The DGA's collective bargaining agreements guarantee its Members’ are compensated for the exploitation of their work beyond the initial use.
Residuals are paid to DGA Members when feature films are distributed in home video and pay television ("supplemental markets"), free television (including basic cable) and new media. Residuals are paid to DGA Members when television programs are rerun or distributed in supplemental markets and new media.
Residuals are not derived from a project’s profitability, but rather from formulas based on gross receipts, television runs or pay television subscriber counts.
Residuals can represent a significant portion of a DGA members income and one of the major financial advantages of being a DGA Member. Residuals also play a significant role in funding the DGA Basic Pension Plan, to the great benefit of all Plan participants.
The DGA Residuals Department processes residuals payments and monitors and enforces compliance with the reuse provisions of the DGA’s collective bargaining agreements. Using its state-of-the-art computer system, various audit programs and claims processes, they pursue claims against producers and distributors who fail to meet their obligations under these agreements.