by Larry Brody
The WGAW has posted the recommended payment rates for TV pilot scripts, and I gotta tell you, my mouth is watering. This almost makes me wish I never retired.
ALMOST.
Have a look-see:
WGAW Pilot Deal Guide
Using information from approximately one thousand pilot deals made during the term of the 2023 MBA, including those provided by agencies through the franchise agreement, the Guild is releasing a new guide to key pilot compensation terms.
Pilot Compensation Terms Across All Markets
Key compensation terms in pilot deals include pilot script fees and episodic fees in the event the pilot is picked up to series, and series sale bonus compensation. Compared to the 2021 Pilot Deal Guide, median rates for all deal terms have increased, except Series Sale Bonuses which have remained the same.
| One-Hour Pilots | |||
| Median | Change vs. 2021 | Maximum Reported | |
| Pilot Script | $300,000 | +$125,000 | $1,175,000 |
| Episodic Fee | $70,000 | +$26,250 | $250,000 |
| Series Sale Bonus | $25,000 | – | $300,000 |
| Half-Hour Pilots | |||
| Median | Change vs. 2021 | Maximum Reported | |
| Pilot Script | $250,000 | +$100,000 | $500,000 |
| Episodic Fee | $62,500 | +$25,000 | $350,000 |
| Series Sale Bonus | $25,000 | – | $100,000 |
Historically, pilot producing fees were paid at a premium relative to episodic fees, though many deals now contain a single rate for all episodes inclusive of the pilot as the industry has moved away from a pilot production process towards ordering an entire season.
Pilot Compensation Terms for Streamers
Since the last pilot deal guide, streaming has become the dominant market for series television. The median deal points for pilots specifically made for streaming are very similar to the rates across markets, with slightly higher median episodic fees for half-hour pilots.
See the rest of the numbers HERE
