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WGAW Announces Candidates for 2016 Board of Directors Election

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:46:53 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West’s Nominating Committee has announced the initial list of candidates for the 2016 WGAW Board of Directors election.

Emmy-Winning Writer-Producer Bill Richmond Dies at 94

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:20:15 GMT

Contact: Gregg Mitchell (323) 782-4574 News Release: January 27, 2016 Emmy-Winning Writer-Producer Bill Richmond Dies at 94 LOS ANGELES -- Writers Guild of America, West President Howard A. Rodman released the following statement today on the issue of diversity in the entertainment industry: “Late last year, Canada's newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his cabinet: 15 men, 15 women. When asked why, his response was brief: ‘Because it's 2015.’ But in our industry it’s not even 2015 yet. In terms of gender the world is everywhere 50/50 male/female, but you wouldn't know that by looking at the writing credits on films or television. America is 36% minority, but the pool of people of color employed as writers is a small fraction of that. The WGAW understands that we need to change a broken industry, not simply mirror it. Shonda Rhimes, speaking last weekend, defined the task simply and beautifully: ‘to write the world as it actually is.’ Because it’s 2016.” The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio, and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national, and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.

WGAW Statement on U.S. Appeals Court Net Neutrality Ruling

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 11:48:24 GMT

Writers Guild of America, West issued the following statement today on the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to uphold the FCC’s net neutrality rules:

Fear the Walking Dead’s Dave Erickson

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 08:30:40 GMT

Fear the Walking Dead’s Dave Erickson on why audiences love zombies and whether creating a spin-off one of TV’s biggest shows was the opportunity of a lifetime or a suicide mission.

3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast Turns One

Thu, 26 May 2016 16:45:56 GMT

Have you heard the news? 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast turns one. May 26, 2016 Dear Member: Have you heard the WGAW’s podcast yet? Did you know the WGAW had a podcast?? Last June the Guild launched 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast, featuring writer-on-writer interviews, insider Guild information & more. One year in, we’re growing into one of Hollywood's must-listen resources. Our two dozen episodes to date have featured some of the industry’s top and up-and-coming screen, television, and new media writers discussing their craft and creative process, as well as their take on the business, including Adam McKay, Judd Apatow, Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, Moira Walley-Beckett, Billy Ray, Ronald D. Moore, Margaret Nagle, Danny Strong, Paul Weitz, Nahnatchka Khan, T.S. Nowlin, Peter Landesman, Chrissy Pietrosh & Jessica Goldstein, Matt Nix, Bryan Sipe, Josh Safran, Brent Forrester, James LaRosa, David Windsor & Casey Johnson, Issa Rae, Chuck Rose, and Ben Watkins. Our one-year anniversary episode released today features Master of None co-creator/star Aziz Ansari, as well as Part Two of an important and challenging conversation with WGAW Director of Diversity Tery Lopez and 2016 Hollywood Writers Report author/UCLA professor Darnell M. Hunt addressing the state of diversity in the industry. 3rd & Fairfax is unique in the podcast world in that it is meant for working writers, offering candid insights into the challenges and triumphs we face in our careers. In addition to member-to-member interviews, the podcast provides essential information about the WGAW, highlighting the Guild’s diverse member committees, core departments, and career-building programs like the Showrunner Training Program. It's a resource for how to use your Guild while also addressing issues you need to know about, such as employment trends, credit arbitration, diversity, and soon contract negotiations, making 3rd & Fairfax an essential tool. Join your fellow writers in the conversation. Download, listen, and subscribe to 3rd & Fairfax: The WGAW Podcast at wga.org or direct via iTunes or Stitcher. Tune in today. Sincerely, The WGAW Podcast Committee Chris Keyser, President Aaron Mendelsohn Ari B. Rubin Shawn Ryan Patric M. Verrone Daniel Wilcox And Producers Aaron Fullerton, Brian Gary, and Steve Trautmann

Underground’s Misha Green & Joe Pokaski

Fri, 20 May 2016 11:21:19 GMT

With WGN America’s new hit Underground, Misha Green and Joe Pokaski bring a thriller pace and keen sense for character to their depiction of the grim reality of Antebellum slavery.

Charter-Time Warner Cable-Bright House Networks Merger Statement

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:15:27 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West has issued the following statement in response to the Department of Justice’s proposed decision to allow the Charter-Time Warner Cable-Bright House Networks merger to go through:

Writers Voice Strong Support for New Set-Top Box Rules

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 10:10:40 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West is backing new rules proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that are designed to open up competition in the set-top box marketplace.

Miles Ahead’s Steven Baigelman & Don Cheadle

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:57:44 GMT

Don Cheadle and Steven Baigelman jettison traditional biopic conventions to capture the gangster truth of enigmatic genius and mythical cool of jazz icon Miles Davis in Miles Ahead.

The Hotlist: April 2016

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:29:40 GMT

The Hotlist: March 2016 A Guide to the Web’s Most Cutting Edge New Media ContentCompiled by Elliot Feldman If you’d like your site to be featured on the Hotlist, send an e-mail to elliotfeldman@yahoo.com. The Hotspot The Hotspot highlights Web content created by writers working under a WGA contract. Super Late Morning Show with The Lucas Brothers The Super Late Morning Show with The Lucas Brothers is subtitled "the morning show for people who wake up at noon." It's a Web comedy series starring, written by, and created by identical twin brothers Keith and Kenny Lucas. Their specialty is man-on-the-street interview comedy. They've honed these skills on their TRU TV series Friends of the People. WEB COMEDYTherapy Diary Therapy Diary is an animated online series originally titled F*ck a Therapist. It's created by Jason Cilo and Meetinghouse Productions, best known as creators of the TRU TV series World's Dumbest. Therapy Diary began as a Twitter comedy feed and developed into a part of humor portal Chuckler.com. This series is funny even if you don't like stick figure animation. Fresh Off the Plane Fresh Off the Plane is a Web comedy series about a group of strangers from different countries sharing the same apartment in Los Angeles. They include a Brit, a Canadian, a Russian, an Australian, and an American. It's created by Ryan Turner Productions and describes itself as "Friends meets The Office." Its five episodes were produced by Turner and Alexandra Harris, and written by Adz Hunter. Harder Than It Looks Harder Than It Looks is an online sitcom about two young women self-described as "hot disasters." The two are played by Kelsy Darragh and Ayden Mayeri. Guest stars include T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley). Eight webisodes were written and directed by Seth Weitberg, best known as co-executive producer of Comedy Central's Drunk History. The series was created by Darragh, Mayeri, and Weitberg. OnlyInHella OnlyInHella calls itself a Web comedy series about hellish moments typically found only in Los Angeles. Rory Uphold, a L.A. native, created, wrote, directed, and starred in the 12-episode series. New Zealand actors Fleur Saville and David Lautour co-star. Season 2 is currently in the process of being funded via Kickstarter. PODCASTSIncomparable Radio Theater of the Air The Incomparable Radio Theater of the Air is a podcast series of original radio shows that is self-described as "homage to classic mid-20th century radio while also giving a nod to modern pop culture." The series is written and hosted by David J. Loehr, directed by Serenity Caldwell, and produced by Jason Snell. It began as a weekly podcast about pop culture and developed into a scripted satirical series reminiscent of Firesign Theater. EXPERIMENTALDJ Ecotone Ben Mirin AKA DJ Ecotone creates music from a combination of natural animal sounds and his own voice. He was formerly the Artist in Residence at the Chicago Art Institute's Lurie Garden. Mirin's work is showcased on his Web site and is sponsored through a grant from National Geographic. He uses his compositions as an education tool as well as an entertainment medium. The educational aspect intends to inform listeners about the world's ecosystems. Mirin is also a science writer for publications that include Slate, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine. PORTFOLIO WEB SITESAnand Varma Photography Anand Varma is an Indian-American nature photographer whose subject matter focus is the world's wetlands. He's best known as a participant in projects for National Geographic. His portfolio Web site is a thing of beauty, particularly the slideshow on the opening page. The site also includes a blog, and videos of natural phenomenon such as volcanic eruptions and Patagonian landscapes. ASHERJAY On her portfolio Web site, Indian-born Asher Jay describes herself as a "creative conservationist." She's a designer, artist, writer, photographer and activist. Her photos and graphic artwork tell visually striking stories about the natural world. As a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, her subjects focus on environmental issues. Most inspiring are her efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. AARON HUEY IS A PHOTOGRAPHER Aaron Huey is a Seattle-based National Geographic photojournalist and documentary photographer. He is known for his photographic series that documents his 154-day walk across America, covering 3,349 miles. And his portfolio Web site showcases other subjects that include urban street scenes, Native American reservations, as well as daily life in Afghanistan and Pakistan. FASHION CULTURE ZINESi-D VICE i-D Vice is a zine devoted to fashion culture. It was founded by former Vogue art director Terry Jones in 1980 as i-D, a print fanzine celebrating UK punk culture. In 2012, Vice Media bought i-D and made it one of their prime online video channels. It includes music videos, fashion videos, and documentaries. Its music section includes artist interviews and original music mixes. The rest includes in-depth articles on a variety of cultural topics. Refinery29 Refinery29 is a Manhattan-based digital zine aimed at female fashion, style, and beauty. It was founded in 2005 by Justin Stefano and Philippe von Borries. Refinery29 offers original video series that include Behind the SEAMS with Gwen Stefani, and Web sitcom Shitty Boyfriends. Other topic sections include Beauty, Living, Health, Entertainment, Tech, and News. INTERACTIVE JOURNALISMCNN iReport CNN iReport is a part of CNN.com that offers contribution opportunities to aspiring citizen journalists. An posted iReport begins with a submission from a CNN audience member. Each submission is then verified and cleared by CNN iReport producers. Grassroots digital journalism at its best. ProPublica New York-based ProPublica describes itself as an "independent non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest." It was founded by Paul Steiger, a former Wall Street Journal managing editor. It is now led by Stephen Engelberg, a former managing editor of The Oregonian. In 2011, ProPublica won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, the first such prize for news stories not published in print. The WGAW encourages New Media projects to respect content creators through Guild contracts. If you’re working in New Media and would like information on getting your project covered, contact Shelagh Wagener or call (323) 782-4511. Elliot Feldman's novel, Sitting Shiva, was published in 2003 -- ISBN: 0964374064. And check out his comics at Scene4 Magazine - WARNING: Not for the easily offended.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’s Nia Vardalos

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 08:36:36 GMT

Nia Vardalos confesses why it took 14 years for her to write the sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding and how many times a day she wrote herself into John Corbett’s mouth.

WGAW Releases 2016 Hollywood Writers Report

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 11:24:39 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West’s most recent analysis of diversity in writing for television and film in the entertainment industry finds a mixture of slow, forward progress, stalls and reversals. Titled Renaissance in Reverse?, the 2016 Hollywood Writers Report (HWR) examines employment patterns of Guild members and focuses on the progress of women, minority, and older writers relative to their male, white, and younger counterparts.

WGAW Statement on Passing of SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:40:44 GMT

Writers Guild of America, West President Howard A. Rodman released the following statement today on the passing of SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard:

Midnight Special’s Jeff Nichols

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:17:52 GMT

Jeff Nichols reveals how a personal crisis helped shape the trajectory of his third feature, the enigmatic sci-fi thriller Midnight Special and why he’s so militant about the use of dialogue.

Going for a Drive

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 08:25:12 GMT

Is the speed of USB 3.0 all that it’s cracked up to be? The Writers Workbench puts three USB external drives with unique features through their paces to find out.

WGAW Announces 2016 TV Writer Access Project Honorees

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:52:19 GMT

As part of its efforts to promote inclusiveness in the entertainment industry, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) today announced the 2016 TV Writer Access Project honorees – 17 diverse writers whose work was cited by a committee of high-level writers and showrunners in Comedy (half-hour) and Drama (one-hour) script categories. The honorees will have their work exposed widely and will participate in a series of workshops and programs designed to equip them for success.

Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson & Ilana Glazer

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 08:56:14 GMT

Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson & Ilana Glazer might be paving the way for women in comedy, but the creators of the Comedy Central critical darling say what they really care about is what’s funny.

The Hotlist: March 2016

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:28:21 GMT

The "Hot List: A List of the Hottest New Media Sites" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms.

WGAW Supports Newly Proposed FCC Rules on Set-top Box Competition

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 11:14:52 GMT

Today the FCC begins the rulemaking process to bring long-overdue competition and innovation to the stagnant cable and satellite TV set-top box market. The WGAW applauds Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel for taking action to provide consumers with competitive choices for their set-top boxes that can integrate television and online video content.

2016 Writers Guild Awards Winners Announced

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:51:30 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) tonight announced the winners of the 2016 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, new media, videogames, news, radio, promotional, and graphic animation categories at concurrent ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Presenters Talent Line-Up Announced for 2016 Writers Guild Awards West Coast Ceremony

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:11:51 GMT

An exciting talent line-up is slated to present honors at the 2016 Writers Guild Awards West Coast ceremony to be hosted this Saturday, February 13, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Colony’s Carlton Cuse

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:18:38 GMT

For most writer-producers, the prospect of running one show is daunting at best, so how does Carlton Cuse manage three? The creative force behind Colony, Bates Motel, and The Strain says collaboration is the key.

Patton Oswalt to Host 2016 Writers Guild Awards West Coast Ceremony

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 12:35:52 GMT

Writers Guild Award and Grammy-nominated actor/writer/comedian Patton Oswalt has been tapped to host the 2016 Writers Guild Awards West Coast ceremony to be held next Saturday, February 13, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Emmy-winning writer-producer Hugh Fink returns as Executive Producer of this year’s show.

WGAW Statement on Diversity in the Entertainment Industry

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 16:10:44 GMT

Writers Guild of America, West President Howard A. Rodman released the following statement today on the issue of diversity in the entertainment industry:

WGAW Supports FCC Action on TV Set-Top Box Competitio

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 13:59:53 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West issued the following statement today in support of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to increase television set-top box competition:

John McNamara to Receive 2016 Paul Selvin Award for Trumbo

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:38:46 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West has named screenwriter John McNamara the recipient of the 2016 Paul Selvin Award for his screenplay Trumbo.

The Hotlist: February 2016

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:19:36 GMT

The "Hot List: A List of the Hottest New Media Sites" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms.

CES 2016: There’s No Place Like Ohm

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 11:08:11 GMT

From Ultra-D and virtual reality tech to a robot control center for Smart appliances, the Writers Workbench navigates the forest of electronics at CES to find the most useful and interesting new products and hand out its annual Cool Things Awards.

Elaine May to Receive 2016 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:42:55 GMT

Acclaimed comedy screenwriter-director-actress Elaine May (Heaven Can Wait, Primary Colors) is set to receive the Writers Guild of America, West’s 2016 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement, honoring her extraordinary career and body of work, at the 2016 Writers Guild Awards L.A. ceremony to be held on Saturday, February 13.

Marta Kauffman & David Crane to Receive 2016 Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for TV Writing

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:15:00 GMT

Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman & David Crane have been named recipients of the Writers Guild of America, West’s 2016 Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement in recognition of their lifetime achievement in outstanding writing for television.

2016 Writers Guild Awards Videogame Writing Nominations Announced

Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:46:44 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have announced nominations for outstanding achievement in writing for videogames during 2015.

The Big Short’s Charles Randolph and Adam McKay

Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:22:44 GMT

The Big Short’s Charles Randolph and Adam McKay talk about their “chocolate and peanut butter” partnership and how comedy writers are changing the way movies are made.

John August to Receive 2016 Valentine Davies Award

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 12:48:21 GMT

Screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) has been named the recipient of the Writers Guild of America, West's 2016 Valentine Davies Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and civic service, as well as his pivotal role in fostering a community of writers.

2016 Writers Guild Awards Screenplay Nominations Announced

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 11:04:14 GMT

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have announced nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting during 2015.

Star Wars: The Force Awaken’s Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:16:36 GMT

Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt talk about the daunting task of reawakening the Star Wars saga for Episode VII and dissect that one spoiler moment in The Force Awakens you can’t talk about.

The Hotlist: January 2016

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:36:51 GMT

The "Hot List: A List of the Hottest New Media Sites" is a regular feature keeping Guild members abreast of developments in emerging entertainment platforms.

Can You Ear Me Now?

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:02:38 GMT

The Writers Workbench rounds out the year by listening to a wide range of modestly priced earphones and headphones from the most affordable to the reasonably high-end.

ACA Excise Tax Must Be Repealed

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:08:46 GMT

Hollywood’s writers welcomed the news out of Congress today that, with the passage of the year-end tax and budget package, implementation of the Excise Tax provision of the Affordable Care Act will now be delayed for two years

Arthur Sellers to Receive 2016 Morgan Cox Award for Guild Service

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 16:33:04 GMT

Veteran comedy-variety television and screenwriter Arthur Sellers has been named the recipient of the Writers Guild of America, West’s 2016 Morgan Cox Award in recognition of his Guild service. Sellers will be honored at the WGAW’s 2016 Writers Guild Awards West Coast ceremony on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.