
MADE-FOR PAY TELEVISION OR VIDEOCASSETTE/VIDEODISC
The minimum initial compensation for a writer shall be the same as the applicable minimum initial compensation
for a "free" television program. Where the program is of a type generally produced for network prime time, the
network prime time rates are to be utilized.
MADE-FOR BASIC CABLE
For high budget dramatic programs, the provisions of the Basic Agreement apply. For all other types of programs,
the Company must either use the terms of the Basic Agreement to employ writers or notify the Guild not later
than 30 days prior to production so that negotiations may commence regarding the production.
INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMING AND VIDEOGAMES
The Guild offers special agreements for information programs and videogames. Contact the Contracts
Department at WGAW or the Signatories Department at WGAE for information on how to use the agreement.
ANIMATION
The Guild negotiates terms and conditions for animated projects. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for
details.
RADIO COMPENSATION
For minimum terms and conditions of the Radio Agreement, please contact the Contracts Department at WGAE.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
OTHER THAN NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a., b., and c.)
Length of Program: 15 minutes or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($150,000 & over - $60,000 & over in the case of non-prime time network films)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $ 3,478 $ 3,565 $ 3,645
TELEPLAY 6,363 6,522 6,669
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 8,682 8,899 9,099
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
Length of Program: 30 minutes or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($215,000 & over - $100,000 & over in the case of non-prime time network films)
STORY+ $ 6,363 $ 6,522 $ 6,669
TELEPLAY 10,333 10,591 10,829
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 15,903 16,301 16,668
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
+On pilots only, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance against such first installment) upon
commencement of services.
The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable minimum set forth above.
-12-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
OTHER THAN NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a., b., and c.)
Length of Program: 60 minutes or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($300,000 & over - $200,000 & over in the case of non-prime time network films)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $ 11,563 $ 11,852 $ 12,119
TELEPLAY 20,024 20,525 20,987
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 28,907 29,630 30,297
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
MADE-FOR BASIC CABLE ONE-HOUR HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC SERIES IN THEIR
SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT SEASON (APPENDIX C, SUBPARAGRAPH 2.b.(1)(a))
Length of Program: 60 minutes
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($1,2000,000 & over)
STORY+ $ 12,311 $ 12,619 $ 12,903
TELEPLAY 21,322 21,855 22,347
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 30,780 31,550 32,260
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
+On pilots and one-time programs 90 minutes or longer, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance
against such first installment) upon commencement of services.
The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable minimum set forth above.
-13-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
OTHER THAN NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a., b., and c.)
Length of Program: 90 minutes or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($500,000 & over - $340,000 & over in the case of non-prime time network films)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY+ $17,378 $17,812 $ 18,213
TELEPLAY 30,800 31,570 32,280
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 43,443 44,529 45,531
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
Length of Program: 120 minutes or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($900,000 & over - $450,000 & over in the case of non-prime time network films)
STORY+ $22,772 $23,341 $23,866
TELEPLAY 40,856 41,877 42,819
Installments:
+ First Draft: 90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft: Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY 56,932 58,355 59,668
Installments:
+ Story: 30% of Agreed Compensation
First Draft Teleplay: The difference between the Story Installment and 90% of minimum,
or 40% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft Teleplay: Balance of Agreed Compensation
For programs in excess of 120 minutes, compensation is based on the 120 minute or less minimum plus, for
each additional 30 minutes or less, the following additional payments:
STORY $5,393 $5,528 $5,652
TELEPLAY 10,055 10,306 10,538
STORY & TELEPLAY 13,485 13,822 14,133
+On pilots and one-time programs 90 minutes or longer, the writer is to be paid 10% of the first installment (as an advance
against such first installment) upon commencement of services.
The applicable minimum for a pilot is 150% of the applicable minimum set forth above.
-14-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Rewrite (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(1))
15 min. or less
$3,750
$3,844
$3,930
30 min. or less (over 15)
6,260
6,417
6,561
60 min. or less (over 45)
11,843
12,139
12,412
90 min. or less (over 75)
17,446
17,882
18,284
120 min. or less (over 90)
23,046
23,622
24,153
Polish (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(2))
15 min. or less
$1,877
$1,924
$1,967
30 min. or less (over 15)
3,124
3,202
3,274
60 min. or less (over 45)
5,932
6,080
6,217
90 min. or less (over 75)
8,713
8,931
9,132
120 min. or less (over 90)
11,520
11,808
12,074
Plot Outline – Narrative Synopsis of Story (ARTICLE 13.B.7.g.)
Company may request a writer to prepare a narrative synopsis or outline of a story owned by the writer to
determine the suitability of the story for television purposes. Company has 14 days from delivery to elect to
acquire the outline and to employ the writer at not less than the applicable story with option for teleplay
minimums, less the amount paid for the outline. If Company does not proceed, the outline and all right, title and
interest therein is retained by writer.
15 min. or less
$1,741
$1,785
$1,825
30 min. or less (over 15)
2,900
2,973
3,040
60 min. or less (over 30)
5,493
5,630
5,757
90 min. or less (over 75)
8,117
8,320
8,507
120 min. or less (over 90)
10,703
10,971
11,218
Back-Up Scripts (ARTICLE 13.B.7.r.(2)
Applicable minimum compensation for a "Back-Up Script" (story and/or teleplay) is 115% of the compensation
set forth herein for story and/or teleplay.
Format (ARTICLE 13.B.7.m.(1))
$12,033
$12,334
$12,612
Rewrite
6,017
6,167
6,306
Polish
3,008
3,084
3,153
Bible (ARTICLE 13.B.7.m.(2))
Network Prime Time Bible
$60,828
$62,349
$63,752
Rewrite
30,414
31,174
31,875
Polish
15,207
15,587
15,938
plus, for each story line in excess of six
$6,083
$6,235
$6,375
Rewrite
3,040
3,116
3,186
Polish
1,521
1,559
1,594
Non-Network/Non-Prime Time Bible
$48,662
$49,879
$51,002
Rewrite
24,331
24,939
25,500
Polish
12,166
12,470
12,750
plus, for each story line in excess of six
$4,866
$4,988
$5,100
Rewrite
2,432
2,493
2,549
Polish
1,217
1,247
1,275
-15-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
LOW BUDGET MINIMUMS
(See budget thresholds on pages 11-13.)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Story (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a.)
15 min. or less
$2,959
$3,033
$3,101
30 min. or less (over 15)
4,923
5,046
5,160
60 min. or less (over 30)
9,308
9,541
9,756
90 min. or less (over 75)
14,189
14,544
14,871
120 min. or less (over 90)
18,740
19,209
19,641
Teleplay (ARTICLE 13.B.7.b.)
15 min. or less
$4,633
$4,749
$4,856
30 min. or less (over 15)
7,964
8,163
8,347
60 min. or less (over 30)
15,187
15,567
15,917
90 min. or less (over 75)
23,254
23,835
24,371
120 min. or less (over 90)
30,770
31,539
32,249
Story and Teleplay (ARTICLE 13.B.7.c.)
15 min. or less
$7,373
$7,557
$7,727
30 min. or less (over 15)
12,290
12,597
12,880
60 min. or less (over 30)
23,277
23,859
24,396
90 min. or less (over 75)
35,473
36,360
37,178
120 min. or less (over 90)
46,861
48,033
49,114
Rewrite (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(1))
15 min. or less
$2,747
$2,816
$2,879
30 min. or less (over 15)
4,700
4,818
4,926
60 min. or less (over 30)
8,962
9,186
9,393
90 min. or less (over 75)
13,234
13,565
13,870
120 min. or less (over 90)
17,486
17,923
18,326
Polish (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(2))
15 min. or less
$1,366
$1,400
$1,432
30 min. or less (over 15)
2,344
2,403
2,457
60 min. or less (over 30)
4,476
4,588
4,691
90 min. or less (over 75)
6,623
6,789
6,942
120 min. or less (over 90)
8,746
8,965
9,167
-16-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NARRATION (ARTICLE 13.B.7.n.) (written by a writer other than writer of Teleplay or Story & Teleplay)
Minimums for narration are based on the status of film assembly and nature of previously written material
as follows:
Nature of Material Written
Prior to Employment of
Narration Writer
Film Assembled in Story
Sequence
Film Footage Not
Assembled in Story
Sequence
None
Rate Schedule A
Rate Schedule B
Story Only
Rate Schedule A
Rate Schedule A
Story and Teleplay
Rate Schedule C
Rate Schedule C
RATE SCHEDULE A Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Program Length 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
15 min. or less
$7,523
$7,711
$7,884
30 min. or less (over 15)
12,503
12,816
13,104
60 min. or less (over 30)
23,711
24,304
24,851
90 min. or less (over 75)
34,930
35,803
36,609
120 min. or less (over 90)
46,137
47,290
48,354
plus, for each additional
1/2 hour or fraction thereof
11,208
11,488
11,746
RATE SCHEDULE B
Program Length
15 min. or less
$8,682
$8,899
$9,099
30 min. or less (over 15)
15,890
16,287
16,653
60 min. or less (over 30)
28,907
29,630
30,297
90 min. or less (over 75)
41,912
42,960
43,927
120 min. or less (over 90)
54,907
56,280
57,546
plus, for each additional
1/2 hour or fraction thereof
13,025
13,351
13,651
RATE SCHEDULE C
Two minutes or less $1,206 $1,236 $1,264
Over two minutes through
five minutes 4,218 4,323 4,420
Over five minutes of
narration Rewrite minimum for applicable program length
-17-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
WEEK-TO-WEEK AND TERM EMPLOYMENT (ARTICLE 13.B.7.s.(2))
Effective Effective Effective
WRITER 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Compensation Per Week 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Week-to-Week
$5,059
$5,185
$5,302
6 out of 6 weeks
5,059
5,185
5,302
14 out of 14 weeks guarantee
4,700
4,818
4,926
20 out of 26 weeks guarantee
4,338
4,446
4,546
40 out of 52 weeks guarantee
3,964
4,063
4,154
WRITER EMPLOYED IN ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES (ARTICLE 14.K.)
Compensation Per Week
Week-to-Week & Term Employment
up to & including 9 weeks
$9,434
$9,670
$9,888
10 to 19 weeks guarantee
7,862
8,059
8,240
20 weeks or more guarantee
7,072
7,249
7,412
** LIMITATION REGARDING SPAN OF NEGOTIATED EPISODIC FEES: For contracts entered into on or after
May 2, 2018, Article 14.K. provides that for writer-producers above the level of story editor, a writer’s negotiated
episodic fee can be spread over no more than 2.4 weeks of work. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for
more details about this provision.
Program Fees (ARTICLE 14.G.)
30-minute program
$1,062
$1,089
$1,114
60-minute program
1,408
1,443
1,475
90-minute program or longer
1,757
1,801
1,842
Program fees apply only to network (ABC, CBS, FBC, and NBC) prime time episodic series. Unless one or more
writers has negotiated an irreducible program fee, there is a limit of 3 fees in total per episode produced, which
is split among the eligible writers if there are more than 3 eligible writers.
PURCHASES OF LITERARY MATERIAL
The minimums are applicable to purchases of previously unexploited material from a "professional writer" (as
defined in the Basic Agreement) and to any writer who has negotiated the right to be treated as a “professional
writer.”
OPTIONED MATERIAL (TELEVISION)
Company may option literary material from a "professional writer" for an initial period of up to 180 days upon
payment of 5% of minimum and 10% for each period of up to 180 days thereafter.
-18-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
SERIALS AND OTHER DRAMATIC FIVE-PER-WEEK (STRIP) PROGRAMS –
OTHER THAN PRIME TIME (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.5.a.)
Aggregate Minimum for Each Effective Effective Effective
Weekly Unit of 5 Programs 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
(Head Writer)* 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
15 minutes
$13,368
$13,702
$14,010
30 minutes
22,281
22,838
23,352
45 minutes
32,308
33,116
33,861
60 minutes
41,218
42,248
43,199
90 minutes
61,826
63,372
64,798
Script Fee
For each script on which a writer, other than the Head Writer, performs writing services, such writer
will be paid not less than:
15 minutes
$1,270
$1,302
$1,331
30 minutes
2,131
2,184
2,233
45 minutes
3,083
3,160
3,231
60 minutes
3,933
4,031
4,122
90 minutes
5,914
6,062
6,198
Long-Term Story Projection
The minimum for a long-term story projection (when written by a writer other than the Head Writer) for
a non-prime time serial is:
3 months or less
$19,116
$19,594
$20,035
6 months or less, but more
than 3 months or unspecified
28,673
29,390
30,051
12 months or less, but more
than 6 months
38,226
39,182
40,064
Breakdowns
The minimum for a daily breakdown of a network non-prime time serial (when written by a writer other
than the Head Writer) is:
15 or less
$564
$578
$591
30 or less (but more than 15)
1,201
1,231
1,259
45 or less (but more than 30)
1,344
1,378
1,409
60 or less (but more than 45)
2,249
2,305
2,357
90 or less (but more than 60)
2,591
2,656
2,716
Script and Breakdown Editing
The minimum for rewriting or polishing a non-prime time serial script or breakdown (when done by a
writer other than the Head Writer) is 30% of the script or breakdown fee.
*The Head Writer aggregate may be reduced by payments of up to 5 minimum script fees.
-19-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
QUIZ AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – NETWORK
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.4.)
Applicable Minimum Per Effective Effective Effective
Weekly Unit Of Not More 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Than 5 Programs 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
Guarantee
13 weekly units
$3,428
$3,514
$3,593
14, but less than 20
weekly units
3,184
3,264
3,337
20, but less than 39
weekly units
2,924
2,997
3,064
39 or more weekly units
2,681
2,748
2,810
Writers of Questions, Answers and/or
Ideas for Stunts Where Such Writer
Supplies No Other Material
Guarantee
13 weekly units
$1,817
$1,862
$1,904
14, but less than 20
weekly units
1,683
1,725
1,764
20 or more weekly units
1,553
1,592
1,628
For syndicated series in production prior to August 8, 1988, the applicable minimum compensation shall
be two-thirds (2/3) of the above compensation applicable to network programs. If any one program per
weekly unit is on a network, the network rates shall apply to the entire weekly unit.
For series that begins production on or after August 8, 1988, the following formula will apply:
a) Two-thirds (2/3) of the above for the first 52 weeks of production, and
b) Five-sixths (5/6) of the above for the next 52 weeks of production.
c) Thereafter, the above rates will apply to that series.
For services on 6 programs per weekly unit, the applicable minimum shall be increased by 80%.
For services on 7 programs per weekly unit, the applicable minimum shall be increased by 100%.
-20-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
COMEDY-VARIETY PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.2.)
Applicable Program Minimums – Per Program
Effective Effective Effective
Length or 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Time Bracket 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
5 minutes
$2,065
$2,117
$2,165
10 minutes
4,104
4,207
4,302
15 minutes
5,794
5,939
6,073
30 minutes
12,570
12,884
13,174
45 minutes
13,637
13,978
14,293
60 minutes
17,293
17,725
18,124
75 minutes
20,134
20,637
21,101
90 minutes
23,573
24,162
24,706
120 minutes
29,853
30,599
31,288
One Program Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment
If all writers on a once-per-week variety series are employed under a contract providing for guaranteed
employment in cycles of 13 or more weeks, the applicable weekly minimum for each such individual writer is:
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21 $4,566
5/2/21 – 5/1/22 4,680
5/2/22 – 5/1/23 4,785
and the aggregate minimum compensation for each program is:
Percentage of Applicable
Number of Writers Program Minimums
1 100%
2 150%
3 175%
4 200%
plus 25% for each additional writer
-21-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
COMEDY-VARIETY PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.2.) (cont'd)
Five Programs Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment
If all writers on a five-per-week comedy-variety series are employed under a contract providing for guaranteed
employment in cycles of 13 or more weeks, the aggregate minimum compensation for each weekly unit of
programs is as follows:
First Period
Effective 5/2/20 – 5/1/21 Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$15,903
$17,340
$20,242
(Non-Prime)
12,721
13,870
16,198
15 minutes (Prime Time)
22,257
25,149
$28,047
(Non-Prime)
17,804
20,115
22,433
30 minutes (Prime Time)
37,582
41,192
$44,823
(Non-Prime)
30,071
32,965
35,869
60 minutes (Prime Time)
70,831
74,438
(Non-Prime)
56,661
59,550
Second Period
Effective 5/2/21 – 5/1/22 Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$16,301
$17,774
$20,748
(Non-Prime)
13,039
14,217
16,603
15 minutes (Prime Time)
22,813
25,778
$28,748
(Non-Prime)
18,249
20,618
23,004
30 minutes (Prime Time)
38,522
42,222
$45,944
(Non-Prime)
30,823
33,789
36,766
60 minutes (Prime Time)
72,602
76,299
(Non-Prime)
58,078
61,039
Third Period
Effective 5/2/22 – 5/1/23 Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$16,668
$18,174
$21,215
(Non-Prime)
13,332
14,537
16,977
15 minutes (Prime Time)
23,326
26,358
$29,395
(Non-Prime)
18,660
21,082
23,522
30 minutes (Prime Time)
39,389
43,172
$46,978
(Non-Prime)
31,517
34,549
37,593
60 minutes (Prime Time)
74,236
78,016
(Non-Prime)
59,385
62,412
Effective Per Week
Applicable Weekly Minimum for Each Individual Writer: 5/2/20 – 5/1/21 $4,566
5/2/21 – 5/1/22 4,680
5/2/22 – 5/1/23 4,785
-22-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
COMEDY-VARIETY PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.2.) (cont'd)
Discounts For Non-Cancellable Contracts
For any writer who is employed under a term contract non-cancellable for 13 or more weeks, the applicable
weekly minimum is subject to a 10% discount. For any writer who is employed under a term contract non-
cancellable for 26 or more weeks, the applicable weekly minimum is subject to a 20% discount. If all writers on
a comedy-variety series are employed under term contracts non-cancellable for 13 or more weeks, the applicable
program minimums are subject to a 10% discount. If all of the writers on a comedy-variety series are employed
under term contracts non-cancellable for 26 or more weeks, the applicable program minimums are subject to a
20% discount. Discounts are not applicable to pre-production periods.
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
SKETCH MINIMUMS –
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.3.)
Prime Time $4,260 $4,367 $4,465
Non-Prime Time 3,401 3,486 3,564
LYRICS UNACCOMPANIED BY MUSIC –
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.3.) $3,355 $3,439 $3,516
MINIMUMS FOR PRE-PRODUCTION PERIODS
FOR WRITERS EMPLOYED UNDER MINIMUM
VARIETY SHOW COMMITMENT
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.2.g.) Compensation Per Week
First and Second Weeks
$3,193
$3,273
$3,347
Third and Fourth Weeks
3,654
3,745
3,829
Fifth and Sixth Weeks
4,109
4,212
4,307
Thereafter
4,566
4,680
4,785
-23-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.b)
For the purpose of Documentary programs, high budget (HB) refers to programs whose negative cost equals or
exceeds the amounts set forth below. Low budget (LB) refers to programs whose negative cost is less than the
amounts set forth below:
15 minutes or less $50,000
30 minutes or less (more than 15) 100,000
60 minutes or less (more than 30) 200,000
90 minutes or less (more than 60) 300,000
For each additional 30 minutes 100,000
Story and Telescript
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21
5/2/21 – 5/1/22
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 or less
$4,552
$5,348
$4,666
$5,482
15 or less
6,644
7,813
6,810
8,008
30 or less
11,054
14,304
11,330
14,662
60 or less
20,972
26,031
21,496
26,682
90 or less
30,800
37,718
31,570
38,661
120 or less
40,674
49,421
41,691
50,657
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
5/2/22 – 5/1/23
LB
HB
10 or less
$4,771
$5,605
15 or less
6,963
8,188
30 or less
11,585
14,992
60 or less
21,980
27,282
90 or less
32,280
39,531
120 or less
42,629
51,797
Story Only
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21
5/2/21 – 5/1/22
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 or less
$1,321
$1,470
$1,354
$1,507
15 or less
1,949
2,151
1,998
2,205
30 or less
3,219
3,888
3,299
3,985
60 or less
6,100
7,301
6,253
7,484
90 or less
8,980
10,709
9,205
10,977
120 or less
11,865
14,114
12,162
14,467
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
5/2/22 – 5/1/23
LB
HB
10 or less
$1,384
$1,541
15 or less
2,043
2,255
30 or less
3,373
4,075
60 or less
6,394
7,652
90 or less
9,412
11,224
120 or less
12,436
14,793
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.b.) (cont'd)
Telescript Only
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21
5/2/21 – 5/1/22
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 or less
$3,366
$4,596
$3,450
$4,711
15 or less
4,918
6,719
5,041
6,887
30 or less
8,378
11,147
8,587
11,426
60 or less
15,989
21,163
16,389
21,692
90 or less
23,606
31,143
24,196
31,922
120 or less
31,230
41,131
32,011
42,159
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
5/2/22 – 5/1/23
LB
HB
10 or less
$3,528
$4,817
15 or less
5,154
7,042
30 or less
8,780
11,683
60 or less
16,758
22,180
90 or less
24,740
32,640
120 or less
32,731
43,108
Narrative Synopsis of Story (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.c.)
Company may request a writer to prepare a narrative synopsis of a story owned by that writer to determine the
suitability of the story for telescript purposes. Company has 14 days from delivery to elect to acquire the synopsis
and to employ the writer to prepare a telescript. If Company does not proceed, the synopsis and all right, title
and interest therein is retained by the writer.
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Program Length 5/1/21 5/1/122 5/1/23
15 minutes
$1,557
$1,596
$1,632
30 minutes
2,588
2,653
2,713
60 minutes
4,918
5,041
5,154
90 minutes
7,232
7,413
7,580
Rewrite or Polish Minimum (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.d.)
Program Length – LOW BUDGET
15 minutes or less
$2,457
$2,518
$2,575
30 minutes or less
4,198
4,303
4,400
60 minutes or less
7,731
7,924
8,102
90 minutes or less
11,811
12,106
12,378
120 minutes or less
15,896
16,293
16,660
Program Length – HIGH BUDGET
15 minutes or less
$3,355
$3,439
$3,516
30 minutes or less
5,587
5,727
5,856
60 minutes or less
10,570
10,834
11,078
90 minutes or less
15,578
15,967
16,326
120 minutes or less
20,579
21,093
21,568
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NEWS PROGRAMS (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.b.(4)(a))
Minimum for a Single News Program Script:
Effective Effective Effective
Program Length 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
In Minutes 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
5 minutes
$1,730
$1,765
$1,796
10 minutes
3,453
3,522
3,584
15 minutes
4,881
4,979
5,066
30 minutes
9,752
9,947
10,121
45 minutes
11,474
11,703
11,908
60 minutes
14,632
14,925
15,186
75 minutes
16,931
17,270
17,572
90 minutes
20,669
21,082
21,451
Minimum for News Programs Broadcast as a Strip 5 Times per Week:
(Column 1 refers to one telecast per day; column 2 refers to two telecasts per day.)
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21
5/2/21 – 5/1/22
(1)
Strip
(2)
(1)
Strip
(2)
5 or less
$1,735
$2,839
$1,770
$2,896
10 or less
2,295
3,810
2,341
3,886
15 or less
2,889
4,589
2,947
4,681
30 or less
3,619
5,242
3,691
5,347
60 or less
4,407
6,328
4,495
6,455
90 or less
5,191
7,416
5,295
7,564
120 or less
5,974
8,503
6,093
8,673
Program Length
In Minutes
Effective
5/2/22 – 5/1/23
(1)
Strip
(2)
5 or less
$1,801
$2,947
10 or less
2,382
3,954
15 or less
2,999
4,763
30 or less
3,756
5,441
60 or less
4,574
6,568
90 or less
5,388
7,696
120 or less
6,200
8,825
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NON-DRAMATIC PROGRAMS
Once-Per-Week Non-Dramatic Programs
(Including Non-Dramatic Children’s Programs)
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.6.a.)+*
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Prime Time 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
5 minutes
$1,800
$1,845
$1,887
10 minutes
3,592
3,682
3,765
15 minutes
5,086
5,213
5,330
30 minutes
10,157
10,411
10,645
45 minutes
11,941
12,240
12,515
60 minutes
15,226
15,607
15,958
75 minutes
17,626
18,067
18,474
90 minutes
21,498
22,035
22,531
Non-Prime Time
5 minutes
$1,440
$1,476
$1,509
10 minutes
2,712
2,780
2,843
15 minutes
4,063
4,165
4,259
30 minutes
7,171
7,350
7,515
45 minutes
8,787
9,007
9,210
60 minutes
11,351
11,635
11,897
75 minutes
12,553
12,867
13,157
90 minutes
15,830
16,226
16,591
Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs**
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.6.b.)+*
5 minutes
$3,708
$3,801
$3,887
10 minutes
5,253
5,384
5,505
15 minutes
5,975
6,124
6,262
30 minutes
7,722
7,915
8,093
60 minutes
8,828
9,049
9,253
90 minutes
10,475
10,737
10,979
Non-Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs+*
5 minutes
$2,955
$3,029
$3,097
10 minutes
3,964
4,063
4,154
15 minutes
4,773
4,892
5,002
30 minutes
5,452
5,588
5,714
60 minutes
6,583
6,748
6,900
90 minutes
7,713
7,906
8,084
120 minutes
8,844
9,065
9,269
+Use of this category requires notice to the Guild. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for details.
*These rates also apply to dramatic religious programs.
**Including Non-Dramatic Children’s programs whether or not prime time.
-27-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NON-COMMERCIAL OPENINGS & CLOSINGS (ARTICLE 13.B.7.p.)
Effective Effective Effective
Aggregate Running Time 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Of Material 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
3 minutes or less $3,124 $3,202 $3,274
More than 3 minutes 4,387 4,497 4,598
ADDITIONAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN APPENDIX A PROGRAMS
Minimal Writing (Comedy-Variety, Documentary and News Programs)
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.7.g. and APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.i.)+
Where there is minimal writing and the only literary material written for a program is for openings, closings,
introductions, questions and/or bridging, the applicable minimums for non-dramatic programs on page 26 may
be utilized in lieu of the otherwise applicable minimums.
Segment Formula (Documentary, News and Once-Per-Week Non-Dramatic Programs)
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.6.c. and APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.b.(5))+
Different writers may be employed to write self-contained segments of programs under a segment formula
subject to certain conditions. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for details.
Minimum Series Commitment (Documentary, News and Other Non-Dramatic Programs)
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.6.a.(1)(b)(i) and APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.b.(5))
If all writers are employed under a contract providing for guaranteed employment in cycles of 13 or more weeks,
the applicable weekly minimum for each such individual writer is:
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21 $3,581
5/2/21 – 5/1/22 3,671
5/2/22 – 5/1/23 3,754
and the aggregate minimum compensation for each program (or weekly unit) is:
Percentage of Applicable
Number of Writers Program Minimums
1 100%
2 150%
3 175%
4 200%
plus 25% for each additional writer
+Use of this provision requires notice to the Guild. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for details.
-28-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
ADDITIONAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN APPENDIX A PROGRAMS (cont'd)
Discounts for Non-Cancellable Contracts (Documentary, News and Other Non-Dramatic Programs)
For any writer who is employed under a term contract non-cancellable for 13 or more weeks, the applicable
weekly minimum is subject to a 10% discount. For any writer who is employed under a term contract non-
cancellable for 26 or more weeks, the applicable weekly minimum is subject to a 20% discount. If all writers on
a series are employed under term contracts non-cancellable for 13 or more weeks, the applicable program
minimums are subject to a 10% discount. If all of the writers on a series are employed under term contracts non-
cancellable for 26 or more weeks, the applicable program minimums are subject to a 20% discount.
APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD
Where 50% or less of a television program covered by Appendix A is intended to consist of material written by a
writer or writers, the applicable minimum compensation shall be the minimum basic compensation applicable to
the time period actually consumed by the material but no less than the minimum time bracket indicated:
(1) Prime Time Comedy-Variety, One Per Week or Less
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.7.a.)
Length of Program Minimum Time Bracket
15 minutes or less 10 minutes
Over 15 minutes but
less than 60 minutes 15 minutes
60 minutes or over 30 minutes
(2) Documentary and News Programs
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.e.)
Length of Program Minimum Time Bracket
15 minutes or less length of entire film
Over 15 minutes but
not over 60 minutes 15 minutes
Over 60 minutes 30 minutes
However, if a writer writes the story and telescript for a one-hour documentary film,
the minimum time bracket shall be 30 minutes.
(3) Comedy-Variety (other than those specified in (1) above) and
Non-Dramatic Programs (other than those specified in (2) above and
Quiz and Audience Participation programs)
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.7.a.)
Length of Program Minimum Time Bracket
15 minutes or less 10 minutes
Over 15 minutes but
not over 60 minutes 15 minutes
Over 60 minutes 30 minutes
-29-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
NETWORK PRIME TIME RERUNS (ARTICLE 15.B.1.b.(2)(a))
All reruns on ABC, CBS, FBC, and NBC in prime time are payable as follows:
HIGH BUDGET
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
15 or less
$2,955
$5,406
$7,375
30 or less (but more than 15)
5,406
8,778
13,511
60 or less (but more than 30)
9,822
17,012
24,558
75 or less (but more than 60)
13,985
24,757
35,000
90 or less (but more than 75)
14,762
26,167
36,906
120 or less (but more than 90)
19,345
34,707
48,365
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
4,582
8,540
11,456
LOW BUDGET
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
15 or less
$2,515
$3,936
$6,265
30 or less (but more than 15)
4,183
6,766
10,441
60 or less (but more than 30)
7,906
12,903
19,774
75 or less (but more than 60)
11,257
18,617
28,645
90 or less (but more than 75)
12,054
19,755
30,136
120 or less (but more than 90)
15,921
26,140
39,809
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
3,863
6,367
9,678
Under certain circumstances a promotional launch period may apply. Contact the Guild Residuals Department
for more details.
OTHER RERUNS (ARTICLE 15.B.1.b.(2)(c))+#**
The minimum compensation payable with respect to reruns in the United States and Canada (other than in prime
time on ABC, CBS, FBC, and NBC) is computed as a percentage of the applicable residual base as follows:
2nd run 40%; 50% if on ABC, CBS, FBC, or NBC
3rd run 30%; 40% if on ABC, CBS, FBC, or NBC
4th-6th run 25% each run
7th-10th run 15% each run
11th-12th run 10% each run
13th run and each run thereafter 5%
Effective Effective Effectiv
RESIDUAL BASE - HIGH BUDGET 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Program Length in Minutes 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY
15 or less
$3,310
$3,393
$3,469
30 or less (but more than 15)
6,057
6,208
6,348
60 or less (but more than 30)
11,007
11,282
11,536
75 or less (but more than 60)
15,671
16,063
16,424
90 or less (but more than 75)
16,543
16,957
17,339
120 or less (but more than 90)
21,678
22,220
22,720
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
5,134
5,262
5,380
+There is a limited waiver based on a ratio of "revenues contracted for" covering syndication reruns of one-hour network
(ABC, CBS, FBC, or NBC) prime time dramatic series which were not broadcast in syndication before March 1, 1988. For
details, contact the Guild Residuals Department.
# For 30-minute series which have not been syndicated before May 2, 2001, and are sold into syndication in markets
representing 50% or fewer US television households, the rerun payment for each run will be 20% of applicable minimum.
This additional residual stream will not apply against or otherwise affect the above “Other Reruns.”
**If the Company licenses a dramatic television motion picture or series for exhibition in broadcast syndication in the US
and/or Canada on or after July 1, 2020, Company shall pay a residual of 2% of the Company’s “accountable receipts.”
-30-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
Effective Effective Effective
RESIDUAL BASE - HIGH BUDGET (cont'd) 5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Program Length in Minutes 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
TELEPLAY
15 or less
$6,057
$6,208
$6,348
30 or less (but more than 15)
9,836
10,082
10,309
60 or less (but more than 30)
19,063
19,540
19,980
75 or less (but more than 60)
27,744
28,438
29,078
90 or less (but more than 75)
29,321
30,054
30,730
120 or less (but more than 90)
38,892
39,864
40,761
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
9,571
9,810
10,031
STORY & TELEPLAY
15 or less
$8,264
$8,471
$8,662
30 or less (but more than 15)
15,139
15,517
15,866
60 or less (but more than 30)
27,517
28,205
28,840
75 or less (but more than 60)
39,219
40,199
41,103
90 or less (but more than 75)
41,355
42,389
43,343
120 or less (but more than 90)
54,197
55,552
56,802
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
12,838
13,159
13,455
RESIDUAL BASE - LOW BUDGET
Program Length in Minutes
STORY
15 or less
$2,818
$2,888
$2,953
30 or less (but more than 15)
4,686
4,803
4,911
60 or less (but more than 30)
8,861
9,083
9,287
75 or less (but more than 60)
12,615
12,930
13,221
90 or less (but more than 75)
13,506
13,844
14,155
120 or less (but more than 90)
17,840
18,286
18,697
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
4,330
4,438
4,538
TELEPLAY
15 or less
$4,411
$4,521
$4,623
30 or less (but more than 15)
7,582
7,772
7,947
60 or less (but more than 30)
14,458
14,819
15,152
75 or less (but more than 60)
20,862
21,384
21,865
90 or less (but more than 75)
22,136
22,689
23,200
120 or less (but more than 90)
29,291
30,023
30,699
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
7,134
7,312
7,477
STORY & TELEPLAY
15 or less
$7,018
$7,193
$7,355
30 or less (but more than 15)
11,700
11,993
12,263
60 or less (but more than 30)
22,158
22,712
23,223
75 or less (but more than 60)
32,101
32,904
33,644
90 or less (but more than 75)
33,769
34,613
35,392
120 or less (but more than 90)
44,608
45,723
46,752
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
10,842
11,113
11,363
Under certain circumstances a promotional launch period may apply. Contact the Guild Residuals Department
for more details.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
TIMING OF RESIDUAL PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 15.B.1.b.(5))
Residuals for Network (ABC, CBS, FBC, and NBC) and for The CW are payable within 30 days of the run. Other
run-based residuals, including for basic cable (“Sanchez”), are payable within 4 months of the run.
PRIME TIME COMEDY-VARIETY RESIDUALS, ONCE PER WEEK OR LESS
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 15.B.2.a.)
Compensation for reruns is allocated among the credited writers and shall be computed as follows:
2nd run 100% of applicable aggregate minimum
3rd run
Prime Time 100% of applicable aggregate minimum
Other Than Prime Time 75% of applicable aggregate minimum
4th run 50% of applicable aggregate minimum for each such run
5th run
6th run 25% of applicable aggregate minimum
7th run 10% of applicable aggregate minimum
Each subsequent run 5% of applicable aggregate minimum for each such run
FOREIGN TELECAST COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 15.B.2.)
Initial Foreign Telecast 15%* of applicable minimum
When foreign gross exceeds:
$ 7,000 on 30 minute film
13,000 on 60 minute film Additional 10% of applicable minimum
18,000 on longer film
When foreign gross exceeds:
$ 10,000 on 30 minute film
18,000 on 60 minute film Additional 10% of applicable minimum
24,000 on longer film
In addition, 1.2% of Distributor’s Foreign Gross, including both foreign basic cable and foreign free television
receipts, in perpetuity, after the following thresholds:
30 minutes: $365,000
60 minutes: $730,000
Over 60 minutes but not
more than 120 minutes: $1,860,000
The above thresholds are reduced by 50% for Appendix A programs such as Comedy-Variety, Daytime Serials
and Documentaries.
COMEDY-VARIETY FOREIGN TELECAST COMPENSATION (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 15.B.2.c.)
When calculating foreign telecast compensation for prime time comedy-variety programs originally broadcast
once per week or less, the applicable story and teleplay minimums are to be substituted for the applicable
comedy-variety minimums.
*For one-hour network (ABC, CBS, FBC, and NBC) prime time series covered by the limited waiver (details in footnote on
page 29), the 15%, 10% and 10% payments are to be collapsed into a single payment of 35% payable upon initial foreign
telecast. Contact the Guild Residuals Department for details.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
RESIDUALS FOR MADE-FOR BASIC CABLE PROGRAMS ON BASIC CABLE “SANCHEZ” FORMULA
(APPENDIX C, ARTICLE 2.b.(1))
The minimum compensation payable with respect to reruns on basic cable of made-for basic cable programs is
as follows:
Percentage of Applicable Minimum
2nd run*
17.00%
3rd run*
12.00%
4th run*
11.00%
5th run*
10.00%
6th run
6.00%
7th & 8th run
4.00% per run
9th & 10th run
3.50% per run
11th run
3.00%
12th run
2.50%
13th run & each run thereafter 1.50%
*Payment for the 3
rd
, 4
th
and 5
th
runs is due at the same time the residual payment is due for the 2
nd
run.
RESIDUALS FOR MADE-FOR BASIC CABLE PROGRAMS ON BASIC CABLE "HITCHCOCK" FORMULA
(APPENDIX C, ARTICLE 2.b.(2))
For dramatic programs, 120% of the difference between the corresponding Network Prime Time minimum and
the applicable minimum for the program is payable as a reuse fee covering 12 runs over 5 years on the basic
cable service. For other types of programs, the reuse fee is 84% of the applicable minimum. The reuse fee is
payable upon the initial exhibition of the program, but no earlier than the final determination of writing credits.
RESIDUALS FOR MADE-FOR PAY TELEVISION AND MADE-FOR VIDEOCASSETTE/DVD PROGRAMS
(APPENDIX B)
Dramatic and Comedy-Variety Programs (Appendix B, Paragraph D.3.a.(1))
After the earlier of the first exhibition year or the first 10 exhibition days, residuals are payable for subsequent
exhibition years as follows:
Effective
5/2/20-
5/1/21
Effective
5/2/21-
2/1/22
Effective
5/2/22-
5/1/23
30 Minute
For each of the next 3 years
Each year thereafter
$4,899
884
$5,021
906
$5,134
926
60 Minute
For each of the next 3 years
Each year thereafter
8,408
1,162
8,618
1,191
8,812
1,218
90 Minute
For each of the next 3 years
Each year thereafter
7,575
1,338
7,764
1,371
7,939
1,402
120 Minutes
or More
For each of the next 3 years
Each year thereafter
9,923
1,465
10,171
1,502
10,400
1,536
Other Made-For Pay Television Programs and Made-For Videocassette/DVD Programs (Appendix B,
Paragraph C)
For made-for videocassette/DVD programs and pay television programs of a type other than those referred to in
the preceding section, a 2% residual is payable after certain thresholds are met. For details and for rates
applicable to such programs released in other markets, contact the Guild Residuals Department.
-33-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
FREE TELEVISION PRODUCT (MADE FOR NETWORK OR SYNDICATION) RELEASED ON BASIC
CABLE (ARTICLE 58)
A 2.5% residual is payable for free television product made for network or syndication produced prior to July 1,
1984, released on Basic Cable. For free television product produced after July 1, 1984, a 2% residual is payable.
For details, contact the Guild Residuals Department.
REUSE OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS IN NEW MEDIA (SIDELETTER ON EXHIBITION OF MOTION
PICTURES TRANSMITTED VIA NEW MEDIA)
Consumer Pays to View
Free to the Consumer – Ad Supported
Rental (e.g., Netflix) = 1.2% of
“distributor’s gross”
+
Electronic Sell Through (“EST”)
(e.g., iTunes purchases) = 0.36%
of distributor’s gross for the first
100,000 units; thereafter, 0.7% of
distributor’s gross
Initial Exhibition = Company shall be entitled to a
“streaming window” for a 7 consecutive day period,
except that:
• It shall be a 24 consecutive day period for
the first 7 episodes of a new series and
any one-time television motion picture;
and
• It shall be a 17 consecutive day period for
daytime serials and children’s
programming.
For each episode of a series in its first year, the
free streaming window may commence up to 30
days before initial exhibition on television of the
episode.
The “streaming window” for any made for free TV
program is 7 consecutive days for each rerun of
the program on free TV, with the 7 consecutive
days measured separately for each city in the
U.S. and Canada. If the program is rerun more
than once in any 7 consecutive day period, the
“streaming window” is limited to a single 7
consecutive day period surrounding one of the
runs.
For each 26-week period in the year immediately
following the streaming window, if Company
makes available on AVOD* of a MVPD** or any
similar service, then Company shall make a
residual payment equal to 5.5% of the applicable
Other Than Network Prime Time minimum (or
Appendix A minimum, where applicable).
*AVOD = Advertiser-Supported Video-On-Demand
**MVPD = Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (e.g., cable, satellite or telephone company television
service)
+For questions about “distributor’s gross,” contact the Guild Residuals Department.
-34-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
For new media programs covered by the 2020 Basic Agreement which do not meet the criteria for High Budget
SVOD programs, certain terms of the Basic Agreement are automatically included via the Sideletter on Literary
Material Written for Programs Made for New Media.
ORIGINAL NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS – OTHER THAN “HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS”
Initial compensation for an original new media program is fully negotiable between the writer and the Company.
Contact the Guild Contracts Department for details.
DERIVATIVE NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS – OTHER THAN “HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS”
For any writer employed to write a new media program that is derivative of an existing television motion picture
or series, the writer shall be paid no less than the following:*
New Media Productions Derivative of Dramatic Programs (other than Daytime Serials)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23_
$818 for programs up to two $838 for programs up to two $857 for programs up to two
minutes in length minutes in length minutes in length
$409 for each minute or portion $419 for each minute or portion $429 for each minute of portion
thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes
New Media Productions Derivative of Comedy-Variety Programs and Daytime Serials
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23_
$477 for programs up to two $489 for programs up to two $500 for programs up to two
minutes in length minutes in length minutes in length
$239 for each minute or portion $245 for each minute or portion $250 for each minute of portion
thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes
New Media Productions Derivative of All Other Types of Programs
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23_
$411 for programs up to two $421 for programs up to two $430 for programs up to two
minutes in length minutes in length minutes in length
$206 for each minute or portion $211 for each minute or portion $215 for each minute of portion
thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes thereof in excess of two minutes
*This initial compensation is separate from compensation for writing services for the original production on traditional
media.
-35-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS
MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
Derivative and original dramatic new media programs made for exhibition on a subscription video-on-demand
consumer pay platform (e.g., Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, Netflix) that meet the following high budget thresholds
are defined as “High Budget SVOD Programs.” Programs shorter than 20 minutes in length do not fall under this
category regardless of the budget. However, writing for programs licensed prior to May 2, 2020 may be exempted
from the terms of the 2020 MBA, and instead are governed by the terms of the 2014 or 2017 MBA, even if the
writing occurs on or after May 2, 2020. These minimums and residual bases are set forth at pages 41-44 and
46-47 below. Call the Contracts Department for details.
Length of Program as Initially Exhibited High Budget Threshold
20-35 Minutes $1,000,000 and above effective August 2, 2020+
36-65 Minutes $1,700,000 and above effective August 2, 2020++
66 Minutes or more $3,000,000 and above
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$6,363
$6,522
$6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
17,378
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
22,772
23,341
23,866
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$10,333
$10,591
$10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$15,903
$16,301
$16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
56,932
58,355
59,668
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers:
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$9,036
$9,262
$9,470
TIER 2: $1,000,000 or more+ but less than $2,100,000
6,363
6,522
6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
15,904
16,302
16,669
TIER 2: $1,700,000 or more++ but less than $3,800,000
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
21,248
21,779
22,269
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
17,378
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
28,374
29,083
29,737
Non-Episodic
30,967
31,741
32,455
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
22,772
23,341
23,866
+$1,030,000 effective May 2, 2022.
++$1,750,000 effective May 2, 2022.
-36-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS
MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont'd)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$19,436
$19,922
$20,370
TIER 2: $1,000,000 or more+ but less than $2,100,000
10,333
10,591
10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
26,223
26,879
27,484
TIER 2: $1,700,000 or more++ but less than $3,800,000
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
37,783
38,728
39,599
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
48,474
49,686
50,804
Non-Episodic
52,899
54,221
55,441
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$27,100
$27,778
$28,403
TIER 2: $1,000,000 or more+ but less than $2,100,000
15,903
16,301
16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
39,858
40,854
41,773
TIER 2: $1,700,000 or more++ but less than $3,800,000
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
56,078
57,480
58,773
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
73,784
75,629
77,331
Non-Episodic
80,647
82,663
84,523
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
56,932
58,355
59,668
+$1,030,000 effective May 2, 2022.
++$1,750,000 effective May 2, 2022.
-37-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS COVERED BY A PRIOR MBA (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL
WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
A High Budget SVOD program or series is covered by a predecessor MBA to the 2020 MBA if the license
agreement for the program or series was entered into prior to May 2, 2020. Such program or series is governed
by the terms of the MBA in effect when the license agreement was made, subject to certain exceptions. Contact
the Guild Contracts Department for more information.
1. Initial Compensation Applicable to High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2014 MBA:
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with Fewer than 15 Million Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$6,363
$6,522
$6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
17,378
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
22,772
23,341
23,866
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$10,333
$10,591
$10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$15,903
$16,301
$16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
56,932
58,355
59,668
Platforms with 15 Million or More Subscribers:
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$9,445
$9,681
$9,899
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
6,393
6,522
6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
16,626
17,042
17,425
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
22,211
22,766
23,278
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
17,738
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
29,658
30,399
31,083
Non-Episodic
32,367
33,176
33,922
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
22,772
23,341
23,866
-38-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS COVERED BY A PRIOR MBA (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL
WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont'd)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with 15 Million or More Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$20,315
$20,823
$21,292
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
10,333
10,591
10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
27,410
28,095
28,727
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
39,494
40,481
41,392
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
50,670
51,937
53,106
Non-Episodic
55,294
56,676
57,951
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$28,328
$29,036
$29,689
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
15,903
16,301
16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
41,662
42,704
43,665
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
58,617
60,082
61,434
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
77,124
79,052
80,831
Non-Episodic
84,298
86,405
88,349
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
56,932
58,355
59,668
-39-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS COVERED BY A PRIOR MBA (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL
WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont'd)
2. Initial Compensation Applicable to High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2017 MBA:
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$6,363
$6,522
$6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
17,378
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
22,772
23,341
23,866
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$10,333
$10,591
$10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$15,903
$16,301
$16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
56,932
58,355
59,668
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers:
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$9,036
$9,262
$9,470
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
6,393
6,522
6,669
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
15,904
16,302
16,669
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
11,563
11,852
12,119
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
21,248
21,779
22,269
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
17,738
17,812
18,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for
each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
28,374
29,083
29,737
Non-Episodic
30,967
31,741
32,455
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
22,772
23,341
23,866
-40-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS COVERED BY A PRIOR MBA (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL
WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont'd)
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$19,436
$19,922
$20,370
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
10,333
10,591
10,829
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
26,223
26,879
27,484
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
20,024
20,525
20,987
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
37,783
38,728
39,599
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
30,800
31,570
32,280
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
48,474
49,686
50,804
Non-Episodic
52,899
54,221
55,441
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
40,856
41,877
42,819
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$27,100
$27,778
$28,403
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
15,903
16,301
16,668
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
39,858
40,854
41,773
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
28,907
29,630
30,297
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
56,078
57,480
58,773
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
43,443
44,529
45,531
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 (plus $2,250,000 for each
additional 35 minutes or portion thereof) or more
Serials & Episodic
73,784
75,629
77,331
Non-Episodic
80,647
82,663
84,523
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes
or portion thereof)
56,932
58,355
59,668
-41-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS
REUSE OF NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
New Media Programs Reused in Traditional Media
If a new media program is reused in traditional media (e.g., theatrical, free television, basic cable, pay TV or
DVD), residuals are payable under existing MBA formulas. For example, if a derivative new media program is
reused on basic cable, Company pays 2% of distributor’s gross receipts. For details, contact the Guild Residuals
Department.*
Original New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD Programs) Reused in New Media
If an original new media program is reused in new media, the following applies:
Consumer Pays to View
Free to the Consumer – Ad Supported
•
First 26 weeks, no residual due
• Thereafter, 1.2% of distributor’s
gross only if the budget for the
program was at least $25,000
per minute, otherwise freely
negotiable
•
Writer must negotiate for residuals
Derivative New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD Programs) Reused in New Media
If a derivative new media program is reused in new media, the following minimums apply:
Consumer Pays to View
Free to the Consumer – Ad Supported
• First 26 weeks, no residual due
• Thereafter, 1.2% of distributor’s
gross
• First 13 weeks, no residual due
• Then, for up to two 26-week periods, 3.5% of the
applicable minimum per period, prorated in 5-minute
increments and prorated for less than 26 weeks, as
applicable
• Thereafter, 2% of distributor’s gross
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused in Other New Media Markets
For subsequent exhibition of a High Budget SVOD Program on any consumer pay new media platform other
than the platform on which the program was initially exhibited (i.e., subscription, download-to-own or download-
to-rent), Company shall make a residual payment equal to 1.2% of distributor’s gross.
For details, contact the Guild Residuals Department.
*For reuse of new media programs on free television, call the Guild Residuals Department for calculation of
residuals.
-42-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS
REUSE OF NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont’d)
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused on the Original Platform
Initial compensation paid to the credited writer(s) of a High Budget SVOD Program (other than those that are
covered by a prior MBA) includes 90 days of use worldwide on the original platform. For domestic use on such
platform after the first 90 days, the Company must pay a residual according to the following formula:
Residual Base (Table 1) x Exhibition Year Percentage (Table 2) x Subscriber Factor (Table 3)
Table 1 – RESIDUAL BASE
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
20-35 Minutes
5/02/20-5/01/21
$6,073
$9,861
$15,178
5/02/21-5/01/23
$6,528
$10,601
$16,316
36-65 Minutes
5/02/20-5/01/21
$11,034
$19,111
$27,588
5/02/21-5/01/23
$11,862
$20,544
$29,657
66-95 Minutes*
5/02/20-5/01/21
$16,583
$29,396
$41,460
5/02/21-5/01-23
$17,827
$31,601
$44,570
96 Minutes or More*
5/02/20-5/01/21
$21,732
$38,989
$54,332
5/02/21-5/01/23
$23,362
$41,913
$58,407
Table 2 – EXHIBITION YEAR PERCENTAGE
Exhibition Year
Percentage of Applicable High Budget
SVOD Program Residual Base
Year 1
45%
Year 2
40%
Year 3
35%
Year 4
25%
Year 5
20%
Year 6
15%
Year 7
10%
Year 8
8%
Year 9
5%
Year 10
4.5%
Year 11
3%
Year 12
2.5%
Each Year thereafter
1.5%
Table 3 – SUBSCRIBER FACTOR
Subscriber Tier
Domestic Subscribers
Subscriber Factor
1
Under 1 million
20%**
2
1 million to 5 million
40%
3
Over 5 million but fewer than 20 million
65%
4
20 million to 45 million
100%
5
Over 45 million
150%
*The residual base for a High Budget SVOD program that is 85 minutes or longer with a budget of $13 million or
more and made for a subscription consumer pay platform with 20 million or more domestic subscribers shall be
the Other Than Network Prime Time minimum for a 90 minute or 120 minute program as applicable (see page
13).
**No residual is owed for the first year of exhibition on a platform with fewer than 1 million subscribers.
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS
REUSE OF NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont’d)
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused on a Foreign Consumer Pay Platform Related to or Affiliated with
the Domestic Consumer Pay Platform
For reuse on a foreign consumer pay platform that is related to or affiliated with the domestic subscription
consumer pay platform after the initial 90-day period, the Company must pay a residual that is 35% of the
domestic residual. However, if the Company’s license includes the SVOD rights in foreign territories that
constitute 15% or less of the value of all foreign markets, the Company must pay 1.2% of a fair and reasonable
allocation of the license fee to the foreign territories.
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2014 MBA and Reused on the Original Platform
Initial compensation paid to the credited writer(s) of a High Budget SVOD Program that is covered by the 2014
MBA shall include one year of use worldwide on the original platform. For each subsequent year of use on a
platform with 15 million or more subscribers, Company shall pay a fixed residual that is a percentage of the
applicable Network Prime Time residual base as set forth in Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(a) (see page 29) according to
the following table:
Exhibition Year
Percentage of Applicable
Network Prime Time Residual Base
Year 2
30%
Year 3
30%
Year 4
25%
Year 5
20%
Year 6
15%
Year 7
10%
Year 8
8%
Year 9
5%
Year 10
4.5%
Year 11
3%
Year 12
2.5%
Each Year thereafter
1.5%
For each subsequent year of use on a platform with FEWER than 15 million subscribers, Company shall make
a fixed residual payment according to the schedule above, but the residual base shall be 65% of the applicable
Network Prime Time residual base as set forth in Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(a) (see page 29).
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2017 MBA – Reuse on the Original Platform
Initial compensation paid to the credited writer(s) of High Budget SVOD Program that is covered by the 2017
MBA shall include 90 days of use worldwide on the original platform. For domestic use on such platform after
the first 90 days, the Company must pay a residual according to the following formula:
Residual Base (Table 1) x Exhibition Year Percentage (Table 2) x Subscriber Factor (Table 3)
Table 1 – RESIDUAL BASE
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
20-35 Minutes
$ 5,649
$ 9,173
$14,119
36-65 Minutes
$10,264
$17,778
$25,663
66-95 Minutes*
$15,426
$27,345
$38,567
96 Minutes or More*
$20,216
$36,269
$50,541
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WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS
REUSE OF NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont’d)
Table 2 – EXHIBITION YEAR PERCENTAGE
Exhibition Year
Percentage of Applicable High Budget
SVOD Program Residual Base
Year 1
35%
Year 2
30%
Year 3
30%
Year 4
25%
Year 5
20%
Year 6
15%
Year 7
10%
Year 8
8%
Year 9
5%
Year 10
4.5%
Year 11
3%
Year 12
2.5%
Each Year thereafter
1.5%
Table 3 – SUBSCRIBER FACTOR
Subscriber Tier
Domestic Subscribers
Subscriber Factor
1
Under 1 million
20%**
2
1 million to 5 million
40%
3
Over 5 million but fewer than 20 million
65%
4
20 million to 45 million
100%
5
Over 45 million
150%
*The residual base for a High Budget SVOD program that is 85 minutes or longer with a budget of $13 million or
more and made for a subscription consumer pay platform with 20 million or more domestic subscribers shall be
the Other Than Network Prime Time minimum for a 90 minute or 120 minute program as applicable (see page
13).
**No residual is owed for the first year of exhibition on a platform with fewer than 1 million subscribers.
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2017 MBA – Reuse on Related on a Foreign Consumer Pay
Platform Related or Affiliated with the Domestic Consumer Pay Platform
For reuse on a foreign consumer pay platform that is related to or affiliated with the domestic subscription
consumer pay platform after the initial 90-day period, the Company must pay a residual that is a percentage of
the domestic residual, according to the table below. However, if the Company’s license includes the SVOD rights
in foreign territories that constitute 15% or less of the value of all foreign markets, the Company must pay 1.2%
of a fair and reasonable allocation of the license fee to the foreign territories.
Exhibition Year
Percentage of Domestic Residual
Year 1
35%
Year 2
35%
Year 3
35%
Year 4
25%
Year 5
25%
Year 6
25%
Year 7
20%
Year 8
20%
Year 9
20%
Year 10
15%
Year 11
15%
Year 12
15%
Each Year thereafter
10%
-45-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
OTHER COMPENSATION
SERIES SEQUEL PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 16.B.2.a. and SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN
FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
If a Company exploits the television or High Budget SVOD series sequel rights in connection with material to
which separation of rights applies, the writer or writers entitled to separation of rights must be paid not less than
the following series sequel payment for each episode produced:
Effective Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21- 5/2/22-
Series of: 5/1/21 5/1/22 5/1/23
15-minute episodes
$1,355
$1,389
$1,420
30-minute episodes
2,259
2,315
2,367
60-minute episodes
4,292
4,399
4,497
90-minute episodes or longer
5,648
5,788
5,918
Certain other sequel payments may apply to original new media programs. Contact the Guild Contracts
Department for more information.
MOVIE-OF-THE-WEEK (MOW) SEQUEL PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 16.B.2.b.)
The writers entitled to separation of rights in the first MOW must be paid not less than the following MOW sequel
payment for each MOW sequel:
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21 $22,592
5/2/21 – 5/1/22 23,152
5/2/22 – 5/1/23 23,672
Under certain circumstances, twice the above payment applies. Contact the Contracts Department for details.
DIRECT-TO-VIDEO SEQUEL PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 16.A.5.c.)
The writers entitled to separation of rights in a theatrical motion picture must be paid not less than the following
one-time sequel payment for each direct-to-video sequel produced and distributed:
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/23 $ 12,003
CHARACTER "SPIN-OFF" PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 15.B.14.h.(1))
Character "Spin-off" payments equal to the above series sequel payments are payable to the writer who
introduces a new character in a serial, episodic, anthology or one-time show if such character becomes the
central character in a new serial or episodic series.
RECURRING CHARACTER PAYMENTS (ARTICLE 15.B.14.h.(2))
Recurring character payments are payable to the writer who introduces a new character in an episodic series for
each episode in which such character appears in the following amounts:
Effective
5/2/20 – 5/1/21 $642
5/2/21 – 5/1/22 658
5/2/22 – 5/1/23 673
-46-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
OTHER COMPENSATION
USE OF EXCERPTS (ARTICLE 15.A.3.j., ARTICLE 15.B.10., and ARTICLE 15.B.13.j.)
The use of excerpts (clips) from a theatrical motion picture or television program in another theatrical motion
picture, television program or new media program often requires payment to the Guild for distribution to the
credited writers as follows:
Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21-
5/1/21 5/1/23
Use of Television Clips in Television
10 seconds or less
$382
$393
Over 10 seconds but not over 2 minutes
1,157
1,192
Over 2 minutes but not over 10 minutes
-- For the first 2 minutes
1,157
1,192
-- For each minute in excess of 2 minutes
192
198
Over 10 minutes
Applicable rerun fee*
Use of Television Clips in Theatrical
30 seconds or less
$482
$496
Over 30 seconds but not over 2 minutes
960
989
Over 2 minutes - for the first 2 minutes
960
989
Over 2 minutes - each additional minute or
portion thereof in excess of 2 minutes
382
393
Use of Theatrical Clips in Theatrical or Television
30 seconds or less
$192
$198
Over 30 seconds not more than 2 minutes
577
594
Over 2 minutes - for the first 2 minutes
577
594
Over 2 minutes - each additional minute or
portion thereof in excess of 2 minutes
192
198
Use of TV Clips for Recapping Story
TV program of less than 60 minutes
-- First 90 seconds, no fee
-- For each minute or portion of minute in excess
of 90 seconds
$215
$221
TV program 60 minutes or longer
-- First 3 minutes, no fee
-- For each minute or portion of minute in excess
of 3 minutes
$215
$221
Use of TV Clips as Flashback
-- First 3 minutes, no fee
-- For each minute or portion of minute in excess
30 seconds
$215
$221
*In no event shall less than $382 ($393 effective May 2, 2021) be paid for the use of excerpts from a single
program.
If a television program contains television excerpts or a combination of film and television excerpts which
comprise more than 50% of the running time of program, the program is considered a “compilation” program.
The compilation rate is calculated by multiplying the applicable 30-minute minimum by 2.5 for each half-hour of
broadcast time. Contact the Guild Residuals Department for information.
-47-
WGA 2020 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
OTHER COMPENSATION
UPSET PRICE (ARTICLE 16.B.5.)
In the event Company pays not less than the following “upset price” to each writer or team 2 writers entitled to
separated rights for the writing or acquisition of literary material to which separation of rights applies, the
Company may bargain freely with the writers with respect to the acquisition of the writer’s reserved rights.
Effective Effective
5/2/20- 5/2/21-
INITIAL COMPENSATION OF AT LEAST: 5/1/21 5/1/23
Format Only
$29,694
$30,585
Story Only
15 minutes or less
10,329
10,639
30 minutes or less
18,381
18,932
45 minutes or less
26,123
26,907
60 minutes or less
32,362
33,333
90 minutes or less
44,534
45,870
More than 90 minutes
44,534
45,870
Story and Teleplay
15 minutes or less
31,034
31,965
30 minutes or less
55,157
56,812
45 minutes or less
65,476
67,440
60 minutes or less
81,109
83,542
90 minutes or less
117,539
121,065
More than 90 minutes
117,539
121,065
Format, Story and Teleplay
15 minutes or less
31,034
31,965
30 minutes or less
55,157
56,812
45 minutes or less
65,476
67,440
60 minutes or less
81,109
83,542
90 minutes or less
117,539
121,065
More than 90 minutes
117,539
121,065
Bible
75,059
77,311
When the upset price has been paid, the rights acquired after negotiation shall be set forth in a separate contract.
The separate agreement for acquisition of the reserved rights shall state a separate consideration (other than
the consideration for the original employment or purchase); only the amount of initial compensation shall be used
in determining whether the upset price has been reached. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for
information.
INTERACTIVE REUSE COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 64)
The Basic Agreement contains provisions governing additional compensation for reuse of MBA-covered writing
in interactive programs. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for information.
