# Guaranteed second 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. Also known as: GSS, second writing step ## In practice 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. ## Official sources & context Sources reviewed Jul 29, 2026 Eligibility and compensation depend on the current MBA and the writer's contract. This page does not calculate or confirm a guaranteed step. - [WGA — Guaranteed second step](https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/writers-deal-hub/guaranteed-second-step) - [WGA — 2026 MBA contract changes FAQ](https://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/mba/2026-mba-contract-changes-faq) ## Common questions ### Does every feature deal include a guaranteed second step? No. The protection applies to qualifying WGA-covered theatrical deals and has compensation and deal conditions. Review the current Guild guidance and contract. ### What changed in the 2026 MBA? 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. ### How should I organize drafts across two paid steps? Name a baseline and delivery save point for each step, retain the exported files, and keep notes associated with the step that produced them. ## Related terms - [2026 WGA MBA](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/2026-wga-mba): The current Minimum Basic Agreement between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, effective May 2, 2026, with minimums and working protections for covered writing. - [Free work and producer passes](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/free-work-producer-pass): Requested writing performed without an agreed paid step. A producer pass commonly means an extra rewrite requested before material is delivered onward, creating pressure to work beyond the compensated deal. - [WGA signatory](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/wga-signatory): A company that has agreed to be bound by the WGA collective-bargaining agreement for covered writing employment, including applicable minimums, credits, residuals, and pension and health contributions. - [Page-one rewrite](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/page-one-rewrite): A ground-up rewrite that rebuilds the script from a new structural plan while keeping what still serves the story — not a line edit. - [Read the pillar guide](https://www.inkwell.software/learn/wga-aware-screenwriting-workflows): A longer guide for this workflow --- Canonical page: