Netflix U.K., the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB)and the Personal Managers’ Association (PMA) —which represents U.K. agents —have signed a first-of-its-kind deal on remuneration.
Unveiled Tuesday, the deal will apply to U.K. writers working on Netflix scripted live-action commissioned series, and is retroactively effective as of Feb. 1. It’s also the first agreement between a streaming service, the WGGC and the PMA.
“Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the U.K. and we are delighted to have reached a deal,” Anne Mensah, VP U.K. content at Netflix, said in a statement.
“For the first time in the U.K., writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix,” said Ellie Peers, WGGB general secretary.
Added the PMA: “We are thrilled to have finally agreed a trailblazing deal on terms for U.K. writers that moves away from granting rights in perpetuity and introduces a structure for ongoing payments.”
The WGGB has also published a summary of the key terms of the new Netflix agreement, with a more detailed version of the deal due to be made available to its members soon.
According to the deal, there is a minimum script fee for £17,000 ($21,700) for a one-off hour-long show, and a £15,000 ($19,200) minimum script fee for a series, with both including a six-month window for Netflix to exploit worldwide, alongside non-theatrical and promotional rights.
(Pictured above: Netflix’s “The Gentlemen.”)
