M embers of the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) have ratified the new Independent Production Agreement (IPA) with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA).

The ratified agreement goes into effect today (May 22) and will expire on Jan. 31, 2027, covering writers, story editors and story consultants. A spokesperson for the CMPA confirmed to Playback Daily that the IPA was also approved by its board of directors.

The new IPA includes artificial intelligence (AI) protections, which were a major sticking point in negotiations. Under the agreement, producers must disclose and contract with writers when providing them with AI-generated materials, and ensure no reduction in existing writer compensation and credit.

As for pay increases, the agreement will see script fees for live action increase by a total of 12.5% over the next three years, in increments of 5%, 4% and 3.5%.

Animation script fees will increase by roughly 20% over the same period, in increments of 5%, 11.5% and 3.6%.

Additionally, the IPA requires that two story editors are contracted during the bulk of principal photography on one-hour productions with a budget of more than $2.5 million per episode and half-hour productions with budgets of more than $1.5 million per episode. The requirement is in effect for productions going to camera on or after Jan. 1, 2025.

The IPA also sees expanded protections against discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

“We are pleased to have negotiated meaningful protections and fee increases for our members,” said WGC executive director Victoria Shen (pictured) in a statement. “These achievements would not have been possible without the solidarity demonstrated by our membership. Special thanks to the Negotiating Committee, who volunteered months of their time, passionately represented the interests of screenwriters, and stood their ground to reach this deal.”

“Bargaining this agreement was extremely challenging but it has resulted in a more united and engaged membership,” added WGC president Bruce Smith. “Our work will continue on many fronts, including fighting for equal compensation and protections for animation writers, advocating for a better funding system to address the needs of feature film writers, and ensuring our industry can flourish.”

Negotiations for the new IPA began last October and concluded earlier this month. The bargaining period was the first time in WGC history that the Guild held a strike authorization vote, which received near-unanimous approval by voting members.

Image courtesy of the Writers Guild of Canada