SCHEDULE OF MINIMUMS
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
2023
THEATRICAL AND
T
ELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
RATES REFLECT YEAR 2 DIVERSION TO PWGA HEALTH FUND EFFECTIVE MAY 2, 2024
SCHEDULE OF MINIMUMS
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
2023
THEATRICAL AND
T
ELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
R
ATES REFLECT YEAR 2 DIVERSION TO PWGA HEALTH FUND EFFECTIVE MAY 2, 2024
This schedule covers the entire term of the 2023 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 [email protected] | (323) 782-4502
CONTRACTS cont[email protected] | (323) 782-4501
CREDITS [email protected] | (323) 782-4528
DUES [email protected] | (323) 782-4531
MEMBER ORGANIZING [email protected] | (323) 782-4567
LEGAL SERVICES [email protected] | (323) 782-4521
MEMBERSHIP [email protected] | (323) 782-4532
REGISTRATION [email protected] | (323) 782-4500
RESIDUALS [email protected] | (323) 782-4700
SIGNATORIES [email protected] | (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
Pension Plan, Health Fund and Paid Parental Benefit Fund Contributions ........................................... 1
Teams ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Agent Commissions .............................................................................................................................. 1
Theatrical .............................................................................................................................................. 2
High Budget ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Low Budget .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Optioned Material ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Purchases from a Professional Writer ............................................................................................................ 4
Issuance of Contract/Deal Memo ................................................................................................................... 4
Payment Schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Week-to-Week and Term Employment ........................................................................................................... 4
Script Publication Fee .................................................................................................................................... 4
Prior to Commencement ................................................................................................................................ 4
Narration ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Theatrical Residuals ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Television Compensation ...................................................................................................................... 6
Network Prime Time ....................................................................................................................................... 6
15 Minutes or Less ..................................................................................................................................... 6
30 Minutes or Less ..................................................................................................................................... 6
60 Minutes or Less ..................................................................................................................................... 6
90 Minutes or Less ..................................................................................................................................... 7
120 Minutes or Less Episodic ..................................................................................................................... 7
120 Minutes or Less Non-Episodic ............................................................................................................. 7
For Programs in Excess of 120 Minutes ..................................................................................................... 8
Payment Schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Television Long-Form Revisions .................................................................................................................... 8
Teams ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Pilot Scripts .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Back-Up Scripts ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Purchases of Literary Material ........................................................................................................................ 8
Optioned Material ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Animation ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Made-For Pay Television or Videocassette/Videodisc .................................................................................... 9
Made-For Basic Cable ................................................................................................................................... 9
Informational Programming and Videogames ................................................................................................. 9
Radio Compensation ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Podcast Compensation .................................................................................................................................. 9
Other Than Network Prime Time .................................................................................................................. 10
15 Minutes or Less ................................................................................................................................... 10
30 Minutes or Less ................................................................................................................................... 10
60 Minutes or Less ................................................................................................................................... 10
90 Minutes or Less ................................................................................................................................... 11
120 Minutes or Less ................................................................................................................................. 12
For Programs in Excess of 120 Minutes ................................................................................................... 12
Staff Writer Week-to-Week and Term Employment ...................................................................................... 13
Writer Employed in Additional Capacities ..................................................................................................... 13
Writers in a Development Room ................................................................................................................... 13
Writers in Production .................................................................................................................................... 13
Span ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
-ii-
Minimum Staff Size ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Program Fees .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Format ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Bible ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Network Prime Time Bible ........................................................................................................................ 15
Non-Network/Non-Prime Time Bible ......................................................................................................... 15
Rewrite ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Polish ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Narration ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Comedy-Variety Programs ........................................................................................................................... 18
Applicable Program Minimums – Per Program ......................................................................................... 18
One Program Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment ................................................................ 18
Five Programs Per Week, Minimum Variety Show Commitment ............................................................... 19
Discounts for Non-Cancellable Contracts ................................................................................................. 20
Sketch Minimums ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Lyrics Unaccompanied by Music .............................................................................................................. 20
Pre-Production Periods for Writers Employed Under Minimum Variety Show Commitment ...................... 20
Quiz and Audience Participation .................................................................................................................. 21
Serials and Other Dramatic Five-Per-Week (Strip) Programs ....................................................................... 22
Script Fee ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Long-Term Story Projection ...................................................................................................................... 22
Breakdowns .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Script and Breakdown Editing ................................................................................................................... 22
Documentary Programs ............................................................................................................................... 23
Story and Telescript .................................................................................................................................. 23
Story Only ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Telescript Only ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Rewrite or Polish Minimum ....................................................................................................................... 23
Narrative Synopsis of Story ...................................................................................................................... 23
News Programs ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Non-Dramatic Programs............................................................................................................................... 25
Once-Per-Week Non-Dramatic Programs ................................................................................................. 25
Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs ..................................................................... 25
Non-Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs ............................................................. 25
Non-Commercial Openings and Closings ..................................................................................................... 26
Additional Terms Applicable to Certain Appendix A Programs ..................................................................... 26
Minimal Writing ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Segment Formula ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Minimum Series Commitment ................................................................................................................... 26
Discounts for Non-Cancellable Contracts ................................................................................................. 27
Applicable Time Period ............................................................................................................................. 27
High Budget Derivative and Original Non-Dramatic Programs Made-For SVOD .......................................... 28
High Budget SVOD Strip Non-Dramatic Programs ....................................................................................... 28
Terms and Conditions for High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs ....................................................... 28
Daytime Serials ............................................................................................................................................ 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
-iii-
New Media Compensation .................................................................................................................. 34
Original New Media Programs ..................................................................................................................... 34
Derivative New Media Programs .................................................................................................................. 34
New Media Productions Derivative of Dramatic Programs (Other Than Daytime Serials) ......................... 34
New Media Productions Derivative of Comedy-Variety Programs and Daytime Serials: ........................... 34
New Media Productions Derivative of All Other Types of Programs: ......................................................... 34
High Budget Dramatic SVOD Programs ....................................................................................................... 35
High Budget SVOD Programs 96 Minutes or Longer with a Budget of $30 Million or More ...................... 35
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers ..................................................................................... 35
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers .......................................................................................... 36
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers .......................................................................................... 37
Other Terms ............................................................................................................................................. 37
High Budget Dramatic SVOD Programs Covered By A Prior MBA ........................................................... 38
High Budget Dramatic AVOD Programs ............................................................................................. 40
High Budget Dramatic AVOD Programs ....................................................................................................... 41
High Budget AVOD Residuals .................................................................................................................. 41
New Media Residuals ......................................................................................................................... 42
Performance-Metric Bonus for High Budget Svod Programs ........................................................................ 42
New Media Programs Reused in Traditional Media ...................................................................................... 42
Original New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD/AVOD Programs) ...................................... 42
Derivative New Media Programs (Other Than High Budget SVOD/AVOD) .................................................. 42
High Budget SVOD/AVOD Programs Reused in Other New Media Markets ................................................ 42
High Budget SVOD Programs Reused on the Original Platform ................................................................... 43
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2014 MBA ............................................................................ 45
High Budget SVOD Programs Covered by the 2017 MBA ............................................................................ 45
Other Compensation ........................................................................................................................... 47
Series Sequel Payments .............................................................................................................................. 47
Movie-of-the-Week (MOW) Sequel Payments .............................................................................................. 47
Direct-to-Video Sequel Payments ................................................................................................................ 47
Character “Spin-Off” Payments .................................................................................................................... 47
Recurring Character Payments .................................................................................................................... 47
Use of Excerpts ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Upset Price .................................................................................................................................................. 49
Interactive Reuse Compensation ................................................................................................................. 49
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WGA 2023 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 2023 Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement is subject to employer
contributions of:
11.25% 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 9.75% to the PRODUCER-WRITERS
GUILD OF AMERICA PENSION PLAN;
11.5% (12.5% effective May 2, 2024) 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.
The Guild has the right to divert from minimum increases an additional 0.5% in Year 3 to either the Health Fund
or Pension Plan. The Guild exercised a similar right Year 2. The amounts herein reflect that diversion.
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
Teams
For the purposes of Article 17 of the MBA, each individual on a writing team shall receive contributions up to
100% of the applicable ceiling as if they are sole writer. In addition, each individual on a writing team of two (2)
or three (3) employed pursuant to Article 13.A.15, Article 13.B.7.s., Article 13.B.7.t., Article 14.K., or Article
14.L. shall receive contributions on no less than the full weekly minimum.
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 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 13.A.1.a.)
Compensation
HIGH BUDGET
(Costs equal or exceed $5,000,000)
First Period
Effective
Second Period
Effective
Third Period
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
A.
Original Screenplay, Including Treatment
$ 160,084
$ 165,686
$ 171,485
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Original Treatment
63,979
66,218
68,536
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
63,979
66,218
68,536
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
32,126
33,250
34,413
B.
Non-Original Screenplay, Including Treatment
$138,756
$ 143,612
$ 148,638
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Treatment
42,653
44,146
45,691
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
63,979
66,218
68,536
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
32,124
33,248
34,411
C.
Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment or
Sale/Purchase of Original Screenplay
$ 117,279
$ 121,383
$ 125,632
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
85,307
88,292
91,383
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
31,972
33,091
34,249
D.
Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment or
Sale/Purchase of Non-Original Screenplay
$ 95,951
$ 99,309
$ 102,785
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
63,979
66,218
68,536
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
31,972
33,091
34,249
E.
Additional Compensation for
Story included in Screenplay
$ 21,328
$ 22,074
$ 22,847
F.
Story or Treatment
$ 42,653
$ 44,146
$ 45,691
G.
Original Story or Treatment
$ 63,979
$ 66,218
$ 68,536
H.
First Draft Screenplay, with or without Option for
Second Draft Screenplay (Non-Original)*
First Draft Screenplay
63,979
66,218
68,536
Second Draft Screenplay
42,653
44,146
45,691
I.
Rewrite of Screenplay
$ 42,653
$ 44,146
$ 45,691
J.
Polish of Screenplay
$ 21,328
$ 22,074
$ 22,847
*Guaranteed Second Step: Whenever Company employs a writer to write a first draft screenplay (including or
excluding treatment) or purchases a screenplay from a professional writer at 200% or less of the applicable
minimum compensation as provided in Sections A. through D. above, Company shall be required to employ the
writer to write a rewrite at no less than the minimum in Section I., above.
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WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION (ARTICLE 13.A.1.a.)
Compensation
LOW BUDGET
(Costs are less than $5,000,000)
First Period
Effective
Second Period
Effective
Third Period
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
A.
Original Screenplay, Including Treatment
$ 85,281
$ 88,265
$ 91,354
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Original Treatment
38,636
39,988
41,388
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
33,578
34,753
35,969
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
13,067
13,524
13,997
B.
Non-Original Screenplay, Including Treatment
$ 74,614
$ 77,225
$ 79,928
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of Treatment
27,978
28,957
29,970
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
33,578
34,753
35,969
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
13,058
13,515
13,989
C.
Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment or
Sale/Purchase of Original Screenplay
$ 57,289
$ 59,294
$ 61,369
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
44,245
45,793
47,395
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
13,044
13,501
13,974
D.
Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment or
Sale/Purchase of Non-Original Screenplay
$ 46,622
$ 48,254
$ 49,943
Installments for Employment:
Delivery of First Draft Screenplay
33,578
34,753
35,969
Delivery of Second Draft Screenplay
13,044
13,501
13,974
E.
Additional Compensation for
Story included in Screenplay
$ 10,667
$ 11,040
$ 11,426
F.
Story or Treatment
$ 27,978
$ 28,957
$ 29,970
G.
Original Story or Treatment
$ 38,636
$ 39,988
$ 41,388
H.
First Draft Screenplay, with or without Option for
Second Draft Screenplay (Non-Original)*
First Draft Screenplay
33,578
34,753
35,969
Second Draft Screenplay
22,380
23,163
23,974
I.
Rewrite of Screenplay
$ 27,978
$ 28,957
$ 29,970
J.
Polish of Screenplay
$ 13,999
$ 14,489
$ 14,996
*Guaranteed Second Step: When a Company employs a writer to write a first draft screenplay (including or
excluding treatment) or purchases a screenplay from a professional writer at 200% or less of the applicable
minimum compensation as provided in Sections A. through D. above, Company shall be required to employ the
writer to write a rewrite at no less than the minimum in Section I. above.
-4-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
THEATRICAL COMPENSATION
OPTIONED MATERIAL
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.
PURCHASES FROM A PROFESSIONAL WRITER
The minimums on pages 2 and 3 apply to purchases of literary material from a “professional writer” as that term
is defined in the MBA and to any writer who has negotiated the right to be treated as a “professional writer.”
ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT/DEAL MEMO
The MBA 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.)
With respect to a writer employed on a flat deal basis under Article 13.A. at compensation of twice the applicable
minimum compensation or less, Company must pay the writer at least 50% of their agreed compensation for a
given step upon commencement. If the writer has not delivered the material within 9 weeks of commencement,
upon invoice to the Company, Company must pay an additional 25% of the writer’s agreed compensation. The
final 25% of the writer’s agreed compensation is due on delivery.
For all other writers, 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) $ 6,442 (effective 9/25/23 – 5/1/24);
$ 6,667 (effective 5/2/24 – 5/1/25);
$ 6,900 (effective 5/2/25 – 5/1/26).
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. Interest accrues at 1.5% a month (18% a year) for late payment.
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.
WEEK-TO-WEEK AND TERM EMPLOYMENT (ARTICLE 13.A.15.)
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
Effective
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
Effective
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
$ 6,941
$ 7,184
$ 7,435
6,442
6,667
6,900
5,948
6,156
6,371
5,475
5,667
5,865
SCRIPT PUBLICATION FEE (ARTICLE 16.A.10.)
Credited writers must 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 disc or on any new media platform (whether
or not the script is actually included in the disc or published online). For other publication rights, contact the Guild
Contracts Department.
PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
The writer must be notified of all conditions the Company contends 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).
-5-
WGA 2023 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
Rate Schedule A
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
Effective
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
Effective
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Two minutes or less
$ 1,302
$ 1,348
$ 1,395
Over two minutes thru five minutes
4,613
4,774
4,941
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). Disc 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.
-6-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.d.) (ABC, CBS, FBC, NBC, Pay TV) (Tier 1 SVOD/AVOD)*
Length of Program:
15 minutes or less
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 5,424
$ 5,614
$ 5,810
TELEPLAY
13,173
13,634
14,111
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
16,294
16,864
17,454
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*
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 9,944
$ 10,292
$ 10,652
TELEPLAY
21,389
22,138
22,913
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
29,823
30,867
31,947
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:
60 minutes or less*
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 17,502
$ 18,115
$ 18,749
TELEPLAY
28,858
29,868
30,913
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
43,862
45,397
46,986
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 amount set forth above. A backup script is
115% of the amounts set forth above.
*Tier 1 SVOD/AVOD: NPT 30-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 20 to 35 minutes which cost $2.1 million or
more; NPT 60-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 36 to 65 minutes which cost $3.8 million or more.
-7-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.d.) (ABC, CBS, FBC, NBC, Pay TV) (Tier 1 SVOD/AVOD)*
Length of Program:
90 minutes or less*
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 23,382
$ 24,200
$ 25,047
TELEPLAY
41,579
43,034
44,540
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
61,712
63,872
66,108
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) EPISODIC*
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 31,224
$ 32,317
$ 33,448
TELEPLAY
53,344
55,211
57,143
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
81,198
84,040
86,981
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*
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 34,078
$ 35,271
$ 36,505
TELEPLAY
58,213
60,250
62,359
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
88,749
91,855
95,070
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 amount
set forth above. However, the applicable minimum for a pilot longer than 90 minutes (96 minutes for streaming) is 150% of
the applicable non-episodic minimum. A backup script is 115% of the amounts set forth above.
*Tier 1 SVOD/AVOD: NPT 90-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 66 to 95 minutes which cost $4 million or more;
the NPT 120-minute rates apply to streaming programs of 96 minutes or longer which cost $4.5 million or more.
-8-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
For programs in excess of 120 minutes, compensation is based on the 120 minute or less minimum plus, for
each additional 30 minutes, the following additional payments:
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
$ 5,238
$ 5,421
$ 5,611
TELEPLAY
9,768
10,110
10,464
STORY & TELEPLAY
13,108
13,567
14,042
For Tier 1 SVOD/AVOD in excess of 131 minutes, compensation is the 96-minute rate plus, for each additional
35 minutes, the additional payments listed above.
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. Interest accrues at 1.5% a month (18% a year) for late payment.
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).
Contact the Contracts Department for further information.
TEAMS
A bona fide team of 2 writers who, prior to employment, agrees to be a team, may equally 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 employed under Article
14), with no individual writer receiving less than 1/3 of the increased minimum. The Upset Price is increased
accordingly.
Each individual member of a team shall receive Pension Plan and Health Fund contributions up to 100% of the
applicable ceiling as if they are sole writer. In addition, for teams employed on a weekly basis under Articles
13.B.7.s., 13.B.7.t., 14.K., or 14.L., each member of the team shall receive Pension Plan and Health Fund
contributions on no less than the full weekly minimum.
Note: There are no teams under aggregate formulas in Appendix A.
PILOT SCRIPTS (ARTICLE 13.B.7.r.(1); SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
Applicable minimum compensation for a “Pilot Script” (story and/or teleplay) is 150% of the compensation set
forth herein for story and/or teleplay.
BACK-UP SCRIPTS (ARTICLE 13.B.7.r.(2); SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
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.
PURCHASES OF LITERARY MATERIAL
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)
To option literary material from a “professional writer” the Company must pay 5% of minimum for an initial period
of up to 180 days and thereafter 10% of minimum for each additional period of up to 180 days.
ANIMATION
The Guild negotiates terms and conditions for animated projects. Contact the Guild Contracts Department for
details.
-9-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
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 employ writers using the terms of the Basic Agreement 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.
RADIO COMPENSATION
For minimum terms and conditions of the Radio Agreement, please contact the Contracts Department at WGAE.
PODCAST COMPENSATION
The Guild offers special agreements for podcasts. Visit www.wga.org
for details.
-10-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 3,827
$ 3,961
$ 4,100
TELEPLAY
7,002
7,247
7,501
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
9,554
9,888
10,234
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)
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 7,002
$ 7,247
$ 7,501
TELEPLAY
11,370
11,768
12,180
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
17,501
18,114
18,748
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:
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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 12,725
$ 13,170
$ 13,631
TELEPLAY
22,036
22,807
23,605
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
31,812
32,925
34,077
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. A
backup script is 115% of the above.
*Tier 2 SVOD/AVOD: OTNPT 30-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 20 to 35 minutes which cost $1.03 million
or more but less than $2.1 million; OTNPT 60-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 36 to 65 minutes which cost
$1.75 or more million but less than $3.8 million.
-11-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION 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 or less
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS ($1,2000,000 & over)
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 13,548
$ 14,022
$ 14,513
TELEPLAY
23,464
24,285
25,135
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
33,873
35,059
36,286
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
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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 19,124
$ 19,793
$ 20,486
TELEPLAY
33,894
35,080
36,308
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
47,808
49,481
51,213
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. A backup script is 115% of the above.
*Tier 2 SVOD/AVOD: OTNPT 90-minute rate applies to streaming programs of 66 to 95 minutes which cost $3 million or
more but less than $4 million.
-12-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
OTHER THAN NETWORK PRIME TIME (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a., b., and c.)
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)
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY+
$ 25,059
$ 25,936
$ 26,844
TELEPLAY
44,960
46,534
48,163
Installments:
+ First Draft:
90% of minimum or 60% of Agreed Compensation, whichever is greater
Final Draft:
Balance of Agreed Compensation
STORY & TELEPLAY
62,651
64,844
67,114
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
$ 5,006
$ 5,181
$ 5,362
Teleplay
8,248
8,537
8,836
Story & Teleplay
12,535
12,974
13,428
+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. A backup script is 115% of the above.
*Tier 2 SVOD/AVOD: OTNPT 120-minute rates apply to streaming programs of 96 minutes or longer which cost $3 million
or more but less than $4.5 million.
-13-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
STAFF WRITER WEEK-TO-WEEK AND TERM EMPLOYMENT (ARTICLE 13.B.7.s.(2))
Effective
Effective
Effective
Compensation Per Week
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Week-to-Week
$ 5,567
$ 5,762
$ 5,964
6 out of 6 weeks
5,567
5,762
5,964
14 out of 14 weeks guarantee
5,172
5,353
5,540
20 out of 26 weeks guarantee
4,773
4,940
5,113
40 out of 52 weeks guarantee
4,362
4,515
4,673
Effective September 25, 2023, staff writers must be paid separately for formats, bibles, stories and
teleplays in addition to weekly pay.
WRITER EMPLOYED IN ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES (ARTICLE 14.K.)
Writer-Producer (Co-Producer and above)*
Week-to-Week & Term Employment
up to & including 9 weeks
$ 11,371
$ 11,769
$ 12,181
10 to 19 weeks guarantee
9,476
9,808
10,151
20 weeks or more guarantee
8,524
8,822
9,131
*Effective for rooms for new seasons of series starting on or after December 10, 2023.
Story Editor and Executive Story Editor (and all other hyphenates in rooms that start prior
to December 10, 2023)
Week-to-Week & Term Employment
up to & including 9 weeks
$ 10,382
$ 10,745
$ 11,121
10 to 19 weeks guarantee
8,652
8,955
9,268
20 weeks or more guarantee
7,783
8,055
8,337
WRITERS IN A DEVELOPMENT ROOM (ARTICLE 14.L./ARTICLE 13.B.7.t.)
A “development room” is a room consisting of 3 or more writers convened before the Company has made or
obtained a firm commitment for the production, exhibition or distribution of a season of a series, serial, or multi-
part-closed-end series. A development room must have a minimum staff size of 3 writer-producers (including the
showrunner), and every writer employed in the development room must be guaranteed at least 10 consecutive
weeks of employment. For employment in a development room up to and including 19 weeks, the following rates
apply:
Staff Writer
$ 6,959
$ 7,203
$ 7,455
Story Editor/Executive Story Editor
12,978
13,432
13,902
Writer-Producers
14,214
14,711
15,226
Development room compensation cannot be credited against other compensation earned in connection with the
series (including episodic fees). The weekly rates and minimum 10-week guarantee apply to contracts entered
into on or after November 1, 2023. The minimum staffing requirements apply to new seasons where the literary
material for the first episode is written on or after December 1, 2023. For guarantees of 20 weeks or more, the
development room is treated as a regular writers’ room (please contact the Guild’s Contracts Department for
more information).
WRITERS IN PRODUCTION (NEW MEDIA SIDELETTER, PARA. 4.D.(5)/APPENDIX B, PARA. D.4.)
For single-camera series made for HBSVOD and pay television that are filmed exclusively in the US and
Canada, the showrunner and 2 writer-producers must be employed for 20 weeks or the duration of the
production period, whichever is shorter. The showrunner has the discretion to satisfy each minimum staffing
position by the employment of multiple writers during production for a combined total number of weeks that is
at least 20 weeks or the duration of production, whichever is less. These requirements apply to new seasons
where the literary material for the first episode is written on or after December 1, 2023.
-14-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
SPAN (ARTICLE 14.K.2.)
For writers employed pursuant to Article 14, other than a writer employed as a story editor or contractually
equivalent title, the negotiated episodic fee can be spread over no more than 2.4 weeks of work. Span applies
when the full season order (including the pilot) is 14 or fewer episodes for streaming and basic cable, and 12 or
fewer episodes for broadcast television.
Span also applies to employment under contracts entered into on or after December 1, 2023, on a multi-part
closed-end series where the full order is 14 or fewer parts for streaming and basic cable, and 12 or fewer parts
for broadcast television.
Span protections do not apply to writers who receive at least the following amounts in episodic fees for the
season:
$450,000 with respect to contracts (other than programs made for basic cable and High Budget AVOD
Programs) entered into on or after December 1, 2023;
$400,000 with respect to contracts (other than programs made for basic cable entered into prior to
December 1, 2023);
$375,000 with respect to contracts on programs made for basic cable; and
$375,000 with respect to High Budget AVOD Programs for which literary material is assigned on or after
January 7, 2024.
Span thresholds for contracts entered into before December 1, 2023 are as set forth in Article 14.K.2. of the
2020 MBA.
Contract the Guild’s Contracts Department for more information.
MINIMUM STAFF SIZE (ARTICLE 14.M./ARTICLE 13.B.7.s.(4))
The Company is required to convene a writers’ room after a season order, unless a single writer is engaged to
write all episodes. The following minimum staffing requirements apply:
Number of
Episodes
Minimum Number
of Writers
Minimum Number
of Writer-Producers
1 to 6
3
3
7 to 12
5
3
13 or more
6
3
The minimum number of writers must be guaranteed at least 20 weeks or the entire duration of the post-
greenlight room, whichever is shorter. If there was a development room, the two writer-producers who worked
in the development room must be hired for the writers’ room if they are available. These requirements apply to
new seasons where the literary material for the first episode is written on or after December 1, 2023; contact
the Guild’s Contracts Department for more information.
PROGRAM FEES (ARTICLE 14.G.)
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
Effective
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
Effective
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
30-minute program
$ 1,170
$ 1,211
$ 1,253
60-minute program
1,549
1,603
1,659
90-minute program or longer
1,934
2,002
2,072
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 program fees in total per episode produced,
which is split among the eligible writers if there are more than 3 eligible writers.
-15-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET MINIMUMS
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Format (ARTICLE 13.B.7.m.(1))
$ 13,243
$ 13,707
$ 14,187
Rewrite
6,622
6,854
7,094
Polish
3,311
3,427
3,547
Bible (ARTICLE 13.B.7.m.(2))
Network Prime Time Bible
$ 66,940
$ 69,283
$ 71,708
Rewrite
33,469
34,640
35,852
Polish
16,735
17,321
17,927
plus, for each story line in excess of six
6,694
6,928
7,171
Rewrite
3,345
3,462
3,583
Polish
1,674
1,733
1,794
Non-Network/Non-Prime Time Bible
$ 53,552
$ 55,426
$ 57,366
Rewrite
26,775
27,712
28,682
Polish
13,388
13,857
14,342
plus, for each story line in excess of six
5,355
5,543
5,737
Rewrite
2,676
2,770
2,866
Polish
1,339
1,386
1,435
Rewrite (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(1))
15 min. or less
$ 4,127
$ 4,271
$ 4,420
30 min. or less (over 15)
6,889
7,130
7,380
60 min. or less (over 45)
13,033
13,489
13,961
90 min. or less (over 75)
19,198
19,870
20,565
120 min. or less (over 90)
25,361
26,249
27,168
Polish (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(2))
15 min. or less
$ 2,065
$ 2,137
$ 2,212
30 min. or less (over 15)
3,438
3,558
3,683
60 min. or less (over 45)
6,528
6,756
6,992
90 min. or less (over 75)
9,589
9,925
10,272
120 min. or less (over 90)
12,678
13,122
13,581
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
$ 1,916
$ 1,983
$ 2,052
30 min. or less (over 15)
3,192
3,304
3,420
60 min. or less (over 45)
6,045
6,257
6,476
90 min. or less (over 75)
8,932
9,245
9,569
120 min. or less (over 90)
11,779
12,191
12,618
-16-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
LOW BUDGET MINIMUMS
(See budget thresholds on pages 10, 11 and 12.)
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Story (ARTICLE 13.B.7.a.)
15 min. or less
$ 3,256
$ 3,370
$ 3,488
30 min. or less (over 15)
5,418
5,608
5,804
60 min. or less (over 45)
10,244
10,603
10,974
90 min. or less (over 75)
15,615
16,162
16,728
120 min. or less (over 90)
20,623
21,345
22,092
Teleplay (ARTICLE 13.B.7.b.)
15 min. or less
$ 5,099
$ 5,277
$ 5,462
30 min. or less (over 15)
8,764
9,071
9,388
60 min. or less (over 45)
16,713
17,298
17,903
90 min. or less (over 75)
25,590
26,486
27,413
120 min. or less (over 90)
33,861
35,046
36,273
Story and Teleplay (ARTICLE 13.B.7.c.)
15 min. or less
$ 8,113
$ 8,397
$ 8,691
30 min. or less (over 15)
13,524
13,997
14,487
60 min. or less (over 45)
25,616
26,513
27,441
90 min. or less (over 75)
39,037
40,403
41,817
120 min. or less (over 90)
51,570
53,375
55,243
Rewrite (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(1))
15 min. or less
$ 3,023
$ 3,129
$ 3,239
30 min. or less (over 15)
5,172
5,353
5,540
60 min. or less (over 45)
9,863
10,208
10,565
90 min. or less (over 75)
14,564
15,074
15,602
120 min. or less (over 90)
19,242
19,915
20,612
Polish (ARTICLE 13.B.7.h.(2))
15 min. or less
$ 1,504
$ 1,557
$ 1,611
30 min. or less (over 15)
2,580
2,670
2,763
60 min. or less (over 45)
4,926
5,098
5,276
90 min. or less (over 75)
7,289
7,544
7,808
120 min. or less (over 90)
9,625
9,962
10,311
-17-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Program Length
15 min. or less
$ 8,278
$ 8,568
$ 8,868
30 min. or less (over 15)
13,759
14,241
14,739
60 min. or less (over 30)
26,094
27,007
27,952
90 min. or less (over 75)
38,439
39,784
41,176
120 min. or less (over 90)
50,772
52,549
54,388
plus, for each additional ½ hour
or fraction thereof
12,333 12,765 13,212
RATE SCHEDULE B
Program Length
15 min. or less
$ 9,554
$ 9,888
$ 10,234
30 min. or less (over 15)
17,486
18,098
18,731
60 min. or less (over 30)
31,812
32,925
34,077
90 min. or less (over 75)
46,123
47,737
49,408
120 min. or less (over 90)
60,423
62,538
64,727
plus, for each additional ½ hour
or fraction thereof
14,334
14,836
15,355
RATE SCHEDULE C
Two minutes or less
$ 1,327
$ 1,373
$ 1,421
Over two minutes up to five minutes
4,641
4,803
4,971
Over five minutes of narration
Rewrite minimum for applicable program length
-18-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Time Bracket
5 minutes
$ 2,273
$ 2,353
$ 2,435
10 minutes
4,517
4,675
4,839
15 minutes
6,377
6,600
6,831
30 minutes
13,833
14,317
14,818
45 minutes
15,008
15,533
16,077
60 minutes
19,030
19,696
20,385
75 minutes
22,156
22,931
23,734
90 minutes
25,941
26,849
27,789
120 minutes
32,852
34,002
35,193
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 9/25/23 – 5/1/24
$ 5,024
Effective 5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5,200
Effective 5/2/25 – 5/1/26
5,382
and the aggregate minimum compensation for each program is:
Number of Writers
Percentage of Applicable
Program Minimums
1
100%
2
150%
3
175%
4
200%
plus 25% for each additional writer
-19-
WGA 2023 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 9/25/23 – 5/1/24
Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$ 17,501
$ 19,083
$ 22,276
(Non-Prime)
13,999
15,264
17,826
15 minutes (Prime Time)
24,492
27,676
$ 30,865
(Non-Prime)
19,593
22,136
24,698
30 minutes (Prime Time)
41,358
45,331
$ 49,327
(Non-Prime)
33,093
36,276
39,473
60 minutes (Prime Time)
77,948
81,917
(Non-Prime)
62,354
65,533
Second Period
Effective 5/2/24 – 5/1/25
Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$ 18,114
$ 19,751
$ 23,056
(Non-Prime)
14,489
15,798
18,450
15 minutes (Prime Time)
25,349
28,645
$ 31,945
(Non-Prime)
20,279
22,911
25,562
30 minutes (Prime Time)
42,806
46,918
$ 51,053
(Non-Prime)
34,251
37,546
40,855
60 minutes (Prime Time)
80,676
84,784
(Non-Prime)
64,536
67,827
Third Period
Effective 5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Number of Writers
Length or Time Bracket
1
2
3
4
5
10 minutes (Prime Time)
$ 18,748
$ 20,442
$ 23,863
(Non-Prime)
14,996
16,351
19,096
15 minutes (Prime Time)
26,236
29,648
$ 33,063
(Non-Prime)
20,989
23,713
26,457
30 minutes (Prime Time)
44,304
48,560
$ 52,840
(Non-Prime)
35,450
38,860
42,285
60 minutes (Prime Time)
83,500
87,751
(Non-Prime)
66,795
70,201
Per Week
Applicable Weekly Minimum for Each Individual Writer:
First Period
$ 5,024
Second Period
5,200
Third Period
5,382
-20-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
SKETCH MINIMUMS
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.3.)
Prime Time
$ 4,688
$ 4,852
$ 5,022
Non-Prime Time
3,742
3,873
4,009
LYRICS UNACCOMPANIED BY MUSIC
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.3.)
$ 3,692
$ 3,821
$ 3,955
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
$ 3,514
$ 3,637
$ 3,764
Third and Fourth Weeks
4,020
4,161
4,307
Fifth and Sixth Weeks
4,522
4,680
4,844
Thereafter
5,024
5,200
5,382
-21-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Than 5 Programs
Guarantee
13 weekly units
$ 3,773
$ 3,905
$ 4,042
14, but less than 20 weekly units
3,504
3,627
3,754
20, but less than 39 weekly units
3,217
3,330
3,447
39 or more weekly units
2,951
3,054
3,161
Writers of Questions, Answers and/or
Ideas for Stunts Where Such Writer
Supplies No Other Material
Guarantee
13 weekly units
$ 1,999
$ 2,069
$ 2,141
14, but less than 20 weekly units
1,852
1,917
1,984
20 or more weekly units
1,709
1,769
1,831
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%.
-22-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
(Head Writer)*
15 minutes
$ 14,500
$ 14,863
$ 15,309
30 minutes
24,169
24,773
25,516
45 minutes
35,046
35,922
37,000
60 minutes
44,711
45,829
47,204
90 minutes
67,066
68,743
70,805
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
$ 1,378
$ 1,412
$ 1,454
30 minutes
2,311
2,369
2,440
45 minutes
3,344
3,428
3,531
60 minutes
4,266
4,373
4,504
90 minutes
6,415
6,575
6,772
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
$ 20,736
$ 21,254
$ 21,892
6 months or less, but more
than 3 months or unspecified
31,103
31,881
32,837
12 months or less, but more
than 6 months
41,466
42,503
43,778
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
$ 612
$ 627
$ 646
30 or less (but more than 15)
1,303
1,336
1,376
45 or less (but more than 30)
1,458
1,494
1,539
60 or less (but more than 45)
2,439
2,500
2,575
90 or less (but more than 60)
2,811
2,881
2,967
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.
-23-
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
WGA 2023 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
LB
HB
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 minutes or less
$ 5,010
$ 5,885
$ 5,185
$ 6,091
$ 5,366
$ 6,304
15 minutes or less
7,311
8,597
7,567
8,898
7,832
9,209
30 minutes or less
12,164
15,742
12,590
16,293
13,031
16,863
60 minutes or less
23,079
28,646
23,887
29,649
24,723
30,687
90 minutes or less
33,894
41,508
35,080
42,961
36,308
44,465
120 minutes or less
44,760
54,387
46,327
56,291
47,948
58,261
Story Only
LB
HB
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 minutes or less
$ 1,453
$ 1,618
$ 1,504
$ 1,675
$ 1,557
$ 1,734
15 minutes or less
2,145
2,368
2,220
2,451
2,298
2,537
30 minutes or less
3,542
4,279
3,666
4,429
3,794
4,584
60 minutes or less
6,714
8,035
6,949
8,316
7,192
8,607
90 minutes or less
9,883
11,785
10,229
12,197
10,587
12,624
120 minutes or less
13,058
15,533
13,515
16,077
13,988
16,640
Telescript Only
LB
HB
LB
HB
LB
HB
10 minutes or less
$ 3,704
$ 5,058
$ 3,834
$ 5,235
$ 3,968
$ 5,418
15 minutes or less
5,412
7,394
5,601
7,653
5,797
7,921
30 minutes or less
9,219
12,267
9,542
12,696
9,876
13,140
60 minutes or less
17,596
23,289
18,212
24,104
18,849
24,948
90 minutes or less
25,977
34,272
26,886
35,472
27,827
36,714
120 minutes or less
34,368
45,263
35,571
46,847
36,816
48,487
Rewrite or Polish Minimum (APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.8.d.)
LB
HB
LB
HB
LB
HB
15 minutes or less
$ 2,704
$ 3,692
$ 2,799
$ 3,821
$ 2,897
$ 3,955
30 minutes or less
4,620
6,149
4,782
6,364
4,949
6,587
60 minutes or less
8,507
11,632
8,805
12,039
9,113
12,460
90 minutes or less
12,997
17,142
13,452
17,742
13,923
18,363
120 minutes or less
17,493
22,646
18,105
23,439
18,739
24,259
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.
15 minutes
$ 1,714
$ 1,774
$ 1,836
30 minutes
2,849
2,949
3,052
60 minutes
5,412
5,601
5,797
90 minutes
7,959
8,238
8,526
-24-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
5 minutes
$ 1,850
$ 1,896
$ 1,953
10 minutes
3,692
3,784
3,898
15 minutes
5,218
5,348
5,508
30 minutes
10,425
10,686
11,007
45 minutes
12,265
12,572
12,949
60 minutes
15,642
16,033
16,514
75 minutes
18,099
18,551
19,108
90 minutes
22,095
22,647
23,326
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
Strip
Strip
Strip
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
5 minutes or less
$ 1,855
$ 3,035
$ 1,901
$ 3,111
$ 1,958
$ 3,204
10 minutes or less
2,453
4,073
2,514
4,175
2,589
4,300
15 minutes or less
3,089
4,906
3,166
5,029
3,261
5,180
30 minutes or less
3,869
5,604
3,966
5,744
4,085
5,916
60 minutes or less
4,711
6,765
4,829
6,934
4,974
7,142
90 minutes or less
5,550
7,927
5,689
8,125
5,860
8,369
120 minutes or less
6,386
9,090
6,546
9,317
6,742
9,597
-25-
WGA 2023 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
Prime Time
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
5 minutes
$ 1,981
$ 2,050
$ 2,122
10 minutes
3,953
4,091
4,234
15 minutes
5,597
5,793
5,996
30 minutes
11,177
11,568
11,973
45 minutes
13,141
13,601
14,077
60 minutes
16,756
17,342
17,949
75 minutes
19,398
20,077
20,780
90 minutes
23,658
24,486
25,343
Non-Prime Time
5 minutes
$ 1,584
$ 1,639
$ 1,696
10 minutes
2,985
3,089
3,197
15 minutes
4,472
4,629
4,791
30 minutes
7,891
8,167
8,453
45 minutes
9,671
10,009
10,359
60 minutes
12,492
12,929
13,382
75 minutes
13,815
14,299
14,799
90 minutes
17,421
18,031
18,662
Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs**
(APPENDIX A, ARTICLE 13.B.6.b.)+*
5 minutes
$ 4,081
$ 4,224
$ 4,372
10 minutes
5,780
5,982
6,191
15 minutes
6,575
6,805
7,043
30 minutes
8,498
8,795
9,103
60 minutes
9,716
10,056
10,408
90 minutes
11,528
11,931
12,349
Non-Prime Time Five-Per-Week (Strip) Non-Dramatic Programs+*
5 minutes
$ 3,252
$ 3,366
$ 3,484
10 minutes
4,362
4,515
4,673
15 minutes
5,252
5,436
5,626
30 minutes
6,000
6,210
6,427
60 minutes
7,245
7,499
7,761
90 minutes
8,488
8,785
9,092
120 minutes
9,732
10,073
10,426
+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.
-26-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
NON-COMMERCIAL OPENINGS & CLOSINGS (ARTICLE 13.B.7.p.)
Effective
Effective
Effective
Aggregate Running Time of Material
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
3 minutes or less
$ 3,438
$ 3,558
$ 3,683
More than 3 minutes
4,828
4,997
5,172
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 25 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24 $ 3,942
5/2/24 – 5/1/25 4,080
5/2/25 – 5/1/26 4,223
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.
-27-
WGA 2023 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
-28-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION COMPENSATION
High Budget Derivative and Original Non-Dramatic Programs Made for Initial Exhibition on a
Subscription Consumer Pay Platform
Derivative and original Comedy-Variety, Quiz & Audience, and Other Non-Dramatic* 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 Non-Dramatic Programs.”
Programs shorter than 20 minutes in length do not fall under this category regardless of the budget. The terms
herein shall not apply to any program or season of a series that would otherwise qualify as a “High Budget
SVOD Non-Dramatic Program” for which the literary material for the program or for the first episode of the
season is written prior to January 7, 2024. Contact the Guild’s Contracts Department for details.
Length of Program as Initially Exhibited High Budget Threshold
20-35 Minutes $600,000 and above
36-65 Minutes $1,150,000 and above
66-95 Minutes $1,500,000 and above
96 Minutes or more $2,200,000 and above
High Budget SVOD Strip Non-Dramatic Programs
The threshold for a High Budget SVOD Comedy-Variety Program produced and initially exhibited four (4) or
more times per week shall be $150,000 or more per episode for a 20-35-minute program and $250,000 or
more per episode for a program 36 minutes or longer.
The “High Budget” threshold for a High Budget Other Non-Dramatic SVOD Program or a High Budget Quiz
and Audience Participation SVOD Program produced and initially exhibited four (4) or more times per week
shall be $125,000 or more per episode for a 20-35 program and $150,000 or more per episode for a Program
36 minutes or longer.
Terms and Conditions for High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs
Minimum Initial Compensation for writers employed on a High Budget SVOD Comedy-Variety Program shall be
the rates set forth on pages 18-20 of this Schedule of Minimums, with certain exceptions. In addition, a High
Budget SVOD Comedy-Variety Program in Tier 1 as defined below shall be subject to “prime time” rates as
provided in Appendix A of the MBA. Contact the Guild’s Contracts Department for more information.
Program Length
Budget Tier
20-35 Minutes
Tier 1: $1,100,000 or more
Tier 2: $600,000 or more but less than $1,100,000
36-65 Minutes
Tier 1: $2,000,000 or more
Tier 2: $1,150,000 or more but less than $2,000,000
66-95 Minutes
Tier 1: $2,500,000 or more
Tier 2: $1,500,000 or more but less than $2,500,000
96 Minutes or More
Tier 1: $3,200,000 or more
Tier 2: $2,200,000 or more but less than $3,200,000
Daytime Serials
In the event a daytime serial that was previously produced for television continues in production but is
subsequently made for initial exhibition on an SVOD platform, the provision set forth in Appendix C,
Paragraphs 2.a.(1) and (2) shall apply, and the Guild has the right to negotiate terms and conditions applicable
to such daytime serial.
*Other Non-Dramatic programs rates may not be used unless the Company gives the Guild written notice of its intention
to produce a program under these terms at least 30 days prior to commencement. Other Non-Dramatic “non-dramatic
children’s programs” include all children’s programs except those which are dramatic.
-29-
WGA 2023 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:
Effective 9/25/23 – 5/1/24
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
Effective 5/2/24 – 5/1/26
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
15 or less
$ 3,014
$ 5,514
$ 7,523
30 or less (but more than 15)
5,514
8,954
13,781
60 or less (but more than 30)
10,018
17,352
25,049
75 or less (but more than 60)
14,265
25,252
35,700
90 or less (but more than 75)
15,057
26,690
37,644
120 or less (but more than 90)
19,732
35,401
49,332
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
4,674
8,711
11,685
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%
RESIDUAL BASE - HIGH BUDGET
Effective
Effective
Effective
Program Length in Minutes
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
15 or less
$ 3,573
$ 3,680
$ 3,790
30 or less (but more than 15)
6,538
6,734
6,936
60 or less (but more than 30)
11,882
12,238
12,605
75 or less (but more than 60)
16,917
17,425
17,948
90 or less (but more than 75)
17,859
18,395
18,947
120 or less (but more than 90)
23,402
24,104
24,827
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
5,541
5,707
5,878
+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 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
TELEVISION RESIDUALS
RESIDUAL BASE - HIGH BUDGET (cont’d)
Effective
Effective
Effective
Program Length in Minutes
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
TELEPLAY
15 or less
$ 6,538
$ 6,734
$ 6,936
30 or less (but more than 15)
10,618
10,937
11,265
60 or less (but more than 30)
20,579
21,196
21,832
75 or less (but more than 60)
29,950
30,849
31,774
90 or less (but more than 75)
31,652
32,602
33,580
120 or less (but more than 90)
41,984
43,244
44,541
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
10,332
10,642
10,961
STORY & TELEPLAY
15 or less
$ 8,922
$ 9,190
$ 9,466
30 or less (but more than 15)
16,342
16,832
17,337
60 or less (but more than 30)
29,705
30,596
31,514
75 or less (but more than 60)
42,336
43,606
44,914
90 or less (but more than 75)
44,643
45,982
47,361
120 or less (but more than 90)
58,506
60,261
62,069
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
13,859
14,275
14,703
RESIDUAL BASE - LOW BUDGET
Program Length in Minutes
STORY
15 or less
$ 3,042
$ 3,133
$ 3,227
30 or less (but more than 15)
5,058
5,210
5,366
60 or less (but more than 30)
9,566
9,853
10,149
75 or less (but more than 60)
13,618
14,027
14,448
90 or less (but more than 75)
14,580
15,017
15,468
120 or less (but more than 90)
19,258
19,836
20,431
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
4,674
4,814
4,958
TELEPLAY
15 or less
$ 4,762
$ 4,905
$ 5,052
30 or less (but more than 15)
8,185
8,431
8,684
60 or less (but more than 30)
15,607
16,075
16,557
75 or less (but more than 60)
22,521
23,197
23,893
90 or less (but more than 75)
23,896
24,613
25,351
120 or less (but more than 90)
31,620
32,569
33,546
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
7,701
7,932
8,170
STORY & TELEPLAY
15 or less
$ 7,576
$ 7,803
$ 8,037
30 or less (but more than 15)
12,631
13,010
13,400
60 or less (but more than 30)
23,920
24,638
25,377
75 or less (but more than 60)
34,653
35,693
36,764
90 or less (but more than 75)
36,454
37,548
38,674
120 or less (but more than 90)
48,155
49,600
51,088
For programs in excess of 120 minutes,
each additional 30 minutes or less
11,704
12,055
12,417
Under certain circumstances a promotional launch period may apply. Contact the Guild Residuals Department
for more details.
-31-
WGA 2023 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
Effective July 1, 2023, in addition to the above, 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: $375,950
60 minutes: $751,900
Over 1 hour but not more than 2 hours: $1,915,800
Over 2 hours but not more than 3 hours: $3,213,000
Over 3 hours but not more than 4 hours: $4,295,100
Over 4 hours but not more than 5 hours: $5,366,300
Over 5 hours but not more than 6 hours: $6,437,500
Over 6 hours, the threshold proportionately increases.
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.
-32-
WGA 2023 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
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
30 minute
For each of the next 3 years
$ 5,391
$ 5,580
$ 5,775
Each year thereafter
972
1,006
1,041
60 minute
For each of the next 3 years
9,253
9,577
9,912
Each year thereafter
1,279
1,324
1,370
90 minute
For each of the next 3 years
8,336
8,628
8,930
Each year thereafter
1,472
1,524
1,577
120 minutes plus
For each of the next 3 years
10,920
11,302
11,698
Each year thereafter
1,613
1,669
1,727
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 2023 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 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
For new media programs covered by the 2023 Basic Agreement which do not meet the criteria for High Budget
SVOD/AVOD 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/AVOD 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/ADOD 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:*
Effective 10/15/23 – 5/1/26
New Media Productions Derivative of Dramatic Programs (other than Daytime Serials):
• $874 for programs up to two minutes in length
• $429 for each minute or portion thereof in excess of two minutes
New Media Productions Derivative of Comedy-Variety Programs and Daytime Serials:
• $510 for programs up to two minutes in length
• $250 for each minute or portion thereof in excess of two minutes
New Media Productions Derivative of All Other Types of Programs:
• $439 for programs up to two minutes in length
• $215 for each minute or portion thereof in excess of two minutes
*Initial compensation is separate from compensation for writing services for the original production on traditional media.
-35-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC SVOD PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA, PARAGRAPH 4)
Derivative and original dramatic new media programs made for exhibition on a subscription video-on-demand
consumer pay platform (e.g., Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, Apple TV+, Hulu, 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.
Length of Program as Initially Exhibited High Budget Threshold
20-35 Minutes $1,030,000 and above
36-65 Minutes $1,750,000 and above
66 Minutes or more $3,000,000 and above
HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS THAT ARE 96 MINUTES OR MORE IN LENGTH AND HAVE A BUDGET
OF $30 MILLION OR MORE, AND ARE MADE FOR A PLATFORM WITH 20 MILLION OR MORE
SUBSCRIBERS
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
Story
$ 38,394
$ 39,738
$ 41,129
Teleplay
65,587
67,883
70,259
Story & Teleplay
100,000
103,500
107,123
For Programs in excess of 120 minutes, compensation is based on the minimum above plus, for each additional
30 minutes, the following additional payments:
Story
$ 5,902
$ 6,109
$ 6,323
Teleplay
11,005
11,390
11,789
Story & Teleplay
14,769
15,286
15,821
ALL OTHER HIGH BUDGET SVOD PROGRAMS:
Effective
Effective
Effective
Platforms with Fewer than 20 Million Subscribers:
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 7,002
$ 7,247
$ 7,501
36-65 Minutes in Length
12,725
13,170
13,631
66-95 Minutes in Length
19,124
19,793
20,486
96 Minutes or More in Length
25,059
25,936
26,844
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 11,370
$ 11,768
$ 12,180
36-65 Minutes in Length
22,036
22,807
23,605
66-95 Minutes in Length
33,894
35,080
36,308
96 Minutes or More in Length
44,960
46,534
48,163
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 17,501
$ 18,114
$ 18,748
36-65 Minutes in Length
31,812
32,925
34,077
66-95 Minutes in Length
47,808
49,481
51,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
62,651
64,844
67,114
-36-
WGA 2023 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)
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers:
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 9,944
$ 10,292
$ 10,652
TIER 2: $1,030,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
7,002
7,247
7,501
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
17,502
18,115
18,749
TIER 2: $1,750,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
12,725
13,170
13,631
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
23,382
24,200
25,047
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
19,124
19,793
20,486
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
31,224
32,317
33,448
Non-Episodic
34,078
35,271
36,505
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)
25,059
25,936
26,844
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 21,389
$ 22,138
$ 22,913
TIER 2: $1,030,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
11,370
11,768
12,180
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
28,858
29,868
30,913
TIER 2: $1,750,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
22,036
22,807
23,605
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
41,579
43,034
44,540
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
33,894
35,080
36,308
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
53,344
55,211
57,143
Non-Episodic
58,213
60,250
62,359
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)
44,960
46,534
48,163
-37-
WGA 2023 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)
Platforms with 20 Million or More Subscribers:
Effective
Effective
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 29,823
$ 30,867
$ 31,947
TIER 2: $1,030,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
17,501
18,114
18,748
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
43,862
45,397
46,986
TIER 2: $1,750,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
31,812
32,925
34,077
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
61,712
63,872
66,108
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
47,808
49,481
51,213
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
81,198
84,040
86,981
Non-Episodic
88,749
91,855
95,070
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)
62,651
64,844
67,114
OTHER TERMS
See pages 8, 13, 14 and 15 for additional terms, including the minimums for pilots, backup scripts, rewrites,
polishes, staff size, duration, development room premiums, etc.
-38-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC 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 2023 MBA if the license
agreement for the program or series was entered into prior to May 2, 2017 with all material terms fixed. Such
program or series is governed by the terms of the MBA in effect when the license agreement was made,
subject to certain exceptions. However, the full terms of the 2023 MBA apply to any High Budget SVOD series
when the literary material for the first episode of the season is written on or after October 15, 2023.
The following terms are only applicable to High Budget SVOD Programs licensed under the 2014 MBA:
Length of Program as Initially Exhibited High Budget Threshold
20-35 Minutes $1,300,000 and above
36-65 Minutes $2,500,000 and above
66 Minutes or more $3,000,000 and above
Effective
Effective
Effective
Platforms with Fewer than 15 Million Subscribers:
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 7,002
$ 7,247
$ 7,501
36-65 Minutes in Length
12,725
13,170
13,631
66-95 Minutes in Length
19,124
19,793
20,486
96 Minutes or More in Length
25,059
25,936
26,844
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 11,370
$ 11,768
$ 12,180
36-65 Minutes in Length
22,036
22,807
23,605
66-95 Minutes in Length
33,894
35,080
36,308
96 Minutes or More in Length
44,960
46,534
48,163
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 17,501
$ 18,114
$ 18,748
36-65 Minutes in Length
31,812
32,925
34,077
66-95 Minutes in Length
47,808
49,481
51,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
62,651
64,844
67,114
Platforms with 15 Million or More Subscribers:
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 10,394
$ 10,758
$ 11,135
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
7,002
7,247
7,501
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
18,296
18,936
19,599
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
12,725
13,170
13,631
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
24,442
25,297
26,182
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
19,124
19,793
20,486
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
32,637
33,779
34,961
Non-Episodic
35,618
36,865
38,155
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)
25,059
25,936
26,844
-39-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC SVOD PROGRAMS COVERED BY A PRIOR MBA (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY
MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont’d)
Effective
Effective
Effective
Platforms with 15 Million or More Subscribers:
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 22,357
$ 23,139
$ 23,949
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
11,370
11,768
12,180
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
30,163
31,219
32,312
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
22,036
22,807
23,605
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
43,462
44,983
46,557
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
33,894
35,080
36,308
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
55,761
57,713
59,733
Non-Episodic
60,849
62,979
65,183
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)
44,960
46,534
48,163
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 31,173
$ 32,264
$ 33,393
TIER 2: $1,300,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
17,501
18,114
18,748
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
45,848
47,453
49,114
TIER 2: $2,500,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
31,812
32,925
34,077
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
64,506
66,764
69,101
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
47,808
49,481
51,213
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
84,873
87,844
90,919
Non-Episodic
92,766
96,013
99,373
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)
62,651
64,844
67,114
-40-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC AVOD PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
A derivative or original dramatic new media program made for exhibition on a free-to-the-consumer advertiser-
supported new media platform that meets the following high budget thresholds is defined as a “High Budget
AVOD Program.” Programs shorter than 20 minutes in length do not fall under this category regardless of the
budget. In addition, the terms and conditions herein do not apply to a program that satisfies the definition of a
“High Budget AVOD Program” but for which the literary material is assigned prior to January 7, 2024. Please
contact the Guild’s Contracts Department for more information.
Length of Program as Initially Exhibited High Budget Threshold
20-35 Minutes $1,030,000 and above
36-65 Minutes $1,750,000 and above
66 Minutes or more $3,000,000 and above
Note: the provisions of Articles 13.B.7.t. and 14.L. regarding development rooms, and the provisions of Article
14.M. regarding staffing requirements for post-greenlight series, do not apply to a High Budget AVOD Program.
Effective
Effective
Effective
1/7/24 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
STORY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 9,944
$ 10,292
$ 10,652
TIER 2: $1,030,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
7,002
7,247
7,501
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
17,502
18,115
18,749
TIER 2: $1,750,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
12,725
13,170
13,631
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
23,382
24,200
25,047
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
19,124
19,793
20,486
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 or more (plus $2,250,000
for each additional 35 minutes)
Serials & Episodic
31,224
32,317
33,448
Non-Episodic
34,078
35,271
36,505
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes)
25,059
25,936
26,844
-41-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA COMPENSATION
HIGH BUDGET DRAMATIC AVOD PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA) (cont’d)
Effective
Effective
Effective
1/7/24 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 21,389
$ 22,138
$ 22,913
TIER 2: $1,000,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
11,370
11,768
12,180
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
28,858
29,868
30,913
TIER 2: $1,700,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
22,036
22,807
23,605
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
41,579
43,034
44,540
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
33,894
35,080
36,308
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 or more (plus $2,250,000
for each additional 35 minutes or portion thereof)
Serials & Episodic
53,344
55,211
57,143
Non-Episodic
58,213
60,250
62,359
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes)
44,960
46,534
48,163
STORY & TELEPLAY
20-35 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $2,100,000 or more
$ 29,823
$ 30,867
$ 31,947
TIER 2: $1,000,000 or more but less than $2,100,000
17,501
18,114
18,748
36-65 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $3,800,000 or more
43,862
45,397
46,986
TIER 2: $1,700,000 or more but less than $3,800,000
31,812
32,925
34,077
66-95 Minutes in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,000,000 or more
61,712
63,872
66,108
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,000,000
47,808
49,481
51,213
96 Minutes or More in Length
TIER 1: Budget of $4,500,000 or more (plus $2,250,000
for each additional 35 minutes or portion thereof)
Serials & Episodic
81,198
84,040
86,981
Non-Episodic
88,749
91,855
95,070
TIER 2: $3,000,000 or more but less than $4,500,000
(plus $2,250,000 for each additional 35 minutes)
62,651
64,844
67,114
HIGH BUDGET AVOD RESIDUALS
Initial compensation for a High Budget AVOD Program constitutes payment for a twenty-six (26) consecutive
week period of use on any free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported new media platform. For all uses of a
High Budget AVOD Program on any free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported new media platform beyond
the twenty-six (26) consecutive week period, the Company shall pay a residual of 2% of “accountable receipts”
as defined in Paragraph 3 of the Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion Pictures Transmitted Via New Media.
For exhibition of a High Budget AVOD Program on any consumer pay new media platform (i.e., a subscription
consumer pay new media platform or a transactional consumer pay new media platform involving download-to-
own or download-to-rent transaction), the Company shall make a separate residual payment of 1.2% of its
“accountable receipts.”
-42-
WGA 2023 THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS
REUSE OF NEW MEDIA PROGRAMS (SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA)
Performance-Metric Bonus for High Budget SVOD Programs
The Company shall pay a bonus equal to 50% of the applicable fixed residual (both domestic and foreign) to
the credited writer(s) of each episode of a season of a High Budget SVOD series or serial, multi-part closed-
end series, or one-time program, that reaches a ‘‘performance metric” of 20% or more on the domestic service
within the first 90 days of exhibition. The bonus shall also apply to subsequent Exhibition Years wherein the
season or one-time program meets the performance metric in the first 90 days of any subsequent year of
exhibition. The performance metric is calculated based on the number of domestic views divided by number of
domestic subscribers, and views are calculated as total aggregated domestic hours viewed for all episodes of
a season or for a one-time program.
The Performance-Metric Bonus applies to a season of a High Budget SVOD series, serial or multi-part closed-
end series or a High Budget SVOD Program that is initially exhibited on the SVOD service on or after January
1, 2024.
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/AVOD 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/AVOD) 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/AVOD Programs Reused in Other New Media Markets
For subsequent exhibition of a High Budget SVOD Program or a High Budget AVOD 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.
-43-
WGA 2023 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 in Length
$ 6,691
$ 10,866
$ 16,724
36-65 Minutes in Length
12,159
21,058
30,398
66-95 Minutes in Length*
18,273
32,391
45,684
96 Minutes or More in Length**
23,946
42,961
59,867
*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 is the
Other Than Network Prime Time minimum for a 90-minute or 120-minute program as applicable:
Effective
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
Effective
5/2/24-5/1/25
Effective
5/2/25-5/1/26
85-96 Minutes, Budget of $13 Million or More
Story
$ 19,124
$ 19,793
$ 20,486
Teleplay
33,894
35,080
36,308
Story & Teleplay
47,808
49,481
51,213
96 Minutes or More, Budget of $13 Million or More
Story
$ 25,059
$ 25,936
$ 26,844
Teleplay
44,960
46,534
48,163
Story & Teleplay
62,651
64,844
67,114
**The residual base for a High Budget SVOD program 96 minutes or longer and a budget of $30 million or more:
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
96 Minutes or More,
Budget of $30 Million or More
$ 30,000
$ 53,823
$ 75,000
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
10%
Year 9
10%
Year 10
5%
Year 11
5%
Year 12
5%
Each Year thereafter
1.5%
-44-
WGA 2023 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 (cont’d)
Table 3 – DOMESTIC SUBSCRIBER FACTOR
For a High Budget SVOD Program that commences principal photography prior to July 1, 2024:
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%
*No residual is owed for the first year of exhibition on a platform with fewer than 1 million
domestic subscribers.
For a High Budget SVOD Program that commences principal photography on or after July 1, 2024:
Subscriber Tier
Domestic Subscribers
Subscriber Factor
3
Fewer than 20 million
65%
4
20 million to 45 million
100%
5
Over 45 million
150%
Foreign Residuals for a High Budget SVOD Program Reused on a Foreign Consumer Pay Platform
Related to or Affiliated with the Domestic Consumer Pay Platform
For material written before October 15, 2023, 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.
For material written on or after October 15, 2023, 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 calculated as:
Applicable Residual Base (Table 1) x Exhibition Year % (Table 2) x Foreign Subscriber Factor (Table 4)
Table 4 – FOREIGN SUBSCRIBER FACTOR
Subscriber Tier
Domestic Subscribers
Subscriber Factor
1
Fewer than 20 million
47%
2
20 million to 45 million
60%
3
More than 45 million but fewer than 75 million
75%
4
75 million or more
90%
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.
-45-
WGA 2023 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 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 x Exhibition Year Percentage x Subscriber Factor
RESIDUAL BASE
Program Length in Minutes
Story
Teleplay
Story & Teleplay
20-35 Minutes in Length
$ 5,649
$ 9,173
$ 14,119
36-65 Minutes in Length
10,264
17,778
25,663
66-95 Minutes in Length*
15,426
27,345
38,567
96 Minutes or More in Length
20,216
36,269
50,541
*See page 43 above with respect to 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.
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%
-46-
WGA 2023 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)
EXHIBITION YEAR PERCENTAGE
Exhibition Year
Percentage of Applicable 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%
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. 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%
-47-
WGA 2023 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
Series of:
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/25
5/2/25 – 5/1/26
15-minute episodes
$ 1,491
$ 1,543
$ 1,597
30-minute episodes
2,485
2,572
2,662
60-minute episodes
4,722
4,887
5,058
90-minute episodes or longer
6,213
6,430
6,655
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
9/25/23-5/1/24
$ 24,852
5/2/24-5/1/25
25,720
5/2/25-5/1/26
26,620
As to any MOW sequel after the first sequel, if the writer(s) with separated rights is not employed due to the fact
that they did not receive sole teleplay credit on the immediately preceding sequel (and was not offered the
opportunity to write such MOW sequel), the following payment applies:
Effective
9/25/23-5/1/24
$ 49,704
5/2/24-5/1/25
51,440
5/1/25-5/1/26
53,240
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
9/25/23 – 5/1/26
$ 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
9/25/23-5/1/24
$ 707
5/2/24-5/1/25
732
5/2/25-5/1/26
758
-48-
WGA 2023 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
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/26
Use of Television Clips in Television
10 seconds or less
$ 393
$ 413
Over 10 seconds but not over 2 minutes
1,192
1,252
Over 2 minutes but not over 10 minutes
-- For the first 2 minutes
1,192
1,252
-- For each minute in excess of 2 minutes
198
208
Over 10 minutes
Applicable rerun fee*
Use of Television Clips in Theatrical
30 seconds or less
$ 496
$ 521
Over 30 seconds but not over 2 minutes
989
1,038
Over 2 minutes – for the first 2 minutes
989
1,038
Over 2 minutes – each additional minute or
portion thereof in excess of 2 minutes
$ 393
$ 413
Use of Theatrical Clips in Theatrical or Television
30 seconds or less
$ 198
$ 208
Over 30 seconds not more than 2 minutes
594
624
Over 2 minutes - for the first 2 minutes
594
624
Over 2 minutes - each additional minute or
portion thereof in excess of 2 minutes
198
208
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
$ 221
$ 232
TV program 60 minutes or longer
-- First 3 minutes, no fee
-- For each minute or portion of minute in excess
of 3 minutes
$ 221
$ 232
Use of TV Clips as Flashback
-- First 3 minutes, no fee
-- For each minute or portion of minute in excess
30 seconds
$ 221
$ 232
*In no event shall less than $393 ($413 effective May 2, 2024) 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’s Residuals Department for information.
-49-
WGA 2023 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
INITIAL COMPENSATION OF AT LEAST:
9/25/23 – 5/1/24
5/2/24 – 5/1/26
Format Only
$ 30,585
$ 31,197
Story Only
15 minutes or less
10,639
10,852
30 minutes or less
18,932
19,311
45 minutes or less
26,907
27,445
60 minutes or less
33,333
34,000
90 minutes or less
45,870
46,787
More than 90 minutes
45,870
46,787
Story and Teleplay
15 minutes or less
31,965
32,604
30 minutes or less
56,812
57,948
45 minutes or less
67,440
68,789
60 minutes or less
83,542
85,213
90 minutes or less
121,065
123,486
More than 90 minutes
121,065
123,486
Format, Story and Teleplay
15 minutes or less
31,965
32,604
30 minutes or less
56,812
57,948
45 minutes or less
67,440
68,789
60 minutes or less
83,542
85,213
90 minutes or less
121,065
123,486
More than 90 minutes
121,065
123,486
Bible
77,311
78,857
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.