The Association of Talent Agents has sent its member agencies a 22-page summary of the “force majeure” provisions contained in the contracts of WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and DGA. This comes right on the heels of final negotiations for a new Writers Guild contract. 

A “force majeure” is a provision in a contract that addresses the parties’ obligation if an extraordinary event directly prevents one or both parties from performing. 

The most recent example of this move was during the WGA strike in 2007-2008 when Universal Media Studios cited a force majeure in the SAG contract that notified regulars on several shows that they were being suspended on half-pay for five weeks. 

However, each guild treats a force majeure differently, but its definition and purpose remain the same in regulating how deals are contractually terminated or suspended. 

The ATA issued a disclaimer, saying, “ATA has prepared a summary of the provisions followed by the full contract language. Disclaimer: The summary is not intended to constitute contract language. The content provided is to be used for informational purposes and is not represented to be error-free. The Association of Talent Agents makes no representations or warranties of any kind. ATA encourages you to contact appropriate Guild representatives to assess your circumstances.”

The Association of Talent Agents has sent its member agencies a 22-page summary of the “force majeure” provisions contained in the contracts of WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and DGA. This comes right on the heels of final negotiations for a new Writers Guild contract. 

A “force majeure” is a provision in a contract that addresses the parties’ obligation if an extraordinary event directly prevents one or both parties from performing. 

The most recent example of this move was during the WGA strike in 2007-2008 when Universal Media Studios cited a force majeure in the SAG contract that notified regulars on several shows that they were being suspended on half-pay for five weeks. 

However, each guild treats a force majeure differently, but its definition and purpose remain the same in regulating how deals are contractually terminated or suspended. 

The ATA issued a disclaimer, saying, “ATA has prepared a summary of the provisions followed by the full contract language. Disclaimer: The summary is not intended to constitute contract language. The content provided is to be used for informational purposes and is not represented to be error-free. The Association of Talent Agents makes no representations or warranties of any kind. ATA encourages you to contact appropriate Guild representatives to assess your specific circumstances.”

The WGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expires Monday night at midnight PT. The DGA begins contract talks with the AMPTP on May 10, followed by SAG-AFTRA on June 7.