Y ou’ve written a script. You’ve polished it, re-written it, performed a table read, re-written it again, you’re sick of the thing. It’s time to let this thing hit the market. But what is the market? How much is a script worth? Is it a feature or TV? How much more do you get for hour-long vs half-hour. Thanks to the WGA schedule of minimums we have the answers to all this! But you don’t need to read the entire WGA minimums document, StudioBinder has all your answers right here.
Screenwriters get paid for their work, and to protect writers, the WGA (Writers Guild of America) exists. The screenwriting landscape is constantly changing and evolving, so the WGA minimum basic agreement is updated every 3 years or so. This is called the WGA MBA (minimum basic agreement).
As you can see, there will be a fair amount of terminology thrown around in this article, so before we begin, let's make sure we all understand what “WGA schedule of minimums” means.
The WGA MBA minimums represent the LOWEST amount of money a WGA member can receive for writing a script. If you are not in the WGA, you are not guaranteed these rates. It’s one of the key benefits of working within a union. These WGA rates are also called “WGA scale.” New writers will likely start at a number close to these figures. There are different rates for theatrical vs. TV, and for different types and lengths of the TV program, etc. Many of which you’ll find in this article.
Remember, you won't take home the number you see. You still need to pay agents, lawyers, managers (if you have one), and taxes. You might even have to split it with your writing partner. Screenwriting earnings have a WIDE range of outcomes.