I’ve just received this email from the WGGB and wondered what other UK-based writers thought about it?
Dear Geoff,
I wanted to let you know that WGGB, Personal Managers’ Association and Netflix have agreed terms that will apply after 1 February 2024 to live action scripted dramatic programming written in the UK for initial exploitation on Netflix.
The deal is the first agreement between a streaming service, the WGGB and the PMA and one we are proud to have negotiated over many months.
The agreement includes:
Minimum script fees (60-minute run time approx)
Singles/one-off programmes: £17,000
Series and serials: £15,000
Script fee
The initial script fee includes six months exploitation on the Netflix service (worldwide) and non-theatric and promotional rights.
Subsequent Use Advance
A mandatory SUA of 125% of the agreed script fee to be paid to the credited writer(s) of the episode on the first day of principal photography.
Together with the script fee (initial six months), the 125% SUA pre-purchases 10 years of exhibition on the Netflix service (i.e. SUA purchases nine years and 6 months).
Alternatively, part of the 125% SUA can, at Netflix’s discretion, pre-purchase fewer than 9.5 years with the remainder set against future royalties from exploitation on non-Netflix services and/or Netflix exploitation at a later date. If fewer years are pre-purchased, the agreement details the agreed value per year and % SUA available to be allocated to other markets.
Netflix rights beyond 10 years
The Netflix rights can be extended at any time (including by SUA pre-purchase) for an additional fee as follows:
· 3% of the agreed script fee per year after 10 years
· 1% of the agreed script fee per year after 15 years
For example, the script fee and a 140% SUA pre-purchases 15 years of exhibition on Netflix.
Non-Netflix use
If a production is exploited off the Netflix service, the writer(s) will be entitled to 5.6% of the gross receipts, on a pro-rata basis per writer, per episode.
Minimum attendance fees
A minimum daily fee of £300 is required for any writer not engaged in any other capacity to attend a writers room.
The initial agreement also includes terms on extract use and pension contributions
The agreement
The full agreement will shortly be available by logging into the Members’ area of our website.
This summary of key terms is also available in the Rates and Agreements section of our website.
Kind regards
Ellie Peers
WGGB General Secretary