Netflix UK, the Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) and the Personal Managers Association (PMA) – which represents UK agents – have signed a first-of-its-kind remuneration agreement.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the deal will apply to British writers working on Netflix’s live-action scripted series, and will be retroactive to February 1. It is also the first agreement between the streaming service, WGGC and PMA.
“Local writers are the foundation of Netflix’s success in the UK, and we are thrilled to reach an agreement,” Anne Mensah, vice president of UK content at Netflix, said in a statement.
“For the first time in the UK, writers working for a global broadcaster will have their rights set out in a collective union agreement and enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix,” said Eli Beers, General Secretary of WGGB.
The Palestine Monetary Authority added: “We are delighted to finally agree a ground-breaking deal for writers in the UK that moves away from granting rights in perpetuity and introduces an ongoing payment structure.”
WGGB has also published a summary of the key terms of the new Netflix agreement, with a more detailed version of the deal set to be made available to its members soon.
According to the deal, there is a minimum script fee of £17,000 ($21,700) for a one-hour show, and a minimum script fee of £15,000 ($19,200) for a series, with both including a six-month window for the series. Netflix can be exploited worldwide, along with non-theatrical and promotional rights.
(Pictured above: Netflix’s “The Gentlemen.”)