May 18, 2016
A “temporary upgrade” is when a DGA member already employed in one category on a production is then upgraded to work in another category on the same production for any period of four or fewer consecutive days. For instance, an Additional Second Assistant Director may be upgraded to work as a Second Second Assistant Director for three days, or a Second Assistant Director may be upgraded to work as a First Assistant Director for four days.
Temporary upgrades must be paid at least the daily rate (1/4 of the applicable weekly studio or location rate, including 1/4 of the applicable production fee when payable) and the Employer must notify the Guild of the temporary upgrade.
Whenever you are temporarily upgraded, you should review your paystub to ensure you are being paid correctly at the daily rate (rather than the pro rata rate, which is 1/5 of the applicable weekly studio or location rate). The difference between what you are owed at the daily rate versus the pro rata rate can quickly add up.
See image below for a chart of these rates.
If you have any questions, or if you have discovered instances in which you believe you were paid incorrectly, please contact the DGA’s Contracts Department at (310) 289-2010 for assistance.
Click here to view rates cards for 2016-2017