The foundational ‘One Director to a Film’ rule applies to principal photography in feature films and dramatic television. In this installment of KNOW YOUR RIGHTS we address photography for bona fide second unit material.
- With respect to bona fide second unit material, if the Director is not directing such second unit material, he/she must be informed about the material to be shot by the second unit and be given the opportunity to consult with the Second Unit Director. In theatrical motion pictures, the Director must approve of the selection of the Second Unit Director.
- Directors employed to direct second unit work must be paid the applicable scale directing fee and in most cases receive mandatory prep time, the amount depending on the number of shoot days.
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.
