Los Angeles, CA - In an effort to increase the number of reality television programs produced under DGA agreements, the Directors Guild of America's National Board recently approved adjustments to its contract terms for reality programs produced for prime time broadcast on the networks, syndication and pay television.
"The Model Reality TV agreement is a response to a significant shift in the television landscape," said DGA President Michael Apted. "The changes approved by our National Board will allow reality television producers to utilize a top notch pool of DGA talent on their shows, with greater flexibility in staffing and salaries. DGA members will benefit as they will have access to jobs being created in the reality arena, while taking advantage of the economic protections, such as minimum salaries and health and pension benefits, that DGA contracts offer."
"We understand that each reality show has its own particularities," Apted continued. "So we are quite prepared to tailor the Model Agreement provisions to address the specific needs of each production."
The National Board also approved a twelve-month moratorium on disciplining members who have performed DGA-covered duties under different titles on non-Guild reality TV programs.
The DGA Model Reality Television Agreement for Network, Pay TV and Syndication, effective immediately, outlines the basic terms and conditions under which DGA members must work when employed on reality TV programs. It sets out criteria for determining whether or not a production falls under the reality rubric and establishes minimum salary rates. Employers will also have increased flexibility in meeting staffing requirements and may opt for "favored-nation" travel on low-budget shows. Finally, the payment of residuals to segment directors is simplified.
The new agreement does not apply to reality shows produced for broadcast on basic cable, the terms and conditions of which remain completely negotiable.
