The Directors Guild of America (DGA) Basic Agreement is a collective bargaining agreement between the DGA and the major studios and networks. The latest agreement, known as the DGA Basic Agreement 2017, was negotiated and ratified in May of that year.
The purpose of the agreement is to establish the terms and conditions of employment for directors and assistant directors working in film, television, and digital media. The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including compensation, working conditions, health and safety, and creative rights.
One of the main changes in the DGA Basic Agreement 2017 was an increase in minimum compensation rates for both directors and assistant directors. The minimum rate for a television director increased from $33,073 to $35,433 per week, while the minimum rate for a feature film director increased from $17,000 to $18,000 per week. The minimum rate for an assistant director also increased, with a television first assistant director now earning a minimum of $3,666 per week.
The agreement also introduced changes to the way directors are compensated for certain types of digital media projects, such as short-form content for streaming services. Under the new agreement, directors are entitled to a percentage of the budget or a fixed fee, whichever is higher.
In addition to compensation, the DGA Basic Agreement 2017 addressed issues related to working conditions and health and safety. The agreement includes provisions for minimum meal and rest periods, as well as requirements for the use of stunt coordinators and special effects personnel on certain productions. The agreement also established a new safety training program for assistant directors and unit production managers.
Finally, the DGA Basic Agreement 2017 addressed creative rights for directors. The agreement includes provisions for directors to have final cut privileges on certain projects, as well as protections for directors` credits and the right to approve any changes to the final cut.
Overall, the DGA Basic Agreement 2017 represents an important step forward for directors and assistant directors working in the entertainment industry. The agreement provides improved compensation, better working conditions, and stronger creative rights protections for these crucial creative professionals.