In this installment of “Know Your Rights” we take a look at Principal Photography for Directors and Added Scenes/Re-shoots:
- In episodic television and theatrical motion pictures, the Director has the right to direct all originally scheduled principal photography. The Producer may not schedule principal photography in such a way to deprive the Director of this critical right.
- In addition, as long as the Director directed 100% of the originally scheduled principal photography, the Director has the right to direct all added scenes or retakes. The Employer must invite the Director back to shoot such material and the Director is entitled to direct the material, subject to the Director’s availability. In no case should another Director be assigned to direct your work without your having been invited to return.
- If the Director is not available, the Director must be provided the opportunity to consult with the substituting Director. There are limits as to whom the Producer may use as a replacement Director, including strict rules related to potential replacements employed on the show in other capacities (Writer/Producer, Actor, Director of Photography, etc.) and those with limited directing experience.
The protection of the creative rights of our members is one of the founding principles of our Guild. It is important for every member to understand that these are “use them or lose them” rights; each time we choose not to exercise them, we further the chances of their erosion.
Many Directors have requested the Guild increase efforts to educate themselves, their representatives, studio executives and crew members of a Director’s Creative Rights. This series of articles is designed to help raise awareness of your rights, which span all phases of production and are foundational to the role of the Director. There is more information on the rights outlined here in the Creative Rights Handbook and in Article 7 of the DGA Basic Agreement. We encourage you to share this with fellow Directors and crew members.
If you find yourself with any creative rights questions or problems, please consult a DGA Field Representative or call the DGA Contracts Line at (310) 289-2010. For more information on Creative Rights and to download a copy of the Creative Rights Handbook, click here to visit the DGA’s Creative Rights Section.
