Writers Guild of America, West

Foreign Levies Class Action Settlement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:16:19 GMT

On October 14, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Carl J. West granted preliminary approval of the settlement in the class action lawsuit entitled Richert v. Writers Guild of America, West, Inc. Case No. BC339972, involving the Guild’s Foreign Levy Program.

Technically Speaking: Nursing

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:59 GMT

Susie Schelling, a nursing consultant for ER, Nip/Tuck and Hawthorne dispels some medical misnomers including why doctors never yell, “Get me a (fill-in-the-blank), STAT!”

Gentlemen Broncos's Jared and Jerusha Hess

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:25:31 GMT

Gentlemen Broncos’ Jared and Jerusha Hess describe life as a married writing couple and how their Mormon faith affects their work as every hipster’s favorite comedy writers.

American Indian 101 Panel Discussion

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:06:18 GMT

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Diversity Committee and the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) American Indian Writers Committee will co-present "American Indian 101" on Monday, Nov. 9

FlashForward’s David S. Goyer & Marc Guggenheim

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:25:03 GMT

David S. Goyer and Marc Guggenheim take on the challenge of filling the shoes of Lost by building their own unique mystery in the new ABC thriller FlashForward.

Hotlist October 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:55:33 GMT

The Hotlist October 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http www.nfb.ca explore by title The National

The Invention of Lying's Matthew Robinson

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:27:25 GMT

Matthew Robinson teams up with his comedic hero Ricky Gervais to script The Invention of Lying and explains why a world without lies is not a good place to be.

Hollywood Disabilities Forum

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:43:23 GMT

HOLLYWOOD DISABILITIES FORUMSaturday, 10 24 099 a.m. 5 p.m.UCLA Melnitz HallParking is $10 in Parking Structure 3 and free with disability placard. RSVP by 10 16 Diversity with subject line “Disabilities Forum.” Must indicate if you will attend workshop B. Featuring Peter

Tech Speak: Are Rom-Coms Bad for You?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:14:53 GMT

Are romantic comedies bad for your love life? Technically Speaking gets relationship advice from Dr. Wendy Walsh and asks the love guru where writers can find the next great rom-com.

The Cleveland Show’s Mike Henry

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:29:17 GMT

The Cleveland Show’s Mike Henry opens up about why his new animated spin-off is a less angry version of Family Guy and how the politics of race affects the show’s comedy.

Hotlist September 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:54:42 GMT

The Hotlist September 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http www.timothyarchibald.com A beautiful online portfolio from

WGAW Announces 2009 Final Election Results

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:33:38 GMT

LOS ANGELES -- The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) has announced the final results of its 2009 WGAW Officers and Board of Directors election.

The Informant!’s Scott Z. Burns

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:35:31 GMT

Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns finds the humor behind one of history’s most famous corporate mole cases in The Informant!

WGAW Applauds Waxman's Net Freedom Support

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:26:09 GMT

LOS ANGELES -- Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), the Chair of the House Commerce Committee, announced his support today of H.R. 3458, The Internet Freedom and Preservation Act of 2009, a bill sponsored by Congressman Ed Markey. H.R. 3458 will, among other things, preserve the open architecture of the Internet.

2009-2010 WAP Description and Guidelines

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:07:29 GMT

2009 Writer Access Project Finalists This pilot program, which was launched out of the WGAW’s Diversity Department in early 2009 was designed to identify excellent, diverse writers with television experience, and to provide a resource for accessing their work to

Legendary Comedy Writer Larry Gelbart Dies at 81

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:04:37 GMT

Acclaimed, award-winning television, stage, and screenwriter Larry Gelbart died today at the age of 81. Gelbart passed away at his Beverly Hills home Friday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and audiences around the world.

My One and Only’s Charlie Peters

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:21:37 GMT

Charlie Peters recounts how a night of drinks with George Hamilton and 10 years of hard work brought the Renée Zellweger road picture My One and Only to the big screen.

WGA Documentary Screenplay Award Submissions Launched

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:42:17 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have launched their 2010 Writers Guild Awards award season with a collective call for submissions for the sixth annual WGA Documentary Screenplay Award.

Writers Workbench - September 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:25:11 GMT

As the use of portable devices grows, so does the need for on-the-go power. TWW looks at some rechargers that'll keep you plugged in.

WGA Videogame Writing Award Submissions Launched

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:25:00 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 Sherry Goldman (718) 224 4133 News Release September 1, 2009

Taking Woodstock's James Schamus

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:24:25 GMT

James Schamus “Ninety nine point nine nine nine percent of the genetic code that makes a successful independent movie, I hate to tell ya is the same as what

Technically Speaking: Robotics

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:38:15 GMT

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING WHERE TO LOOK Every geek on Earth, present company included, goes through a robotics phase. And we all like to write about it, so there’s no shortage of great robot info on the Internet. Some of the boldest

Paper Heart's Nicholas Jasenovec

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:15:05 GMT

Paper Heart’s Nick Jasenovec follows writing partner Charlyne Yi on her quest to understand the meaning of love and co-scripts an affair to remember.

Hotlist August 2009

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:39:02 GMT

The Hotlist August 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http www.tabletmag.com Tablet Magazine is a high

The Time Traveler’s Wife’s Bruce Joel Rubin

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:16:50 GMT

Photo Rafy Jeffrey Nachmanoff “So many movies are what I call ‘microwaved.’ They’re forced into being too fast. They don’t have time to find their flavor.”

Statement Regarding This Year’s Primetime Emmy Awards

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:07:50 GMT

“We appreciate that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has decided to present all 28 awards live on this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. We look forward to developing a more collaborative relationship between the Writers Guild and the Academy."

The Cleaner’s Jonathan Prince

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:30:41 GMT

Co-creator Jonathan Prince turns the real-life story of a junkie-turned-addiction interventionist into the gritty, morally ambiguous A&E series The Cleaner.

Writers Workbench - August 2009

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:40:33 GMT

TWW explains why the process of backing up data files is so easy now, even the most technophobic writer can (and should) do it.

Showrunners Protest Emmy Changes

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:52:11 GMT

Writers are overwhelmingly opposed to the short-sighted attempt by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to remove any of the live presentations of writing awards from the Primetime Emmys.

Fifth Annual Showrunner Training Program

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:55 GMT

WGAW Launches Fifth Annual Showrunner Training Program In partnership with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the Writers Guild of America is set to launch year five of its Showrunner Training Program, a prestigious industry training program

CBS New Media Writers Vote for Writers Guild Representation

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:49:13 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release July 31, 2009 CBS New Media

Statement on 61st Primetime Emmy Awards

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:24:35 GMT

Writers Guild of America, West President Patric M. Verrone today issued the following statement regarding the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ decision to remove the live presentation of two writing awards from the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards telecast:

Just Add Pictures – Turning Your Screenplay into a Comic Book

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:57:56 GMT

Just Add Pictures – Turning Your Screenplay into a Comic Book By WGAW member Dale Kutzera Photo Credit Michael Jones(L R) Pinnacle writer Larry Gelbart and cast member Carl Reiner appear at staged reading to kick off Seasoned Readings

Career Opportunities: American Indian Writers Teach “Unity”

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:14:39 GMT

Career Opportunities American Indian Writers Teach “Unity” at New Mexico Youth ConferenceBy WGAW member Anna S. Tkatch Once a year, Native American youth – ages 15 24 – come together at a national convention, the UNITY Conference, with one common

Technically Speaking – Infiltrating the Mob

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:05:05 GMT

Joaquin “Jack” Garcia, an FBI agent who spent years infiltrating the Gambino crime family knowing his life depended on getting his facts right, gives up the goods on where to get the straight mob dope.

Did You Know - July 2009

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:35:47 GMT

Did You Know? Did you know the enforcement of unpaid compensation claims has been streamlined? In order to streamline the enforcement of unpaid compensation claims, as of May 26, 2009, writers and their representatives who have issues concerning unpaid initial

Cast Your Vote: 2009 Election

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:28:23 GMT

CAST YOUR VOTE WGAW Announces Final Candidates for 2009 Officer and Board of Directors ElectionCandidates Night Set for September 2The Writers Guild of America, West has announced the final slate of candidates for the 2009 WGAW Officer and Board of

G-Force's Marianne & Cormac Wibberley

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:41:08 GMT

Marianne and Cormac Wibberley, the married writing team behind the guinea pig summer pic G-Force, get their cute and kick-ass on...

Final Slate of Candidates for 2009 Officer and BOD Election

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:34:11 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release July 24, 2009 Writers Guild of

Nurse Jackie’s Liz Brixius

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:19:12 GMT

Nurse Jackie co-creator Liz Brixius re-imagines the TV hospital genre and opines on how addiction can be a part of writing

Writer and Playwright Judi Ann Mason Dies at 54

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:12:44 GMT

Trailblazing TV/film writer and playwright Judi Ann Mason died on Wednesday, July 8, of a ruptured aorta in Los Angeles at the age of 54.

Hotlist July 2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:15:14 GMT

The Hotlist July 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http babble.com index.aspxBabble is a well executed

Leverage’s John Rogers and Chris Downey

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:01:20 GMT

John Rogers and Chris Downey’s TNT show Leverage gets back at capitalism’s real crooks.

Technically Speaking – Police & Law Enforcement

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:25:25 GMT

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING LAPD veteran-turned-TV writer Randy Walker tells Technically Speaking what writers really need to know about life behind the badge.

Writers Workbench - July 2009

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:51:10 GMT

The Writers Workbench by Robert J. Elisberg Remote Possibilities July, 2009 As home theaters have expanded the entertainment experience in leaps forward, one remnant of this high tech extravaganza has been a pole vault backwards. The remote control. Sorry, make

The Hurt Locker’s Mark Boal

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:41:26 GMT

Mark Boal “The episodic structure came about in an attempt to be faithful to the reality of the situation, more than any preconceived notion… There’s nothing wrong with those kinds

Did You Know - June 2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:18:14 GMT

Christovich Appointed Director of Legal Services

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:20:55 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release June 29, 2009 Writers Guild, West

Goode Family’s John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:19:43 GMT

John Altschuler Dave Krinsky “We work so hard to get it right… so it’s frustrating to be following people bouncing off big balls and see our ratings really dropping off.”

Election Rules

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:12:54 GMT

July 2009 The election of Officers and Board members is a cornerstone of Guild democracy. All Current members in good standing are respectfully urged to carefully review the following information and to participate

2009 Officers and BOD Candidates Announced

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:02:34 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release June 22, 2009 Writers Guild of

Silverdocs Award Goes to Opper and Klein-Cloud

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:05:58 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 Sherry Goldman (718) 224 4133 News Release June 22, 2009

Year One’s Harold Ramis

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:04:59 GMT

Photo Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.Harold Ramis “I figure everything we do creatively makes a statement, intended or not. Every romantic comedy is saying something about gender politics. Every depiction of human

Seasoned Readings Series Launches with Gelbart Pinnacle Premiere

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:39:35 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release June 16, 2009 Writers Guild, West’s

Hotlist June 2009

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:11:48 GMT

The Hotlist May 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http leonbeyondfacts.blogspot.com The “Amazing Facts … and

Norman Lear – State of the Sitcom

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:37:31 GMT

Norman Lear “’Nobody fucks with success.’ That’s an old American adage. That’s the way that worked.” King Lear Written by Denis Faye Industry

Writers Workbench - June 2009

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:24:38 GMT

The Writers Workbench by Robert J. Elisberg Found in Translation June, 2009 The popularity of handheld devices has grown over the years like proverbial weeds. In large part, it’s their simplicity. Hook your device to a synchronizing cord, press a

Did You Know - May 2009

Fri, 29 May 2009 17:05:52 GMT

Did You Know? Did you know the Guild maintains a Strike List and an Unfair List of problem producers? Are You Really Covered? There’s no way the Guild can guarantee you receive the appropriate pay, pension and health contributions and

Get WGA.org Delivered to You

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:35:19 GMT

Get WGA.org Delivered to You Now you can get the latest WGAW content delivered to you instantly by subscribing to the Guild website’s new RSS feed. Commonly translated as “Really Simple Syndication,” RSS readers save Web users time by allowing

Drag Me to Hell’s Ivan Raimi

Thu, 28 May 2009 11:59:10 GMT

Photo Suzanne Hanover Samuel Goldwyn FilmsIvan Raimi “Sam likes to believe that he’s in control of me… and I like to give him that sense of control. If I want to

Technically Speaking – The Marine Corps

Thu, 28 May 2009 11:34:30 GMT

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING WHERE TO LOOK For a comprehensive overview of the Corps, your best bet is to go straight to the source. the Marine Corps Web site covers history, culture, ranks, careers, you name it. If you’re looking for something

New Media Shakeout?

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:40:32 GMT

New Media Shakeout? Lessons from 60 Frames by Ellen Stutzman, Research Director and Charles B. Slocum, Assistant Executive Director It was recently announced in the trades that 60 Frames Entertainment, a new media production company, would be closing shop. 60

Special Pricing for WGA Members at Produced By Conference

Tue, 26 May 2009 09:26:43 GMT

Special Pricing for Writers Guild Members at Produced By Conference The Producers Guild of America invites Writers Guild members to an unprecedented weekend with the greatest producers in film, television, and new media – Clint Eastwood, James Cameron, Kathleen Kennedy,

Reprise of the Machines

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:42:43 GMT

John D. Brancato Michael Ferris “When the studio first came to us after 3 and said, “Well, how about imagining a new trilogy going

Axium Alert

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:26:58 GMT

Axium Alert In the past week, those of you who received payments through Axium in the 90 days preceeding the Axium bankruptcy filing may have received letters from Howard Ehrenberg, who is the Chapter 7 Trustee for the Axium estates.

Enforcement Update

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:19:23 GMT

Enforcement UpdateIn order to streamline the enforcement of unpaid compensation claims, as of May 26, 2009, writers and their representatives who have issues concerning unpaid initial compensation should call the WGAW’s Claims Legal Department at (323) 782 4521. The WGAW’s

Stars Support EFCA

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:10:57 GMT

Contact Alison Omens 202 637 5018 News Release May 14, 2009 The Stars Come Out in Support of Employee Free Choice ActWASHINGTON,

Hotlist May 2009

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:48:56 GMT

The Hotlist May 2009 By Elliot Feldman The "Hot List" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms. Members are welcome to send site addresses to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com http visualjournalist.org VisualJournalist.org is a collective of

function of dysfunction

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:28:40 GMT

Photo Suzanne Hanover Samuel Goldwyn FilmsStephen Belber “Management was completely a side project for me... I think that because of that, it’s the one that got made. I just had fun,

John Furia 1929-2009

Fri, 08 May 2009 20:13:40 GMT

Contact Gregg Mitchell (323) 782 4574 News Release May 8, 2009 John Furia, Jr.

WGAW Supports EFCA

Thu, 07 May 2009 12:18:51 GMT

WGAW Supports Employee Free Choice Act Photo Credit Michael JonesBoard member Phil Alden Robin introduces Congressman Waxman.WGAW President Patric M. Verrone joined with Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary treasurer, L.A. County Federation of Labor (AFL CIO), community leaders and

Writers Workbench - May 2009

Mon, 04 May 2009 10:54:12 GMT

The Writers Workbench by Robert J. Elisberg It Turns Out There’s Life Before DVD May, 2009 So, how many of you out there have old VHS tape just sitting on a shelf gathering dust? Movies you once taped off television.

With New PAC, Writers are Set

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:59:46 GMT

With New PAC, Writers Are Set to Have a Real Voice in Washington The newly formed Writers Guild of America, West Political Action Committee (WGAW PAC) made its official debut in April with two events focused on national issues critical

Did You Know - 4c

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:56:36 GMT

Did You Know? Did you know that in television, if a writer who is not a production executive is employed to work as part of a team with a writer who is a production executive...? an APPLICATION TO COLLABORATE and

TS - Occult Status

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:20:31 GMT

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING WHERE TO LOOK There is no shortage of free spirited souls willing to write online for free, at length, about the otherworldly. Any Web visit for occult info is bound to be rewarding, if not a little unsettling.

WGAW Democracy -- Have A Say!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:50:51 GMT

2009 Board of Directors Election Each year the Guild conducts an election for eight of the 16 seats on the Board of Directors. This year, as in all odd numbered years, the cycle also includes the election of Officers President,

WGF Library Launches Online Catalog

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:58:40 GMT

Writers Guild Foundation Library Catalog Launches Online Great news from the Writers Guild Foundation their library’s catalog is now online. This means you can search from the convenience of your home or office to locate scripts, books, DVDs, awards, and

Biderman's Beat

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:27:06 GMT

Photo Jordin Althaus ShowtimeDiablo Cody “I didn't want the kind of fake redemption and ‘lessons learned’ approach to structure... I wanted to be able to move fluidly between characters, to have

Autumn Stories

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:18:57 GMT

AUTUMN STORIES Six Week Screenwriting Residency in France Submit Your Projects Now – DUE 6 30 09 The Franco American Cultural Fund (FACF) and Ile de France Film Commission are co sponsoring their fourth annual residency program for Guild screenwriters