Also known as GSS · second writing step
A second paid writing step guaranteed in qualifying WGA-covered theatrical deals. Under the 2026 MBA, the protection expands to writers initially paid up to 225% of the applicable minimum.
A guaranteed second step means a qualifying feature writer is engaged and paid for another writing step rather than being hired for one pass and then asked to compete for the chance to revise it. The protection is deal-specific: the kind of project, initial compensation, commencement date, and MBA rules all matter.
The 2026 MBA expands the compensation threshold from 200% to 225% of the applicable minimum for covered deals beginning May 2, 2026. The Guild's deal guidance explains exclusions and how the guarantee interacts with overscale compensation. Writers should confirm the actual contract language rather than estimating eligibility from a headline percentage alone.
Treat each paid step as its own named phase. Keep the commenced draft, the delivered draft, notes, and corresponding export together so the writing history stays understandable when a second step begins. Inkwell can organize those versions; it cannot calculate Guild compensation, amend an engagement, or determine whether a deal qualifies.
No. The protection applies to qualifying WGA-covered theatrical deals and has compensation and deal conditions. Review the current Guild guidance and contract.
For deals beginning May 2, 2026, the threshold expanded from 200% to 225% of the applicable minimum, subject to the agreement's terms and exclusions.
Name a baseline and delivery save point for each step, retain the exported files, and keep notes associated with the step that produced them.
