Low budget agreement WGA: What you need to know
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) Low Budget Agreement is a contract between independent filmmakers and the WGA, which allows them to hire WGA writers for low-budget film projects. This agreement is aimed at providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers and writers to create low-budget films that can qualify for WGA membership.
If you`re a filmmaker or a writer looking to work under this agreement, here`s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility
To qualify for the low budget agreement, the total budget of your film must not exceed $2.5 million. Additionally, the duration of the film must be no more than 40 minutes for shorts and 80 minutes for features. The project must also be produced under the jurisdiction of the WGA, and the writers must be WGA members.
2. Rates
Under the low budget agreement, writers are entitled to a minimum wage of $34,000 for a feature film and $24,000 for a short film. The payment is structured in three installments: one-third on the commencement of writing, one-third upon delivery of the first draft, and one-third upon delivery of the final draft.
3. Credits
Writers working under the low budget agreement are entitled to receive screen credits that conform to the WGA screen credit rules. Writers are credited based on the order of their writing contributions, with the first writer receiving the “written by” credit. If there are multiple writers, the subsequent writers receive a “story by” or “screenplay by” credit, depending on their contributions.
4. Residuals
The low budget agreement provides for residuals for writers if the film is distributed beyond the initial release. These residuals are calculated as a percentage of the writer`s minimum earnings and are based on the gross receipts of the film.
5. Benefits
Writers working under the low budget agreement are eligible for health and pension benefits through the WGA. The WGA also provides assistance with contract enforcement and grievance resolution.
6. Limitations
The low budget agreement has certain limitations, including restrictions on animation, documentaries, and experimental projects. Additionally, the agreement does not cover rewrites, polishes, or adaptations of existing material.
In conclusion, the WGA low budget agreement provides a way for independent filmmakers to hire WGA writers for low-budget film projects. If you`re a writer looking for an opportunity to create content under this agreement, it`s important to understand the eligibility criteria, rates, credits, residuals, benefits, and limitations of the agreement. Ultimately, working under this agreement can be a valuable experience for emerging writers, helping them gain recognition and access to the benefits of WGA membership.