DGA Basic Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) Basic Agreement is a crucial document that governs the terms and conditions of employment for directors working in the entertainment industry. The DGA negotiates this agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) every three years.
The most recent version of the DGA Basic Agreement was ratified in 2019 and includes several key provisions that impact directors and the productions they work on.
Wages and Minimums
One of the most important parts of the DGA Basic Agreement is the section on wages and minimums. This outlines the minimum compensation that a director must receive for their work on a project, which varies depending on the type of production and the budget.
For example, the minimum salary for a director on a network primetime drama in the 2019 Basic Agreement was $32,390 per week for an episode of at least 30 minutes in length. On the other hand, the minimum salary for a director on a low-budget theatrical feature was $22,350 per week.
The Basic Agreement also outlines additional compensation for certain types of work, such as overtime and residuals for reuse of a project.
Pension and Health Benefits
Directors who work under the DGA Basic Agreement are eligible for pension and health benefits through the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans. These benefits provide directors with health insurance, retirement benefits, and other forms of financial security.
The Basic Agreement outlines how employers must contribute to these plans on behalf of their directors and establishes the eligibility requirements for directors to participate in them.
Working Conditions
The DGA Basic Agreement also includes provisions related to directors` working conditions, such as their hours of work, meal breaks, and rest periods. These provisions help to ensure that directors have safe and manageable working conditions and are not overworked or mistreated on set.
For example, the Basic Agreement requires that directors receive at least 10 hours off between workdays and that they are provided with meal breaks of no less than 30 minutes after six hours of work.
Conclusion
The DGA Basic Agreement is a critical document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for directors working in the entertainment industry. The 2019 version of the Basic Agreement includes provisions related to wages, pension and health benefits, and working conditions.
Directors who work under the Basic Agreement can rely on it to ensure they are fairly compensated, receive proper benefits and are treated fairly on set. Overall, the Basic Agreement helps to create a positive and sustainable working environment for directors in the entertainment industry.