DGA deal limits TV directing jobs for actors as production slump persists

The Directors Guild of America has secured limits on actors and other television employees directing episodes under a new tentative contract with major Hollywood studios, as the union moves to protect directing jobs amid a prolonged production slowdown.

The four-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, announced on Friday, comes after production employment fell roughly 40% over the past four years. Variety reported the deal also includes higher streaming residuals, increased health plan contributions and new artificial intelligence protections.

Contract Targets Shrinking Directing Opportunities

The DGA said the agreement seeks to preserve episodic directing opportunities for career television directors by restricting the number of episodes that can be directed by people already employed in other roles on scripted series.

The provision responds to growing concerns that fewer directing assignments are available as production levels remain below pre-strike and pre-pandemic highs.

According to the union, the new language is designed to protect professional directors while still allowing individuals pursuing directing careers to gain experience.

Residuals and Health Contributions Increase

The agreement provides increases in streaming residuals and raises employer contributions to the DGA health plan.

Studios also agreed to increase the cap on wages subject to health fund contributions in an effort to keep pace with rising healthcare costs.

However, the deal is expected to include changes to member benefits, including the introduction of monthly premiums. Final details will be determined by health plan trustees.

New AI Protections Included

The contract adds safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence in film and television production.

Under the agreement, AI-generated footage will remain under a director's control. Studios must also provide notice regarding AI training and greater transparency around the technology's use.

The deal further establishes an employer-funded programme intended to help directors develop AI-related skills.

Studios Join Push for Federal Tax Incentive

The agreement also includes a commitment from senior studio executives to support lobbying efforts for a federal production tax incentive aimed at bringing more film and television projects back to the United States.

In addition, the DGA and studios will create a committee to examine how union protections can be applied to productions operating outside North America.

The tentative agreement now heads to DGA members for ratification.