September 25, 2023
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE
2023 WGA THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT
This Memorandum of Agreement (“this Agreement”) is entered into between the Writers Guild
of America, West, Inc. and the Writers Guild of America, East, Inc. (collectively “WGA” or “the
Guild”), on the one hand, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Inc.
(“AMPTP”), on behalf of the Companies listed in the attached Exhibit “A,” and American
Broadcasting Companies, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ABC, Inc., CBS
Broadcasting Inc., and NBCUniversal Media, LLC and Universal Televison LLC (“the
Networks”), on the other hand.
The provisions of the 2020 WGA – AMPTP Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement (“the
2020 WGA – AMPTP MBA”) (including all sideletters), as amended by this Memorandum of
Agreement and subject to conforming changes, and as such provisions may be amended pursuant
to Article 62, “Contract Adjustment Committee” thereof, shall together constitute and be known
as the “2023 Writers Guild of America – Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement” or “the 2023 WGA – AMPTP MBA.” The
provisions of the 2020 WGA – Network Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement (“the 2020
WGA – Network MBA”) (including all sideletters), as amended by this Memorandum of
Agreement and subject to conforming changes, and as such provisions may be amended pursuant
to Article 62, “Contract Adjustment Committee” thereof, shall together constitute and be known
as the “2023 Writers Guild of America – Network Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement”
or the “2023 WGA – Network MBA.” The terms of this Agreement shall prevail over any
inconsistent terms of the 2020 WGA – AMPTP MBA or the 2020 WGA – Network MBA.
Contract language in this Agreement is indicated by quotation marks or by a notation that the
provision is written in contract language.
The terms and conditions set forth in this Memorandum of Agreement shall be effective as of
September 25, 2023 (except when another effective date is specified), provided that the
memberships of both WGA, West, Inc. and WGA, East, Inc. ratify this agreement no later than
October 12, 2023.
1. Term of Agreement (WGA Proposal No. 36)
Three-year term: September 25, 2023 to May 1, 2026.
The term of the 2023 MBA shall commence on September 25, 2023 and shall continue to
and including May 1, 2026.
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Revise Article 2 to read as follows:
ARTICLE 2 - TERM AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT
“A. GENERAL
“1. The term of this Basic Agreement shall commence on May 2, 2020
September 25, 2023 and shall continue to and include May 1, 20232026.
“2. With respect to all employment agreements with writers in effect on May
2, 2020 September 25, 2023, the terms of this Basic Agreement relating to
minimum compensation and to rights in material shall apply only to
services performed and literary material written under such employment
contracts where the date of actual employment (i.e., the commitment date)
was on or after May 2, 2020 September 25, 2023, except as specifically
otherwise provided herein in Article 2, Section B. or Section C.
“3. With respect to literary material licensed or acquired from professional
writers (as described herein), the terms of this Basic Agreement relating to
minimum compensation and rights in material shall apply only to
unpublished and unexploited literary material licensed or acquired from
such professional writers on or after May 2, 2020 September 25, 2023.
Options of unpublished and unexploited literary material obtained from
professional writers on or after May 2, 2020 September 25, 2023 shall be
subject only to the provisions of this Basic Agreement relating to options
(i.e., third paragraph of Article 13.A., Article 13.B.1.a., Article 16.A.3.d.
and Article 16.B.3.i.), and then only to the extent applicable. Disputes
relating to the options provisions listed in the preceding sentence shall be
subject to grievance and arbitration as provided in Articles 10, 11 and 12
of this Agreement.
“4. Company or Guild may, by written notice to the other served not earlier
than ninety (90) days nor later than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration
date of this Basic Agreement, signify its desire to negotiate a new
collective bargaining agreement which shall become effective upon a date
determined by mutual agreement between the Company and the Guild.
Such notice shall set forth in detail the proposals or recommendations of
the party serving such notice. If such notice is served, the parties agree to
commence negotiations covering the proposals or recommendations in the
notice, and the proposals and recommendations of the party receiving such
notice, within thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice and to
continue such negotiations diligently and in good faith. It is understood
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and agreed that the existing Basic Agreement shall continue in full force
and effect until the termination date above provided.
“5. [Deleted]
“6. [Appeared as Article 2.A.5. in predecessor Basic Agreements.] Nothing
herein contained shall be deemed to modify or affect the terms or
conditions of any existing contract which are more favorable to the writer
than the terms and conditions of this Basic Agreement.
B. THEATRICAL
“1. With respect to all theatrical employment agreements with writers under
term or deal contracts which were in effect on May 2, 2020 September 25,
2023, the new minimum compensations, conditions and Theatrical
Schedule A as herein contained shall not in any manner be applicable for
the period prior to, nor effective until:
“a. in the case of a term contract, the effective date of the exercise of
the next option which occurs after May 2, 2020 September 25,
2023, for the renewal of the employment period, or six (6) months
after the effective date of the commencement of the current
employment period, whichever occurs first, but in no event prior to
May 2, 2020 September 25, 2023.
“b. in the case of a deal contract, the effective date of the next step of
such deal contract which commences after May 2, 2020 September
25, 2023.
“2. Any contractual obligation by Company, in effect on December 12, 1966,
to give credit for source material or story in connection with a photoplay,
shall not in any manner be affected by the provisions of Theatrical
Schedule A contained herein.
C. TELEVISION
“1. With respect to television employment agreements with writers on a term
or week-to-week contract basis in effect on May 2, 2020 September 25,
2023, the terms of this Basic Agreement relating to rights in material shall
apply only to literary material written pursuant to assignments made on or
after May 2, 2020 September 25, 2023.
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“2. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article, the terms of this
Basic Agreement relating to rights in material shall not apply to literary
material written pursuant to any agreement in effect on May 2, 2020
September 25, 2023 if the granting or reserving of such rights, as herein
provided, would conflict with any contractual obligation of the Company
to any third party entered into prior to the effective date of this Basic
Agreement; provided that the Company does not have a right to require the
removal or elimination of the conflict created by such contractual
obligation to the third party.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
2. Minimums (WGA Proposal No. 1)
a. Subject to Item 3 below (Diversion to Pension Plan or Health Fund), the
minimum rates listed in this subparagraph “a.” below shall be increased in each
year of the 2023 MBA on a compounded basis, as follows:
i. Five percent (5%) effective September 25, 2023 by the memberships of
WGA West, Inc. and WGA East, Inc.;
ii. Four percent (4%) effective May 2, 2024; and
iii. Three and one-half percent (3.5%) effective May 2, 2025.
ARTICLE 13
13.A.1.a. Flat Deal Screen Minimums
13.A.2. Narration - Rate Schedule A
13.A.10. Week-to-Week, Term, Flat Deal
13.A.15. Minimum Weekly Compensation (Week-to-Week or Term
Contracts)
13.B.7.a. Story Minimums - Other Than Network Prime Time or
Serials Covered by Article 13.B.7.e.(1) or e.(3)
13.B.7.b. Teleplay Minimums - Other Than Network Prime Time or
Serials Covered by Article 13.B.7.e.(1) or e.(3)
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13.B.7.c. Story and Teleplay - Other Than Network Prime Time or
Serials Covered by Article 13.B.7.e.(1) or e.(3)
13.B.7.d.(1) Story Minimums – Network Prime Time
13.B.7.d.(2) Teleplay Minimums - Network Prime Time
13.B.7.d.(3) Story and Teleplay Minimums - Network Prime Time
13.B.7.e.(3) Serial Rates - Prime Time
13.B.7.g. Plot Outline - Narrative Synopsis of Story Minimums
13.B.7.h.(1) Rewrite Minimums
13.B.7.h.(2) Polish Minimums
13.B.7.m.(1) Format Minimums
13.B.7.m.(2) Bible Minimums
13.B.7.m.(3) Rewrite or Polish of Format or Bible
13.B.7.n. Narration Rate Schedules A, B, C
13.B.7.p. Non-Commercial Openings and Closings
13.B.7.s.(2) Week-to-Week and Term Employment
ARTICLE 14
14.G. Program Fees
14.K.1. Minimum Compensation – Rate Per Week (except as
provided in Item 9 below for certain Article 14 writers
other than story editors/executive story editors)
ARTICLE 15
15.B.14.a.(1) Additional Compensation for Certain Use of Material to
and (2) Which Separated Rights Do Not Apply
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15.B.14.c. Additional Compensation for Certain Use of Material to
Which Separated Rights Do Not Apply - Radio
15.B.14.h.(1), Character Payments
(2) and (3.2)
15.B.14.l.(1) Teleplay as Basis of Pilot
and (2)
ARTICLE 16
16.A.5.c. Sequel Payments for Programs Other than Programs
1st paragraph Made Principally for the Videodisc/Videocassette
Market
16.B.2.a. Sequel Payments
APPENDIX A
13.B.2.a. Comedy-Variety -- Per Program Minimum Compensation
13.B.2.b.(1) Comedy-Variety Programs -- Minimum Variety Show
Commitment
13.B.2.b.(3) Comedy-Variety Programs - Aggregate Minimum
Compensation Per Weekly Unit of Five Programs
13.B.2.g. Comedy-Variety Programs -- Pre-Production Periods
13.B.3. Comedy-Variety Programs -- Self-Contained Portions of
Programs
13.B.4.a. and b. Quiz and Audience Participation Programs
13.B.6.a.(1)(a) Once Per Week or Less, Non-Dramatic Programs
13.B.6.a.(1)(b)(i) Minimum Series Commitment
13.B.6.b.(1)(a), Non-Dramatic Strip Programs
13.B.6.b.(1)(c)
13.B.7.d.(2) Assigned Outlines
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13.B.8.b.(1) Documentary Programs - Story and Telescript
13.B.8.b.(2) Documentary Programs - Story Only
13.B.8.b.(3) Documentary Programs - Telescript Only
13.B.8.c.(1) Narrative Synopsis of Story
13.B.8.d. Rewrite or Polish Minimum Compensation
APPENDIX B
Paragraph D.3.a.(1) Residuals for use in pay television and/or
videodisc/videocassette markets of a covered dramatic
program of a type generally produced for prime time
network television that is produced principally for pay
television or a covered comedy-variety program as defined
in Article 1.C.22. of Appendix A.
APPENDIX C
Paragraph 2.b.(1) Made For Basic Cable One-Hour High Budget Dramatic
Programs or Series In Their Second or Subsequent Season
SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS
MADE FOR NEW MEDIA
Paragraph 3.b.(5)(c) Sequel Payments for “Original New Media Productions”
Para. 4.c.(1) Initial Compensation for High Budget SVOD Programs
intended for initial exhibition on a subscription consumer
pay new media platform with 20 million or more
subscribers in the United States and Canada (except as
provided in Item 20 below for certain High Budget SVOD
Programs 96 minutes or more in length)
Para. 4.c.(2) Initial Compensation for High Budget SVOD Programs
intended for initial exhibition on a subscription consumer
pay new media platform with fewer than 20 million
subscribers in the United States and Canada.
b. Subject to Item 3 below (Diversion to Pension Plan or Health Fund), the
minimum rates for daytime serials (Appendix A, Article 13.B.5.a.(1), (2), (5) and
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(8) and Article 16.B.2.a.(5)) shall be increased on a compounded basis, as
follows:
i. Three and one-half percent (3.5%) effective the first Sunday following the
AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification by the memberships of WGA
West, Inc. and WGA East, Inc.;
ii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2024; and
iii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2025.
c. Subject to Item 3 below (Diversion to Pension Plan or Health Fund), the
minimum rates for news programs (Appendix A, Article 13.B.8.b.(4)) shall be
increased on a compounded basis, as follows:
i. Three percent (3%) effective the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification by the memberships of WGA West, Inc.
and WGA East, Inc.;
ii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2024; and
iii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2025.
d. The “up to two minute” rates for Derivative New Media Programs in Paragraph
2.a. of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media shall be increased by two percent (2%) effective the first Sunday following
the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification by the memberships of WGA West,
Inc. and WGA East, Inc., as follows:
[First Sunday following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] - 5/01/26
New Media Productions
Derivative of Dramatic
Programs (other than
Daytime
Serials)
$874 for programs up to two minutes in
length, plus $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, plus $250 for each minute or portion
thereof in excess of two minutes
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All Other Types of
Derivative New Media
Productions
$439 for programs up to two minutes in
length, plus $215 for each minute or portion
thereof in excess of two minutes
In addition, add the following sentence to the end of Paragraph 2.a. of the
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media:
“In no event shall the minimum initial compensation for a Derivative New Media
Production exceed the initial compensation due for the same program if produced
for free television.”
e. The residual bases in Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(c) for reruns in network non-prime time,
syndication and basic cable (as set forth in Article 15.B.1.b.(3)(a)) shall be
increased by:
i. Three percent (3%) effective the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification by the memberships of WGA West, Inc. and
WGA East, Inc.;
ii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2024; and
iii. Three percent (3%) effective May 2, 2025.
f. The rates for network prime time reruns (Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(a)) shall be increased
by two percent (2%) effective May 2, 2024.
g. The residual bases for High Budget SVOD Programs shall be increased as provided
below in Item 20.
h. The rates for excerpt payments (Article 15.A.3.j., Article 15.B.10.c., d. and dd.,
Article 15.B.13.j. and Appendix A, Article 15.B.3.b.) shall be increased by five
percent (5%) effective May 2, 2024.
i. The rates for Sequel Payments for Programs Made Principally for the
Videodisc/Videocassette Market (Article 16.A.5.c., 2nd para.) shall remain the
same as those in effect on May 1, 2023.
j. Publication Fee (Article 16.A.10.). The Article 16.A.10. publication fee shall
remain the same as that in effect on May 1, 2023.
k. Upset Price (Article 16.B.5.). The upset price figures in Article 16.B.5. shall be
increased by two percent (2%) effective May 2, 2024.
l. Article 25. The rate in Article 25 shall increase in the same manner as in the 2020
MBA.
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3. Diversion to Pension Plan or Health Fund(WGA Proposal No. 20)
Add the following footnote (or references thereto) to the contribution rates set forth in
Article 17.B.1. and Article 17.C.1. to provide that the Guild has the right, as of May 2,
2024, to divert up to one-half of one percent (0.5%) from certain salary minimums and
a further right, as of May 2, 2025, to divert up to an additional one-half of one percent
(0.5%) from certain salary minimums to increase the contribution rates to the Pension
Plan or Health Fund. Any pension contribution rate increases as a result of such
diversion(s) shall be decoupled from benefits. (Make conforming changes, including
adding footnotes to the applicable salary rate minimums that reference that they are
subject to the diversion in the second and third years of the Agreement.)
“During the 2023 negotiations, the parties agreed that the Guild shall have the authority, in
its sole discretion, to elect to increase either the pension contribution rate in Article 17.B.1.
or the health contribution rate in Article 17.C.1. by up to one-half percent (0.5%) in each
of the second and third years of the 2023 Basic Agreement (i.e., effective May 2, 2024 and
May 2, 2025, respectively) as provided herein. Should the Guild elect to increase the
pension or health contribution rates for the second year and/or third year, the increases in
minimum salary rates (other than the minimum salary rates for Derivative New Media
Productions in Paragraph 2.a. of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media) shall be reduced by one-half percent (0.5%) for the period May 2,
2024 through May 1, 2025 and/or the period May 2, 2025 through May 1, 2026,
respectively. If the Guild elects to divert increases as provided herein, it shall provide the
AMPTP, the Networks and the Company with advance notice of its election at least six (6)
months prior to the first day in the period in which the increases to the pension and/or
health contributions rates are to take effect. To the extent the WGA elects to allocate any
increases to the pension contribution rate, the increase shall be decoupled from benefits.”
4. Increase Health Fund Contribution Rate by 0.5% Effective May 2, 2024 (WGA
Proposal No. 37)
Modify Article 17.C.1. as follows (contract language is in quotes, new text is underlined and
deletions are lined through):
“C. HEALTH FUND
“The health fund, established and known as the "Writers Guild-Industry Health
Fund," is funded and administered as follows:
“1. Company agrees to contribute to the Health Fund amounts equal in the
aggregate to eleven and one-half percent (11.5%) (twelve percent (12%)
effective May 2, 2024)
1
of all “gross compensation” earned and paid or due
to writers for all services covered by and subject to this Agreement
1
[See Item 3 above.]
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performed on or after the effective date hereof, in an employment capacity
(to which employment the provisions of this Basic Agreement apply).
“In connection with the purchase of literary material from a professional
writer, if the Company also employs the writer under this Basic Agreement
for at least one rewrite or polish (as required in Articles 16.A.3.c. and
16.B.3.h., or otherwise), the Company shall contribute to the Health Fund
for such rewrite or polish an amount equal to eleven and one-half percent
(11.5%) (twelve percent (12%) effective May 2, 2024)
2
of the sum of the
purchase price, up to the [Internal Revenue Code] Section 401(a)(17) limit,
plus the amount paid for such rewrite or polish, but in no event shall the
Company be required to make such contributions on sums in excess of the
ceiling set forth in Article 17.B.1.e. or this Article 17.C.1.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
5. Pension Plan and Health Fund Contribution Caps Apply to Individual Writers on
Teams (WGA Proposal No. 19)
Modify Articles 17.B.1. and 17.C.1. to apply Pension Plan and Health Fund contribution caps
for scripts and weeklies for writers on teams, as follows (contract language is in quotes, new text
is underlined and deletions are lined through):
“B. PENSION PLAN
“The Pension Plan, established and known as the “Producer-Writers Guild of
America Pension Plan,” is funded and administered as follows:
* * *
“Notwithstanding other provisions of this Basic Agreement in which
writing teams are treated as a “single writer” for the purposes of Article 17,
each individual in a writing team shall receive contributions up to 100% of
the ceiling as if he or she is a 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. or Article 14.K. shall receive contributions on no less than
the full weekly minimum but in no event more than the ceilings set forth in
subparagraph e. below.
“The term “gross compensation,” as used herein, shall include amounts paid
to an employee as compensation with respect to such services as a writer ...
but shall not include:
2
[See Item 3 above.]
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“a. Compensation in excess of $225,000 for each writer, regardless of
whether that writer is part of a writing team or $450,000 in the case
of a team of three (3) writers, in connection with any single
theatrical motion picture; it being understood that any percentage
shall be paid only on the first $225,000 for each writer, regardless of
whether that writer is part of a writing team, of a writer's gross
compensation, or the first $450,000 in the case of a team of three (3)
writers, in connection with any such motion picture.
12
* * *
“e. In connection with any television motion picture, gross
compensation in excess of the greater of the following: (1) the
aggregate of two and one-half (2½) times the applicable minimum
initial compensation for each writer, regardless of whether that
writer is part of a team (at one hundred fifty percent (150%) or two
hundred percent (200%), whichever is applicable for a team of three
(3) writers) under this Basic Agreement; or (2) the initial
compensation agreed upon in the individual employment contract;
provided, however, in no event will compensation in excess of one
hundred seventy thousand dollars ($170,000) for each writer,
regardless of whether that writer is part of a team, or in excess of
three hundred forty thousand dollars ($340,000) in the case of a
team of three (3) writers, be included in gross compensation with
respect to pilots thirty (30) minutes or less in length; and, provided
further, in no event will compensation in excess of two hundred
twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000) for each writer, regardless
of whether that writer is part of a team, or in excess of four hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($450,000) in the case of a team of (3) writers,
be included in gross compensation with respect to a pilot more than
thirty (30) minutes in length or with respect to non-episodic,
non-serial television motion pictures or multi-part, closed-end
series, which motion pictures or series are 120 minutes or more in
length; and, provided further, in no event will compensation in
excess of three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) per
Company per calendar year for each writer, regardless of whether
that writer is part of a team, or in excess of seven hundred thousand
dollars ($700,000) per Company per calendar year in the case of a
team of three (3) writers, be included in gross compensation with
respect to serials covered under Article 13.B.5 of Appendix A.
13
12
For Health Fund ceilings, See Article 17.C.1.
13
For Health Fund ceilings, see Article 17.C.1.
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* * *
“C. HEALTH FUND
* * *
“Such amounts shall be contributed as and when the compensation is paid
to the writer. The term “gross compensation” is used in Article 17.C. as
defined in Article 17.B. and is subject to the same ceilings and exceptions
provided for in said Article 17.B., except that for purposes of Health Fund
contribution ceilings, “gross compensation” shall not include compensation
in excess of $250,000 for each writer, regardless of whether that writer is
part of a team, or $500,000 in the case of a team of three (3) writers, in
connection with any single theatrical motion picture or non-episodic, non-
serial television motion pictures or multi-part closed-end series, which
motion pictures or series are 120 minutes or more in length; it being
understood that any percentage for Health Fund contributions shall be paid
only on the first $250,000 for each writer, regardless of whether that writer
is part of a team, of a writer’s gross compensation, or the first $500,000 in
the case of a team of three (3) writers, in connection with any such motion
picture.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
6. Guaranteed Second Step for Theatrical Screenplays for Writers Paid 200% or Less
of Minimum (WGA Proposal No. 3)
Add a new Article 13.A.1.c. to provide for a guaranteed second step for theatrical
screenplays, as follows (contract language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions
are lined through):
“c. When a Company employs a writer to write the first draft of a screenplay
(including or excluding treatment), or purchases a screenplay from a professional
writer (other than a screenplay subject to Article 16.A.3.c.) at two hundred percent
(200%) or less of the applicable minimum compensation for the screenplay as
provided in Article 13.A.1.a.(1) or (2) (including the amount set forth in Article
13.A.1.a.(9), if applicable), the Company shall be required to employ the writer to
write a rewrite at no less than the applicable minimum compensation as provided in
Article 13.A.1.a.(3). If the writer is unable to perform the rewrite for the Company,
no compensation for the rewrite is owed to the writer and the Company may
engage another writer if it chooses.”
Make conforming changes as needed, including to Article 13.A.12.
7. Payments for Screenwriters Employed on Flat Deals at Compensation Not Exceeding
200% of Applicable Minimum Compensation (WGA Proposal No. 6)
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Modify the last paragraph of Article 13.A.3. to provide for installment payments of
compensation due for a theatrical motion picture, as follows (contract language is in
quotes; new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
ARTICLE 13 - COMPENSATION
A. THEATRICAL
* * *
“3. Initial Payment
“The Company shall use its best efforts to issue to the writer (or his/her
designated representative), for the writer's signature, a written document
memorializing the agreement reached between the Company and the writer
within ten (10) business days after agreement is reached on the major deal
points of a writing assignment (e.g., agreement on initial compensation,
including bonus, if any, and number of drafts) for a theatrical motion
picture (twelve (12) business days in the case of either a term writing
agreement or an agreement for both writing and non-writing services), but
in no event later than the earlier of: (a) fifteen (15) business days after
agreement is reached on the major deal points of the writing assignment, or
(b) the time period required by Article 19. Disputes as to whether
Company has submitted such document in a timely manner may be
submitted to the “Hot Line” dispute resolution procedure in Article 48.
“Company shall attach a cover sheet to the document memorializing the
agreement reached between the Company and the writer which sets forth in
summary form all conditions precedent which must be satisfied before
writing services can commence. The terms of such cover sheet shall not
alter or vary the terms of the agreement reached between the Company and
the writer, and, in any event, the terms of the writer’s agreement shall
prevail.
“With respect to a writer employed on a flat deal basis under this Article
13.A. at compensation of twice the applicable minimum compensation or
less: any employment under this Article 13.A. on a flat deal basis, the
Company will pay to the writer, not later than the next regular payday in the
week following the day the Company instructs the writer to commence
his/her services, a single advance amount (to be applied against the first
compensation which otherwise would be due to the writer) at least fifty
percent (50%) equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10%) of the writer's
agreed compensation which otherwise would be due to the writer upon
delivery of the first required material, or (b) one week's compensation at the
weekly rate for term employment for 14 out of 14 weeks. If a writer has not
yet delivered the required material within nine (9) weeks after the day the
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Company instructs the writer to commence services, and upon submission
of an invoice by the writer, the Company will pay an additional advance
amount (to be applied against the compensation which otherwise would be
due the writer) of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the writer’s agreed
compensation which would otherwise be due to the writer upon delivery of
the required material.”
Make conforming changes as needed, including but not limited to Article 13.A.12.
8. Script Fees for Staff Writers (WGA Proposal No. 7-C)
Modify Article 13.B.7.s.(2)(e) and (h) to provide that staff writers employed on a term
basis shall be separately compensated for all formats, stories and teleplays written during
the term, as follows (contract language is in quotes; deletions are lined through):
“ARTICLE 13 - COMPENSATION
* * *
“B. TELEVISION
* * *
“7. Schedule of Minimum Compensation
* * *
“s. Week-to-Week and Term Employment
* * *
“(2) The Company may employ writers on a term contract basis
as follows:
* * *
“(e) All formats, stories and teleplays written by a writer
employed on a term basis shall be separately
compensated, without any offset, credit or allocation of
any kind against or by any other compensation of any
kind due to said writer. Compensation to such writer
for a format, story and/or teleplay shall include
compensation for any polish(es) or rewrite(s) of that
format, story and/or teleplay written during the writer’s
term of employment.
“With respect to any other literary material written
during the writer’s term of employment, in no event
shall the writer In no event shall a writer employed on a
term basis receive less than the total applicable
minimum compensation, as set forth in this Basic
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Agreement, to which he/she would have been entitled
had he/she been employed on a freelance basis. At the
end of each guaranteed period of employment on a term
basis, Company shall compute the aggregate minimum
compensation to which the writer would have been
entitled under this Basic Agreement had he/she been
employed on a freelance basis to write the literary
material written by the writer during such period, and
shall deduct therefrom the total weekly compensation
accruing to the writer during such period, and will
promptly pay to the writer the excess, if any.
“Any dispute as to the amount of compensation payable
under this subparagraph (e) may be submitted to
arbitration, as herein provided. All the provisions of
this Basic Agreement, to the extent the same are
applicable, shall apply to such term employment,
including but not limited to the provisions relating to
additional compensation for reruns and theatrical
release, and the separation of rights provisions.
* * *
“(h) Such writer under a week-to-week employment may
write any literary material covered hereunder; provided,
however, if such literary material amounts to a rewrite
(excluding rewrite(s) of a format, story and/or teleplay
written by the writer) or more, such writer shall be paid
not less than the minimum freelance compensation for
such literary material, computed as of the end of his/her
employment or as of the end of each six (6) month
period, whichever occurs sooner, in addition to the
writer’s weekly compensation. The compensation of a
week-to-week writer shall be the compensation per
week as set forth in subparagraph (d) above.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
9. Compensation Tier for Writers Also Employed in Additional Capacities (Other
than Story Editors or Executive Story Editors) (WGA Proposal No. Proposal
7A)
Modify Article 14.K.1. to provide for a new, higher compensation tier for writers
also employed in additional capacities (other than story editors or executive story
editors), as follows (contract language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions
are lined through):
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ARTICLE 14 - WRITERS ALSO EMPLOYED IN ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES
(TELEVISION)
* * *
“K. MINIMUM COMPENSATION
1. The minimum compensation for week-to-week and term employment for
writers also employed in additional capacities shall be the following:
“a. For writing services by a writer also employed in additional
capacities (other than a story editor or executive story editor)
performed in connection with new seasons of a series or serial or
for a multi-part, closed-end series, starting on or after [the first
Sunday that is 60 days following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice
of ratification] (other than dramatic children’s programming):
Rate per week
[Effective [the
first Sunday
that is 60 days
following the
AMPTP’s
receipt of
notice of
ratification]] -
5/01/24
5/02/24 -
5/01/25
5/02/25 -
5/01/26
(1) Week-to-week & term
employment up to and including 9 weeks $11,371
[subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject
to Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
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(2) Term employment 10 weeks
through 19 weeks 9,476
[subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject
to Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
(3) Term employment 20 weeks
weeks or over
8,524 [subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject
to Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
“b. For employment as a story editor/executive story editor, for
all employment on dramatic children’s programming and for
writing services by a writer also employed in additional
capacities performed in connection with seasons of a series or
serial or for a multi-part, closed-end series starting prior to
[the first Sunday that is 60 days following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification]:
Rate per week
[Year 1]
[Effective the
first Sunday
following the
AMPTP’s
receipt of
notice of
ratification]
- 5/01/24
5/02/24 -
5/01/25
5/02/25 -
5/01/26
(1) Week-to-week & term
employment up to and including 9
weeks
$10,382 [subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
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(2) Term employment 10 weeks
through 19 weeks
8,652 [subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
(3) Term employment 20 weeks or
more
7,783 [subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion
in Item 3]
“The Company may employ a writer on a guaranteed episode basis. When
such writer's initial guarantee is at least five (5) episodes, the minimums
provided in Article 14.K.1.a.(2) or (3), or Article 14.K.1.b.(2) or (3), as
applicable, shall apply to such initial guarantee based on the number of weeks
such writer actually works.”
Make conforming changes as needed, including the following revision to the second sentence
of Article 14.A.: “For the purposes of this Article 14, a person employed as a writer (as
defined in Article 1.C.1.a. of this Basic Agreement) and also as an executive producer,
producer, associate producer or story editor/executive story editor (as such terms are
customarily used and understood in the television industry) is referred to as a ‘writer also
employed in additional capacities,’ or ‘such person’ or ‘such writer.’”
10. Development Rooms (WGA Proposal Nos. 8-A, 8-B, 9)
Add new Articles 13.B.7.t. and 14.L. to provide for premiums and minimum terms for
development rooms, as follows (contract language is in quotes; new text is
underlined; deletions are lined through):
ARTICLE 13 - COMPENSATION
* * *
B. TELEVISION
* * *
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“7. Schedule of Minimum Compensation
* * *
“s. Week-to-Week and Term Employment
* * *
“t. The terms and conditions of this Article 13.B.7.t. apply only to a
writer engaged under Article 13.B.7.s. on a week-to-week or
term basis with a guarantee of fewer than twenty (20) weeks
under a contract with the Company entered into on or after [the
1
st
of the month immediately following the date the AMPTP
receives notice of ratification] for employment in a development
room. A ‘development room’ is a room consisting of at least
three (3) writers (a team is deemed to be one (1) writer) which is
convened before the Company has made or obtained a firm
commitment for the production, exhibition or distribution on
television or a subscription consumer pay new media platform of
a season of a series or serial or for a multi-part, closed-end series.
“(1) The minimum guarantee of employment in the
development room shall be ten (10) consecutive weeks.
If a Company guarantees a writer more than ten (10)
weeks of employment, only the first ten (10) weeks
need be consecutive.
“(2) Compensation for week-to-week employment or term
employment up to and including nineteen (19) weeks in
a development room shall be as follows:
Rate per week
[Effective the 1
st
of the month
immediately
following the date
the AMPTP
receives notice of
ratification] -
5/01/24
5/02/24 - 5/01/25 5/02/25 - 5/01/26
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(1) Week-to-
week & term
employment up
to and including
19 weeks
$6,959
[subject to Year 2
general wage
increase and
diversion in Item 3]
[subject to Year 3
general wage
increase and
diversion in Item 3]
* * *
“ARTICLE 14 - WRITERS ALSO EMPLOYED IN ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES
(TELEVISION)
* * *
“L. DEVELOPMENT ROOM
1. A ‘development room’ is a room consisting of at least three (3) writers (a
team is deemed to be one (1) writer) which is convened before the
Company has made or obtained a firm commitment for the production,
exhibition or distribution on television or a subscription consumer pay
new media platform of a season of a series or serial or for a multi-part,
closed-end series.
“2. In addition to the head writer or writer designated by the Company to
make hiring decisions or recommendations (hereinafter referred to as the
‘Showrunner’), the Company shall engage at least two (2) writers also
employed in additional capacities under Article 14.K. (other than story
editors/executive story editors) in a development room.
“The Showrunner shall be responsible for the selection of such writers;
however, the Showrunner’s selection shall be subject to the Company’s
approval.
“In the event a writer engaged under the minimum staffing
requirements of this Paragraph 14.L.2. voluntarily resigns prior to
completion of the writer’s guarantee, the Company must replace the
resigning writer unless two (2) or fewer weeks remain on the resigning
writer’s guarantee. The Company shall endeavor to replace the
resigning writer within (2) weeks. The replacement writer shall be
guaranteed the number of weeks remaining on the resigning writer’s
guarantee, less the number of weeks intervening between the
resigning writer’s last day of employment and the replacement
writer’s first day of employment, but not to exceed two (2) weeks.
“The foregoing applies only to a season of a series or serial for which the
literary material for the first episode of the season is written on or after
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[insert date that is the first day of the month occurring at least thirty
(30) days following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification].
“This Paragraph L.2. does not apply to a development room in
which all writers are guaranteed at least twenty (20) weeks of
employment. Instead, the provisions of Article 14.M. for a
series, serial or multi-part, closed-end series shall apply based
on an order of six (6) or fewer episodes for the season or six (6)
or fewer parts, except that a development room for the second
or subsequent season of a series or serial shall apply the
provisions of Article 14.M. based on the anticipated number of
episodes ordered for the season.
“3. The following terms and conditions apply only to writers also employed
in additional capacities under Article 14 on a week-to-week or term basis
with a guarantee of fewer than twenty (20) weeks under a contract with
the Company entered into on or after [the 1
st
of the month immediately
following the date the AMPTP receives notice of ratification] for
employment in a development room:
“a. The minimum guarantee of employment in the development
room shall be ten (10) consecutive weeks. If a Company
guarantees a writer more than ten (10) weeks of employment,
only the first ten (10) weeks need be consecutive.
“b. Compensation for week-to-week employment or term
employment up to and including nineteen (19) weeks in a
development room shall be as follows:
Rate per week
[Effective 1
st
of the month
immediately
following the
date the
AMPTP
receives notice
of ratification]
- 5/01/24
5/02/24 -
5/01/25
5/02/25 -
5/01/26
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Story Editor/Executive Story Editor
$12,978
[subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
Article 14 Writer Other Than Story
Editor/Executive Story Editor $14,214
[subject to
Year 2
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3
general
wage
increase
and
diversion in
Item 3]
“Compensation paid to a writer employed under subparagraph 3.b. above
may not be credited against any compensation due in the event that the writer
is subsequently employed to work on the series or serial or a multi-part,
closed-end series. The preceding sentence shall not apply to a writer
employed on an overall term deal under Article 14.E.2.
“This subparagraph 3. does not apply to a ‘series’ described in Article 14.J.
(i.e., a one-time program, including but not limited to a movie-of-the-week,
or development deals for specific television programs).”
Make conforming changes as needed.
11. Minimum Staffing Requirements for Writers After a Season Order or Series
Order (WGA Proposal No. 9-B, 9-D)
Add new Articles 14.M. and Article 13.B.7.s.(4) to provide for a minimum number of
writers after a season or series order, as follows (contract language is in quotes;
new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“ARTICLE 13 - COMPENSATION
* * *
B. TELEVISION
* * *
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“7. Schedule of Minimum Compensation
* * *
“s. Week-to-Week and Term Employment
* * *
“(4) See Article 14.M. for guarantees applicable to a writer
selected by a Showrunner and engaged by the Company
to fulfill staffing requirements on a series, serial or
multi-part, closed-end series.”
* * *
“ARTICLE 14 - WRITERS ALSO EMPLOYED IN ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES
(TELEVISION)
* * *
“M. STAFFING
“For a series, serial or multi-part, closed-end series for which the order is six
(6) or fewer episodes for the season or six (6) or fewer parts, as applicable,
Company shall engage a Showrunner (as defined in Article 14.L. above) and
at least two (2) writers also employed in additional capacities under Article
14.K. (other than story editors/executive story editors) in the writers’ room.
If the order is for more than six (6) episodes for the season or parts, as
applicable, but fewer than thirteen (13), the Company shall also engage two
additional writers of any level (i.e., any writers also employed in additional
capacities under Article 14.K. or writers employed under Article 13.B.7.s.),
for a total of five (5) writers, including the Showrunner.
If the order is for thirteen (13) or more episodes for the season or parts, as
applicable, the Company shall also engage three (3) additional writers of any
level, for a total of six (6) writers, including the Showrunner.
“Each of those writers shall be engaged for a period of at least twenty (20)
weeks, but not to exceed the duration of the writers’ room. If the writers’
room is convened following the close of a development room for the same
project, then at least two (2) writers also employed in additional capacities
under Article 14.K. (other than story editors/executive story editors) must be
writers who were employed in the development room, if available, and the
twenty (20) week period of employment referenced in the preceding sentence
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may include weeks in which the writer was employed in the development room.
“The Showrunner shall be responsible for the selection of such writers;
however, the Showrunner’s selection shall be subject to the Company’s
approval.
“No payment is owed for any week in which the writer does not perform any
services for the Company between the close of the development room and the
commencement of such writer’s services in the writers’ room, or during a
hiatus or when the writer is voluntarily absent for personal or professional
reasons.
“In no event shall the span provisions of Article 14.K.2. include any period
before the commencement of such writer’s services in the writers’ room.
“In the event a writer engaged under the minimum staffing requirements of
this Paragraph M. voluntarily resigns prior to completion of the writer’s
guarantee, the Company must replace the resigning writer unless two (2) or
fewer weeks remain on the resigning writer’s guarantee. The Company shall
endeavor to replace the resigning writer within (2) weeks. The replacement
writer shall be guaranteed the number of weeks remaining on the resigning
writer’s guarantee, less the number of weeks intervening between the
resigning writer’s last day of employment and the replacement writer’s first
day of employment, but not to exceed two (2) weeks.
“This Paragraph M. is effective for any season of a series or serial for which
the literary material for the first episode of the season is written on or after
[insert date that is the first day of the month thirty (30) days following the
AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification].
“This Paragraph M. does not apply when a single writer or team of writers is
employed to write all episodes.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
12. Minimum Number of Writers to Be Employed Through Production on High
Budget SVOD Programs and Dramatic Programs of a Type Generally
Produced for Prime Time Network Television which are Produced Principally
for Pay Television (WGA Proposal No. 9-D)
Add a new Paragraph 4.d.(5) to the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media, and a new subparagraph D.1.c. to Appendix B, to
provide for a minimum number of writers employed through production, as follows
(contract language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA
* * *
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“4. Terms and Conditions for “High Budget” Derivative and Original Dramatic
New Media Productions Made for Initial Exhibition on a Subscription
Consumer Pay Platform
* * *
“d. Other Terms and Conditions for High Budget SVOD Programs
“Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions applicable to
High Budget SVOD Programs in Tier 1 intended for initial exhibition on a
subscription consumer pay new media platform with 20 million or more
subscribers in the United States and Canada shall be those applicable to
programs made for network prime time, and the terms and conditions
applicable to all other High Budget SVOD Programs shall be those applicable
to programs made for basic cable, subject to the following clarifications and
modifications:
* * *
“(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of the MBA:
“Following the closure of the writers’ room for a single-camera High
Budget SVOD series or serial (including multi-part, closed-end series,
but excluding ‘series’ described in Article 14.J. of the MBA (i.e., a one-
time program, including but not limited to a movie-of-the-week, or
development deals for specific television programs)) prior to the
commencement of production, the Company shall engage a Showrunner
(as defined in Article 14.L.) and at least two (2) writers who were
employed pursuant to Article 14 (other than story editors/executive story
editors) in the writers’ room of that series or serial to render services on
production when production of the series or serial will occur exclusively
within the United States and/or Canada, as follows:
“(a) The Showrunner shall select two (2) such writers, each of whom
shall be employed for a period of at least twenty (20) consecutive
weeks during production of the series or serial, but not to exceed
the production period. Production includes the period prior to
wrap of principal photography and may include pre-production.
The Showrunner’s selection shall be subject to the Company’s
approval, and the Showrunner shall have discretion as to the
dates during which each writer shall be assigned. (The Company
may, but shall not be required to, employ one or more of the
writers for more than twenty (20) weeks.) To the extent
practicable, the Company shall accommodate the writer’s
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professional availability in scheduling the writer’s production
assignment.
14
“(b) Each writer so selected shall be paid at no less than the minimum
weekly rate in Article 14.K.1.a.(3) or Article 14.K.1.b.(3), as
applicable, for term employment twenty (20) weeks or over. No
payment is owed for any week in which the writer does not
perform any services for the Company, including during any
break between the close of the writers’ room and the
commencement of services on production, during a hiatus or
when the writer is voluntarily absent for personal or professional
reasons.
“In the event a writer engaged under the minimum staffing
requirements of this subparagraph 4.d.(5) voluntarily resigns
prior to completion of the writer’s guarantee, the Company must
replace the resigning writer unless two (2) or fewer weeks remain
on the resigning writer’s guarantee. The Company shall
endeavor to replace the resigning writer within (2) weeks. The
replacement writer shall be guaranteed the number of weeks
remaining on the resigning writer’s guarantee, less the number of
weeks intervening between the resigning writer’s last day of
employment and the replacement writer’s first day of
employment, but not to exceed two (2) weeks.
“(c) The provisions of Article 14.K.2. (the span provision) and Article
14.I. (hiatus periods) shall not apply to employment under this
subparagraph 4.d.(5).
14
At the Showrunner's option, in order to afford greater participation of multiple writers in
production or to allow writers of particular episodes to participate in the production of that
episode, the minimum staffing requirement during the production period may be satisfied for
each writer position required as part of minimum staffing 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, per minimum position.
Example 1: To satisfy the minimum staffing requirement for the two required writer
positions during production, and assuming a 30-week production period, the Company
may employ Writer X for 10 weeks, Writer Y for 5 weeks, and Writer Z for 5 weeks, and
Writer A for 10 weeks and Writer B for 10 weeks.
Example 2: To satisfy the minimum staffing requirement for the two required writer
positions during production, and assuming a 16-week production period, the Company
may employ Writer X for 10 Weeks, Writer Y for 6 weeks, and Writer A for 16 weeks.
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“(d) The foregoing shall not apply to any High Budget SVOD series
or serial for which a single writer or team of writers is engaged to
write all episodes for the season.
“(e) This subparagraph 4.d.(5) is effective for any season of a High
Budget SVOD series or serial for which the literary material for
the first episode of the season is written on or after [insert date
that is the first of the month occurring at least thirty (30) days
following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification].”
* * *
“APPENDIX B
“PRODUCTION FOR THE PAY TELEVISION AND THE
VIDEODISC/VIDEOCASSETTE MARKETS
* * *
“D. Compensation for Comedy-Variety Programs and Compensation and Staffing
for Dramatic Programs of a Type Generally Produced for Prime Time Network
Television which are Produced Principally for Pay Television and Comedy-
Variety Programs
“4. Staffing on Production for Dramatic Programs of a Type Generally
Produced for Prime Time Network Television which are Produced
Principally for Pay Television
“Notwithstanding any other provision of the MBA:
“Following the closure of the writers’ room for a single-camera series or
serial produced principally for pay television (including multi-part, closed-
end series, but excluding ‘series’ described in Article 14.J. of the MBA (i.e.,
a one-time program, including but not limited to a movie-of-the-week, or
development deals for specific television programs) prior to the
commencement of production, Company shall engage a Showrunner (as
defined in Article 14.L.) and at least two (2) writers who were employed
under Article 14.K. (other than story editors/executive story editors) in the
writers’ room of that series or serial to render services on production when
production of the series or serial will occur exclusively within the United
States and/or Canada, as follows:
“a. The Showrunner shall select two (2) such writers, each of whom shall be
employed for a period of at least twenty (20) consecutive weeks during
production of the series or serial, but not to exceed the production
period. Production includes the period prior to wrap of principal
photography and may include pre-production. The Showrunner’s
selection shall be subject to the Company’s approval, and the
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Showrunner shall have discretion as to the dates during which each
writer shall be assigned. (The Company may, but shall not be required
to, employ one or more of the writers for more than twenty (20) weeks.
To the extent practicable, the Company shall accommodate the writer’s
professional availability in scheduling the writer’s production
assignment.
15
“b. Each writer so selected shall be paid at the minimum weekly rate in
Article 14.K.1.a.(3) or Article 14.K.1.b.(3), as applicable, for term
employment twenty (20) weeks or over. No payment is owed for any
week in which the writer does not perform any services for the
Company, including during any break between the close of the writers’
room and the commencement of services on production, during a hiatus
or when the writer is voluntarily absent for personal or professional
reasons.
“c. In the event a writer engaged under the minimum staffing requirements
of this subparagraph D.4. voluntarily resigns prior to completion of the
writer’s guarantee, the Company must replace the resigning writer unless
two (2) or fewer weeks remain on the resigning writer’s guarantee. The
Company shall endeavor to replace the resigning writer within (2)
weeks. The replacement writer shall be guaranteed the number of weeks
remaining on the resigning writer’s guarantee, less the number of weeks
intervening between the resigning writer’s last day of employment and
the replacement writer’s first day of employment, but not to exceed two
(2) weeks.
“d. The provisions of Article 14.K.2 (the span provision) and Article 14.I.
(hiatus periods) shall not apply to employment under this Paragraph D.4.
15
At the Showrunner's option, in order to afford greater participation of multiple writers in
production or to allow writers of particular episodes to participate in the production of that
episode, the minimum staffing requirement during the production period may be satisfied for
each writer position required as part of minimum staffing 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, per minimum position.
Example 1: To satisfy the minimum staffing requirement for the two required writer
positions during production, and assuming a 30-week production period, the Company
may employ Writer X for 10 weeks, Writer Y for 5 weeks, and Writer Z for 5 weeks, and
Writer A for 10 weeks and Writer B for 10 weeks.
Example 2: To satisfy the minimum staffing requirement for the two required writer
positions during production, and assuming a 16-week production period, the Company
may employ Writer X for 10 Weeks, Writer Y for 6 weeks, and Writer A for 16 weeks.
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“e. The foregoing shall not apply to any series or serial for which a single
writer or team of writers is engaged to write all episodes for the season.
“f. This subparagraph D.4. is effective for any season of a series or serial for
which the literary material for the first episode of the season is written
on or after [insert date that is the first of the month occurring at least
thirty (30) days following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of
ratification].”
Make conforming changes as needed.
13. Span (WGA Proposal No. 10-C)
Modify Article 14.K.2. as follows:
“2. With respect to contracts entered into on or after May 2, 2018, the overall
employment period covered by the episodic guarantee for each writer
employed on a guaranteed episode basis (including an "all episodes
produced" guarantee) under this Article 14.K., other than a writer employed
as a story editor or other contractually equivalent title, on a dramatic episodic
series or serial made for television, or a High Budget SVOD series or serial,
for which the full season order (including the pilot) is fourteen (14) or fewer
episodes (or twelve (12) or fewer episodes for broadcast television), shall not
exceed a number of weeks equal to two and four-tenths (2.4) multiplied by
the number of episodes paid or guaranteed to the writer.
“With respect to contracts entered into on or after [insert date that is the first
of the month occurring at least thirty (30) days following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] for employment on a multi-part closed-end
series, the overall employment period covered by the episodic guarantee for
each writer employed on a guaranteed episode basis (including an "all
episodes produced" guarantee) under this Article 14.K., other than a writer
employed as a story editor or other contractually equivalent title, on a
dramatic multi-part closed-end series made for television, or a High Budget
SVOD multi-part closed-end series, for which the full order is fourteen (14)
or fewer parts (or twelve (12) or fewer parts for broadcast television), shall
not exceed a number of weeks equal to two and four-tenths (2.4) multiplied
by the number of parts paid or guaranteed to the writer.
“The writer shall be paid an additional episodic fee for each additional period
worked of two and four-tenths (2.4) weeks, prorated for any period less than
two and four-tenths (2.4) weeks, in excess of the overall employment period
covered by the episodic guarantee. In no event shall the writer be paid less
than the applicable Article 14.K. minimum for each week worked in the
entire employment period.
“The overall employment period shall not include any weeks during which a
writer's employment is suspended pursuant to Article 26 or any weeks not
worked by the writer during a hiatus.
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“The foregoing shall not apply to: (1) any writer who receives at least
$350,000, excluding script fees, (at least $375,000, excluding script fees,
with respect to contracts for employment on programs made for basic cable
entered into on or after August 2, 2020 and or at least $400,000, excluding
script fees, with respect to contracts for employment on programs other than
programs made for basic cable ($450,000 with respect to contracts for
employment on programs other than programs made for basic cable entered
into on or after August 2, 2020 [insert date that is the first of the month
occurring at least thirty (30) days following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of
ratification]) for the then-current contract year. With respect to contracts
entered into on or after May 2, 2021, Company may not make additional
payments to the writer for the sole purpose of exempting the writer from
eligibility for payments due under this Article 14.K.2.; (2) any writer
employed pursuant to Article 14.E.2.; (3) any writer employed on a "series"
described in Article 14.J. (i.e., a one-time program, including but not limited
to a movie-of-the-week, or development deals for specific television
programs); and (4) any writer employed on a multi-part closed-end series
under a contract entered into prior to [insert date that is the first of the month
occurring at least thirty (30) days following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of
ratification].”
Make conforming changes as needed.
14. Initial Compensation Threshold for Overall Deals (WGA Proposal No. 11)
Revise Article 14.E.2. as follows:
“E. 1. What Minimum Compensation Covers
All writing services rendered by a writer also employed in additional
capacities up to and including rewrites shall be deemed to be
compensation by the minimum compensation provided for such writer
pursuant to Paragraph K. of this Article 14.
2. “All formats, stories and teleplays written by such writers during their
employment as writers also employed in additional capacities shall be
separately compensated, without any offset, credit or allocation of any
kind against or by any other compensation of any kind due said
individual. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any writer
hereunder who is guaranteed compensation of at least one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000) two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000)
for up to fifty-two (52) weeks of employment for both writing and non-
writing services, the Company shall have the right to credit such
compensation freely against the compensation which otherwise would be
due to said writer for the writing of any literary material during such
employment (but not against residuals or the program fees provided for
in Paragraph G. below or for non-writing services). In the event of such
crediting, the applicable minimum compensation for writing services set
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forth in Paragraph K. below shall be credited at no less than one hundred
ten percent (110%) thereof, and the compensation for the writing of
stories and teleplays for non-pilot one-time programs ninety (90)
minutes or longer shall be credited at no less than one hundred fifty
percent (150%) of the applicable minimum therefor (but this provision
shall not be construed to increase the writer’s compensation for any
other purpose under this Basic Agreement, such as, but not limited to
reruns and theatrical uses). In such event, the base amount upon which
the Company shall compute Pension and Health contributions with
respect to such employment shall be two hundred seventy-five thousand
dollars ($275,000) for contracts entered into on or after May 2, 2018,
except that the base amount shall remain at two hundred fifty thousand
dollars ($250,000) for writers employed under this Article 14.E.2. and
guaranteed compensation of two hundred fifty thousand dollars or less.
16
If the period of guaranteed employment is longer than fifty-two (52)
weeks, the applicable base amount for computation of contributions
referred to above shall be increased proportionately. If the period of
guaranteed employment is shorter than fifty-two (52) weeks, the
applicable base amount for computation of contributions shall be
decreased proportionately. As to contracts in effect on March 1, 1985,
the Company may elect to pay pension and health contributions
according to the formula set forth above or according to the formula in
the 1981 MBA.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
15. Salary Threshold for Options & Exclusivity (Article 67) (WGA Proposal No.
13-A)
Modify the $325,000 threshold in Paragraphs A.1. and B. of Article 67 to $350,000
for contracts entered into on or after May 2, 2024 as follows:
“ARTICLE 67 - OPTIONS AND EXCLUSIVITY (TELEVISION)
“A. Except as provided in subparagraph B. below, the following shall apply to an
agreement between a writer and the Company for employment under Article
13.B.7.s. or under Article 14 on an episodic series or serial, which agreement
is entered into on or after May 2, 2020 [first Sunday following AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification]:
“1. Company may freely bargain with respect to options and exclusivity with
any writer (other than a writer of children’s programming) who is
guaranteed or who earns at least $280,500$325,000 (which amount shall
be increased to $325,000$350,000 with respect to any such agreement
16
“See Sideletter to Article 14.E.2. - Pension Plan and Health Fund Contributions for Article
14.E.2.writers on page 598.”
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entered into on or after May 2, 20212024) for the performance of writing
services and/or for the performance of services as a writer also employed
in additional capacities during the then-current contract year (which shall
not exceed twelve (12) months). With respect to a writer of children’s
programming, Company may freely bargain with respect to options and
exclusivity with a writer who is guaranteed or who earns at least
$250,000.
* * *
“B. The following shall apply to an agreement entered into on or after August 2,
2020 between a writer and the Company for initial employment of eight (8)
consecutive weeks or less to perform writing services under Article 13.B.7.s.
and/or to perform services as a writer also employed in additional capacities
under Article 14 on an episodic series or serial in a mini-room:
“Company may not negotiate an option with the writer for future services as a
writer under Article 13.B.7.s. or under Article 14 on the series or serial,
unless the option is for the period of employment immediately following
expiration of the initial period of employment.
“The foregoing shall apply only to a writer who is guaranteed or earns less
than $280,500$325,000 under the agreement on programs other than
children’s programs (less than $325,000$350,000 under an agreement on
programs other than children’s programs entered into on or after May 2,
20212024) or a writer who is guaranteed or who earns less than $250,000
under an agreement on children’s programs.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
16. Premiums for Pilots and Back-up Scripts for High Budget SVOD Programs
(WGA Proposal No. 22)
Revise Paragraph 4.d.(1) of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media to provide that the premiums for pilots and back-up
scripts apply to High Budget SVOD Programs as follows:
“d. Other Terms and Conditions for High Budget SVOD Programs
“Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions applicable to
High Budget SVOD Programs in Tier 1 intended for initial exhibition on a
subscription consumer pay new media platform with 20 million or more
subscribers in the United States and Canada shall be those applicable to
programs made for network prime time, and the terms and conditions
applicable to all other High Budget SVOD Programs shall be those applicable
to programs made for basic cable, subject to the following clarifications and
modifications:
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“(1) Article 13.B.7.r.(3) shall not apply to any High Budget SVOD Program.
Article 13.B.7.r.(1) and (2) shall not apply to any High Budget SVOD
Program, the literary material for which was written prior to [the first
Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification].
“(2) Article 14.G. shall not apply to any High Budget SVOD Program.
“(3) Article 20.B.3.e. shall not apply to any High Budget SVOD Program.
“(4) A High Budget SVOD Program between 20 and 35 minutes in length
shall be treated as a 30-minute program; a High Budget SVOD Program
between 36 and 65 minutes shall be treated as a 60-minute program; a
High Budget SVOD Program between 66 and 95 minutes shall be treated
as a 90-minute program; and a High Budget SVOD Program 96 minutes
or longer shall be treated as a 120-minute program . . . .”
Make conforming changes as needed.
17. Eliminating Grandfathering Provisions of Paragraph 4.a. in Sideletter on
Literary Material Written for New Media (WGA Proposal No. 21; Producers’
Proposal 33)
Modify the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media Paragraph 4.a. to eliminate grandfathering for any season of a High Budget
SVOD series for which the literary material for the first episode of the season is
written on or after the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of
ratification of the new 2023 MBA, as follows (contract language is in quotes; new
text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“4. Terms and Conditions for ‘High Budget’ Derivative and Original Dramatic
New Media Productions Made for Initial Exhibition on a Subscription
Consumer Pay Platform
“a. Grandfathering
“(1) The terms and conditions set forth in this Paragraph 4 shall not apply to
any season of a High Budget SVOD series that continues in production
on or after May 2, 2020 [the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt
of notice of ratification] and was grandfathered, and remains
grandfathered, pursuant to Paragraph 4.a. of the 2017 Sideletter on
Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media (i.e., it is
subject to the 2014 or 2011 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media, as applicable) and the literary material
of the first episode of that season is written prior to [the first Sunday
following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification]. Any season of
such series shall continue to be grandfathered if it continues to meet the
applicable test in Paragraph 4.a. of the 2017 or 2014 Sideletter and shall
not be subject to the 20202023 Sideletter on Literary Material Written
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for Programs Made for New Media, except that for episodes of such
series written on or after May 2, 2020 [the first Sunday following the
AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification] and subject to a bona fide
license agreement entered into between May 2, 2014 and May 1, 2017
(i.e., grandfathered under Paragraph 4.a. of the 2017 Sideletter and
subject to the 2014 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media):
“(a) the minimum initial compensation rates shall be as set forth in
the Attachment to this Sideletter at page *** [increase the rates
on page 682 of the 2020 WGA MBA by the negotiated general
wage increase];
“(b) the pension and health contribution rates set forth in Article 17 of
the 20202023 MBA shall apply; and
“(c) the Paid Parental Leave Fund contribution rate set forth in Article
71 of the 20202023 MBA shall apply.
“(2) In addition, this Paragraph 4 shall not apply to any program or season of
a series budgeted at less than $1,300,000 for a 20-35 minute program or
less than $2,500,000 for a 36-65 minute program as of August 2, 2020
that would otherwise qualify as a ‘High Budget SVOD Program’ under
the 2020 2023 MBA for which the literary material of the first episode is
written prior to [the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt of
notice of ratification]. Instead, such season program or series shall be
subject to Paragraph 2. if a ‘Derivative New Media Production’ (other
than a ‘High Budget SVOD Program’) or Paragraph 3. if an ‘Original
New Media Production’ (other than a ‘High Budget SVOD Program’) of
the 2020 2023 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media, if:
“(a) the literary material for the program, or for the first episode in the
case of a the series, is written prior to August 2, 2020; or
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“(b) the literary material for the program, or for the first episode in the
case of a the series, is written on or after August 2, 2020 pursuant
to a license agreement entered into prior to that date.
4, 5
“(3) Except as provided otherwise in subparagraphs (1) and (2) above:
“Subject to the next paragraph, any High Budget SVOD Program, the
literary material for which is written on or after May 2, 2020, pursuant to
a license agreement entered into prior to August 2, 2020,
6,
7
shall be
4
If the licensee orders additional programs or episodes of the series, the literary material
for which is written on or after August 2, 2020 [the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt
of notice of ratification], pursuant to a license agreement entered into prior to that date August 2,
2020, and the Company has the right to negotiate with respect to the material terms and
conditions of the license for the additional programs or episodes, then the program or episodes of
the series shall be subject to the terms of 20202023 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media.
5
The Company shall notify the Guild of any such license agreement that it enters into prior
to August 2, 2020. The notice shall include the name of the licensee, the term of the license
agreement, the license fee, the number of programs or the number of minutes of programming to
be produced under the license agreement, the anticipated start date of principal photography, the
anticipated date of delivery of the program or series, and whether the licensee has an option to
order additional programs or series under the license agreement and, if so, whether the material
terms and conditions applicable to such additional programs or series are fixed in the license
agreement or are subject to negotiation. At the Guild’s request, the Company must make an
unredacted license agreement available for inspection at the Company's office in Los Angeles
subject to a confidentiality agreement equivalent to those governing new media license
agreement inspections.
6
If the licensee orders additional High Budget SVOD Programs or episodes of a High Budget
SVOD series, the literary material for which is written on or after May 2, 2020, pursuant to a
license agreement entered into prior to August 2, 2020, and the Company has the right to
negotiate with respect to the material terms and conditions of the license for the additional
programs or episodes, then the High Budget SVOD Program or episodes of the High Budget
SVOD series shall be subject to the terms of the 2020 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media.
7
The Company shall notify the Guild of any such license agreement that it enters into prior to
August 2, 2020. The notice shall include the name of the licensee, the term of the license
agreement, the license fee, the number of programs or the number of minutes of programming to
be produced under the license agreement, the anticipated start date of principal photography, the
anticipated date of delivery of the program or series, and whether the licensee has an option to
order additional programs or series under the license agreement and, if so, whether the material
terms and conditions applicable to such additional programs or series are fixed in the license
agreement or are subject to negotiation. At the Guild's request, the Company must make an
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subject to the 2017 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media instead of the 2020 Sideletter on Literary Material
Written for Programs Made for New Media, except that the minimum
initial compensation rates, the pension and health contribution rates and
the Paid Parental Leave Fund contribution rate shall be as set forth in the
2020 MBA.
“There shall be no grandfathering with respect to any new season of a
High Budget SVOD series covered under this subparagraph 4.a.(3) for
which the principal photography of the first episode of the new season
commences on or after May 2, 2023 July 1, 2021. All episodes of that
season and any subsequent seasons of the series shall be subject to the
terms and conditions (including residuals) applicable at the time the
writer is employed to provide writing services and/or literary material is
acquired from the writer.
“Examples of High Budget SVOD “grandfathering” scenarios are set
forth below.
“Example 1:
“A license for a High Budget SVOD series is first entered into on May 2,
2016.
The literary material for Season 1 is written between May 2, 2016 and
May 1, 2017;
The literary material for Season 2 is written between May
2, 2017 and May 1, 2018;
The literary material for Season 3 is written between May
2, 2018 and May 1, 2019;
The literary material for Season 4 is written between May 2,
2019 and May 1, 2020;
The literary material for Season 5 is written between May 2,
2020 and May 1, 2021; and
The literary material for Season 6 is written between May 2,
2021 and May 1, 2022 and principal photography of the first
episode of Season 6 commences after July 1, 2021.
unredacted license agreement available for inspection at the Company's office in Los Angeles
subject to a confidentiality agreement equivalent to those governing new media license
agreement inspections.
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In this example, the entire series would remain grandfathered and subject
to the terms of the 2014 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media, and not subject to the 2020 Sideletter
on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media, except
that for Seasons 5 and 6, the minimum initial compensation rates and
fringe rates, including the contribution to the Paid Parental Leave Fund,
would be as negotiated in the 2020 negotiations.
Example 2:
A license for a High Budget SVOD series is first entered into on May 2,
2018.
The literary material for Season 1 is written between May 2,
2018 and May 1, 2019;
The literary material for Season 2 is written between May 2,
2019 and May 1, 2020;
The literary material for Season 3 is written between May 2,
2020 and May 1, 2021; and
The literary material for Season 4 is written between May 2,
2021 and May 1, 2022 and principal photography of the first
episode of Season 4 commences after July 1, 2021.
Seasons 1 and 2 were written under the terms of the 2017 Sideletter on
Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media, and those
terms would remain applicable.
Season 3 would be grandfathered, and would be subject to the 2017
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media, except that the minimum initial compensation rates and fringe
rates, including the contribution to the Paid Parental Leave Fund, would
be as negotiated in the 2020 negotiations.
Season 4 would not be grandfathered, and would be subject to the 2020
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media.
Example 3:
A license for a High Budget SVOD series is first entered into on May 2,
2019.
The literary material for Season 1 is written between May 2,
2019 and May 1, 2020;
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The literary material for Season 2 is written between July 2, 2020
and May 1, 2021; and principal photography of the first episode
of Season 2 commences after July 1, 2021.
Season 1 was written under the terms of the 2017 Sideletter on Literary
Material Written for Programs Made for New Media, and those terms
would remain applicable.
Season 2 would be initially treated as grandfathered, subject to the 2017
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media, except that the minimum initial compensation rate and fringe
rates, including the contribution to the Paid Parental Leave Fund, would
be as negotiated in the 2020 negotiations; however, Season 2 would lose
grandfathered status because principal photography of the first episode
of Season 2 occurs after July 1, 2021, making Season 2 subject to the
2020 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media for residuals purposes. (The subscriber tier that applied at the
time the literary material for Season 2 was written remains the applicable
subscriber tier for all purposes.)
Example 4:
A license for a High Budget SVOD series is first entered into on March
1, 2019.
The literary material for the pilot is written in January 2019;
The literary material for Season 1 is written between March 1,
2019 and September 30, 2020; and
The literary material for Season 2 is written between January 1,
2021 and April 30, 2021 and principal photography of the first
episode of Season 2 commences after July 1, 2021;
The pilot was written under the terms of the 2017 Sideletter on Literary
Material Written for Programs Made for New Media, and those terms
would remain applicable.
Season 1 would be grandfathered, and would be subject to the 2017
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media except that the minimum initial compensation rates and fringe
rates, including the contribution to the Paid Parental Leave Fund, as
negotiated in the 2020 negotiations would apply to literary material
written on or after May 2, 2020.
Season 2 would not be grandfathered because principal photography of
the first episode of the season began after July 1, 2021, and would be
subject to the 2020 Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media. (The subscriber tier that applied at the time the
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literary material for Season 2 was written remains the applicable
subscriber tier for all purposes.)
* * *
“b. ‘High Budget’ SVOD Programs Defined
The term and conditions set forth in Paragraph 4 of this Sideletter shall be
applicable only to derivative and original dramatic new media productions
made for initial exhibition on a subscription video-on-demand consumer pay
platform which meet the following ‘high budget’ criteria (hereinafter ‘High
Budget SVOD Program(s)’) and are not ‘grandfathered’ under subparagraph
4.a. above:
[chart omitted]”
Make conforming changes as needed.
19. Terms Applicable to Literary Material Written for High Budget Programs
Made for Free-to-the-Consumer Advertiser-Supported New Media Platforms
(“AVOD” Platforms) (WGA Proposal No. 26)
Add a new Paragraph 6 to the New Media Sideletter to provide that certain terms applicable to
“High Budget” SVOD programs shall also apply to “High Budget” programs made for free-to-
the consumer advertiser-supported new media (“AVOD”) platforms, as follows (contract
language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL
WRITTEN FOR PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA
As of February 13, 2008
Revised as of May 2, 2011
Revised as of May 2, 2014
Revised as of May 2, 2017
Revised as of May 2, 2020
Revised as of September 25, 2023
* * *
“6. Terms and Conditions for ‘High Budget’ New Media Productions Made for Initial
Exhibition on a Free-to-the-Consumer Advertiser-Supported New Media Platform
(“High Budget AVOD Programs”)
“The terms and conditions in this Paragraph 6 apply to programs that satisfy the
definition of a ‘High Budget AVOD Program’ (as set forth in subparagraph a.
below), for which the literary material is assigned on or after [90 days following the
AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification], except that in the case of a series, this
Paragraph 6. shall not apply to any season for which the literary material of the first
episode of the season is assigned prior to [90 days following the AMPTP’s receipt of
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notice of ratification]. Instead, the season shall continue to be subject to the terms
and conditions of Paragraph 2. or 3. of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media to the 2020 WGA MBA, as applicable.
“a. ‘High Budget AVOD Programs’ Defined
“Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions set forth in
Paragraph 6. of this Sideletter shall be applicable to dramatic new media
productions made for initial exhibition on a free-to-the-consumer advertiser-
supported new media platform which meet the following ‘high budget’
criteria (hereinafter ‘High Budget AVOD Programs’):
“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
“*Programs less than 20 minutes are not considered ‘high budget’ for the
purpose of this Sideletter, regardless of their budgets.
“b. Minimum Initial Compensation for Story and Teleplay
“(1) Minimum initial compensation for writers employed on a High Budget
AVOD Program intended for initial exhibition on a free-to-the-consumer
advertiser-supported new media platform shall be as follows:
“Program Length Budget Tier Rate
20-35 Minutes Tier 1: $2,100,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $1,030,000 or more but less
than $2,100,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b. or c.,
as applicable
36-65 Minutes Tier 1: $3,800,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $1,750,000 or more but less
than $3,800,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
66-95 Minutes Tier 1: $4,000,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $3,000,000 or more but less
than $4,000,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
96 Minutes or more Tier 1: $4,500,000 (plus
$2,250,000 for each additional 35
minutes or portion thereof) or more
Article 13.B.7.d.
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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) or more
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
“(2) For purposes of determining applicable minimum compensation under
subparagraph (1) above, a High Budget AVOD Program between 20 and
35 minutes in length shall be treated as a 30-minute program; a High
Budget AVOD Program between 36 and 65 minutes shall be treated as a
60-minute program; a High Budget AVOD Program between 66 and 95
minutes shall be treated as a 90-minute program; and a High Budget
AVOD Program 96 minutes or longer shall be treated as a 120-minute
program.
8
“c. Other Terms and Conditions for High Budget AVOD Programs
“Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions applicable to
High Budget AVOD Programs shall be those applicable to programs made
for basic cable, subject to the following clarifications and modifications:
“(1) Article 13.B.7.r.(3) (‘Spin-off’) shall not apply to any High Budget
AVOD Program.
“(2) Article 13.B.7.t. (‘Development Room’) and Article 14.L.
(‘Development Room’) shall not apply to any High Budget AVOD
Program.
“(3) Article 14.M. (‘Staffing’) shall not apply to any High Budget AVOD
Program.
“(4) A High Budget AVOD Program between 20 and 35 minutes in length
shall be treated as a 30-minute program; a High Budget AVOD Program
between 36 and 65 minutes shall be treated as a 60-minute program; a
High Budget AVOD Program between 66 and 95 minutes shall be
8
For purposes of determining the applicable minimum compensation and other terms and
conditions under Paragraph 6 of this Sideletter, the parties agree that an episode of a High Budget
AVOD program or series may exceed the “program length” which applies to a typical episode of
the series by up to three (3) minutes without becoming subject to the terms and conditions
applicable to the next highest program length. (For example, if a typical episode of a High
Budget AVOD program or series falls in the 20-35 minute category, a given episode of such
program or series which is 38 minutes in length will still be subject to the compensation and
terms and conditions applicable to a program between 20 and 35 minutes in length.)
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treated as a 90-minute program; and a High Budget AVOD Program 96
minutes or longer shall be treated as a 120-minute program.
9
“(5) The terms and conditions set forth in Pargraphs 4.f. (‘Screen Credit’) and
4.g. (‘Separated Rights’) of this Sideletter shall apply to High Budget
AVOD Programs.
“d. Residual Compensation
“(1) What Initial Compensation Covers
“Initial compensation for a High Budget AVOD Program shall constitute
payment for a twenty-six (26) consecutive week period of use on any
free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported new media platform,
commencing with the first day that the High Budget AVOD Program is
available on any free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported new media
platform.
“(2) Use on a 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
equal to two percent (2.0%) of the ‘accountable receipts,’ as defined in
Paragraph 3 of the Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion Pictures
Transmitted Via New Media, attributable to the period beyond the
twenty-six (26) consecutive week use period.
“It is understood that ‘accountable receipts’ does not include advertising
revenues received by the free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported new
media platform unless the license, distribution or other agreement
between the Company and the free-to-the-consumer advertiser-supported
new media platform provides for sharing in such revenues for exhibition
of the High Budget AVOD Program.
9
For purposes of determining the applicable minimum compensation and other terms and
conditions under Paragraph 6 of this Sideletter, the parties agree that an episode of a High Budget
AVOD series may exceed the “program length” which applies to a typical episode of the series
by up to three (3) minutes without becoming subject to the terms and conditions applicable to the
next highest program length. (For example, if a typical episode of a High Budget AVOD series
falls in the 20-35 minute category, a given episode of such series which is 38 minutes in length
will still be subject to the compensation and terms and conditions applicable to a program
between 20 and 35 minutes in length.)
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“(3) Exhibition on a Consumer Pay New Media Platform
“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 equal to 1.2% of the ‘accountable
receipts,’ as defined in Paragraph 3 of the Sideletter on Exhibition of
Motion Pictures Transmitted Via New Media.
“(4) For use of a High Budget AVOD Program in traditional media (e.g., free
television, basic cable, pay television or home video), the Company shall
pay residuals as a supplemental use as set forth in Paragraph 3.b.(4)( c)
of this Sideletter.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
20. Minimum Initial Compensation and Residuals for Feature-Length High Budget
SVOD Programs; High Budget SVOD Residuals for Domestic SVOD Platform
on Which the High Budget SVOD Program Was Initially Exhibited (WGA
Proposal Nos. 24 and 25-C)
Modify Paragraph 4.c. of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs
Made for New Media to provide for higher minimums and a new residual base for
feature-length High Budget SVOD Programs which meet or exceed a certain budget
break; modify subparagraph 4.e.(2)(a) to increase the residual base for High Budget
SVOD Programs; modify subparagraph 4.e.(2) to improve the residuals for
exhibition years 8 through 12; modify subparagraph 4.e.(2)(c) and collapse
subscriber tiers 1 and 2 into tier 3 for programs that commence principal
photography on or after July 1, 2024 (contract language is in quotes; new text is
underlined; deletions are lined through):
“SIDELETTER ON LITERARY MATERIAL WRITTEN FOR
PROGRAMS MADE FOR NEW MEDIA
As of February 13, 2008
Revised as of May 2, 2011
Revised as of May 2, 2014
Revised as of May 2, 2017
Revised as of May 2, 2020
Revised as of September 25, 2023
* * *
“4. Terms and Conditions for ‘High Budget’ Derivative and Original Dramatic
New Media Productions Made for Initial Exhibition on a Subscription
Consumer Pay Platform
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* * *
“c. Minimum Initial Compensation for Story and Teleplay
“(1) Minimum initial compensation for writers employed on a High Budget
SVOD Program intended for initial exhibition on a subscription
consumer pay new media platform with 20 million or more subscribers
in the United States and Canada shall be as follows:
“Program Length Budget Tier Rate
20-35 Minutes Tier 1: $2,100,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $1,000,000 or more
($1,030,000 or more effective May
2, 2022) but less than $2,100,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b. or c.,
as applicable
36-65 Minutes Tier 1: $3,800,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $1,700,000 or more
($1,750,000 or more effective May
2, 2022) but less than $3,800,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
66-95 Minutes Tier 1: $4,000,000 or more Article 13.B.7.d.
Tier 2: $3,000,000 or more but less
than $4,000,000
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
96 Minutes or more Tier 1: $4,500,000 (plus
$2,250,000 for each additional 35
minutes or portion thereof) or
more*
Article 13.B.7.d.
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) or more
Article 13.B.7.a., b., or c.,
as applicable
“*Minimum initial compensation for contracts entered into on or after [the 1
st
of the month immediately following the date the AMPTP receives notice of
ratification] for a High Budget SVOD Program that is 96 minutes or longer
with a budget of $30 million or more and made for a subscription consumer
pay new media platform with 20 million or more subscribers in the United
States and Canada shall be as follows:
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[Effective 1
st
of the
month immediately
following the date the
AMPTP receives
notice of ratification] -
05/01/24
05/02/24 -
05/01/25
05/02/25 -
05/01/26
Story $ 38,394 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
Teleplay 65,587 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
Story and
Teleplay
100,000 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
For those High Budget SVOD Programs in excess of one hundred twenty (120)
minutes, compensation is based on the minimum shown above plus, for each
additional thirty (30) minutes or less, the following additional payments:
Story $ 5,902 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
Teleplay 11,005 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
Story and
Teleplay
14,769 [subject to Year
2 general wage
increase and
diversion in
Item 3]
[subject to
Year 3 general
wage increase
and diversion
in Item 3]
* * *
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“e. Residual Compensation
* * *
“(2) Subsequent Use on the Domestic Subscription Consumer Pay Platform
on Which the High Budget SVOD Program Was Initially Exhibited.
“For use on the subscription consumer pay platform in the United States
and Canada on which the High Budget SVOD Program is initially
exhibited during the first exhibition year after the ninety (90) day period
following the initial availability of the Program on such platform, and
for each year of domestic use thereafter, the Company shall pay residuals
calculated by multiplying the applicable residual base set forth in
subparagraph (a) below by the applicable percentage for the period of
use set forth in subparagraph (b) below and by the subscriber factor set
forth in subparagraph (c) below.
“(a) Base for High Budget SVOD Program Residual
“The following residual bases are applicable to a one-time High
Budget SVOD Program or an episode of a High Budget SVOD
series and shall apply in perpetuity to that program or episode:
Program Length in Minutes Story Teleplay Story and
Teleplay
20-35 minutes
05/02/20 - 05/01/21 $6,073 $ 9,861 $15,178
05/02/21 - 05/01/23 6,528 10,601 16,316
[first Sunday following AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] -
05/01/26
$6,691 $10,866 $16,724
36-65 minutes
05/02/20 - 05/01/21 11,034 19,111 27,588
05/02/21 - 05/01/23 11,862 20,544 29,657
[first Sunday following AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] -
05/01/26
12,159 21,058 30,398
66-95 minutes*
05/02/20-05/01/21 16,583 29,396 41,460
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05/02/21 - 05/01/23 17,827 31,601 44,570
[first Sunday following AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] -
05/01/26
18,273 32,391 45,684
96 minutes or more*
05/02/20-05/01/21 21,732 38,989 54,332
05/02/21 - 05/01/23 23,362 41,913 58,407
[first Sunday following AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification] -
05/01/26
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 shall be the applicable minimum as
set forth in Article 13.B.7.a., b. and c. for a program length in
minutes of either ‘90 or less (but more than 75)’ or ‘120 or less
(but more than 90),’ as applicable, except that the residual bases
for a High Budget SVOD Program that is 96 minutes or longer
with a budget of $30 million or more shall be as follows:
$30,000 (Story): $53,823 (Teleplay); $75,000 (Story and
Teleplay).”
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“(b) Percentage of Above Base Rate Payable for Residuals
Exhibition Year* Percentage of Applicable
High Budget SVOD Program
Residual Base
Year 1* 45.0%
Year 2 40.0%
Year 3 35.0%
Year 4 25.0%
Year 5 20.0%
Year 6 15.0%
Year 7 10.0%
Year 8 10.08.0%
Year 9 10.0 5.0%
Year 10 5.0 4.5%
Year 11 5.0 3.0%
Year 12 5.0 2.5%
Each Year thereafter 1.5%
*Exhibition Year 1 shall commence on the first day that the High
Budget SVOD Program is made available for exhibition on the
subscription pay platform following ninety (90) days after the
initial exhibition date. Each Exhibition Year thereafter shall
commence with the first day that the High Budget SVOD
Program is made available for exhibition on the subscription
consumer pay platform following the conclusion of the prior one-
year use period.
(c) Subscriber Factor
(i) 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 40.0%
3 Over 5 million
but fewer than 20 million
65.0%
4 20 million to 45 million 100.0%
5 Over 45 million 150.0%
*No residual shall be owed for the first year of exhibition of a
High Budget SVOD Program or series produced for initial
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exhibition on a subscription consumer pay platform with fewer
than 1,000,000 domestic subscribers.
(ii) 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 65.0%
4 20 million to 45 million 100.0%
5 Over 45 million 150.0%
“(d) Payment
Payment for each Exhibition Year shall be due sixty (60) days
after the end of the calendar quarter in which the High Budget
SVOD Program was first made available in that Exhibition
Year.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
21. Foreign Residuals Formula for a High Budget SVOD Program in the Sideletter
on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media and Bundled
Subscription Consumer Pay Platform (WGA Proposal No. 25-A)
Modify Paragraphs 4.e. and 4.h. of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media to provide that Writers of High Budget SVOD
programs exhibited on a foreign subscription consumer pay platform related to or
affiliated with a domestic subscription consumer pay platform shall be paid a fixed
residual for each exhibition year of use in foreign markets based on a new Foreign
High Budget SVOD Subscriber Factor, as follows (contract language is in quotes;
new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“e. Residual Compensation
* * *
“(3) Use on a Foreign Subscription Consumer Pay Platform Related to or
Affiliated with the Domestic Subscription Consumer Pay Platform
[footnotes
omitted]
“(a) Foreign Subscription Consumer Pay Platforms Related to or
Affiliated with a Domestic Subscription Consumer Pay Platform
with Over 45 Million Subscribers.
“(i) When Company licenses the right to exhibit a High
Budget SVOD Program to a domestic subscription
consumer pay platform with over 45 million subscribers
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and also licenses SVOD rights for use on its related or
affiliated foreign subscription consumer pay
platform(s), Company shall pay a fixed residual for
each exhibition year of use in foreign markets (after an
initial ninety (90) consecutive day window measured
from initial availability on the domestic subscription
consumer pay platform) that is thirty-five percent (35%)
of the domestic residual set forth in subparagraph
4.e.(2) above. calculated by multiplying the applicable
residual base set forth in subparagraph 4.e.(2)(a) above
by the applicable Exhibition Year percentage for the
period of use set forth in subparagraph 4.e.(2)(b) above
and by the Foreign Subscriber Factor set forth below.
“Subscriber Tier Foreign Subscribers Subscriber
Factor
1 Fewer than 20 million 47%
2 20 million to 45 million 60.0%
3 More than 45 million
but fewer than 75 million
75.0%
4 75 million or more 90.0%
“Payment of the additional fixed residual above, shall cover
worldwide use of the High Budget SVOD Program on all foreign
subscription consumer pay platforms for the applicable
exhibition year.
“This subparagraph 4.e.(3)(a)(i) does not apply to any program
or episode of a High Budget SVOD series for which the literary
material is written prior to [the first Sunday following the
AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification]; instead, Company
shall pay a fixed residual for each exhibition year of use in
foreign markets (after an initial ninety (90) consecutive day
window measured from initial availability on the domestic
subscription consumer pay platform) that is thirty-five percent
(35%) of the domestic residual set forth in subparagraph 4.e.(2)
above.
“(ii) However, when Company’s license includes the SVOD rights for
use on the related or affiliated foreign subscription consumer pay
platform(s) of such domestic subscription consumer pay platform
in foreign territories which constitute fifteen percent (15%) or
less of the value of all foreign markets (i.e., outside the United
States and Canada), then gross receipts-based residuals for such
foreign SVOD licensing shall be paid pursuant to subparagraph
4.e.(2)(b)(ii) below in lieu of the foreign fixed residual in
subparagraph 4.e.(2)(a)(i) above. In that case, the Company shall
allocate a fair and reasonable portion of the license fee to the
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foreign territories for which related or affiliated foreign
subscription consumer pay platform(s) have exhibition rights,
and make a residual payment equal to 1.2% of such allocated
amount.
6
,
7
If the Guild contends that the amount so allocated
was not fair and reasonable, such claim may be submitted to
arbitration. In the event the arbitrator finds that such allocation
was not fair and reasonable, he or she shall determine the fair and
reasonable amount to be allocated.
“(b) Foreign Subscription Consumer Pay Platforms Related to or
Affiliated with a Domestic Subscription Consumer Pay Platform
with 45 Million or Fewer Subscribers.
“(i) When a Company licenses the right to exhibit a High
Budget SVOD Program to a domestic subscription
consumer pay platform with 45 million or fewer
subscribers and also licenses “worldwide” SVOD rights
to its related or affiliated foreign subscription consumer
pay platform(s), the Company shall pay a fixed residual
for each exhibition year of use in foreign markets (after
an initial ninety (90) consecutive day window measured
from initial exhibition on the domestic subscription
consumer pay platform) that is an additional percentage
of the domestic residual set forth in subparagraph
4.e.(2) above according to the schedule as set forth in
subparagraph 4.e.(3)(a)(i) above.
“(ii) When a Company licenses the right to exhibit a High
Budget SVOD Program to a domestic subscription
consumer pay platform with 45 million or fewer
subscribers and also licenses foreign SVOD rights other
than “worldwide” to its related or affiliated foreign
subscription consumer pay platform(s), the Company
6
If the Company is related to or affiliated with the domestic subscription consumer pay platform
that is related to or affiliated with the foreign subscription consumer pay platform, the allocation
shall be measured by the exhibitor's payments to unrelated or unaffiliated entities in arm’s length
transactions for comparable programs, or, if none, then the amounts received by the Company
from unrelated and unaffiliated exhibitors in arm’s length transactions, or, if none, a comparable
exhibitor's payments to comparable unrelated and unaffiliated entities in arm’s length
transactions for comparable programs.
7
At the Guild's request, the Company must make an unredacted license agreement available for
inspection at the Company’s office subject to a confidentiality agreement equivalent to those
governing new media license agreement inspections as described in the Sideletter on the
Exhibition of Motion Pictures Transmitted Via New Media.
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shall make a residual payment equal to 1.2% of
“accountable receipts” as defined in Paragraph 3 of the
Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion Pictures Transmitted
Via New Media. For purposes of this provision, when
the license includes both the right to exhibit a High
Budget SVOD Program on a domestic subscription
consumer pay platform and on its related or affiliated
foreign consumer pay platform(s), the Company shall
allocate a fair and reasonable portion of the license fee
to the foreign territories for which related or affiliated
foreign subscription consumer pay platform(s) have
exhibition rights, and then make the residual payment
provided herein of such allocated amount.
8, 9
If the
Guild contends that the amount so allocated was not fair
and reasonable, such claim may be submitted to
arbitration. In the event the arbitrator finds that such
allocation was not fair and reasonable, he or she shall
determine the fair and reasonable amount to be
allocated.”
* * *
“h. Subscriber Count for High Budget SVOD Programs
“(1) The number of domestic (and foreign, if applicable) subscribers shall be
determined as of July 1
st
of each year of the Agreement and shall apply for all
purposes under Paragraph 4 of this Sideletter to a High Budget SVOD
Program or episode of a High Budget SVOD series, the literary material for
which is written on or after July 1
st
of the measuring year but not later than
June 30
th
of the following year. The number of domestic (and foreign, if
applicable) subscribers so determined shall apply to the Program or the
episode of the High Budget SVOD series in perpetuity.
8
If the Company is related to or affiliated with the domestic subscription consumer pay platform
that is related to or affiliated with the foreign subscription consumer pay platform, the allocation
shall be measured by the exhibitor’s payments to unrelated or unaffiliated entities in arm’s length
transactions for comparable programs, or, if none, then the amounts received by the Company
from unrelated and unaffiliated exhibitors in arm’s length transactions, or, if none, a comparable
exhibitor’s payments to comparable unrelated and unaffiliated entities in arm’s length
transactions for comparable programs.
9
At the Guild’s request, the Company must make an unredacted license agreement available for
inspection at the Company’s office subject to a confidentiality agreement equivalent to those
governing new media license agreement inspections as described in the Sideletter on Exhibition
of Motion Pictures Transmitted Via New Media.
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“(2) In addition to any other exclusion agreed to by the parties, the domestic (and
foreign, if applicable) subscriber count for any subscription consumer pay
platform shall exclude subscribers during any ‘free trial period’ of no more
than thirty (30) days.
“(3) The parties shall agree upon a methodology to determine the number of
domestic (and foreign, if applicable) subscribers tier(s) when the whose
subscription includes a video-on-demand platform for which a High Budget
SVOD Program is made and other services, such as gaming, music or free
shipping.
“(4) The following shall apply to a new subscription consumer pay platform that
launches on or after [the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt of
notice of ratification]August 2, 2020:
“(a) Such platform is encouraged to enter into good faith discussions with the
Guild prior to launch to reach agreement on the number of domestic (and
foreign, if applicable) subscribers to be attributed to that platform for
purposes of applying the provisions of Paragraph 4 of this Sideletter
pertaining to High Budget SVOD Programs.
“(b) The number of domestic (and foreign, if applicable) subscribers to a new
subscription consumer pay platform shall be determined ninety (90) days
after launch, and shall apply for the remainder of the measuring year
(i.e., until the July 1
st
immediately following the 90
th
day after launch).
Thereafter, the number of domestic (and foreign, if applicable)
subscribers shall be determined as of July 1
st
of each year of the
Agreement as provided in subparagraph h.(1) above.
“(c) Absent any agreement to the contrary between the new subscription
consumer pay platform and the Guild:
“(i) Initial compensation and other terms and conditions for a High
Budget SVOD Program, the literary material for which is written
prior to the ninetieth (90
th
) day after the launch of a new
subscription consumer pay platform, shall be those that are
applicable to a High Budget SVOD Program made for a
subscription consumer pay platform with fewer than 20 million
domestic subscribers.
“(ii) Residuals for High Budget SVOD Programs, the literary material
for which is written prior to the ninetieth (90
th
) day after launch,
shall be calculated according to the number of domestic (and
foreign, if applicable) subscribers to the subscription consumer
pay platform as of ninety (90) days after launch.”
* * *
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“SIDELETTER RE: ‘BUNDLED’ SUBSCRIPTION CONSUMER PAY PLATFORMS
As of May 2, 2017
Revised as of May 2, 2020
Revised as of September 25, 2023
“Carol A. Lombardini
President
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Inc.
15301 Ventura Boulevard, Building E
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Re: “Bundled” Subscription Consumer Pay Platforms
“Dear Carol:
“During the negotiations for the 20230 Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement (“MBA”), the
parties discussed the difficulty of determining the number of applicable domestic (and/or foreign,
if applicable) subscriber tier when a subscriber’s whose subscription includes a video-on-demand
platform for which a High Budget SVOD Program is made and other services, such as gaming,
music, or free shipping, (e.g., Amazon Prime). Ultimately, the parties reached agreement on the
number of domestic subscribers that certain of those platforms (e.g. Amazon Prime) will be
considered to have for the term of the MBA.
“Should an issue arise during the term of the MBA as to the number of domestic (and/or foreign,
if applicable) subscriber tier applicable number of domestic subscribers to a subscription
consumer pay platform in these circumstances, the parties will enter into good faith discussions
to reach agreement on the number of domestic domestic (and/or foreign, if applicable) subscriber
tier applicable to be attributed to that platform for purposes of applying the provisions of the
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media to the 20230 MBA
pertaining to High Budget SVOD Programs. In such discussions, the parties shall be guided by
their previous agreements.
“If the parties cannot reach agreement on the number of domestic subscribers for domestic
(and/or foreign, if applicable) subscriber tier applicable to that platform, the issue will be
submitted to a ‘best offer’ arbitration (that is, each party shall submit to the arbitrator its offer for
the number of domestic subscribers and the arbitrator shall choose from the two figures offered).
The parties will meet to discuss the list of potential arbitrators to decide this issue within sixty
(60) days of the effective date of 20230 MBA. If the parties cannot agree upon the list of
potential arbitrators, the arbitrator shall be selected utilizing the procedure in Article 11.C.2. of
the MBA and using the Los Angeles list of arbitrators.”
Sincerely,
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, WEST, INC.,
on behalf of itself and its affiliate,
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST, INC.
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By: /s/ David J. Young Ellen Stutzman
D avid J. YoungEllen Stutzman
Assistant Executive Director, WGAW
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
The respective signatory companies represented by
the ALLIANCE OF MOTION PICTURE AND
TELEVISION PRODUCERS, INC.
By: /s/ Carol A. Lombardini
Carol A. Lombardini
President”
Make conforming changes as needed.
22. Establish Performance-Metric Bonus for High Budget SVOD Programs (WGA
Proposal No. 25-B)
Add a new subparagraph (9) to Paragraph 4.e. of the Sideletter on Literary Material
Written for Programs Made for New Media to provide as follows:
“(9) ‘Performance-Metric’ Bonus
“Company shall pay a bonus to the credited writer(s) of each episode of a
season of a High Budget SVOD series or serial, or of a High Budget SVOD
multi-part, closed-end series or of a one-time High Budget SVOD Program
that has a ‘performance metric’ (see definition in subparagraph (a) below) of
twenty percent (20%) or more on the SVOD service for which it was made
(‘SVOD Service’).
“(a) Definition of ‘Performance Metric’
1
“The ‘performance metric’ is calculated by dividing the total
number of ‘domestic views’ (see definition in subparagraph (b)
below) by the total number of domestic subscribers.
2
1
Company may rely on the determination by the SVOD Service whether eligibility for the
‘performance metric’ has been met for any High Budget SVOD Program. Subparagraph (f) is the
sole mechanism for the Guild to verify information about the ‘performance-metric’ bonus or its
calculation.
2
For purposes of determining the ‘performance metric’ bonus, the SVOD Service shall
determine the number of domestic subscribers as of July 1st of each year of the Agreement. The
SVOD Service shall apply that number when the first episode of the season, the first part of a
multi-part, closed-end series or the High Budget SVOD Program is first made available on the
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“Performance Metric = # Domestic Views
# Domestic Subscribers
“(b) Definition of ‘Domestic Views’
“The number of ‘domestic views’ of a season of a High Budget
SVOD series or serial or a multi-part, closed-end series is
calculated by dividing the total hours streamed domestically
during the first ninety (90) days after each episode in the season
of a High Budget SVOD series or serial or each part of a
multi-part, closed end series is made available on the SVOD
Service by the total runtime of all episodes in the season or all
parts of a multi-part, closed end series.
“For a one-time High Budget SVOD Program, the number of
‘domestic views’ is calculated by dividing the total hours
streamed domestically on the SVOD Service during the first
ninety (90) days after the one-time High Budget SVOD Program
is made available on the SVOD Service by the total runtime of
the High Budget SVOD Program.
“(Both the hours streamed and the runtime are determined by
rounding to the nearest one-tenth (1/10th) hour.)
“Views = Total Hours Streamed Domestically in 1st 90 Days
Total Runtime (in hours)
“(c) Subsequent Year Eligibility
“Eligibility for the ‘performance-metric’ bonus shall also be
determined for each subsequent Exhibition Year as defined in
Paragraph 4.e.(2)(b). The formula for determining eligibility is
the same as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, except that
SVOD Service on or after July 1st of the measuring year but not later than June 30th of the
following year. Likewise, the SVOD Service shall make a separate determination of the number
of domestic subscribers for each subsequent Exhibition Year as of July 1st of each year of the
Agreement by applying that number when the first day that the first episode of that season, first
part of a multi-part, closed end series or High Budget SVOD Program is made available in any
second or subsequent Exhibition Year on or after July 1st of the measuring year but no later than
June 30th of the following year. For example, if an SVOD Service has 25 million domestic
subscribers as of July 1, 2023 and makes the first episode of the first season of a High Budget
SVOD series available on March 1, 2024, the applicable number of domestic subscribers is 25
million for purpose of calculating the ‘performance metric’ bonus for that season of the series. It
is understood by the parties that the foregoing applies in lieu of Paragraph 4.h.(1) of this
Sideletter.
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the total hours streamed is counted for the first ninety (90) days
of the subsequent Exhibition Year.
“(d) If the ‘performance metric’ is met, the credited writer(s) shall
receive a bonus of fifty percent (50%) of the applicable fixed
High Budget SVOD residual payable to the credited writer(s) for
the applicable Exhibition Year. (The fifty percent (50%) of the
applicable fixed High Budget SVOD residual shall include the
foreign fixed High Budget SVOD residual for any service that
pays such residual.)
“Payment of the ‘performance-metric’ bonus shall be due sixty
(60) days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the ninety
(90) day measuring period for domestic views is complete.
“(e) Example: Program XYZ is a High Budget SVOD series with ten
(10) episodes in its second season that are each 35 minutes in
length. The literary material for the entire second season was
written after [the first Sunday following the AMPTP’s receipt of
notice of ratification]. All episodes were first made available on
the SVOD Service on [insert date that is after the first Sunday
following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification and on or
after January 1, 2024]. At all relevant times, the SVOD Service
has fifty (50) million domestic subscribers and eighty (80)
million foreign subscribers on a worldwide basis. Collectively,
all episodes of the second season of Program XYZ had seventy
(70) million hours streamed domestically in the first ninety (90)
days after the episodes were made available on the SVOD
Service.
"To determine whether the second season of Program XYZ
qualifies for a ‘performance-metric’ bonus in its first Exhibition
Year, the total number of domestic views is determined by
dividing the total number of domestic hours streamed (seventy
(70) million hours) of all episodes in the second season by the
total runtime in hours (5.8 hours rounded as provided herein) of
the second season. The ‘performance metric’ is then determined
by dividing the total number of domestic views (70 million/5.8
hours) by the total number of domestic subscribers (50 million).
Domestic Views = Total Domestic Hours Streamed = 70M
Total Runtime (in hours) 5.8
Performance Metric = Domestic Views
Total Number of Domestic Subscribers
= [70 M hours ÷ 5.8 hours] ÷ 50M domestic subscribers
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= 0.241 (or 24.1%), which is greater than the twenty percent
(20%) threshold for payment and would, therefore, trigger
payment of the ‘performance-metric’ bonus.
“Assuming that each credited writer wrote a story and teleplay,
each credited writer would receive an additional 50% of the fixed
High Budget SVOD residual (which, in this example, includes
both the domestic and foreign fixed residual) that applies to
Exhibition Year 1 (e.g., $9,031 per episode), for a total of
$90,310 collectively to all credited writers for the season.
“(f) Should the Guild provide written notice to the SVOD Service
and the Company that it disputes whether a High Budget SVOD
Program qualifies for a ‘performance-metric’ bonus, the dispute
shall be submitted promptly to a third party jointly chosen by the
SVOD Service and the Guild for determination by audit (or other
procedure determined by the third party) (hereafter ‘audit’). The
audit shall be for the sole purpose of verifying to the Guild, the
SVOD Service and the Company whether the season of the High
Budget SVOD series or serial, the multi-part, closed end series or
one-time High Budget SVOD Program is entitled to a
performance-metric bonus (‘yes/no’). The third party must
execute a confidentiality agreement approved by the SVOD
Service. The Guild and the SVOD Service shall evenly split the
costs and fees associated with any such audit. The Guild shall not
be entitled to obtain information about the number of domestic
subscribers, the hours streamed domestically, the running time or
the ‘performance metric’ of the High Budget SVOD Program.
“The Guild retains any and all rights to pursue grievance and
arbitration as provided in the MBA should a Company fail to pay
the performance-metric bonus within sixty (60) days after the
third party confirms that such a bonus is due.
“(g) The foregoing is effective for a season of a High Budget SVOD
series, a 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 (even if the literary material for the High
Budget SVOD Program were written under a prior MBA).”
Make conforming changes, including by modifying Paragraph 4.a.(1) to provide that the
terms and conditions set forth in “Paragraph 4 (other than as provided in Paragraph 4.e.(9)
below) shall not apply.”
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23. Data Transparency (WGA Proposal No. 25-B)
The Guild and the undersigned Companies agree to enter into the following letter
agreement:
“As of September 25, 2023
“Ellen M. Stutzman
Assistant Executive Director
Writers Guild of America West
7000 W. Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
“Re: Data Transparency
“Dear Ellen:
“During the 2023 negotiations, the undersigned Producers (hereinafter collectively ‘Producers’)
agreed that their related or affiliated SVOD services (viz., Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+,
Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+ and Peacock) (each hereinafter referred to as a
‘related/affiliated SVOD service’) will provide the following viewership information to the
Guild.
“Commencing [the date that is the start of the first calendar quarter following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification of the 2023 WGA MBA], and subject to a confidentiality
agreement satisfactory to the related/affiliated SVOD service, the related/affiliated SVOD service
shall, within ninety (90) days of the expiration of each calendar quarter, provide the following
information for each High Budget SVOD Program covered under the 2023 MBA or any prior
MBA that was made for that related/affiliated SVOD service:
“the total number of hours streamed on the related/affiliated SVOD service in the
United States and Canada during the preceding calendar quarter;
“the total number of hours streamed outside the United States and Canada during the
preceding calendar quarter, to the extent such information is available to the
related/affiliated SVOD service; and
“the running time of the High Budget SVOD Program
“(collectively referred to hereinafter as ‘Confidential Viewership Information’).
“Confidential Viewership Information shall be provided to the Guild pursuant to the following
procedure:
“The Guild shall designate its employees, officers, directors or agents (hereinafter ‘designated
representatives’) who will have access to this Confidential Viewership Information, provided that
each designated representative executes and returns the mutually agreed-upon confidentiality
agreement to the related/affiliated SVOD service in advance of disclosure to any of them.
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“In no event shall the confidentiality agreement prohibit the Guild from communicating
internally or with its members with regard to the Confidential Viewership Information, provided
that, in the course of doing so, the Guild shall limit such disclosure to presenting information in a
summary form which aggregates the Confidential Viewership Information on an overall industry
level, makes no reference to any Confidential Viewership Information on which it is based,
makes no reference to any Confidential Viewership Information with regard to an individual
program, series, serial, multi-part, closed end series, producer, distributor, streaming service,
network, retailer or exhibitor company (or a related or affiliated entity thereof) or any transaction
involving same and contains no information from which the identity of any individual program,
series, serial, multi-part, closed end series, writer, producer, distributor, streaming service or
exhibitor company (or a related or affiliated entity thereof) or any transaction involving the same
could reasonably be ascertained.
“Because of the particularly sensitive nature of the Confidential Viewership Information, the
Guild agrees to grant access to the Confidential Viewership Information only to a limited number
of individuals whose access to the Confidential Viewership Information is essential for the
Guild’s use of this information, but not to exceed six (6) in number.
“The Confidential Viewership Information shall be provided in an electronic format, such as an
Excel spreadsheet, to [insert name of one of the Guild’s designated representatives] through
secure, password-protected means. The Guild’s designated representatives agree to maintain the
Confidential Viewership Information in a secure manner, protected by password and inaccessible
to anyone other than its designated representatives.
“The Guild may request that an audit (or other agreed-upon procedure) (hereafter ‘audit’) of the
Confidential Viewership Information be conducted by a third party jointly chosen by the
related/affiliated SVOD service and the Guild solely for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of
the information provided by the related/affiliated SVOD Service. The third-party must execute a
confidentiality agreement approved by the related/affiliated SVOD Service. The Guild shall be
responsible for bearing all costs and fees associated with any such audit.
“This agreement shall expire at the end of the term of the 2023 MBA.”
[SIGNATURE BLOCKS OF GUILD AND PRODUCERS OMITTED]
24. Minimum Terms and Conditions for ‘High Budget’ Non-Dramatic Programs
Made for Subscription Consumer Pay Platforms (WGA Proposal No. 27)
(Producers’ Proposal of August 11, 2023)
i. Revise the first paragraph of Paragraph 2 to the Sideletter on Literary
Material Written for Programs Made for New Media as follows:
2. Terms and Conditions for “Derivative New Media Productions” (Other than
“High Budget” Dramatic Derivative Programs and Series Made for a
Subscription Consumer Pay Platform and Other than ‘High Budget’ Derivative
Non-Dramatic Programs Made for a Subscription Consumer Pay Platform)
“A ‘Derivative New Media Production’ is a production for New Media based on an
existing television motion picture that was produced for “traditional” media – e.g., a
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free television, basic cable, or pay television motion picture (the ‘Original
Production’) – and is otherwise included among the types of motion pictures
traditionally covered by the MBA. The following provisions apply to ‘Derivative
New Media Productions’ other than ‘high budget’ dramatic derivative programs and
series made for a subscription consumer pay platform (‘SVOD’) described in
Paragraph 4 below and other than ‘high budget’ derivative non-dramatic programs
made for SVOD described in Paragraph 5 below.”
ii. Revise the first paragraph of Paragraph 3 to the Sideletter on Literary
Material Written for Programs Made for New Media as follows:
3. Terms and Conditions for ‘Original New Media Productions’ (Other than
‘High Budget’ Dramatic Original Programs and Series Made for SVOD a
Subscription Consumer Pay Platform and Other than ‘High Budget’ Original
Non-Dramatic Programs Made for SVOD)
“The following provisions apply to ‘Original New Media Productions’ other than
‘high budget’ dramatic original programs and series made for SVOD a subscription
consumer pay platform described in Paragraph 4 below and other than ‘high budget’
original non-dramatic programs made for SVOD described in Paragraph 5 below.”
iii. Add a new Paragraph 5 to the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media (and renumber the existing Paragraph 5 as
applicable) as follows:
“5. Terms and Conditions for ‘High Budget’ Derivative and Original Non-
Dramatic Programs Made for Initial Exhibition on a Subscription Consumer
Pay Platform
“a. ‘High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs’ Defined
“The terms and conditions set forth in this Paragraph 5 shall be applicable
only to the following derivative and original ‘comedy-variety programs’ (as
that term is defined in Article 1.C.22. of Appendix A) (‘High Budget
Comedy-Variety SVOD Programs’), ‘quiz and audience participation
program(s)’ (as that term is defined in Article 1.C.22 of Appendix A) (‘High
Budget Quiz and Audience Participation SVOD Programs’ or ‘other non-
dramatic programs’ (of a type covered under Article 13.B.6. of Appendix A)
(‘High Budget Other Non-Dramatic SVOD Programs’) made for initial
exhibition on SVOD which meet the following ‘high budget’ criteria and are
not excluded as provided in Paragraph 5.b. below (collectively, ‘High Budget
SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs’):
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Length of Program as Initially
Exhibited
*
“High Budget” Threshold
(Per episode)**
20-35 Minutes
$600,000
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
“* Programs less than 20 minutes are not considered ‘high budget’ for the
purpose of this Sideletter, regardless of their budgets.
“** The ‘High Budget’ 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 produced and initially exhibited four (4) or more times per week and for
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 minute program and $150,000 or more per episode for a
program 36 minutes or longer
“(The above-described programs that meet these ‘High Budget’ Thresholds are
hereinafter referred to as ‘High Budget SVOD Strip Non-Dramatic Programs.’)
“b. The terms and conditions set forth in this Paragraph 5 shall be applicable
prospectively only. They shall not apply to any program or season of a series that
would otherwise qualify as a ‘High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program’ within
the meaning of this Paragraph 5, for which the literary material of the program, in
the case of a one-time program, or the literary material of the first episode of the
season, in the case of a series, is written prior to [the date that is 90 days
following the AMPTP’s receipt of notice of ratification]. In the case of a series in
its first or second season, the terms and conditions shall not apply to the first
and/or second season of a series for which the literary material of the first episode
of the series is written prior to [the date that is 90 days following the AMPTP’s
receipt of notice of ratification]. The third or subsequent season on such series
shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. Any program or any
season of a series excluded under this paragraph shall continue to be subject to the
terms of Paragraph 2 or 3 of this Sideletter, as applicable.
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“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not reduce the terms and
conditions of employment previously provided to WGA-represented employees
on programs or series covered by this subparagraph b.
“c. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Defined:
“For purposes of Paragraph 5.d. below, Tier 1 and Tier 2 shall be defined as
follows:
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
* All High Budget SVOD Strip Non-Dramatic Programs are treated as Tier 2.
** A one-time High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program that is a live
exhibition of a parade or similar event that would air outside of prime time if
made for traditional television is treated as Tier 2.
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“d. Terms and Conditions for High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs
1,2
“(1) Initial Compensation
“(a) (i) Minimum initial compensation for writers employed on a
High Budget SVOD Comedy-Variety Program shall be the
rate in Article 13.B.2.of Appendix A that is applicable to a
program of the same length, except as otherwise provided
in subparagraph (ii) below.
“(ii) (A) Tier 1 Programs shall be considered subject to the
‘prime time’ rates, and Tier 2 Programs shall be
subject to the ‘non-prime time’ rates.
“(B) Add the following after the first full paragraph of
Article 13.B.2.b. of Appendix A:
In the event of a series order of fewer than nine (9)
weekly units, at the request of the Company, the
Guild shall grant a waiver allowing each writer to
be employed under this subparagraph b. on a term
contract guaranteeing not less than the number of
weekly units which the Company is committed to
produce. If the Company obtains a commitment for
production of one (1) or more additional weekly
units, each writer shall be guaranteed employment
of not less than the number of additional weekly
units which the Company is committed to produce.
In no event will the Company be required to
guarantee the writer employment for more than an
additional thirteen (13) weekly units.
1
For purposes of determining the applicable minimum compensation and other terms and
conditions under Paragraph 5 of this Sideletter, the parties agree that an episode of a High Budget
SVOD Non-Dramatic series may exceed the ‘program length’ which applies to a typical episode
of the series by up to three (3) minutes without becoming subject to the terms and conditions
applicable to the next highest program length. (For example, if a typical episode of a High
Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic series falls in the 20-35 minute category, a given episode of such
series which is 38 minutes in length will still be subject to the compensation and terms and
conditions applicable to a program between 20 and 35 minutes in length.)
2
A High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program between 20 and 35 minutes in length shall
be treated as a 30-minute program; a High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program between 36
and 65 minutes in length shall be treated as a 60-minute program; a High Budget SVOD Non-
Dramatic Program between 66 and 95 minutes in length shall be treated as a 90-minute program;
and a High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program 96 minutes or longer shall be treated as a 120-
minute program.
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“(C) Modify the title of Article 13.B.2.b.(2) of Appendix
A to provide:
“(2) Minimum Variety Show Commitment –
Aggregate Minimum Compensation for
Programs Broadcast Produced and Exhibited
No More than One Per Week”
(D) Modify Article 13.B.2.b.(4) of Appendix A to
provide:
“(4) Minimum Variety Show Commitment –
Aggregate Minimum Compensation For
Programs Broadcast Produced and Exhibited
Two, Three or Four Times Per Week
“The combined applicable minimum
compensation to all writers shall be the
applicable minimum computed pursuant to
subparagraph 2.b.(2) above for a program of
equal length broadcast produced and
exhibited once a week plus a percentage of
the difference between the figure derived
from such computation and the applicable
minimum computed pursuant to
subparagraph 2.b.(3) above for a program of
equal length broadcast produced and
exhibited five (5) times per week, as
follows:
Number of Programs
Broadcast Produced and
Exhibited Per Week
Percentage of
Difference
2 40
3 60
4 80
“(b) (i) Minimum initial compensation for writers employed on a
High Budget Quiz and Audience Participation SVOD
Program shall be the rate applicable under Article 13.B.4.a.
or b. of Appendix A, except as otherwise provided in
subparagraph (ii) below.
“(ii) (A) Modify Article 13.B.4.a.(1) of Appendix A as
follows:
‘(1) To a writer employed week-to-week or on a
term contract guaranteeing thirteen (13) weekly
units or when subparagraph c. below applies fewer’
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“(B) Modify Article 13.B.4.b.(1) of Appendix A as
follows:
‘(1) To a writer employed week-to-week or on a
term contract guaranteeing thirteen (13) weekly
units or when subparagraph 4.c. below applies
fewer’
“(C) For the first fifty-two (52) weeks of production of a
High Budget Quiz and Audience Participation
SVOD series, minimum initial compensation for
writers guaranteed thirteen (13) or more weekly
units shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the applicable rates
in subparagraph (i) above. For the second fifty-two
(52) weeks of production, minimum initial
compensation for writers guaranteed thirteen (13) or
more weekly units shall be five-sixths (5/6) of the
applicable rates in subparagraph (i) above.
Thereafter, the minimum initial compensation for
such series shall be the applicable rates in
subparagraph (i) above.
“(D) When a writer is guaranteed thirteen (13) weeks or
more, if the Company cancels a writer's contract at
the end of any cycle, except when the program is
canceled, the Company shall give two (2) weeks’
advance notice of cancellation or pay in lieu thereof.
A contract which by its own terms expires at the
end of a cycle does not require any notice.
“(c) Minimum initial compensation for writers employed on a
High Budget Other Non-Dramatic SVOD Program shall be
$3,754 per week [subject to the general wage increases in
each year of the Agreement and diversion in Item 3].
“(d) The provisions for self-contained portions of programs in Article
13.B.3. of Appendix A shall apply to High Budget SVOD Non-
Dramatic Programs covered under this Paragraph 5.
“(e) For clarity, Article 13.B.7. of Appendix A shall apply to High
Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs covered by this Paragraph
5.
“(2) Other Terms and Conditions
“Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions applicable
to High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Programs covered by this Paragraph
5 shall be those set forth in Appendix A. Tier 1 Programs shall be subject
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to ‘prime time’ terms and conditions and Tier 2 Programs shall be subject
to ‘non-prime time’ terms and conditions.
“In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Paragraph 5 and
the provisions incorporated herein, this Paragraph 5 shall control.
“In recognition that programs made for new media may involve a new and
evolving form of production and may not be subject to the same
production model and delivery requirements as apply to traditional non-
dramatic programs under Appendix A, the WGA agrees to consider in
good faith requests for waivers to the provisions of Appendix A.
“(3) Residual Compensation
“Refer to Paragraph 3.b.(4) above for residual compensation for a High
Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program. The limitation to programs
budgeted at or above $25,000 per minute in Paragraph 3.b.(4)(b)(i) and (ii)
shall not apply to a High Budget SVOD Non-Dramatic Program.
“(4) Serials - Other than Prime Time (Appendix A, 13.B.5.) (‘Daytime Serials’)
“In the event a daytime serial that was previously produced for television
continues in production but is subsequently made for initial exhibition in
SVOD, the provisions set forth in Appendix C, Paragraphs 2.a.(1) and (2)
shall apply.”
25. Generative Artificial Intelligence (WGA Proposal No. 29)
Add a new Article 72 regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence as follows (contract
language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
ARTICLE 72 GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“A. The parties acknowledge that definitions of generative artificial intelligence
(‘GAI’) vary, but agree that the term generally refers to a subset of artificial
intelligence that learns patterns from data and produces content, including written
material, based on those patterns, and may employ algorithmic methods (e.g.,
ChatGPT, Llama, MidJourney, Dall-E). It does not include ‘traditional AI
technologies such as those used in CGI and VFX and those programmed to
perform operational and analytical functions.
“B. The Companies agree that because neither traditional AI nor GAI is a person,
neither is a ‘writer’ or ‘professional writer’ as defined in Articles 1.B.1.a.,
1.B.1.b., 1.C.1.a. and 1.C.1.b. of this MBA, and, therefore, written material
produced by traditional AI or GAI shall not be considered literary material under
this or any prior MBA.
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“C. Should a Company furnish a writer with written material produced by GAI which
has not been previously published or exploited, and instruct the writer to use the
GAI-produced material as the basis for writing literary material:
“1. The Company shall disclose to that writer that the written material was
produced by GAI.
“2. The GAI-produced written material shall not be considered assigned
material for purposes of determining the writer’s compensation.
“3. The GAI-produced written material shall not be considered source material
for purposes of determining writing credit.
“4. The GAI-produced written material shall not be the basis for disqualifying
a writer from eligibility for separated rights.
“This subparagraph C. also applies when a writer, with the consent of the
Company, uses GAI in the course of preparing literary material. Company agrees
that it will not publish or exploit GAI written material for the purposes of evading
this provision.
“When a writer, with the consent of the Company, uses GAI in the course of
preparing written material or incorporates GAI-produced material in written
material, such written material shall be considered literary material and not
material ‘produced’ by GAI.
“The following examples illustrate application of this subparagraph C.:
“EXAMPLE 1:
“Company furnishes Writer A with written material substantially in the
form of a screenplay produced by GAI which has not been previously
published or exploited and assigns no other materials. Company instructs
Writer A to rewrite the GAI-produced written material. Company must
pay Writer A no less than the minimum compensation for a screenplay
under Article 13.A.1.a.(2), as well as no less than the amount specified in
Article 13.A.1.a.(9), ‘Additional Compensation Screenplay – No Assigned
Material.’ The GAI-produced written material is not considered source
material when determining writing credit to Writer A and will not
disqualify Writer A from eligibility for separated rights.
“Company later assigns the screenplay rewritten by Writer A to Writer B
and instructs Writer B to rewrite the screenplay rewritten by Writer A.
Company must pay Writer B no less than the minimum compensation for a
rewrite under Article 13.A.1.a.(3). Writer A’s rewritten screenplay must be
considered when determining writing credit to Writer B and eligibility for
separated rights.
“EXAMPLE 2:
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“Company furnishes Writer A with written material substantially in the
form of a story produced by GAI which has not been previously published
or exploited and assigns no other materials. Company instructs Writer A to
write a teleplay based on the GAI-produced written material. Company
must pay Writer A no less than the minimum compensation for a story and
teleplay. The GAI-produced story is not considered source material when
determining writing credit to Writer A and will not disqualify Writer A
from eligibility for separated rights.
“Company later assigns the teleplay written by Writer A to Writer B and
instructs Writer B to rewrite the teleplay written by Writer A. Company
must pay Writer B no less than the minimum compensation for a rewrite.
Writer A’s teleplay must be considered when determining writing credit to
Writer B and eligibility for separated rights.
“D. A writer will be required to adhere to the Company’s policies regarding the use of
GAI (e.g., policies related to ethics, privacy, security, copyrightability or other
protection of intellectual property rights). Any purchase of literary material from
a professional writer is also subject to such policies. A writer must obtain the
Company’s consent before using GAI. The Company retains the right to reject the
use of GAI, including the right to reject a use of GAI that could adversely affect
the copyrightability or exploitation of the work.
“E. A Company may not require, as a condition of employment, that a writer use a
GAI program which generates written material that would otherwise be ‘literary
material’ (as defined in Article 1.A.5.) if written by a writer (as defined in Article
1.B.1.a. and Article 1.C.1.a.) (e.g., a Company may not require a writer to use
ChatGPT to write literary material). The preceding sentence does not prohibit a
Company from requiring a writer to use a GAI program that does not generate
written material, such as a GAI program that detects potential copyright
infringement or plagiarism.
“F. The parties acknowledge that the legal landscape around the use of GAI is
uncertain and rapidly developing and each party is reserving all rights relating
thereto unless otherwise expressly addressed in this Article 72. For example,
nothing in this Article 72 restricts any writer who has retained reserved rights
under Article 16.B., or the WGA on behalf of any such writer, from asserting that
the exploitation of their literary material to train, inform, or in any other way
develop GAI software or systems, is within such rights and is not otherwise
permitted under applicable law.
“G. Each Company agrees to meet with the Guild during the term of this Agreement at
least semi-annually at the request of the Guild and subject to appropriate
confidentiality agreements to discuss and review information related to the
Company’s use and intended use of GAI in motion picture development and
production. The foregoing provision shall not be construed to waive any right of
the Guild under the National Labor Relations Act, including but not limited to the
right to seek information necessary and relevant to the administration and
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enforcement of this Article 72.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
26. Promotional Runs for New Made-for-Network Television Programs on Linear
Television (Producers’ Proposal No. P-1)
Modify Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(d) to provide a promotional run for one additional episode of
the first season of a new series, as follows (contract language is in quotes; new text is
underlined; deletions are lined through):
“ARTICLE 15 - TELEVISION EXHIBITION
* * *
B. TELEVISION RERUNS & FOREIGN TELECASTS OF TELEVISION
MOTION PICTURES
* * *
“1. United States and Canada
* * *
“b. Rerun Formula, Free Television, in the United States and Canada
* * *
“(d) The parties agree to the following for the purpose of
encouraging the success of new dramatic free
television series produced for a network or for The
CW. No residual compensation shall be due under
Article 15.B.1.b.(2) nor Article 58 for the second
run (which may be either on free television or basic
cable) of three (3) two programs chosen by the
Company from the pilot and first two episodes
broadcast during the first production season, other
episodes of the first season of a series, subject to a
maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
number of episodes ordered (plus the pilot),
provided the second run occurs within a two month
period following the initial exhibition of each
program. (For example, if the total number of
episodes, including the pilot, ordered in the first
season of a series is eight (8), Company may choose
only two (2) episodes of the series (one of which
may be the pilot) for a promotional run.) If such
second run is on free television, it shall not
constitute a “run” for purposes of Article
15.B.1.b.(1). Company shall be obligated to report
any such run to the Guild as required under this
Article 15.B., notwithstanding the fact that no
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payment shall be due therefor.
“The Company may not utilize this provision at any
time after the series has been cancelled.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
27. Sideletter re: Virtual MVPDs
Effective July 1, 2024, remove CBS All Access from the Sideletter regarding virtual
MVPD services.
28. Limited Theatrical Exhibition (Producers’ Proposal No. 3)
a. Modify Sideletter to Article 15.B.13., Appendices A, B and C and the Sideletter on
Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media (with reference to
Limited Theatrical Exhibition with Admission Charge of Series Episode(s) or
MOWs) to add a provision for the limited theatrical exhibition of a one-time High
Budget Program made for SVOD 66 minutes or more in length (and make a
housekeeping change replacing “multi-part, closed-end series” for “miniseries”)
as follows:
“(1) If one (1) or more episodes of a free television, pay television or
basic cable series or one or more episodes of a High Budget SVOD
series or multi-part, closed-end series mini-series (as defined in the
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New
Media), either alone or in combination with another episode of the
same or different series, or a long-form television motion picture
made for free television, pay television or basic cable or a one-time
High Budget SVOD Program 66 minutes or more in length, (but
not one that is a High Budget SVOD Program), is exhibited
theatrically with an admission charge after its initial exhibition on
television (or, initial availability on a subscription consumer pay
platform in the case of a High Budget SVOD Program, series or
multi-part, closed-end series mini-series), the Company shall pay
to the credited writer(s) an amount equal to three percent (3%) of
the Company's “accountable receipts” (as defined in Article
51.C.1.a. of the MBA) derived from licensing the theatrical
exhibition rights., and, for this purpose, shall include the fair
market value of any in-kind consideration, provided that:
“(a) The theatrical exhibition shall take place at least
twenty-four (24) hours after the episode's initial telecast (or,
for a High Budget SVOD series or multi-part, closed-end
series mini-series, at least twenty-four (24) hours after the
episode has been made available for viewing on the
streaming service) or at least thirty (30) days after the initial
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telecast of a long-form television motion picture or at least
forty (40) days after the one-time High Budget SVOD
Program 66 minutes or longer has been made available for
exhibition on a streaming service;
“(b) The theatrical exhibition shall not exceed eight (8) days,
which need not be consecutive, unless the initial theatrical
exhibition takes place more than one year after the initial
telecast or streaming availability, in which case there is no
limit on the length of the theatrical exhibition;”
Make conforming changes, including by making the housekeeping change to replace
“mini-series” with “multi-part, closed end series.”
b. Renew sunset clause in subparagraph (9) of the Sideletter to Article 15.B.13.,
Appendices A, B, and C, and the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media as follows:
“(9) The above provisions shall expire on the termination date of the 2020 2023 MBA
and will be of no force and effect thereafter; however, the terms of this Sideletter
shall continue to apply to any license agreement entered into before May 2, 2023
2026.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
29. West Coast Reruns (Producers’ Proposal No. 20)
Modify Article 15.B.8 of Appendix A as follows:
“8. West Coast Rerun of Awards, Tribute or Benefit Programs
“In the event of a limited West Coast rerun of an awards, tribute or benefit program
which has aired live and then is rerun beginning on the same day as the live broadcast, the
residual payment shall be one-third of what would otherwise be payable.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
30. Late Pay Interest Not Due If Writer Does Not Provide Company with Sufficient
Information to Process Payment (Producers’ Proposal No. 30.A.)
Modify Articles 13.A.14. and 13.B.9., as follows (contract language is in quotes; new text
is underlined; deletions are lined through):
ARTICLE 13 - COMPENSATION
* * *
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“A. THEATRICAL
* * *
“14. Payment of Compensation Under a Deal Contract
* * *
“Company will pay interest of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month
when any initial compensation payment is due and not paid as provided. If
the Company has failed to make such payment because the executed
contract was not delivered by the writer to the Company, then no such
interest is due. If the contract is not so delivered by the writer because of a
dispute as to the terms of the contract and the Company shall be held to be
wrong, the above-described interest payment shall be applicable. However,
no interest shall be due if the writer does not provide the Company with
sufficient information to process payment to the writer or other
requirements for payment have not been fulfilled in advance of the due
date for payment.
* * *
“B. TELEVISION
* * *
“9. Time of Payment
* * *
“Company pay interest of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month
when any payment due to the writer pursuant to this Article 13.B. is due
and not paid as provided herein. If the Company has failed to make such
payment because the executed contract was not delivered by the writer to
the Company, then no such interest is due. If the contract is not so
delivered by the writer because of a dispute as to the terms of the contract
and the Company shall be held to be wrong, the above-described interest
payment shall be applicable. However, no interest shall be due if the writer
does not provide the Company with sufficient information to process
payment to the writer or other requirements for payment have not been
fulfilled in advance of the due date for payment.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
31. Notice of Tentative Writing Credits (“NTWC”) and Other Notice Delivery
Requirements in Theatrical Schedule A and Television Schedule A (Producers’
Proposal No. 15)
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A. Modify Theatrical Schedule A, Paragraphs 12 and 18 as follows:
“12. The notice specified in Paragraph 11 hereof will be sent by email,; messenger,; certified
mail,; return receipt requested; or a trackable service such as FedEx, UPS or DHL,; or by
personal delivery to the Guild and to all participating writers. Failure of the addressee to
sign or return the receipt on a notice sent via certified mail shall not invalidate the notice.
In the case of a remake, the Company shall not be under any obligation to send any notice
to any writer contributing to the screenplay or story of the original production unless such
writer received screen credit in connection with such original production.
“Notices may be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested; by a trackable service
such as FedEx, UPS or DHL; or by personal delivery as above provided. Failure of the
addressee to sign or return the receipt on a notice sent via certified mail shall not
invalidate the notice.
“Notices may be sent to a participating writer by email only if provided that the writer’s
representative is also given email notice and the writer’s personal services contract (or an
amendment thereto) contains all of the following: (1) the writer’s express agreement to
receive notices by email; (2) the writer’s email address; and (3) the email address of at
least one of the writer’s representatives. The email address of the writer’s representative
must be an individual address, not a general company mailbox, and must appear on the
face of the notice.
“If a participating writer’s personal services agreement does not expressly “opt in” to
email delivery, then the notice may be sent via DocuSign or an alternative electronic
method which can confirm receipt/opening of the notice. The Company shall be
considered to have fulfilled its requirement to deliver the notice upon confirmation from
or through the delivery service that either the writer or the writer’s designated
representative has received/opened the notice.
“In accordance with established practice, when notices are sent by email, scripts may also
be sent by email.
“If the writer’s and/or the writer’s representative’s email addresses are not readily
available to the Company, the Guild agrees to provide the Company assistance in
obtaining such addresses. If the writer is not represented, the notice may be sent to the
writer alone. If the Guild is not able to provide a writer’s personal email address within
48-hours of the Company’s request, the notice may be sent solely to the writer’s
representative(s) designated in the writer’s agreement.
“Company shall retain the record of the email transmission, reflecting the date and time
that the notice was sent to the writer and the writer’s representative, for one (1) year
following the final determination of credits.”
* * *
“18. Unless a unanimous agreement has been reached in accordance with Paragraph 7 hereof,
any participant or the Guild may, within the period provided for in Paragraph 13 hereof,
file with the Company at its studio and the Guild at its Los Angeles or New York office a
written request for arbitration of credits. In any case in which automatic credit arbitration
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is required under this Schedule A, the Guild will be deemed to have made a written
request for arbitration of credits at the time the Company submits the notice of tentative
credits and, in such case, Company will immediately make available to the Guild the
material as provided for under this subparagraph.
“The Guild, through its arbitration committee, shall make and advise the Company of its
decision within the limitations of this Schedule A. Said decision shall be made and
advised within twenty-one (21) business days of the request(s) for arbitration referred to
in the immediately preceding paragraph. If, in the good faith judgment of the Company,
there is an emergency requiring an earlier decision and the Company so notifies the
Guild, said decision shall be made and advised within ten (10) business days of the
request(s) referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. If the arbitration committee
does not render a decision within said period, as the same may have been extended by the
Company, the Company may make the tentative credits final, provided the terms and
provisions of this Paragraph 18 have been fully complied with by the Company.
“In the event of an emergency and upon the Company's request that the time for
arbitration be shortened, the Guild agrees to cooperate as fully as possible. If the material
is voluminous or complex, or if other circumstances beyond the control of the Guild
necessitate a longer period in order to render a fair decision, and the Guild requests an
extension of time for arbitration, the Company agrees to cooperate as fully as possible.
The Company will not unreasonably deny the Guild's request for an extension of time.
Agreement for extensions of time shall be in writing and shall specify the new date by
which the Company will be advised of the arbitration decision.
“Prior to the rendition of the decision, a special committee of writers may make such
investigations and conduct such hearings as may seem advisable to it. Immediately upon
receipt of a request for arbitration, the Company shall make available to the Guild three
(3) copies of the script, and three (3) copies of all available material written by the
participants and three (3) copies of all available source material. Alternatively, Company
may submit to the Guild via email or secure file sharing service all available material
written by the participants and all available source material electronically. Materials may
be watermarked and/or password protected. The Guild may provide such materials via
email or secure file sharing service to relevant individuals, including participating writers,
expert readers, members of Pre-Arbitration Special Committees and Policy Review
Boards, and arbiters in connection with any credit arbitration and/or related
investigations, subject to appropriate confidentiality arrangements with the Company.
Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Guild for the cost of copies of source material
obtained by the Guild for use in an arbitration.
“In addition, the Company shall cooperate with the arbitration committee to arrive at a
just determination by furnishing all available information relative to the arbitration. Upon
request of the arbitration committee, the Company shall provide the committee with a
copy of the cutting continuity if it is available at the time of arbitration. If no final
shooting script is available, Company will provide the Guild with a videocassette or print
of the motion picture.
“The decision of the Guild arbitration committee, and any Policy Review Board
established by the Guild in connection therewith, with respect to writing credits, insofar
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as it is rendered within the limitations of this Schedule A, shall be final, and the Company
will accept and follow the designation of screen credits contained in such decision and all
writers shall be bound thereby.”
Make conforming changes to Theatrical Schedule A, Paragraph 17.
B. Modify Television Schedule A, Paragraphs 12 and 15 as follows:
“12. The notice specified in Paragraph 11 hereof will be sent by email,; messenger,; certified
mail,; return receipt requested; or a trackable service such as FedEx, UPS or DHL; or by
personal delivery to the Guild and to all participating writers. Failure of the addressee to
sign or return the receipt on a notice sent via certified mail shall not invalidate the notice.
No notice will be sent to writers outside of the United States or writers who have not filed
a forwarding address with the Company. In case of remakes, the Company shall not be
under any obligation to send any notice to any writer contributing to the teleplay or story
of the original production, unless the writer has received credit.
“Notices may be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested; by a trackable service
such as FedEx, UPS or DHL; or by personal delivery as above provided. Failure of the
addressee to sign or return the receipt on a notice sent via certified mail shall not
invalidate the notice.
“Notices may be sent to a participating writer by email only if provided that the writer’s
representative is also given email notice and the writer’s personal services contract (or an
amendment thereto) contains all of the following: (1) the writer’s express agreement to
receive notices by email; (2) the writer’s email address; and (3) the email address of at
least one of the writer’s representatives. The email address of the writer’s representative
must be an individual address, not a general company mailbox, and must appear on the
face of the notice.
“If a participating writer’s personal services agreement does not expressly “opt in” to
email delivery, then the notice may be sent via DocuSign or an alternative electronic
method which can confirm receipt/opening of the notice. The Company shall be
considered to have fulfilled its requirement to deliver the notice upon confirmation from
or through the delivery service that either the writer or the writer’s designated
representative has received/opened the notice.
“In accordance with established practice, when notices are sent by email, scripts may also
be sent by email.
“If the writer’s and/or the writer’s representative’s email addresses are not readily
available to the Company, the Guild agrees to provide the Company assistance in
obtaining such addresses. If the writer is not represented, the notice may be sent to the
writer alone. If the Guild is not able to provide a writer’s personal email address within
48 hours of Company’s request, the notice may be sent solely to the writer’s
representative(s) as designated in the writer’s agreement.
“Company shall retain the record of the email transmission, reflecting the date and time
that the notice was sent to the writer and the writer’s representative, for one (1) year
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following the final determination of credits.”
* * *
“15. Upon receipt of a protest, the Company will deliver three (3) copies of the final script and
three (3) copies of all material written by the participants and three (3) copies of all
available source material to the Guild offices in Los Angeles or New York and the
Company shall notify the participants and the Guild informing them of the name of the
protesting party and the new time set for final determination. Alternatively, Company
may submit to the Guild via email or secure file sharing service all available material
written by the participants and all available source material electronically. Materials may
be watermarked and/or password protected. The Guild may provide such materials via
email or secure file sharing service to relevant individuals, including participating writers,
expert readers, members of Pre-Arbitration Special Committees and Policy Review
Boards, and arbiters in connection with any credit arbitration and/or related
investigations, subject to appropriate confidentiality arrangements with the Company.
Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Guild for the cost of copies of source material
obtained by the Guild for use in an arbitration.”
Make conforming changes as needed, including to Television Schedule A, Paragraph 16.
32. Allow “Production” or “Presentation” Type of Credit To Writer In Multiple Roles
(Producers’ Proposal No. 9)
Modify Theatrical Schedule A, Paragraph 28 and Television Schedule A, Paragraph 21, as
follows (contract language is in quotes; new text is underlined; deletions are lined through):
“Theatrical Schedule A
* * *
“28. d. When a ‘production’ or ‘presentation’ type of credit is given by the Company in
advertising:
* * *
“(4) The provisions of this subparagraph 28.d. shall not apply: (i) to
impersonal corporate "presentation" or "production" credits when the
corporate name is wholly impersonal, such as "Columbia Pictures Corp.
presents," and shall further not apply to the names of any distributing
company, whether or not impersonal, including Walt Disney Productions;
and (ii) advertisements less than four (4) column inches in size, teasers and
special advertising.; and (iii) ‘production’ or ‘presentation’ type of credits
when the individual with the ‘production’ or ‘presentation’ type of credit
is the writer/director, writer/producer, or writer/director/producer of the
motion picture and is the sole credited writer.
* * *
Television Schedule A
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* * *
“21. Writing credit for movies-of-the-week and television specials such as mini-series,
multi-part series and "long form" television programs (but not necessarily in the
form specified in Schedule A), shall be included in publicity releases issued by the
Company relating to the television motion picture when the producer and the
director are mentioned, whether in the form of a "production" or "presentation"
credit or otherwise, except when such release is restricted to information about
such individual or individuals or when the individual with the “production” or
“presentation” type of credit is the writer/director, writer/producer, or
writer/director/producer of the motion picture and is the sole credited writer.
Prior to a final determination of credits, the Company shall include those credits
which it in good faith believes to be a fair and truthful statement of authorship.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
33. Increase the Distributor's Foreign Gross Thresholds in Article 15.B.2.(4)
(Producers' Proposal No. 16)
Modify Article 15.B.2.a.(4) to provide as follows for programs, the principal photography
of which commences on or after July 1, 2023:
“(4) After the writer has received a total of thirty-five percent (35%) of applicable
minimum compensation with respect to any television film, all credited writer(s)
in the aggregate shall be paid one and two-tenths percent (1.2%) of the
Distributor's Foreign Gross in excess of:
“(i) $365,000 ($375,950 for programs initially released to foreign telecasting
on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for one-half (½)
hour programs;
“(ii) $730,000 ($751,900 for programs initially released to foreign telecasting
on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for one (1) hour
programs;
“(iii) $1,860,000 ($1,915,800 for programs initially released to foreign
telecasting on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for
programs more than one (1) hour in length but not more than two (2) hours
in length;
“(iv) $3,120,000 ($3,213,600 for programs initially released to foreign
telecasting on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for
programs more than two (2) hours in length but not more than three (3)
hours in length;
“(v) $4,170,000 ($4,295,100 for programs initially released to foreign
telecasting on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for
programs more than three (3) hours in length but not more than four (4)
hours in length;
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“(vi) $5,210,000 ($5,366,300 for programs initially released to foreign
telecasting on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for
programs more than four (4) hours in length but not more than five (5)
hours in length;
“(vii) $6,250,000 ($6,437,500 for programs initially released to foreign
telecasting on or after July 1, 2023) in Distributor's Foreign Gross for
programs more than five (5) hours in length but not more than six (6)
hours in length; and
“(viii) for programs in excess of six (6) hours, the above applicable thresholds
will increase proportionately.
“For Appendix A programs, the one and two-tenths percent (1.2%) payment shall be
triggered when the Distributor's Foreign Gross equals fifty percent (50%) of the amounts
set forth in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii) above, as applicable.
“For the purpose of this subparagraph (4), Distributor's Foreign Gross shall include
absolute gross income realized by the distributor on account of foreign telecasting and
exhibition on foreign basic cable.
“In order to preserve the status quo in Article 58, payment of the thirty-five percent (35%)
of applicable minimum under the foreign telecasting formula continues to constitute
payment for foreign basic cable; provided, however, that foreign basic cable receipts shall
apply to "Distributor's Foreign Gross" for purposes of reaching the thresholds in and
determining the amount the credited writer(s) shall be paid pursuant to subparagraphs (i),
(ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii) above.
“The writers shall receive such additional monies pursuant to the payment provisions of
Article 51.C., except payment and reporting shall be due within sixty (60) days after the
close of the second and fourth calendar quarters of each year in which the Company
receives Distributor's Foreign Gross with respect to the television film.”
Make conforming changes.
34. Renew Showrunner Training Program Article 66 (WGA Proposal No. 30)
Modify Article 66 “Training Program for Episodic Television” as follows:
“ARTICLE 66 - TRAINING PROGRAM FOR EPISODIC TELEVISION
WRITERS
* * *
“The Companies and the Networks (the latter consisting collectively of American
Broadcasting Companies, Inc., CBS Broadcasting Inc., National Broadcasting Company,
Inc. and NBC Studios, Inc.) will contribute in the aggregate the following sums to the
WGA-supervised fund, to be used as funding for the purpose of implementing the
Training Program described herein: (A) a payment of $250,000 to be made within thirty
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(30) days following ratification of this 20202023 WGA Theatrical and Television Basic
Agreement and (B) thereafter, two additional payments in the amount of $250,000 each,
to be paid upon the effective date of the second and third regularly-scheduled minimum
increase during the term of this Basic Agreement.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
35. Arbitrators (WGA Proposal No. 34, Producers’ Proposal No. 31-C]
Modify the arbitrator lists in Article 11.C.2.e.(3), Article 11.E.4., Article 11.F.5.a.(7),
Article 11.G.5. and paragraph 26.a.(3) of Theatrical Schedule A as follows:
1. Add the following arbitrators to all Los Angeles lists: Yuval Miller, Juan Carlos
Gonzalez, Terry Friedman.
2. Remove the following arbitrators from all Los Angeles lists: Sol Rosenthal, Dixon
Dern, Paul Crost.
Make conforming changes as needed.
36. Update Sick Leave Waivers (Producers’ Proposal No. 32)
Update Article 70 as follows:
“ARTICLE 70 - WAIVER OF SICK TIME LAWS
“The Guild expressly waives, to the full extent permitted by law, the application of the following
to all employees employed under this Agreement: the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time
Act of 2013 (N.Y.C. Admin. Code, Section 20-911 et seq.); the New York State paid sick leave
law Paid Sick Leave Law of 2020 (Part J of Senate-Assembly Bill A9506-b/S7506-b, including
subparagraph 9 of Part J); the Westchester County Earned Sick Leave Law (Section 700.36 et
seq. of the Laws of Westchester County); the Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance (Section
1-24-045 6-105-045 of the Municipal Code of Chicago); the Cook County Earned Sick Leave
Ordinance (Ordinance No. 16-4229(Chapter 42, Article 1, Sec. 42-1, et seq. of the cook County
Code); the San Francisco Paid Sick Leave Ordinance (San Francisco Administrative Code
Section 12W); the San Francisco Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance (San Francisco
Police Code Article 33P); the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance of Berkeley, California (Chapter
13.100 of the Berkeley Municipal Code) Chapter 13.100; all requirements pertaining to “paid
sick leave” in Chapter 37 of Title 5 of the Municipal Code of Emeryville, California (including,
but not limited to, Chapter 37.0.1.(e), 37.03, 37.07.(a)(1)(ii)(B).ii. and 37.07.(f)); the City of Los
Angeles Emergency Order regarding Supplemental Paid Leave Due to COVID-19 (issued April
7, 2020); the Los Angeles County COVID-19 Worker Protection Ordinance; the Oakland Paid
Sick Leave Law (Section 5.92.030 of the Oakland Municipal and Planning Codes Section
5.92.030.); West Hollywood Sick Pay Ordinance (Section 5.130.030 of the West Hollywood
Municipal Code); the Santa Monica Paid Sick Leave Ordinance (Chapter 4.62.025 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code) (enacted by Ordinance No. 2509); the Tacoma Paid Sick Leave
Ordinance (Chapter 18.10 of Title 18, Chapter 18.10 of the Tacoma Municipal Code) of the City
of Tacoma, Washington (enacted by Ordinance No. 28275); the Arizona Earned Paid Sick Time
Law (A.R.S. section 23-371, et seq.)Article 8.1 of Title 23, Chapter 2 of the Arizona Revised
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Statutes; the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act (N.J.S.A. 34:11D-1C.34:11-56a et seq.); the
Bloomfield Sick Leave for Private Employees Ordinance (Chapter 160 463 of the Ordinances
Code of the Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey) (enacted by Ordinance No. 15-10); the East
Orange Paid Sick Time for Private Leave Ordinance (Chapter 140 of the Code of the City of
Employees Ordinance of East Orange, New Jersey) (Ordinance No. 21-2014; East Orange Code
Chapter 140, Section 1 et seq.); the Jersey City Paid Sick Time Law of Jersey City, New Jersey
(Chapter 4 of the Code of the City of Jersey City, New Jersey Municipal Code); the New
Brunswick Paid Sick Time and Paid Safe Time Leave Ordinance (Chapter 8.56 of the Revised
General Ordinances of the City of New Brunswick, New Jersey); the Plainfield Sick Leave for
Private Employees and City Employees Ordinance (Chapter 8, Article 5 of the Municipal Code
of the City of Plainfield, New Jersey); the Sick Leave for Private Employees Ordinances of
Elizabeth, New Jersey (Ordinance No. 4617); the Irvington Paid Sick Time Ordinance (Chapter
277, Article 1 of the Code of the Township of Irvington, New Jersey (Ordinance No. MC-3513);
the Montclair, New JerseyPaid Sick Leave Ordinance (Chapter 132, Article 1 of the Code of the
Township of Montclair, New Jersey); the Morristown Paid Sick Leave Ordinance (Article XV, §
2-89, et seq. of the Code of the Town of Morristown, New Jersey (Ordinance No. O-35-2016);
the Newark Sick Leave for Private Employees Ordinance (Title XVI, Chapter 16:18 of the Code
of the City of Newark, New Jersey (City Ordinance 13-2010); the Passaic Paid Sick Leave for
Private Employees Ordinance (Chapter 128, Article 1 of the Code of the City of Passaic, New
Jersey (Ordinance No. 1998-14); the Paterson Sick Leave for Private Employees Ordinance,
Paterson, New Jersey (Paterson Code Chapter 412) and the Trenton Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
(Chapter 230 of the Code of the City of Trenton, New Jersey (Ordinance No. 14-45); and any
other ordinance, statute or law requiring paid sick leave that is hereafter enacted. It is understood
that the Guild and the AMPTP shall memorialize any such waiver for any newly-enacted law by
letter agreement.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
37. Inspection Rights under the Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion Pictures
Transmitted Via New Media (Producers’ Proposal No. 26)
Modify the first Paragraph of Paragraph 3.b. of the Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion
Pictures Transmitted Via New Media to provide as follows:
“b. Agreements and Data
“On an semi-annual basis, within ten (10) business thirty (30) calendar days after
such request, the Company shall provide for inspection by the Guild’s designated
employee(s) or auditor(s), at Company’s premises in the greater Los Angeles area,
full access
6
to all unredacted license, distribution, and other agreements pertaining
to new media exploitation of covered pictures that were entered into during the
immediately preceding inspection period. Alternatively, the Company may elect to
provide the Guild with such access remotely over the internet, such as through a
secured link or digital locker. In any subsequent semi-annual inspection, the
6
“Full access includes access to all agreements, notwithstanding any confidentiality clause
contained therein, and access to all sideletters, exhibits, addenda and other ancillary documents.”
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Guild’s designated employee(s) or auditor(s) may re-inspect any agreements
previously inspected and inspect any agreements not previously inspected.
“Upon request, in a manner to be mutually agreed upon in good faith, the
Company shall expeditiously provide or make available to the Guild data in its
possession or control or the possession or control of its related distribution entities
regarding the new media exploitation of covered pictures, such as number of
downloads or streams by source and ad rates.
“This Paragraph 3.b. shall not apply to agreements concerning a multichannel
video programming distributor (‘MVPD’) (or any similar service that currently
exists or may hereafter be developed) or any video-on-demand service of an
MVPD or any similar service that currently exists or may hereafter be developed.”
Make conforming changes as needed.
38. Renew and Revise Sideletter Re Max (Producers’ Proposal No. 34-C)
Renew and revise Sideletter re Max as follows:
SIDELETTER RE HBO MAX
“As of May 2, 2020
Revised as of May 2, 2023
Revised as of September 25, 2023
“David J. Young Ellen M. Stutzman
Assistant Executive Director
Writers Guild of America, West, Inc.
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, California 90048
Re: HBO Max
“Dear David Ellen:
“During the 2020 negotiations, the parties discussed a new media over-the-top (“OTT”) platform
called “HBO Max” (“Max”). The purpose of this Sideletter is to confirm the parties’ agreement
concerning the application of the Agreement to Max. This agreement was renewed as provided
herein during the negotiations for a successor agreement to the 2020 WGA MBA.
“Max will offers over-the-top delivery of HBO’s pay television service and will carry carries all
of that service’s programming (such programming, whether available on all, one, or any
combination of the HBO linear service, HBO Go, and HBO Now, will be referred to collectively
as the “Pay Television Service”). Max will also offer motion pictures and programs initially
exhibited in theatrical and television markets (such motion pictures and programs will be referred
to as “Library Content”). Finally, Max also offers will offer original New Media productions
made for initial exhibition on Max.
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“Consumers can access Max by subscribing to Max directly. In addition, some subscribers to the
Pay Television Service (such as subscribers to HBO Now and those who subscribe to HBO
through DIRECTV, AT&T TV or AT&T U-verse TV, and other third party video distributors)
will be given the opportunity to access Max at no additional charge by authenticating their Pay
Television Service subscription and then accessing the Max platform via a log-in process. In the
future, consumers may also be able to access and subscribe to Max through other means, since
Max is actively negotiating with other carriers and services to offer Max through their respective
platforms.
“Based on the foregoing facts, the parties reached the following understanding:
“1. All programs or motion pictures, including Library Content, made available or exhibited
on the Pay Television Service and, therefore, made available on Max shall be treated as though
exhibited on HBO’s over-the-top pay television service pursuant to the Sideletter re:
Over-the-Top Service of Pay Television Service.
“2. Programs Made for HBO: With respect to programs made for initial exhibition on the
Pay Television Service that are subject to Paragraph D. of Appendix B (i.e., dramatic programs
of a type generally produced for prime time network television and comedy-variety programs),
the fixed residual payment set forth in Paragraph D.3.(a)(1) shall apply if the program is available
on the Pay Television Service and, therefore, on Max during an exhibition year, even if the
program is available on only one of those services or platforms during the exhibition year. The
‘first exhibition year' shall commence on the earliest date that the program is first exhibited on
the Pay Television Service and, therefore, on Max, and the same exhibition year shall apply to all
platforms and services.
“3. Library Content: Except as provided in Paragraph 1 above, exhibition on Max of Library
Content, the principal photography of which commenced on or after July 1, 1971, shall be subject
to the percentage residual formula set forth in Paragraph 1.a. (‘License for Limited Period or
Fixed Number of Exhibitions’) of the Sideletter on Exhibition of Motion Pictures Transmitted
via New Media.
“4. Programs Made for Max: Programs made for initial exhibition on Max shall be
considered programs made for a subscription consumer pay new media platform (“SVOD”). The
number of subscribers to Max for purposes of the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for
Programs Made for New Media shall include those who subscribe to Max directly, as well as
those who access Max by authenticating their Pay Television Service and logging in to the Max
platform.
1
“Subscribers to the Pay Television Service who are not offered access to Max through their
third-party video distributor, and who do not subscribe directly to Max, will not be included as a
Max subscriber. Likewise, Pay Television subscribers who are given the opportunity to access
Max at no additional charge, but who do not actually authenticate their Pay Television Service
1
Should access to Max be offered at no additional charge with the sale of a product or another
subscription or service fee, only those individuals who log in to the Max platform will be
counted as a Max subscriber. Further, individuals who access Max on a promotional basis at no
additional charge for no more than thirty (30) days will not be counted as Max subscribers.
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subscription or otherwise ‘opt in' to access the Max platform, shall not be included as Max
subscribers.
The parties agree that HBO Max shall be considered to be a service with over five million
(5,000,000) but fewer than twenty million (20,000,000) domestic subscribers during the period
from May 2, 2020 to June 30, 2021. During the second and third years of the Agreement, the
parties shall determine the subscriber tier effective July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, respectively, in
accordance with the provisions of this Sideletter.
“The parties recognize that Max is a new and emerging platform, and that its business model is
subject to change. Therefore, the provisions of this Sideletter shall expire on the termination date
of the 2023 2020 MBA and will be of no force and effect thereafter; however, this Sideletter
shall continue to apply to programs, the principal photography of which commenced on or before
the termination date of this Sideletter, or which were subject to a license agreement entered into
on or before the termination date of this Sideletter. No later than sixty (60) days before the
termination date of the 2023 2020 MBA, the parties will meet to negotiate any changes to this
Sideletter.
“The parties agree that programs made for HBO Max under a predecessor MBA to the 2023 2020
MBA are programs made for a subscription video on demand service (and not programs made for
pay television) and agree to withdraw and waive any current or future claim contending
otherwise.
“Please indicate your concurrence with the foregoing by signing in the space for your signature
set forth below.
“Sincerely,
“By: /s/ Carol A. Lombardini
Carol A. Lombardini
President, AMPTP
“ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
“WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, WEST, INC.
on behalf of itself and its affiliate,
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST, INC.
“By: /s/ David J. Young Ellen M. Stutzman
D avid J. Young Ellen M. Stutzman
Assistant Executive Director, WGAW
Chief Negotiator”
Make conforming changes as needed.
39. Other Housekeeping (Producers’ Proposal No. 33)
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Eliminate footnote 2 in Paragraph 4.a.(2)(b) and footnote 4 in Paragraph 4.a.(3) in the
Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media in order to
remove an obsolete requirement that the Company notify the Guild of license agreements
entered into prior to August 2, 2020 which cover literary material written on or after
August 2, 2020.
40. Renew Sunset Clauses (Producers’ Proposal No. 34-A)
Renew all sunset clauses for the term of the 2023 MBA.
All sunset clauses shall be renewed for the term of the 2023 MBA. The foregoing
includes, but is not limited to, Sideletter No. 2 to Article 15.B.1.b.(2)(c), "Experiment in
Syndication of Half-Hour Series in Markets Representing 50% or Fewer of U.S.
Television Households" and the Sideletter to Article 15.B.13., Appendices A, B and C
and the Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media re:
Limited Theatrical Exhibition with Admission Charge of Series Episode(s) or MOWs and
the Sideletter on Residuals for Made-for-Television Motion Pictures or SVOD Programs
When Initial Exhibition is On a Different Television Platform or in New Media.
Make conforming changes as needed.
41. Renew Sideletter on Tri-Guild Audit Program (WGA Proposal No. 35, Producers’
Proposal No. 28)
Renew Sideletter on Tri-Guild Audit Program as follows:
Provided that the DGA and SAG-AFTRA also agree to continue participating in the
Tri-Guild Audit Program, Companies agree to renew funding at the same amounts
provided during the term of the 2020 WGA MBA. In the event that only one of the DGA
and SAG-AFTRA agree to continue participating in the Tri-Guild Audit Program,
Companies agree to renew funding at two-thirds (2/3) of the amounts provided during the
term of the 2020 WGA MBA (i.e., up to $247,333 for the period July 1 through June 30
of each year of the Agreement, not to exceed an aggregate of $742,000 during the term of
the Agreement, with the Companies’ share of the auditor’s fees to be calculated by
multiplying the accounting fees by a fraction, the numerator of which is $247,333 and the
denominator of which is $342,991).
The Companies’ obligation to fund the Tri-Guild Audit Program shall not become
effective until the first day of the first quarter starting on or after July 1, 2023 on which at
least two of the WGA, DGA and SAG-AFTRA have: (1) agreed to continue participating
in the Tri-Guild Audit Program; and (2) ratified a successor collective bargaining
agreement to their 2020 agreements which are effective on or before the first day of the
quarter.
Make conforming changes as needed.
___________________
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, WEST, INC.
on behalf of itself and its affiliate,
WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST, INC.
________________________________________
Ellen M. Stutzman
Assistant Executive Director
Chief Negotiator
The named respective signatory companies
represented by the ALLIANCE OF MOTION
PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCERS, INC.
________________________________________
AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC.,
An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ABC, Inc.
________________________________________
CBS BROADCASTING, INC.
__________________________________________
NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA, LLC and UNIVERSAL TELEVISION LLC
__________________________________________
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EXHIBIT A
2023 MBA NEGOTIATIONS AUTHORIZATION LIST
12:05 AM Productions, LLC
1440 Productions LLC
20th Century Studios, Inc.
30WEST Destroyer, LLC
30WEST Devco, LLC
30WEST VOA, LLC
40 North Productions, LLC
66 Degrees North Post LLC
75S Film Development, LLC
4423 Productions LLC
ABC Signature, LLC
ABC Signature Development, Inc.
ABC Studios New York, LLC
Abominable Pictures, Inc.
Acacia Productions, Inc.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Acme Writing, LLC
Action Films, LLC
Alameda Productions, LLC
Albemarle Productions, Inc.
Alive and Kicking, Inc.
Amargoso Films LLC
Amazon Studios LLC
Ambient Sounds Productions LLC
American Film Institute, Inc.
American Writer LLC
Anonymous Content, LLC
Apple Development LLC
Appleton Productions, Inc.
Archer Dude Development, LLC
Aries Pictures LLC
Ashland Productions, Inc.
Atlantic 2.1 Entertainment Group, Inc.
Auckland Productions, Inc.
Avery Pix, Inc.
BBP DevCo, LLC
BBP West BIB, LLC
B-Cam Productions LLC
Backlight Productions LLC
Base Light Productions LLC
Bee Holder Productions, LLC
Behave Productions, Inc.
Bell-Phillip Television Productions, Inc.
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Blink49 Productions Inc.
Bohemian Pirate Productions, Inc.
Bonanza Productions Inc.
Breakout Kings Productions LLC
Brightstar TFCF Productions LLC
Camdrew Productions LLC
Carnival Row Productions, LLC
CBS Studios Inc.
Chasing the Rebel Productions, LLC
Claymore Entertainment Company, LLC
Cloverleaf Productions, Inc.
Coltrane, LLC
Columbia Pictures Hybrid Productions, Inc.
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.
Columbia Tristar Television, Inc.
Corday Productions, Inc.
Country Music Association, Inc.
CP Writers, LLC
CPT Holdings, Inc.
Cranktown Productions Inc.
Creative Pen & Ink Corporation
Crew Neck Productions
Crossed Pens Development LLC
Crystal Lake Entertainment, Inc.
Culture Crew Productions, LLC
Dakota North Entertainment, Inc.
Danjaq LLC
Delta Blues Productions LLC
Diablo Details, LLC
dick clark productions, llc
Dig This Productions, LLC
Dingli Development LLC
DLT Entertainment Ltd.
Double Nickel Media, Inc.
DW Dramatic Television, L.L.C.
DW Films, L.L.C.
DW SKG TV, L.L.C.
DW Television, L.L.C.
Dyminium Productions, LLC
ELP Communications
Entertainment Content Development, LLC
EP Development, Inc.
Epic Level Entertainment, Ltd.
Evamere Entertainment LLC
Evergreen Pictures LLC
Everlast AD LLC
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Eye on the Ball Enterprises, Inc.
Eye Productions Inc.
Film 49 Productions, Inc.
FilmAction, LLC
Fond Geparda Films, LLC
Forge Pictures Inc.
Foundation Productions, Inc.
Founding Fathers, LLC
Going Local Productions, LLC
Good Universe Development, LLC
GPEC Inc.
GWave Productions, LLC
Halberd Productions, Inc.
HBO Films, Inc.
Head First Productions, P.C.
Hop, Skip & Jump Productions, Inc.
Horizon Productions, Inc.
Horizon Scripted Television Inc.
Hostage Productions, Inc.
Hydronaut Productions, LLC
Inclined Productions, Inc.
Indiana Entertainment, Inc.
Irony East LLC
It's A Laugh Productions, Inc.
Jay Squared Productions LLC
Jax Media, LLC
Kapital Productions, LLC
Katy Mac Session Productions
Keep Calm and Carry On Productions, Inc.
KEL Entertainment, LLC
Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc.
Kenwood TV Productions, Inc.
Keystone TV Productions LLC
KSC Development, LLC
Kyaraben, LLC
Larry A. Thompson Organization, Incorporated
Lastamazon Productions LLC
Lava Films LLC
LD Development LLC
LE Development LLC
Legendary Pictures Productions, LLC
Legendary Television Productions, LLC
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Leon Entertainment LLC
Leon Films USA LLC
LGGL TV Development Productions, LLC
Lightspeed Films, LLC
Lily Belle Media Development LLC
Lily Pond Productions LLC
Lima St. Productions LLC
Linear Productions LLC
Lions Gate Television Development, LLC
Living Proof Productions, LLC
Madison Productions, Inc.
Main Gate Productions LLC
Main Lot Productions LLC
Mandalay Development, LLC
Mandalay Teleplays, LLC
Mariner Projects, LLC
Mercury Two LLC
Mesquite Productions, Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc.
MGM Television Entertainment Inc.
Mighty Pen, LLC
Milk Street Productions, LLC
Minderbinder Enterprises, LLC
Minim Productions, Inc.
Montrose Productions, Inc.
Moon Spin Films, LLC
MP Acquisitions, LLC
MVL Productions LLC
My Leafs, LLC
Narcos Productions LLC
Newgame Films Inc.
New Line Productions, Inc.
New Regency Productions, Inc.
Next Step Productions LLC
NG Channel Wren, LLC
NM Talent Inc.
Nobrose Development, LLC
NRP Development, LLC
NS Pictures, Inc.
NTCP USA Development LLC
NVTS Productions, LLC
October Holdings, Inc.
Olive Productions, LLC
Olive Avenue Productions LLC
Once Upon A Time Productions, LLC
Onda Entertainment, Inc.
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One Eighty Productions LLC
On the Brink Productions, Inc.
Open 4 Business Productions LLC
Opposite Loft, LLC
Optimum Productions
Orange Cone Productions LLC
Orchard Road Productions, LLC
Over the Pond Productions, Inc.
Pacific 2.1 Entertainment Group, Inc.
Palladin Productions LLC
Papatime Development, LLC
Paramount Pictures Corporation
Park Court Productions, Inc.
Pash Features DC LLC
Patch Bay Productions LLC
Peaches Productions LLC
Perdido Productions, Inc.
Perryman, LLC
Pet II Productions, Inc.
Picrow, Inc. dba Pictures in a Row
Picrow Streaming Inc.
PM Content LLC
Primrose SDC LLC
Prodco, Inc.
Produced Bayou, Inc.
Pod Development, LLC
Pond Writer, LLC
PP21 Productions LLC
Proximity Productions LLC
Q and Shu Global Industries, LLC dba Paperclip Ltd.
Ralph Edwards Productions
Ralph Edwards/Stu Billett Productions
RC Signatory LLC
Real Fiction Productions, LLC
Redweed Productions, LLC
Relentless Productions, LLC
Remote Broadcasting, Inc.
Renovo Media Group LLC
RKO Pictures, LLC
Road Development, Inc.
Rose and Bee LLC
Rubin Productions LLC
Ruff Draft Productions, LLC
S8 Writers, LLC
Salamander Film Productions, Inc.
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Salty Pictures, Inc.
Same Page Development, LLC
San Vicente Productions, Inc.
SCFV Development, Inc.
Scholastic Entertainment Inc.
Scott Free Productions, Inc.
Script Movie Inc.
Sequoia Productions, Inc.
Shaftesbury Avenue LLC
Showtime Pictures Development Company
Signatory LLC
Silent Development Corp.
Silver Spring Road Films, Inc.
Singular Productions LLC
Slew Pictures Inc.
Sonny Boy Productions LLC
Sony Pictures Television Inc.
South Circle Productions LLC
South Rock Productions LLC
Spacebound, LLC
Sparky Productions Inc.
SPF Entertainment, LLC
Sprout House Productions, LLC
St. Giles LLC
Stalwart Productions LLC
Starlight Film LLC
Starz Family Productions, LLC
Starz Heels Productions, LLC
Starz P Town Productions, LLC
Starz Valley Productions, LLC
Stash Productions Inc.
Steven James, LLC
Storybuilders, LLC
Storyteller Development Co., LLC
Storyteller TV Development Co., LLC
Story Telling, Inc.
Streamhouse Productions, LLC
Streamroom Productions, LLC
Stu Segall Productions, Inc.
Stuart Street Digital Studios LLC
Subtle Differences Productions, Inc.
Summit Entertainment Development Services
Summer 1, LLC
Sunset Television Productions, LLC
Talking Wall Pictures, Inc.
The De Laurentiis Company
The Imagine Writers Lab, LLC
The Place To Be LLC
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Time of Day Media LLC
Time Travel Unlimited, LLC
Tin Roof Pictures LLC
Topanga Productions, Inc.
Tornante Productions, LLC
TPSC Development, LLC
Trip Media Inc.
Triple Point Productions LLC
Tristar Pictures, Inc.
Tristar Television, Inc.
TVM Productions, Inc.
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation d/b/a 20th Television
Universal Cable Productions Development LLC
Universal City Studios LLC
Universal Content Productions LLC
Universal Network Programming LLC
Valleycrest Productions LTD
Vendome Development West, LLC
Vertical Hold Productions LLC
Village Roadshow Productions Inc.
VS Films Development LLC
VT Seed, LLC
Walt Disney Pictures
Wanderlust Entertainment II, Inc.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Television
Warner Media Entertainment Pages, Inc.
Warner Specialty Productions Inc.
Waveform Productions LLC
West 150 Productions, LLC
wiip Development, LLC
Wiley Optics, Inc.
Willow and Oak, Inc.
Wishful Productions, LLC
Woodridge Productions, Inc.
Woodrow House Productions LLC
Wordsmith, LLC
YANDR Productions, LLC
YaYa Productions, LLC
YLK Development, LLC
YNFS Productions LLC
Yojimbo Productions LLC
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