Highest ranking script by a woman is Bridesmaids at number 12.
Writers Guild Of America (WGA) has anointed Jordan Peele’s Get Out the best screenplay of its top 101 of the 21st century so far in a list that contains no female writers in the top 10.
Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind based on a story by Kaufman, Michel Gondry and Pierre Bismuth came second, while Aaron Sorkin’s script for The Social Network based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Accidental Billionaires ranked third.
Rounding out the top five are Parasite by Bong Joon Ho...
Writers Guild Of America (WGA) has anointed Jordan Peele’s Get Out the best screenplay of its top 101 of the 21st century so far in a list that contains no female writers in the top 10.
Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind based on a story by Kaufman, Michel Gondry and Pierre Bismuth came second, while Aaron Sorkin’s script for The Social Network based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Accidental Billionaires ranked third.
Rounding out the top five are Parasite by Bong Joon Ho...
- 12/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Now, you’re in the sunken place.”
If you recognize that line, you know the film whose script the Writers Guild of America just voted as the best of the past 22 years. Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning Get Out tops the WGA’s just-released list of the “101 Greatest Screenplays of the 21st Century (So Far)”. See the full list below.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Social Network, Parasite, No Country for Old Men and Moonlight round out the top six. All of them won a Screenplay Oscar, but three of the next four on the WGA’s list — There Will Be Blood (No. 7), Inglorious Basterds (No. 8) and Memento (No. 10) — did not. The No. 9 script, Almost Famous, took Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay.
Christopher Nolan wrote four of the 101 top screenplays — 2000’s Memento, 2008’s The Dark Knight (No. 26), 2010’s Inception (No. 37) and 2006’s The Prestige (No. 82). Dark Night and Prestige...
If you recognize that line, you know the film whose script the Writers Guild of America just voted as the best of the past 22 years. Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning Get Out tops the WGA’s just-released list of the “101 Greatest Screenplays of the 21st Century (So Far)”. See the full list below.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Social Network, Parasite, No Country for Old Men and Moonlight round out the top six. All of them won a Screenplay Oscar, but three of the next four on the WGA’s list — There Will Be Blood (No. 7), Inglorious Basterds (No. 8) and Memento (No. 10) — did not. The No. 9 script, Almost Famous, took Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay.
Christopher Nolan wrote four of the 101 top screenplays — 2000’s Memento, 2008’s The Dark Knight (No. 26), 2010’s Inception (No. 37) and 2006’s The Prestige (No. 82). Dark Night and Prestige...
- 12/6/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Members of the Writers Guild of America West saw their earnings grow 4.2% to $1.56 billion last year thanks to gains in feature films and television.
The guild’s newly released annual report notes that the number of writers working in feature films went up last year compared to 2017, while the level of employment for TV and digital platforms declined slightly.
The WGA West report also reassured members that the guild — which is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with top Hollywood talent agencies — is on solid financial footing. The earnings figures in the report will become fodder for the guild’s battle with talent agencies as the WGA asserts that conflicts of interest in dealmaking for TV series have depressed the salaries of many writers in recent years — a contention strongly disputed by agencies.
“This year’s report continues the trends recorded over the past half decade,” the report states. “The...
The guild’s newly released annual report notes that the number of writers working in feature films went up last year compared to 2017, while the level of employment for TV and digital platforms declined slightly.
The WGA West report also reassured members that the guild — which is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with top Hollywood talent agencies — is on solid financial footing. The earnings figures in the report will become fodder for the guild’s battle with talent agencies as the WGA asserts that conflicts of interest in dealmaking for TV series have depressed the salaries of many writers in recent years — a contention strongly disputed by agencies.
“This year’s report continues the trends recorded over the past half decade,” the report states. “The...
- 7/3/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The late summer 2019 timing of the WGA election for new president, officers and eight board seats was considered perfectly timed for the membership to select leaders they feel would best fight for their interests in the crucial 2020 negotiations with the AMPTP.
But while the battle with the studios is still looming on the horizon, it is another standoff that is currently on the minds of WGA members — the ongoing impasse with the Association of Talent Agents which led to more than 7,000 writers firing their agents.
The WGA leadership is looking to stay the course of hardline approach toward agencies as most current WGA-Agency Agreement Negotiating Committee members in elected guild positions are seeking reelection. That includes David A. Goodman, the outspoken President of WGA West and the public face of the guild’s agency campaign, and agency negotiating committee co-chair Meredith Stiehm, one of the most vocal showrunners against agency...
But while the battle with the studios is still looming on the horizon, it is another standoff that is currently on the minds of WGA members — the ongoing impasse with the Association of Talent Agents which led to more than 7,000 writers firing their agents.
The WGA leadership is looking to stay the course of hardline approach toward agencies as most current WGA-Agency Agreement Negotiating Committee members in elected guild positions are seeking reelection. That includes David A. Goodman, the outspoken President of WGA West and the public face of the guild’s agency campaign, and agency negotiating committee co-chair Meredith Stiehm, one of the most vocal showrunners against agency...
- 6/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
David A. Goodman is running unopposed for a second two-year term as president of the Writers Guild of America West.
Goodman, who has become the public voice of the guild during its bitter standoff with Hollywood agents, also ran unopposed in 2017 when he succeeded Howard Rodman in the post.
The WGA West announced Friday that its negotiating committee had sought a second unidentified candidate for the presidency but that person opted not to run. Goodman could still face opposition if another candidate opts to run by petition, which would require submission of 25 member signatures by July 23.
Goodman served as executive producer of Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” between 2005 and 2012. He broke into the business in 1986 as a story editor on “The Golden Girls” and has writing and producing credits on “Enterprise,” “American Dad,” “Allen Gregory,” “Futurama,” “Babes,” and “Stark Raving Mad.”
The WGA standoff with agents appears to have no end in sight.
Goodman, who has become the public voice of the guild during its bitter standoff with Hollywood agents, also ran unopposed in 2017 when he succeeded Howard Rodman in the post.
The WGA West announced Friday that its negotiating committee had sought a second unidentified candidate for the presidency but that person opted not to run. Goodman could still face opposition if another candidate opts to run by petition, which would require submission of 25 member signatures by July 23.
Goodman served as executive producer of Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” between 2005 and 2012. He broke into the business in 1986 as a story editor on “The Golden Girls” and has writing and producing credits on “Enterprise,” “American Dad,” “Allen Gregory,” “Futurama,” “Babes,” and “Stark Raving Mad.”
The WGA standoff with agents appears to have no end in sight.
- 6/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
WGA West president David A. Goodman has been chosen by the guild’s nominating committee for reelection to a second term. Goodman, who has been a leader of the guild’s ongoing battle against Hollywood’s talent agencies was first elected unopposed in 2017.
A second nominee designated by the nominating committee for the office of president declined the nomination. The guild didn’t say who it was. Whether Goodman will run unopposed again this time won’t be known until July 23, which is the deadline for eligible members to file to run by petition.
The nominating committee said Friday it selected two candidates to compete for vice president: incumbent Marjorie David and former longtime secretary-treasurer Carl Gottlieb.
Aaron Mendelsohn, the guild’s secretary-treasurer, won’t be seeking reelection. The guild’s nom com has nominated board member Michele Mulroney and writer Evette Vargas to succeed him.
There are 17 candidates running...
A second nominee designated by the nominating committee for the office of president declined the nomination. The guild didn’t say who it was. Whether Goodman will run unopposed again this time won’t be known until July 23, which is the deadline for eligible members to file to run by petition.
The nominating committee said Friday it selected two candidates to compete for vice president: incumbent Marjorie David and former longtime secretary-treasurer Carl Gottlieb.
Aaron Mendelsohn, the guild’s secretary-treasurer, won’t be seeking reelection. The guild’s nom com has nominated board member Michele Mulroney and writer Evette Vargas to succeed him.
There are 17 candidates running...
- 6/21/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
One month into its bitter standoff with Hollywood’s talent agencies, the WGA West is kicking off its annual election season – one that could test its leadership’s handling of the ongoing battle with agents and set the stage for next year’s negotiations for a new film and TV contract.
This year, the guild’s three officers – president David A. Goodman, vice president Marjorie David and secretary-treasurer Aaron Mendelsohn – will all be up for re-election in September, if they choose to run again. Half of the guild’s 16 board seats also will be up for grabs.
A victory in the guild’s campaign to realign the agency business almost certainly would bolster the re-election campaigns of incumbents, but a long, drawn-out stalemate could fuel an opposition movement. To date, the guild’s membership overwhelmingly supports their leadership’s hardline with the agencies, but that could waiver if the battle...
This year, the guild’s three officers – president David A. Goodman, vice president Marjorie David and secretary-treasurer Aaron Mendelsohn – will all be up for re-election in September, if they choose to run again. Half of the guild’s 16 board seats also will be up for grabs.
A victory in the guild’s campaign to realign the agency business almost certainly would bolster the re-election campaigns of incumbents, but a long, drawn-out stalemate could fuel an opposition movement. To date, the guild’s membership overwhelmingly supports their leadership’s hardline with the agencies, but that could waiver if the battle...
- 5/14/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Good Friday has put Hollywood on pause for tomorrow, but today the Writers Guild said it has a very big Easter delivery for the uberagencies coming on Monday.
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
- 4/19/2019
- by Dominic Patten and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA and the ATA have averted — at least temporarily — a looming crisis and they have agreed to push tonight’s midnight deadline five days to try and figure out a compromise. Sources said that the agents initiated a meeting with WGA that lasted three and led to an extension as their 43-year-old franchise agreement was set to expire at midnight. The new deadline is Friday.
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
- 4/7/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva, Mike Fleming Jr and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with other guilds offering fire relief, 6:30 Pm: SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have joined Iatse in offering financial relief to its members affected by the California wildfires. The actor and writer unions are directing its members to contact welfare funds established for emergencies like the ones facing many of their members across the state.
Details on the SAG-aftra and WGA programs are below.
Meanwhile, Iatse said earlier this afternoon that “the unprecedented wildfires currently scorching California are now the deadliest and most destructive in the state’s history. Our hearts go out to the affected California communities, and we thank the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers for their continued efforts.”
Assistance will be provided to members affected by the fires through the Richard Walsh/Alfred Di Tolla/Harold Spivak Foundation. Walsh and Di Tolla are former Iatse presidents, and Spivak was the union’s general counsel for more than 50 years.
Details on the SAG-aftra and WGA programs are below.
Meanwhile, Iatse said earlier this afternoon that “the unprecedented wildfires currently scorching California are now the deadliest and most destructive in the state’s history. Our hearts go out to the affected California communities, and we thank the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers for their continued efforts.”
Assistance will be provided to members affected by the fires through the Richard Walsh/Alfred Di Tolla/Harold Spivak Foundation. Walsh and Di Tolla are former Iatse presidents, and Spivak was the union’s general counsel for more than 50 years.
- 11/14/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Members of the Writers Guild of America West saw their earnings surge 2.8% to $1.41 billion in 2017, thanks to mostly to gains in feature films and new media residuals.
Total covered earnings for WGA West members topped $1.2 billion for the fourth consecutive year and the number of writers reporting earnings rose by 1.8% to 5,819, the guild disclosed in its annual report to members via its membership and finance committee, chaired by Aaron Mendelsohn.
The stats in the report — which started hitting members’ mailboxes this week — underscore the healthy state of show business economics. Negotiators for the WGA West, which has about 9,000 members, stressed that point repeatedly during last year’s contentious negotiations with production companies, which saw a 96% strike authorization and a deal that was concluded an hour before the previous contract expired on May 1, 2017.
Hollywood screenwriters’ earnings surged 6.1% last year to $420.9 million, and the number of writers reporting earnings rose 3.9% to 1,940. TV...
Total covered earnings for WGA West members topped $1.2 billion for the fourth consecutive year and the number of writers reporting earnings rose by 1.8% to 5,819, the guild disclosed in its annual report to members via its membership and finance committee, chaired by Aaron Mendelsohn.
The stats in the report — which started hitting members’ mailboxes this week — underscore the healthy state of show business economics. Negotiators for the WGA West, which has about 9,000 members, stressed that point repeatedly during last year’s contentious negotiations with production companies, which saw a 96% strike authorization and a deal that was concluded an hour before the previous contract expired on May 1, 2017.
Hollywood screenwriters’ earnings surged 6.1% last year to $420.9 million, and the number of writers reporting earnings rose 3.9% to 1,940. TV...
- 7/5/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: More than 2,000 members of the WGA West have responded to the guild’s survey on sexual harassment, making it the industry’s most extensive study of the problem to date. Information provided by respondents is being kept confidential, but the guild has said it will be used “to evaluate the extent of sexual harassment in our workplaces, and the challenges writers face when experiencing or witnessing it.”
The turnout represents about a fifth of the guild’s active members — more than cast ballots in the guild’s officer and board elections last year.
“The board is reviewing the results of the sexual harassment survey and will use the information to help inform the guild’s work on the issue,” a spokesman for the guild told Deadline. “We’re not going to comment beyond that.”
When the survey was sent to the guild’s members in February, WGA leaders said...
The turnout represents about a fifth of the guild’s active members — more than cast ballots in the guild’s officer and board elections last year.
“The board is reviewing the results of the sexual harassment survey and will use the information to help inform the guild’s work on the issue,” a spokesman for the guild told Deadline. “We’re not going to comment beyond that.”
When the survey was sent to the guild’s members in February, WGA leaders said...
- 5/4/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Amping up the argument over possible conflicts of interest, the Writers Guild of America has notified Hollywood agents that it wants to renegotiate its 42-year-old franchise agreement.
“After months of member outreach, the WGA West board and WGA East council have voted unanimously to reopen the Guilds’ 42-year-old agency agreement,” the WGA West said in a email to its members.
The WGA West held three meetings in March, during which their leaders accused Hollywood’s top talent agencies of being engaged in conflicts of interest in how they represent writers.
The issue has gained prominence in recent months due to Hollywood’s two largest agencies — Wme and CAA — aggressively moving into production. As Variety noted in a Feb. 13 cover story, the issue has the potential for conflicts of interest that arise when the same company represents the creative talent on one side of the table and is the employer on the other.
“After months of member outreach, the WGA West board and WGA East council have voted unanimously to reopen the Guilds’ 42-year-old agency agreement,” the WGA West said in a email to its members.
The WGA West held three meetings in March, during which their leaders accused Hollywood’s top talent agencies of being engaged in conflicts of interest in how they represent writers.
The issue has gained prominence in recent months due to Hollywood’s two largest agencies — Wme and CAA — aggressively moving into production. As Variety noted in a Feb. 13 cover story, the issue has the potential for conflicts of interest that arise when the same company represents the creative talent on one side of the table and is the employer on the other.
- 4/7/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
David A. Goodman, executive producer of “Family Guy” and “The Orville” was elected president of Writers Guild of America, West, the union announced Monday. He takes over for Howard Rodman. Veteran “90210” writer Marjorie David was chosen as vice president. Both ran unopposed for leadership of the union. In the only contested race, Aaron Mendelsohn was elected secretary-treasurer, picking up 1,322 votes compared to board member Carleton Eastlake’s 663. Also Read: Writers Guild of America West Blasts Trump Charlottesville Comments: 'Disgraces Our Nation' The following eight members were elected to the Wgaw’s Board of Directors for two-year terms, effective immediately: John August,...
- 9/19/2017
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Candidates in the ongoing WGA West election are vowing to do more to increase diversity in Hollywood's writers rooms. In his re-election bid, WGA West secretary-treasurer Aaron Mendelsohn is calling on Hollywood to adopt the NFL’s so-called "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview minority candidates for all head coaching and senior football operation jobs. "It should be mandatory that at least one female writer and one writer of color be interviewed for open…...
- 9/6/2017
- Deadline TV
Candidates in the ongoing WGA West election are vowing to do more to increase diversity in Hollywood's writers rooms. In his re-election bid, WGA West secretary-treasurer Aaron Mendelsohn is calling on Hollywood to adopt the NFL’s so-called "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview minority candidates for all head coaching and senior football operation jobs. "It should be mandatory that at least one female writer and one writer of color be interviewed for open…...
- 9/6/2017
- Deadline
WGA, AMPTP reach “tentative” three-year deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement” which it said was worth “$130m more than the pattern we were expected to accept”.
The WGA cited contribution increases to the organisation’s health plan, as well as expanded protections in options and exclusivity, and an increase in Pay TV residuals, as terms that it had made gains in.
Further details of the agreement will be provided in the coming days.
Read the statement...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement” which it said was worth “$130m more than the pattern we were expected to accept”.
The WGA cited contribution increases to the organisation’s health plan, as well as expanded protections in options and exclusivity, and an increase in Pay TV residuals, as terms that it had made gains in.
Further details of the agreement will be provided in the coming days.
Read the statement...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
WGA, AMPTP strike “tentative” three-year, eleventh-hour deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
WGA, AMPTP strike “tentative” three-year, eleventh-hour deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Members of the Writers Guild of America are urging people to vote “yes” on the strike authorization in a new video if negotiations fail to produce a new, fair contract by the May 1 deadline. “It’s very important for the members to support this strike-authorization vote,” WGA West board member Matthew Weiner said in the three-minute clip. “The negotiating committee has recommended it because they need as much solidarity as possible to achieve the aims of helping us to participate in the windfall we created in the last five years.” WGA West secretary-treasurer Aaron Mendelsohn, who is also on the negotiating.
- 4/13/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Writers Guild of America is inching a step closer toward a potential writers’ strike.
The WGA’s negotiating committee sent a letter to members on Friday, recommending that the guild’s 12,000 members take a vote on strike authorization. It did not give a timetable for such a vote, however, and such a vote would not automatically lead to a strike.
Negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers started March 13, but without any movement, the guild is looking to take the next step.
Read More: Another Writers’ Strike May Be Looming — Report
“On the last day of these two weeks, the companies’ proposal has barely a single hard-dollar gain for writers,” the letter said. “$51 billion in profits and barely a penny for those of us who make the product that makes the companies rich. But that’s not all. In response to our proposal to...
The WGA’s negotiating committee sent a letter to members on Friday, recommending that the guild’s 12,000 members take a vote on strike authorization. It did not give a timetable for such a vote, however, and such a vote would not automatically lead to a strike.
Negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers started March 13, but without any movement, the guild is looking to take the next step.
Read More: Another Writers’ Strike May Be Looming — Report
“On the last day of these two weeks, the companies’ proposal has barely a single hard-dollar gain for writers,” the letter said. “$51 billion in profits and barely a penny for those of us who make the product that makes the companies rich. But that’s not all. In response to our proposal to...
- 3/25/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Family Guy scribe David Goodman has defeated Jaws screenwriter Carl Gottlieb to become the WGA West's new Vice President. "David Goodman's a good guy, and he's good for the guild," said Gottlieb, the guild's long-serving Secretary-Treasurer who will be succeeded in that post by Aaron Mendelsohn, who ran unopposed. "I know he'll represent television writers with an intimate knowledge of their problems." Results of the guild’s presidential election and board…...
- 9/21/2015
- Deadline
Exclusive: Family Guy scribe David Goodman has defeated Jaws screenwriter Carl Gottlieb to become the WGA West's new Vice President. "David Goodman's a good guy, and he's good for the guild," said Gottlieb, the guild's long-serving Secretary-Treasurer who will be succeeded in that post by Aaron Mendelsohn, who ran unopposed. "I know he'll represent television writers with an intimate knowledge of their problems." Results of the guild’s presidential election and board…...
- 9/21/2015
- Deadline TV
Updated With Corrected Membership Figures: TV writer and producer Shawn Ryan was the top vote-getter in the WGA West’s board election, which saw a turnout of 22.4% of the guild’s members casting ballots. Ryan, creator and showrunner of The Shield and The Chicago Code, got more votes than all of the incumbents in the race, with his name appearing on nearly 67% of the 1,835 ballots cast. The guild has more than 21,000 members, according to its latest filing with the Department of Labor. The guild said there were about 8,200 members eligible to vote.
All five incumbents — Chip Johannessen, Scott Alexander, Michael Oates Palmer, Katherine Fugate and Marjorie David — won re-election to two-year terms on the board. Fugate finished second in the voting, with her name appearing on 1,124 ballots (61.3%), followed by Johannessen (1,071, 58.4%); Alexander (965, 52.6%); Aaron Mendelsohn (964, 52.5%); David (952, 51.9%); Palmer (817, 44.5%); Jonathan Fernandez (722, 39.3%); and Peter Lefcourt, who was elected to a one-year term (648, 35.3%), filling the vacancy...
All five incumbents — Chip Johannessen, Scott Alexander, Michael Oates Palmer, Katherine Fugate and Marjorie David — won re-election to two-year terms on the board. Fugate finished second in the voting, with her name appearing on 1,124 ballots (61.3%), followed by Johannessen (1,071, 58.4%); Alexander (965, 52.6%); Aaron Mendelsohn (964, 52.5%); David (952, 51.9%); Palmer (817, 44.5%); Jonathan Fernandez (722, 39.3%); and Peter Lefcourt, who was elected to a one-year term (648, 35.3%), filling the vacancy...
- 9/17/2014
- by David Robb, Special To Deadline
- Deadline
The WGA West has issued its final list of 18 candidates, including five incumbents, who will be competing for eight seats on the its board of directors in the September election. Incumbents Chip Johannessen, Scott Alexander, Michael Oates Palmer, Katherine Fugate and Marjorie David will square off against challengers Shawn Ryan, Chris Derrick, Cynthia Riddle, Peter Lefcourt, Shernold Edwards, Peter Murrieta, Doug Atchison, Stan Chervin, Jonathan Fernandez, Courtney Ellinger, Mark Amato, Aaron Mendelsohn, and Aaron Fullerton. The guild will host its annual Candidates Night forum, where members can grill the candidates, on September 3 at the guild’s La headquarters. Ballots […]...
- 7/23/2014
- Deadline
The Writers Guild of America West announced its national board of directors election results Friday. The WGA East also announced the results of its council election.
Robin Schiff (754 votes), Katherine Fugate (749 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (741 votes), David A. Goodman (740 votes), Kathy Kiernan (691 votes), Christopher Keyser (610 votes), David Shore (554 votes) and Mark Gunn (519 votes) were elected to two-year terms on the Wgaw board. Fugate, Goodman, Gunn, Kiernan and Mendelsohn are incumbents.
A total of 1,273 valid ballots were cast, which reps about 16% of the membership.
Results for the nine remaining Wgaw board candidates were Matthew Weiner (507 votes), Karen Harris (463 votes), Timothy J. Lea (376 votes), Cheryl Heuton (290 votes), Naomi Foner (273 votes), Mick Betancourt (257 votes), Erica Montolfo (143 votes), Erich Hoeber (132 votes) and Matt Pyken (111 votes).
There were 387 valid ballots cast in the Wgae council election, repping about 10% of the membership.
Gina Gionfriddo (188 votes), Andrew Bergman (164 votes), Jeremy Pikser (155 votes), John Auerbach (149 votes), Terry George (143 votes...
Robin Schiff (754 votes), Katherine Fugate (749 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (741 votes), David A. Goodman (740 votes), Kathy Kiernan (691 votes), Christopher Keyser (610 votes), David Shore (554 votes) and Mark Gunn (519 votes) were elected to two-year terms on the Wgaw board. Fugate, Goodman, Gunn, Kiernan and Mendelsohn are incumbents.
A total of 1,273 valid ballots were cast, which reps about 16% of the membership.
Results for the nine remaining Wgaw board candidates were Matthew Weiner (507 votes), Karen Harris (463 votes), Timothy J. Lea (376 votes), Cheryl Heuton (290 votes), Naomi Foner (273 votes), Mick Betancourt (257 votes), Erica Montolfo (143 votes), Erich Hoeber (132 votes) and Matt Pyken (111 votes).
There were 387 valid ballots cast in the Wgae council election, repping about 10% of the membership.
Gina Gionfriddo (188 votes), Andrew Bergman (164 votes), Jeremy Pikser (155 votes), John Auerbach (149 votes), Terry George (143 votes...
- 9/20/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles – The Writers Guild of America, West (Wgaw) has announced the results of its 2010 Wgaw Board of Directors election. The following eight members were elected to the Wgaw’s Board of Directors: Robin Schiff (754 votes), Katherine Fugate (749 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (741 votes), David A. Goodman (740 votes), Kathy Kiernan (691 votes), Christopher Keyser (610 votes), David Shore (554 votes), Mark Gunn (519 votes). Fugate, Goodman, Gunn, Kiernan, and Mendelsohn are incumbents. Board members will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. Results for the nine remaining Board of Directors candidates were: Matthew Weiner (507 votes), Karen Harris (463 votes), Timothy J. Lea (376 votes), Cheryl Heuton (290 votes), Naomi Foner (273 votes), Mick Betancourt (257 votes), Erica Montolfo (143 votes), Erich Hoeber (132 votes), Matt Pyken (111 votes). (Note: Steve Skrovan withdrew his candidacy after the final slate of Wgaw Bod candidates was previously announced in July.) A total of 1,273 valid ballots were cast. The ballot count was supervised by Robbin Johnson of Pacific Election Services,...
- 9/17/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
HollywoodNews.com: The Writers Guild of America, West has announced the final slate of candidates for the 2010 Wgaw Board of Directors election.
There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner.
Note to editors: Wgaw internal rules require candidates to be announced in an order determined by lot; (inc.) denotes an incumbent candidate.
The Wgaw will host its annual “Candidates Night” town-hall forum, at which Guild members may meet the candidates and get answers to their questions, on Tuesday, September 7, at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
Guild members will receive candidate, non-candidate and rebuttal statements, if any,...
There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner.
Note to editors: Wgaw internal rules require candidates to be announced in an order determined by lot; (inc.) denotes an incumbent candidate.
The Wgaw will host its annual “Candidates Night” town-hall forum, at which Guild members may meet the candidates and get answers to their questions, on Tuesday, September 7, at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
Guild members will receive candidate, non-candidate and rebuttal statements, if any,...
- 7/23/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Los Angeles – The Writers Guild of America, West has announced the final slate of candidates for the 2010 Wgaw Board of Directors election. There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner. Note to editors: Wgaw internal rules require candidates to be announced in an order determined by lot; (inc.) denotes an incumbent candidate. The Wgaw will host its annual “Candidates Night” town-hall forum, at which Guild members may meet the candidates and get answers to their questions, on Tuesday, September 7, at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles. Guild members will receive candidate, non-candidate and rebuttal statements, if any,...
- 7/23/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
The Writers Guild of America, West announced its final slate of candidates for its 2010 board of directors election Friday.
The 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats are the incumbants David A. Goodman, Aaron Mendelsohn, Katherine Fugate, Mark Gunn, Karen Harris and Kathy Kiernan along with Robin Schiff, David Shore, Cheryl Heuton, , Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan and Matthew Weiner.
The Wgaw will host its annual Candidates Night town-hall forum, at which guild members may question the candidates on Sept. 7 at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
Members may vote by mail or in person at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting on Sept. 16. Ballots will be counted on Sept. 17.
The 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats are the incumbants David A. Goodman, Aaron Mendelsohn, Katherine Fugate, Mark Gunn, Karen Harris and Kathy Kiernan along with Robin Schiff, David Shore, Cheryl Heuton, , Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan and Matthew Weiner.
The Wgaw will host its annual Candidates Night town-hall forum, at which guild members may question the candidates on Sept. 7 at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
Members may vote by mail or in person at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting on Sept. 16. Ballots will be counted on Sept. 17.
- 7/23/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Remember the lawsuit that former SAG president Alan Rosenberg and three other Membership First members (1st VP Anne-Marie Johnson and board members Diane Ladd and Kent McCord) filed against their own union?
No? You may have blissfully forgotten this misbegotten legal action, filed a year and a half ago (!), but the courts haven’t. This is the lawsuit that attempted to reinstate former SAG National Executive Director Doug Allen and undo ratification of the SAG-AMPTP collective bargaining agreement. In a case of chasing a horse that’s left the barn, and despite two court decisions that the action was moot, the lawsuit drags on.
Or maybe not. This morning, yet another judge declared the lawsuit moot. That’s five judges total, since one of the previous decisions was by a three judge panel. In a statement, SAG’s Deputy National Executive Director and General Counsel, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, said “Screen...
No? You may have blissfully forgotten this misbegotten legal action, filed a year and a half ago (!), but the courts haven’t. This is the lawsuit that attempted to reinstate former SAG National Executive Director Doug Allen and undo ratification of the SAG-AMPTP collective bargaining agreement. In a case of chasing a horse that’s left the barn, and despite two court decisions that the action was moot, the lawsuit drags on.
Or maybe not. This morning, yet another judge declared the lawsuit moot. That’s five judges total, since one of the previous decisions was by a three judge panel. In a statement, SAG’s Deputy National Executive Director and General Counsel, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, said “Screen...
- 6/22/2010
- by jhandel@att.net (Jonathan Handel)
HollywoodNews.com: The Writers Guild of America, West’s Nominating Committee has announced its initial list of candidates for the 2010 Board of Directors election.
There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner.
In addition to the candidates selected by the Nominating Committee, eligible members may also be nominated by petition. Members seeking nomination for the Board of Directors must obtain 25 member signatures.
The Wgaw will host its annual Candidates Night town hall forum, at which Guild members may to meet the candidates and get answers to their questions, on Tuesday, September 7, at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner.
In addition to the candidates selected by the Nominating Committee, eligible members may also be nominated by petition. Members seeking nomination for the Board of Directors must obtain 25 member signatures.
The Wgaw will host its annual Candidates Night town hall forum, at which Guild members may to meet the candidates and get answers to their questions, on Tuesday, September 7, at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles.
- 6/21/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Los Angeles – The Writers Guild of America, West’s Nominating Committee has announced its initial list of candidates for the 2010 Board of Directors election. There are 18 candidates nominated to run for eight open seats on the Wgaw’s Board of Directors, as follows: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman (inc.), Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn (inc.), Katherine Fugate (inc.), Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn (inc.), Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris (inc.), Kathy Kiernan (inc.), Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan, Matthew Weiner. Note to editors: Wgaw internal rules require candidates to be announced in an order [...]...
- 6/21/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
The Writers Guild of America West's nominating committee released Monday its initial list of candidates for the 2010 board of directors election.
Eighteen candidates have been nominated for eight open seats: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman, Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn, Katherine Fugate, Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn, Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris, Kathy Kiernan, Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan and Matthew Weiner. Goodman, Mendelsohn, Fugate, Gunn, Harris and Kiernan are all incumbents.
Other eligible Wgaw members can be nominated by petition before July 23. The union will hold its annual town hall meeting to meet the candidates Sept. 7.
Members may vote by mail or in person at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting Sept. 16. Ballots will be counted the following day.
Eighteen candidates have been nominated for eight open seats: Robin Schiff, David Shore, David A. Goodman, Cheryl Heuton, Aaron Mendelsohn, Katherine Fugate, Timothy J. Lea, Mick Betancourt, Mark Gunn, Erich Hoeber, Erica Montolfo, Matt Pyken, Naomi Foner, Karen Harris, Kathy Kiernan, Christopher Keyser, Steve Skrovan and Matthew Weiner. Goodman, Mendelsohn, Fugate, Gunn, Harris and Kiernan are all incumbents.
Other eligible Wgaw members can be nominated by petition before July 23. The union will hold its annual town hall meeting to meet the candidates Sept. 7.
Members may vote by mail or in person at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting Sept. 16. Ballots will be counted the following day.
- 6/21/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Scribes have elected eight new board members to the WGA West, the guild announced Tuesday.
Topping the list of winners was "Army Wives" writer Katherine Fugate, who received 647 votes. Also elected were John Bowman (629 votes), Howard Michael Gould (619 votes), David A. Goodman (552 votes), Karen Harris (544 votes), Mark Gunn (525 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (498 votes) and Kathy Kiernan (463 votes). Bowman, Goodman, Gunn, Mendelsohn and Kiernan are incumbents.
A total of 1,235 ballots were cast. Indie firm Pacific Election Services counted the votes.
"Thanks to all the candidates and voters who participated in this election and congratulations to the returning and new members of the board," Wgaw president Patric Verrone said. "It will be the responsibility of this board to help enforce the terms of our new contract and to continue to strengthen our guild by organizing unrepresented writers and working closely with our sister unions and guilds."...
Topping the list of winners was "Army Wives" writer Katherine Fugate, who received 647 votes. Also elected were John Bowman (629 votes), Howard Michael Gould (619 votes), David A. Goodman (552 votes), Karen Harris (544 votes), Mark Gunn (525 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (498 votes) and Kathy Kiernan (463 votes). Bowman, Goodman, Gunn, Mendelsohn and Kiernan are incumbents.
A total of 1,235 ballots were cast. Indie firm Pacific Election Services counted the votes.
"Thanks to all the candidates and voters who participated in this election and congratulations to the returning and new members of the board," Wgaw president Patric Verrone said. "It will be the responsibility of this board to help enforce the terms of our new contract and to continue to strengthen our guild by organizing unrepresented writers and working closely with our sister unions and guilds."...
- 9/23/2008
- by By Leslie Simmons
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A total of 19 candidates are vying for eight seats on the WGA West's board of directors.
To introduce the candidates to members, the Wgaw will host a "Candidates Night" town hall forum Sept. 3 at the guild's headquarters in Los Angeles.
Members will receive a ballot package that will include candidate statements, rebuttals and the ballot.
Ballots can be mailed in or cast at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting Sept. 22 and will be counted Sept. 23.
The candidates include five incumbants: Aaron Mendelsohn, Mark Gunn, David A. Goodman, John F. Bowman and Kathy Kiernan. The remaining candidates are: Howard Michael Gould, Tim Day, Timothy J. Lea, Bernard Lechowick, Aaron Solomon, Mick Betancourt, Karen Harris, Kat Smith, Howard Kuperberg, Kevin Droney, Ashley Gable, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Katherine Fugate and Luvh Rakhe.
To introduce the candidates to members, the Wgaw will host a "Candidates Night" town hall forum Sept. 3 at the guild's headquarters in Los Angeles.
Members will receive a ballot package that will include candidate statements, rebuttals and the ballot.
Ballots can be mailed in or cast at the Wgaw's annual membership meeting Sept. 22 and will be counted Sept. 23.
The candidates include five incumbants: Aaron Mendelsohn, Mark Gunn, David A. Goodman, John F. Bowman and Kathy Kiernan. The remaining candidates are: Howard Michael Gould, Tim Day, Timothy J. Lea, Bernard Lechowick, Aaron Solomon, Mick Betancourt, Karen Harris, Kat Smith, Howard Kuperberg, Kevin Droney, Ashley Gable, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Katherine Fugate and Luvh Rakhe.
- 7/23/2008
- by By Leslie Simmons
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.