Reality Agreements

The DGA has flexible agreements designed for Reality Television productions. Listed below are a few of the facts about the Reality TV Agreements.

Why Go DGA? Two Simple Reasons.

1. Access to Talent

Guild members have the proven skills, training and creativity you need to make your show the best possible. DGA directors can help make your show visually compelling, using their experience and vision to create a unique signature – giving your show the best shot at cutting through the clutter and staying on air.

2. Save Time and Money

The experience that DGA members bring to a production can save significant time and money. Having someone that knows how to get the right shot the first time means that your production costs will be lower in the long run.

For Basic Cable Shows there is no additional cost to go Guild because the Director’s minimum rate is fully negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Isn’t it too costly to go Guild?

No. The flexible staffing provisions in the DGA’s new Reality Television Agreements are more cost-effective than you may expect. The minimum rate for a Network, Syndication or Pay Television show is only $8,075 per episode and in Basic Cable the Director’s minimum rate is fully negotiable.

2. Do I have to hire a full Guild crew?

No. The Guild recognizes that each reality show has unique staffing issues. Staffing requirements are dependent on the needs of the individual show and are not based on a universal template. The Guild never requires unneeded staffing.

3. If I sign for this show, will I have to sign all my shows?

No. The DGA signs reality productions on a show-by-show basis and companies are not obligated to produce all their other shows under a DGA agreement. We believe your experience with the DGA will be favorable and make you want to sign for subsequent shows.

4. Have other shows used DGA agreements?

Yes. Since September 2003, so many reality televisions shows have signed DGA Agreements that we've stopped counting. And many of these are for some of the most successful shows: Amazing Race, Fear Factor, Big Brother, Biggest Loser and America's Next Top Model are only a few of the many reality shows produced under DGA Agreements.

For a more complete list of DGA-covered shows, download the Reality Television Directors Contact Guide. And if you're having trouble convincing a production company or a network to sign a show, call us, we can help!

So what should I know about the basic conditions/terms of the DGA Reality Agreement?

Network, Pay TV and Syndication

Staffing:

Show Director rates: minimum of $8,075 per show for a maximum of five (5) days work (prep, shoot, edit).

If the overall Show Director is not available to shoot segments, Segment or Field Directors are required only when segments involve: re-enactments with professional performers portraying a role, and/or acting or performance instructions with non-professional principals; major program events and/or ceremonies; coordination of more than one camera; stunts; and other instances as determined by the circumstances. In all other cases, they would be discretionary.

Associate Directors and Stage Managers are employed only as needed.

Residuals:

The Guild has created flexible reuse terms to help promote your show.

Basic Cable:

The terms and conditions for reality shows produced for broadcast on basic cable are completely negotiable. The DGA requires only that producers hire DGA members when there are Guild functions to be performed and that they pay Pension and Health contributions on our members’ negotiated salaries. Salaries, working conditions, credits and residuals are completely negotiable in this arena. So talk to us about the needs of your basic cable show.