Revised Schedule of Minimums Includes Rewrites, Polishes of Formats and Bibles

The 2020 MBA requires employers to pay minimums on these early series documents.

(12/10/2021)

The Guild recently published the third version of the Schedule of Minimums for the 2020 MBA. In this version, some minimums for the third period (5/2/22–5/1/23) have changed based on the Guild’s decision to increase contributions to the Pension Plan.

In addition, the Guild has taken the opportunity to include minimums for rewrites and polishes of formats and bibles (see page 14). A format*—and its more detailed relative, the bible—are critical in setting up the ongoing framework for an episodic series or serial (including all of the central characters). Indeed, writers are often asked to lay out a detailed story arc for an entire season.

No matter what it’s called (some companies refer to this type of document as a “series document” or “series overview”), the MBA requires the employer to pay minimum compensation appropriate to the level of detail contained in the document. And, as you’ll see on page 14 of the Schedule, each time a writer is asked to revise the document, that must be compensated as well.

If you have been asked to write such a document and have not been appropriately compensated, contact the Guild’s Contracts Department as soon as possible.

* The term “format” means a written presentation consisting of the following:

  1. As to a serial or episodic series, such format sets forth the framework within which the central running characters will operate and which framework is intended to be repeated in each episode; the setting, theme, premise or general story line of the proposed serial or episodic series; and the central running characters which are distinct and identifiable, including detailed characterizations and the interplay of such characters. It also may include one or more suggested story lines for individual episodes.
  2. As to a multi-part series telling a complete story such as “Rich Man, Poor Man” (Book I) or “Roots” or a prime time serial, such as “Executive Suite,” such format as described in a. above shall be called a “bible” if, in addition and at the request or upon the instructions of the Company, it contains all of the following characteristics and requirements:
    1. It is in much greater detail than a traditional format, and includes the context, framework, and central premises, themes and progression of the multi-part series or serial.
    2. It sets forth a detailed overall story development for the multi-part series or for the first broadcast season of the serial (or such lesser period as may be contracted for with the writer) and includes detailed story lines for (a) all of the projected episodes of the multi-part series or (b) most of the projected episodes for the first broadcast season of the serial (or such lesser period as may be contracted for with the writer).
    3. The characters must be not only distinct and identifiable, but must be set forth with detailed descriptions and characterizations.
  3. Except as to minimum compensation and reversion pursuant to Article 16.B.2.a., a “bible” is a format for all other purposes of this Agreement, including but not limited to other applicable provisions of Article 16.B.
  4. As to a unit (anthology) series, a format means a written presentation consisting of the following: a detailed description of the concept of the proposed series; the context and continuing framework intended to be repeated in each episode; and the central premises, themes, setting (locale, time, etc.), flavor, mood, style and attitude of the proposed series; and it may include suggested story lines for several of the projected episodes.