The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has reached a tentative agreement on a new commercial contract after several months of negotiating the terms.
The National Board of Directors unanimously approved the deal Friday, which will next be presented to the membership for ratification.
Per the DGA, the new tentative contract with the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, Inc. (AICP) includes the first commercial industry protections against the “misuse” of generative AI. Other key issues covered in the deal include “significant” wage increases in keeping with the rising cost of living, increased pension and health benefits, updated staffing and prep guarantees for assistant directors, clarification on UPMs coverage, and additional funding for diversity programs.
Pending ratification, the three-year agreement between the directors and the AICP will run Dec. 1, 2023 – Nov. 30, 2026.
“Our Commercial Negotiations Committee secured a strong contract that benefits our members in the commercial industry and supports their careers in the long term,” DGA president Lesli linka Glatter said. “I’m confident our significant wage gains, paired with the first-ever AI protections for the Commercial community and provisions nurturing diversity in our industry will drive continued industry growth and stability.”
“Our Negotiating Committee is extremely proud of what they achieved, and we hope our commercial members will be as well,” said associate national executive director/Eastern executive director Neil Dudich, who led negotiations with the AICP. “There were extremely important issues that needed to be addressed in these negotiations and this new agreement will provide cornerstone protections for years to come.”
