In the wake of the booming on-line entertainment world, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has created a new contract for made-for-Internet writers of live-action and animation scripts. As part of the new contract, Guild affiliated Net firms will have to sign a Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) and provide financial reports regarding Internet revenue. The new rules guarantee scribes MBA minimums for Internet content that is the impetus for a TV pilot or series. If a Webisode is released in another medium, the writer will receive residuals as if the program was originally produced and aired on broadcast television. Companies will have an 18-month limit on the use of the material before they must comply with the next MBA or negotiate a residual for the additional use. Rights not used within two years will revert back to the writer. In addition, companies cannot buy out a scribes rights.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
