Did you know the DGA covers work made for verticals?
As part of its 2007-2008 negotiations, the DGA negotiated the first-ever new media agreement to cover low budget projects made for emerging platforms.
Back then, much of this work involved “mobisodes” – short videos made for mobile devices – and “webisodes”, similar short videos made for web. Today, this extends to include vertical video.
The agreement is codified in the BA and FLTTA under the DGA’s ‘New Media Sideletter’, which provides flexible terms for Guild members to work on projects made for exhibition on emerging platforms. To date, the Sideletter has covered thousands of projects and provides significant employment for DGA members, while allowing employers to engage DGA talent at negotiable rates. These agreements make it easy for employers to employ DGA members on verticals, particularly on projects that have modest budgets and are made by producers who have limited experience working with DGA contracts.
The Guild’s ability to cover this work allows our members to fulfill their obligation to work under a Guild agreement while experimenting with newer production models and producers. Importantly, this Sideletter continues to provide flexible terms for producers while protecting Guild jurisdiction and core protections and benefits.
DGA rates of pay are fully negotiable, and staffing requirements are as needed and without qualification list requirements.
As verticals evolve and we learn more about how this work is being produced and distributed, the Guild will continue to consider possible modifications so our members can continue to work and be protected on these projects.
If you are a member or a producer with questions regarding work made for vertical video or other DGA Contract matters, please contact the DGA Contracts Department at 310.289.2010 or email contracts@dga.org.
Understanding the DGA contracts helps maintain the integrity of your creative process and ensures a collaborative, respectful production environment. Contract provisions are only effective when they are enforced, and we all play a key role in protecting our collective rights. The Guild and your fellow members need you to do your part by standing firm on the contract’s requirements and asserting your rights when necessary. If you have questions or concerns or want to learn more, please contact the DGA Contracts Department at 310-289-2010.
