A second step—i.e., a rewrite—is required under the 2023 MBA when a writer is hired for a first draft screenplay where the compensation is 200% of minimum or less.
The guaranteed second step also applies to purchases of original and non-original screenplays from professional writers at 200% of minimum or less.
As you may know, there are no Pension Plan and Health Fund contributions on purchases without employment, so when the provision applies and the purchase amount guarantees a rewrite, this will mean that contributions are due on both the purchase payment and the rewrite compensation.
The compensation thresholds are as follows:
| High Budget ($5,000,000 or above) |
200% of Minimum (through 5/1/2025) |
| Original Screenplay, Including Treatment |
$331,372 |
| Non-Original Screenplay, Including Treatment |
$287,344 |
| Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment |
$242,766 |
| Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment |
$198,618 |
| Low Budget (less than $5,000,000) |
200% of Minimum (through 5/1/2025) |
| Original Screenplay, Including Treatment |
$176,530 |
| Non-Original Screenplay, Including Treatment |
$154,450 |
| Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment |
$118,588 |
| Non-Original Screenplay, Excluding Treatment |
$96,508 |
This provision applies to any qualifying deal made at or under these thresholds on or after September 25, 2023. It also applies to option/purchase agreements where the option to purchase the screenplay is exercised after September 25, 2023.
It’s our expectation that this gain won’t just mean extra income and contributions on certain deals, it will also help address free work pressure for the screenwriters who may most need it. We also hope that representatives can use this new term to negotiate second steps into overscale deals for higher-earning screenwriters as well.
A writer is not permitted to forego or opt out of the second step because it’s a Guild minimum term. If anyone pressures you to opt out, contact the Guild’s WGAE Agency Administrator at (212) 767-7837 or rrubin@wgaeast.org.
If you have any questions about Guaranteed Second Steps, including whether your deal qualifies for a guaranteed rewrite, please contact the Contract Enforcement & Credits department at (212) 767-7823 or mkuchinsky@wgaeast.org.
