Must my agency be franchised with (i.e. signatory to) the Guild in order to represent DGA member directors?

Yes, according to the Constitution and Bylaws a DGA member may only sign an agreement with an agency that has signed the DGA Agency Agreement, i.e. is signatory to the Guild's Agency Agreement.

How does my talent agency become signatory to the Guild?

In order to become signatory, you must first mail or fax a letter on your talent agency's letterhead requesting signatory status with the DGA. Please also include a current copy of your talent agency license and a current copy of the agency's bond.

Once my agency becomes signatory, how do I maintain my signatory status?

In order to maintain your signatory status with the Guild, you must submit to the DGA a list of your DGA member clients by June 30 and December 31 of every year. If your agency is no longer representing any DGA members, please let us know this in writing as well. It is important that we have current copies of your talent agency license, so you must send us a copy whenever it is renewed. Also, keep us alerted to any changes at the agency. Any change in the name or ownership of the agency, or of the address, phone or fax number must be sent in writing to the Guild.

If my talent agency becomes signatory, do all my agency offices throughout the U.S. automatically become signatory also?

Not necessarily. If the branch offices are part of the same corporation, they will automatically be considered signatory as well. However, if an office of your agency is separately incorporated, it will need to request its own signatory status and have the appropriate paperwork sent to the Guild.

How do signatory agents sign DGA members?

You and your DGA member clients must co-sign our Rider "D", copies of which will be sent to you once you become signatory. Copies of the Rider "D" should be filed with the Guild within 30 days of being signed by both agent and client.

What is the standard term of representation for DGA members?

Upon initial signing, an agency may represent a DGA member for a maximum of two years. Subsequent renewals of the contract are for a maximum of three years.

Must my agency submit a new Rider "D" contract when it renews its contract with a DGA member?

Yes

Must my agency submit documentation indicating the term of my DGA member client’s representation along with the Rider "D"contract?

The maximum term of representation outlined in the Rider "D" is spelled out in that document. If the term of representation agreed to by agency and client is less, then your agency must submit a letter indicating the term and it must be signed by both the agency and client.

Are residuals commissionable?

Scale residuals are not commissionable. If an agent negotiates above-scale residuals, the agent may then receive commissions on that portion of the residuals that are in excess of minimum.

What is the maximum agency commission on a DGA member's salary?

No member may pay in excess of 10% commission.

What does my agency do regarding the filing of a Rider "D" with the DGA if I do not receive it back from my client within the filing period?

It is still the agency's responsibility to file a copy of the Rider "D" with the Guild.

How does the 90-day clause work?

Generally speaking, the Agent or DGA member can terminate an agency agreement by giving written notice of termination after (1) the DGA member has failed to be employed or (2) fails to receive a bona fide offer within 90 consecutive days preceding the notice of termination. However, there are other factors that may affect whether and when the 90-day clause is triggered. We encourage you to call the Guild's agency department with specifics, if you need further information.

For other information about agencies see the Association of Talent Agents website - a nonprofit trade association composed of companies engaged in the talent agency business.

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