Other Contracts

THEATRICAL

Standard Contract for Theatrical Motion Pictures
A standard theatrical writing services contract which can be tailored to reflect the negotiated terms of any writing services contract you negotiate.

Low Budget Agreement
The Low Budget Agreement allows writers to write and sell a narrative feature-length screenplay under the protection of the Writers Guild if the theatrical film’s budget is at or below $1.2 million.
(Note: Application filing required)

Documentary Screenplay Contract
A contract designed to meet the demands of the documentary film business as well as ensure the rights and benefits for writers of theatrically released documentaries budgeted at $1.2 million or below.
(Note: Application filing required)

TELEVISION

Standard Contract for Long-form TV
This contract was created specifically for movies of the week, movies for television, and miniseries.

Standard Form Freelance Television Writer's Employment
A standard freelance TV contract for WGA members and Guild signatory companies.

TV Series Checklist
A list of when TV contracts and WGAW forms are due, where to send them, and who to contact.

DIGITAL/NEW MEDIA

Sideletter on Literary Material Written for Programs Made for New Media
This Sideletter confirms the understanding of the WGA and the Companies concerning the application of the MBA to literary material written for exhibition on the Internet, mobile devices or any other new media platform.

Original New Media Programs (Non-HBSVOD)
A standard freelance contract that may be used to engage writers for writing services on Original Made for New Media Programs. This contract is specifically for original new media programming that does not meet the High Budget SVOD thresholds.

Derivative New Media Programs (Non-HBSVOD)
A standard freelance contract that may be used to engage writers for writing services on Derivative Made for New Media Programs. Derivative Made for New Media Programs are new media programs based on an existing TV show or TV movie that was produced for traditional media. This contract is specifically for programming that does not meet the High Budget SVOD thresholds.

PODCASTS

Podcast Coverage Agreement
The WGA offers this simple agreement for covering podcast writing. The agreement ensures that writers earn above the amount necessary to qualify for healthcare insurance for the year, receive employer-paid contributions, enjoy writing credit parity and have the right of first negotiation to write derivative works.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS

Writer's Collaboration Agreement
An agreement between parties to collaborate on an original story, treatment, screenplay, or other work.

Informational Program Contract
A contract for when writing services are to be performed in non-broadcast films and videos used in business and government for training, education, promotion, public relations and other similar purposes.

Reacquisition of Theatrical Screenplays
If you are a writer who created an original screenplay which never got produced and you would like to set up your work at another Company, there is hope to be found in the WGA MBA. There is a provision in the WGA MBA that allows writers to buy back their unproduced, original literary material.

PUBLIC TELEVISION

NEWS AND PROMOTIONAL WRITING