The TV Academy is being slammed by the Writers Guild of America for apparently making the decision to remove the presentation of the outstanding writing for a variety series/special award from the Primetime Emmys telecast that will take place on Jan. 15, 2024.
In a missive sent on Tuesday to members of the WGA East and West, the guild’s top leadership — including WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm — calls the TV Academy’s move a “regrettable decision” and one “without any justification or defensible reason” which “devalues our profession.”
They go on to note that the guild has raised its objections directly with the TV Academy and is “strongly advocating to have the category remain in the primetime televised program.”
The TV Academy and its 2024 Emmys broadcasting partner Fox are presumably facing pressure to deliver higher telecast ratings by making the show shorter and...
In a missive sent on Tuesday to members of the WGA East and West, the guild’s top leadership — including WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm — calls the TV Academy’s move a “regrettable decision” and one “without any justification or defensible reason” which “devalues our profession.”
They go on to note that the guild has raised its objections directly with the TV Academy and is “strongly advocating to have the category remain in the primetime televised program.”
The TV Academy and its 2024 Emmys broadcasting partner Fox are presumably facing pressure to deliver higher telecast ratings by making the show shorter and...
- 11/28/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America is doubling down on the Television Academy’s plans to cut the number of writing awards given out on the main Emmys telecast.
The guild has urged writers to “express your feelings” about the “regrettable” decision to remove the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special from the main primetime awards.
In a memo to members, the WGA said that the TV Academy made the decision “without any justification or defensible reason.”
It comes after the Emmys unveiled the category breakdown this month. Later that day, the WGA told Deadline that the decision to reduce the number of writing categories on the main telecast from four to three was “misguided given the essential role writers play in the creative process of variety series and generating value for this industry.”
The move means that Outstanding Variety Special (Live) will return to the live telecast as Outstanding...
The guild has urged writers to “express your feelings” about the “regrettable” decision to remove the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special from the main primetime awards.
In a memo to members, the WGA said that the TV Academy made the decision “without any justification or defensible reason.”
It comes after the Emmys unveiled the category breakdown this month. Later that day, the WGA told Deadline that the decision to reduce the number of writing categories on the main telecast from four to three was “misguided given the essential role writers play in the creative process of variety series and generating value for this industry.”
The move means that Outstanding Variety Special (Live) will return to the live telecast as Outstanding...
- 11/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA has come out in favor of a boycott of hotels in Santa Monica affiliated with the American Film Market.
Hospitalities union Unite Here Local 11 is in the midst of a labor dispute with several hotels, including the Le Meridien Delfina, the new headquarters of the AFM, which kicked off Oct. 31 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 5. On Wednesday, the union held protests outside multiple AFM-affiliated hotels calling on market attendees to boycott them. The union, which has been holding rolling strikes since the July 4th weekend, is calling for “a living wage” for its members to allow them to afford to live in Los Angeles amid rising inflation and soaring housing costs. Unite Here has also called out the Le Meridien Delfina and other hotels for allegedly using unhoused refugees to replace workers during the strikes.
The WGA, which last month signed a new deal with AMPTP, ending the second-longest strike in its history,...
Hospitalities union Unite Here Local 11 is in the midst of a labor dispute with several hotels, including the Le Meridien Delfina, the new headquarters of the AFM, which kicked off Oct. 31 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 5. On Wednesday, the union held protests outside multiple AFM-affiliated hotels calling on market attendees to boycott them. The union, which has been holding rolling strikes since the July 4th weekend, is calling for “a living wage” for its members to allow them to afford to live in Los Angeles amid rising inflation and soaring housing costs. Unite Here has also called out the Le Meridien Delfina and other hotels for allegedly using unhoused refugees to replace workers during the strikes.
The WGA, which last month signed a new deal with AMPTP, ending the second-longest strike in its history,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America West’s officers have spoken out against the Hamas terror attacks, following weeks of maintaining a controversial group silence. In an email sent to members on Tuesday morning, which TheWrap has obtained, the guild’s officers stated, “All of us in Guild leadership are horrified by the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th.” The statement was signed by President Meredith Stiehm, VP Michele Mulroney and Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas.
The Hamas strikes against Israel left over 1,400 dead with hundreds taken hostage. Israel responded by hitting Gaza repeatedly with heavy airstrike bombardments that have left thousands killed and plunged the region into chaos.
“The murder of so many innocent people in Israel is an abomination,” the WGA leaders further noted Tuesday. “We deeply mourn the deaths of innocent Palestinians ensnared in the violence in Gaza. We feel for all our members who have been affected, directly and indirectly.
The Hamas strikes against Israel left over 1,400 dead with hundreds taken hostage. Israel responded by hitting Gaza repeatedly with heavy airstrike bombardments that have left thousands killed and plunged the region into chaos.
“The murder of so many innocent people in Israel is an abomination,” the WGA leaders further noted Tuesday. “We deeply mourn the deaths of innocent Palestinians ensnared in the violence in Gaza. We feel for all our members who have been affected, directly and indirectly.
- 10/24/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
In the face of criticism, the Writers Guild of America West is explaining why it has so far not issued a statement on Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel — and decrying the “atrocities committed by Hamas.”
“The Guild’s decision not to issue a statement on the events of October 7th has caused pain within our membership that we did not intend,” top guild officers, including president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, wrote WGA West members in an email on Tuesday. “We believe it is important to both explain our process and to attempt to rectify the situation, as well as to unequivocally state that antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in this Guild.”
The officers explained that in the early days following the attacks, leaders were “horrified” but felt it was “outside the purview of a U.S. labor union representing writers to comment on it.
“The Guild’s decision not to issue a statement on the events of October 7th has caused pain within our membership that we did not intend,” top guild officers, including president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, wrote WGA West members in an email on Tuesday. “We believe it is important to both explain our process and to attempt to rectify the situation, as well as to unequivocally state that antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in this Guild.”
The officers explained that in the early days following the attacks, leaders were “horrified” but felt it was “outside the purview of a U.S. labor union representing writers to comment on it.
- 10/24/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America West issued an apology to its members on Tuesday for the harm caused by its decision not to release a statement in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
The guild has faced withering criticism over the last week for failing to condemn the Hamas attacks, which took the lives of more than 1,400 people.
In a lengthy statement to members on Tuesday, the guild sought to explain its decision not to weigh in on the issue. The guild explained that it has generally taken stances on domestic issues pertaining to social justice or freedom of speech, while it has avoided international tragedies.
“We did not, for example, make a comment after Russia invaded Ukraine, nor on terrorist attacks in Somalia, Pakistan or elsewhere,” the guild said. “It can be an imprecise science for a labor union to pick and choose where it weighs in...
The guild has faced withering criticism over the last week for failing to condemn the Hamas attacks, which took the lives of more than 1,400 people.
In a lengthy statement to members on Tuesday, the guild sought to explain its decision not to weigh in on the issue. The guild explained that it has generally taken stances on domestic issues pertaining to social justice or freedom of speech, while it has avoided international tragedies.
“We did not, for example, make a comment after Russia invaded Ukraine, nor on terrorist attacks in Somalia, Pakistan or elsewhere,” the guild said. “It can be an imprecise science for a labor union to pick and choose where it weighs in...
- 10/24/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
After weeks of outrage from members about its silence over the terror attack against Israel, the Writers Guild is finally speaking out.
“All of us in Guild leadership are horrified by the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th,” said WGA West boss Meredith Stiehm, VP Michele Mulroney and Treasurer Betsy Thomas in an email sent to members Tuesday morning.
Read the full WGA West letter below.
The surprise attacks left over 1,400 dead and hundreds taken hostage, with only four released so far in recent days. In response, with strong U.S. backing, Israel has hit Gaza repeatedly with heavy airstrike bombardments that have left thousands killed. Additionally, as the Idf amass on the border for an expected ground invasion, the government in Jerusalem has told Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City, creating a deeper humanitarian crisis.
“The murder of so many innocent people in Israel is an abomination, the WGA...
“All of us in Guild leadership are horrified by the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th,” said WGA West boss Meredith Stiehm, VP Michele Mulroney and Treasurer Betsy Thomas in an email sent to members Tuesday morning.
Read the full WGA West letter below.
The surprise attacks left over 1,400 dead and hundreds taken hostage, with only four released so far in recent days. In response, with strong U.S. backing, Israel has hit Gaza repeatedly with heavy airstrike bombardments that have left thousands killed. Additionally, as the Idf amass on the border for an expected ground invasion, the government in Jerusalem has told Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City, creating a deeper humanitarian crisis.
“The murder of so many innocent people in Israel is an abomination, the WGA...
- 10/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West has re-elected Meredith Stiehm as its president and Michele Mulroney as its vice president in an unusual strike-era officer and board of directors election.
Incumbent Betsy Thomas won the seat for secretary-treasurer, beating out Jeffrey Thompson, in the voting period that ended on Tuesday. Other officer candidates included Rich Talarico, who had been running for president, and Isaac Gómez, who had been running for vice president. Voting took place between August 29 and Sept. 19 amid the ongoing writers’ strike, which began more than four months ago.
Candidates who won seats on the union’s board of directors included incumbents Adam Conover, Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Zoe Marshall and Dante W. Harper, as well as fresh candidates Molly Nussbaum, Scott Alexander and Rob Forman.
Three thousand seven hundred eighty-three valid ballots were cast in the election, which was administered by Votenet Solutions. Around 11,000 WGA West members were eligible to vote,...
Incumbent Betsy Thomas won the seat for secretary-treasurer, beating out Jeffrey Thompson, in the voting period that ended on Tuesday. Other officer candidates included Rich Talarico, who had been running for president, and Isaac Gómez, who had been running for vice president. Voting took place between August 29 and Sept. 19 amid the ongoing writers’ strike, which began more than four months ago.
Candidates who won seats on the union’s board of directors included incumbents Adam Conover, Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Zoe Marshall and Dante W. Harper, as well as fresh candidates Molly Nussbaum, Scott Alexander and Rob Forman.
Three thousand seven hundred eighty-three valid ballots were cast in the election, which was administered by Votenet Solutions. Around 11,000 WGA West members were eligible to vote,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Meredith Stiehm has been reelected as president of WGA West, in a strong show of support as the union’s strike continues into its fifth month.
Stiehm took 3,354 votes, easily defeating Rich Talarico, who took just 300 votes.
Two other officers were also reelected: Michele Mulroney, as vice president, and Betsy Thomas, as secretary-treasurer. Five board members were reelected, and three new members were also elected to the board.
Stiehm was the showrunner of “Cold Case” on CBS and “The Bridge” on FX. She was also a key figure in the union’s fight against agency packaging in 2019-21. She alleged that CAA, her former agency, collected almost as much for packaging “Cold Case” as she did for writing the show.
Since the strike began on May 2, Stiehm has described herself as a “wartime president,” and has said that the union is on the path to success.
“It’s been a long hot summer,...
Stiehm took 3,354 votes, easily defeating Rich Talarico, who took just 300 votes.
Two other officers were also reelected: Michele Mulroney, as vice president, and Betsy Thomas, as secretary-treasurer. Five board members were reelected, and three new members were also elected to the board.
Stiehm was the showrunner of “Cold Case” on CBS and “The Bridge” on FX. She was also a key figure in the union’s fight against agency packaging in 2019-21. She alleged that CAA, her former agency, collected almost as much for packaging “Cold Case” as she did for writing the show.
Since the strike began on May 2, Stiehm has described herself as a “wartime president,” and has said that the union is on the path to success.
“It’s been a long hot summer,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm has been re-elected president of the WGA West, defeating Rich Talarico in a landslide.
A total of 3,783 valid ballots were cast, and Stiehm received 3,354 to Talarico’s 300. Stiehm’s running mates were also easily elected. Michele Mulroney, a member of the guild’s negotiating committee, was re-elected as vice president, and Betsy Thomas was re-elected as secretary-treasurer. Mulroney defeated Isaac Gómez, who’s currently serving as a strike captain, by a vote of 3,235 to 411. Thomas beat Jeffrey Thompson 3,182 to 421.
Stiehm’s re-election, which in effect was a referendum on the guild’s ongoing strike, comes the day before the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are scheduled to resume negotiations for a deal that, if successful, would end the WGA’s strike, which is in its 141st day.
Related: WGA West President Meredith Stiehm Says “Fair Deal” For Writers & Actors That “Shares The...
A total of 3,783 valid ballots were cast, and Stiehm received 3,354 to Talarico’s 300. Stiehm’s running mates were also easily elected. Michele Mulroney, a member of the guild’s negotiating committee, was re-elected as vice president, and Betsy Thomas was re-elected as secretary-treasurer. Mulroney defeated Isaac Gómez, who’s currently serving as a strike captain, by a vote of 3,235 to 411. Thomas beat Jeffrey Thompson 3,182 to 421.
Stiehm’s re-election, which in effect was a referendum on the guild’s ongoing strike, comes the day before the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are scheduled to resume negotiations for a deal that, if successful, would end the WGA’s strike, which is in its 141st day.
Related: WGA West President Meredith Stiehm Says “Fair Deal” For Writers & Actors That “Shares The...
- 9/19/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SAG-AFTRA national board members Frances Fisher and Shari Belafonte joined hundreds of striking writers and actors on the picket line today outside the main gate of Fox Studios in Century City.
Also on hand were Yvonne Wheeler, the newly elected president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, executive secretary treasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO.
Stiehm, noting that this is the 87th day of the writers strike, told the sign-carrying picketers gathered in front of the studio’s huge water fountain on Pico Boulevard: “If we want something enough and think it’s really worthwhile, we may have to struggle for it. That’s how you get things of value – you fight for it.”
Chanting “On strike, shut it down, L.A. is a union town,” the peaceful and cheerful picketers carried signs that read,...
Also on hand were Yvonne Wheeler, the newly elected president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, executive secretary treasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO.
Stiehm, noting that this is the 87th day of the writers strike, told the sign-carrying picketers gathered in front of the studio’s huge water fountain on Pico Boulevard: “If we want something enough and think it’s really worthwhile, we may have to struggle for it. That’s how you get things of value – you fight for it.”
Chanting “On strike, shut it down, L.A. is a union town,” the peaceful and cheerful picketers carried signs that read,...
- 7/27/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm will seek a second two-year term as president of WGA West in the fall election, and the other top officials of the guild will also seek reelection.
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West is holding officer and board elections in the middle of its ongoing strike, which is now in its 51st day. Incumbent president Meredith Stiehm is seeking reelection and will face off against Rich Talarico – both of whom were selected by the guild’s nominating committee.
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
- 6/21/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract has kicked off in LA with thousands of members of the guild including Damon Lindelof and Boots Riley taking to the parks and streets.
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Peter White, Katie Campione and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple may have entered the virtual reality arena earlier today with the unveiling of a new platform and headset, launched with the help of Disney boss Bob Iger, but in the real world it spent the day being targeted by writers.
The WGA decided to leaflet outside Apple’s HQ as well as in various cities including LA, New York and Washington, DC.
In LA, a slew of writers went from protesting outside of Television City to The Grove, where Apple has one of its stores and handed out information about the strike to consumers interested in new iPhones and laptops.
WGA leadership, including former presidents Patric Verrone and David Goodman, as well as Secretary Treasurer Betsy Thomas, lead a march to leaflet at the Apple Store at the Grove #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/xnnJC0qkxc
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) June 5, 2023
Former WGA West President David Goodman told Deadline that it...
The WGA decided to leaflet outside Apple’s HQ as well as in various cities including LA, New York and Washington, DC.
In LA, a slew of writers went from protesting outside of Television City to The Grove, where Apple has one of its stores and handed out information about the strike to consumers interested in new iPhones and laptops.
WGA leadership, including former presidents Patric Verrone and David Goodman, as well as Secretary Treasurer Betsy Thomas, lead a march to leaflet at the Apple Store at the Grove #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/xnnJC0qkxc
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) June 5, 2023
Former WGA West President David Goodman told Deadline that it...
- 6/6/2023
- by Katie Campione, Peter White and Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
A group of top showrunners met today to discuss the WGA strike – a day after it emerged the studios told writer/producers were not excused from producing duties during the labor action.
The meeting was held at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills with the likes of Damon Lindelof, Shawn Ryan, Steve Levitan, Justin Spitzer, David E. Kelley, Bill Lawrence and David Steinberg in attendance.
It comes after the majority of studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Paramount sent out letters to showrunners, telling them to continue to produce.
“Those studio emails have had the opposite intended effect now,” one showrunner who attended today’s gathering told Deadline. “Now we are more united, more convinced than ever that there is no non-writing aspect of what we do.”
“Scary times but writers are united,” said another who attended.
Showrunners have warned that everything they do is writing and many have...
The meeting was held at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills with the likes of Damon Lindelof, Shawn Ryan, Steve Levitan, Justin Spitzer, David E. Kelley, Bill Lawrence and David Steinberg in attendance.
It comes after the majority of studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Paramount sent out letters to showrunners, telling them to continue to produce.
“Those studio emails have had the opposite intended effect now,” one showrunner who attended today’s gathering told Deadline. “Now we are more united, more convinced than ever that there is no non-writing aspect of what we do.”
“Scary times but writers are united,” said another who attended.
Showrunners have warned that everything they do is writing and many have...
- 5/6/2023
- by Peter White and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
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David Schulner’s hands are filled with picket signs, but it’s only a minute or so before they’re empty and he heads back into the van for a new batch. A long line of hundreds of Writers Guild of America members stretches down L.A.’s North Van Ness Avenue next to Sunset Bronson Studios, where Netflix’s production offices are located.
“Write down on the signs what show you were working on,” Schulner tells his fellow guild members as the signs get handed out. “Or write down what show was screwing you.”
Schulner, creator of the NBC medical drama “New Amsterdam,” remembers when he helped put together picket signs at the WGA offices for the 2007 writers’ strike. Now, he and thousands of WGA members are back on the...
David Schulner’s hands are filled with picket signs, but it’s only a minute or so before they’re empty and he heads back into the van for a new batch. A long line of hundreds of Writers Guild of America members stretches down L.A.’s North Van Ness Avenue next to Sunset Bronson Studios, where Netflix’s production offices are located.
“Write down on the signs what show you were working on,” Schulner tells his fellow guild members as the signs get handed out. “Or write down what show was screwing you.”
Schulner, creator of the NBC medical drama “New Amsterdam,” remembers when he helped put together picket signs at the WGA offices for the 2007 writers’ strike. Now, he and thousands of WGA members are back on the...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster, Loree Seitz and Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
As the Writers Guild of America’s negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is about to enter the final week before their contract expires, both sides are hopeful it won’t take a strike to get a deal done. But the WGA’s long battle with the talent agencies showed it can reach agreements with even the most intractable of mega-companies.
Four years ago today, on April 22, 2019, more than 7,000 WGA members fired their agents en masse – a show of solidarity at the start of the guild’s historic two-year campaign to reshape the talent agency business that still is playing out today, emboldening the guild in its ongoing negotiations with the studios for a new film and TV contract.
Five days before the mass firings, the WGA filed a lawsuit against the Big Three agencies that sought to establish that packaging – in which the major talent...
Four years ago today, on April 22, 2019, more than 7,000 WGA members fired their agents en masse – a show of solidarity at the start of the guild’s historic two-year campaign to reshape the talent agency business that still is playing out today, emboldening the guild in its ongoing negotiations with the studios for a new film and TV contract.
Five days before the mass firings, the WGA filed a lawsuit against the Big Three agencies that sought to establish that packaging – in which the major talent...
- 4/22/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
There is a major change in the WGA negotiating team ahead of the March 20 start of talks with studios on a new contract. Wgaw Executive Director David Young, who has spearheaded multiple bargaining campaigns on behalf of the writers, is going on a medical leave of absence starting today, the guild’s leadership told members in an email this afternoon.
“Wgaw Assistant Executive Director Ellen Stutzman will serve as chief negotiator for the 2023 Mba negotiations,” the letter said. “Ellen has earned the confidence and full support of the Wgaw Board, Wgae Council, and the WGA Negotiating Committee. She will lead a staff with decades of experience negotiating and enforcing the Mba, and organizing and mobilizing members to support the Guilds’ contract campaigns.”
No additional information about Young’s condition or expected return day has been revealed but the guild’s officers wished him a full recovery on behalf of the entire membership.
“Wgaw Assistant Executive Director Ellen Stutzman will serve as chief negotiator for the 2023 Mba negotiations,” the letter said. “Ellen has earned the confidence and full support of the Wgaw Board, Wgae Council, and the WGA Negotiating Committee. She will lead a staff with decades of experience negotiating and enforcing the Mba, and organizing and mobilizing members to support the Guilds’ contract campaigns.”
No additional information about Young’s condition or expected return day has been revealed but the guild’s officers wished him a full recovery on behalf of the entire membership.
- 2/28/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Writers Guild of America has named its negotiating committee for the pivotal 2023 round of contract talks covering film and television projects, the first to occur since Covid-19 disrupted the last round of talks two years ago.
With WGA West executive director David Young serving as chief negotiator, the 2023 negotiating committee overseeing the WGA’s Basic Agreement will be co-chaired by former WGA West presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser. Prominent Guild members including John August, Kay Cannon, Mike Schur, David Shore and Davis Simon will serve on the negotiating committee, as well as WGA West leaders Meredith Stiehm, Michele Mulroney and Betsy Thomas and WGA East leaders Michael Winship, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and Christopher Kyle.
Other members of the committee include WGA West board members Adam Conover, Angelina Burnett, Robb Chavis, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Nicole Yorkin and WGA...
The Writers Guild of America has named its negotiating committee for the pivotal 2023 round of contract talks covering film and television projects, the first to occur since Covid-19 disrupted the last round of talks two years ago.
With WGA West executive director David Young serving as chief negotiator, the 2023 negotiating committee overseeing the WGA’s Basic Agreement will be co-chaired by former WGA West presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser. Prominent Guild members including John August, Kay Cannon, Mike Schur, David Shore and Davis Simon will serve on the negotiating committee, as well as WGA West leaders Meredith Stiehm, Michele Mulroney and Betsy Thomas and WGA East leaders Michael Winship, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and Christopher Kyle.
Other members of the committee include WGA West board members Adam Conover, Angelina Burnett, Robb Chavis, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Nicole Yorkin and WGA...
- 11/7/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America has tapped former presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser to co-chair the guild’s negotiating committee, leading the fight on what are sure to be difficult bargaining with Hollywood’s major players in the first half of next year.
The WGA’s master contract covering most film and TV production is set to expire on May 1. With numerous economic issues and concerns about working conditions for middle-class writers, the negotiations are expected to be intense at a time when the TV and film sectors are in the throes of a messy transition to internet-delivered content on an increasingly on-demand basis.
Goodman, a showrunner known for his work with Seth MacFarlane on “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” is revered among WGA membership for successfully waging a three-year campaign against the top talent agencies that allowed the guild to ban the practice of agencies receiving packaging fees...
The WGA’s master contract covering most film and TV production is set to expire on May 1. With numerous economic issues and concerns about working conditions for middle-class writers, the negotiations are expected to be intense at a time when the TV and film sectors are in the throes of a messy transition to internet-delivered content on an increasingly on-demand basis.
Goodman, a showrunner known for his work with Seth MacFarlane on “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” is revered among WGA membership for successfully waging a three-year campaign against the top talent agencies that allowed the guild to ban the practice of agencies receiving packaging fees...
- 11/7/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: It’s been a while since we’ve had a raunchy female feature comedy– arguably since 2017’s Girls Trip, however, here comes D-Day from Spyglass Media Group with Schitt’s Creek‘s Emily Hampshire attached to star.
The pic, written by One Day at a Time scribes Becky Mann, Audra Sielaff and Andy Roth follows newly divorced and sexually inexperienced Kate, as she’s encouraged by her friends to get back out there. Of course Kate has certain standards so she’s not going to settle for just anyone but she’s determined to make her ex’s wedding day her D-Day.
Betsy Thomas, the creator of TBS’ My Boys, will be making her feature directorial debut here.
Thomas tells Deadline, “I am so thrilled to work with the immensely talented Emily Hampshire to bring this hilariously randy script to life.”
D-Day is produced by Level 1 Entertainment’s Bill Todman Jr and Edward Milstein (Grandma’s Boy). Spyglass’ Chairman and CEO, Gary Barber, and Peter Oillataguerre, President of Production, are executive producing with Oillataguerre and Chris Stone, VP of Production & Development, overseeing the project on behalf of Spyglass. Limor Hakim is co-producing for Level 1 Entertainment.
For six seasons, Hampshire played Stevie Budd on the Emmy-winning series Schitt’s Creek. She can currently be seen in Chapelwaite on Epix and in the upcoming thriller series The Rig on Amazon. Hampshire will release her first graphic novel Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch in partnership with Z2 Comics this October and is set to co-write, executive produce and star as the title character in the Norman Lear reboot of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
In addition to My Boys, Thomas has also directed episodes of NBC’s Superstore and ABC’s Home Economics.
Mann and Sielaff’s writing credits also include FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fox’s Raising Hope and ABC’s The Real O’Neals. Roth’s credits include Amazon’s With Love, Netflix’s Paradise Pd and FX’s Anger Management.
Hampshire is repped by Atlas Artists, Paradigm, Creative Drive Artists, ID and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan. Thomas is repped by CAA, Artists First and Jacoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Mann & Sielaff are repped by Culture Creative and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light Llp. Roth is repped by Verve and Jacoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Level 1 Entertainment is repped by Jeff Finkelstein of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano.
The pic, written by One Day at a Time scribes Becky Mann, Audra Sielaff and Andy Roth follows newly divorced and sexually inexperienced Kate, as she’s encouraged by her friends to get back out there. Of course Kate has certain standards so she’s not going to settle for just anyone but she’s determined to make her ex’s wedding day her D-Day.
Betsy Thomas, the creator of TBS’ My Boys, will be making her feature directorial debut here.
Thomas tells Deadline, “I am so thrilled to work with the immensely talented Emily Hampshire to bring this hilariously randy script to life.”
D-Day is produced by Level 1 Entertainment’s Bill Todman Jr and Edward Milstein (Grandma’s Boy). Spyglass’ Chairman and CEO, Gary Barber, and Peter Oillataguerre, President of Production, are executive producing with Oillataguerre and Chris Stone, VP of Production & Development, overseeing the project on behalf of Spyglass. Limor Hakim is co-producing for Level 1 Entertainment.
For six seasons, Hampshire played Stevie Budd on the Emmy-winning series Schitt’s Creek. She can currently be seen in Chapelwaite on Epix and in the upcoming thriller series The Rig on Amazon. Hampshire will release her first graphic novel Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch in partnership with Z2 Comics this October and is set to co-write, executive produce and star as the title character in the Norman Lear reboot of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
In addition to My Boys, Thomas has also directed episodes of NBC’s Superstore and ABC’s Home Economics.
Mann and Sielaff’s writing credits also include FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fox’s Raising Hope and ABC’s The Real O’Neals. Roth’s credits include Amazon’s With Love, Netflix’s Paradise Pd and FX’s Anger Management.
Hampshire is repped by Atlas Artists, Paradigm, Creative Drive Artists, ID and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan. Thomas is repped by CAA, Artists First and Jacoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Mann & Sielaff are repped by Culture Creative and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light Llp. Roth is repped by Verve and Jacoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Level 1 Entertainment is repped by Jeff Finkelstein of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano.
- 8/1/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 400 prominent female writers and showrunners sent a letter today to the heads of the major studios expressing their “grave concerns” about the companies’ “lack of specific production protocols” to protect their workers in anti-abortion states.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
- 7/28/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former ICM Partners TV literary and packaging agent Katie Cates is becoming a manager at Artists First. Cates spent the last eight years at ICM where she worked with writers, directors, actors, comedians and musicians. She is among the slew of ICM agents who departed on the eve of the agency’s acquisition by CAA last month.
At ICM, Cates worked with such established writer/showrunners as John Shiban (Ozark), Meredith Lavender and Marcie Ulin (The Flight Attendant), Matthew Carnahan (House of Lies) and Christy Stratton (Modern Family), Michelle Nader (Dollface), Karin Gist (Our Kind of People) Betsy Thomas (My Boys), Angeli Millan (Boomerang) and Matthew Newman (The Great Game), in addition to up-and-coming voices such as Marcos Luevanos (Love Victor), Emilia Serrano (Promised Land), Michelle Badillo (A League of Their Own), writer/director Becca Gleason (While You Were Breeding), creators Tim Schauer & Kuba Soltysiak (Boo Bitch) and playwrights...
At ICM, Cates worked with such established writer/showrunners as John Shiban (Ozark), Meredith Lavender and Marcie Ulin (The Flight Attendant), Matthew Carnahan (House of Lies) and Christy Stratton (Modern Family), Michelle Nader (Dollface), Karin Gist (Our Kind of People) Betsy Thomas (My Boys), Angeli Millan (Boomerang) and Matthew Newman (The Great Game), in addition to up-and-coming voices such as Marcos Luevanos (Love Victor), Emilia Serrano (Promised Land), Michelle Badillo (A League of Their Own), writer/director Becca Gleason (While You Were Breeding), creators Tim Schauer & Kuba Soltysiak (Boo Bitch) and playwrights...
- 7/27/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA leaders, saying that they’ve reached a “critical time” in contract negotiations with Audacy (formerly CBS Radio), are asking their members to join a letter-writing campaign to urge the U.S.’ second-largest radio company to agree to a fair contract for guild members employed at radio stations Knx Los Angeles, Wcbs New York City and Wbbm Chicago.
WGA West and WGA East leaders, who are in contract talks with the company, said in a communique to members Friday that they are “determined to get a fair deal for these members, however, we are now facing the largest obstacle to an agreement-protecting the future of the WGA pension plan at Knx, Wcbs and Wbbm. Audacy has thus far refused to make the necessary level of pension fund contributions for its news writers.”
“We are at a critical time in the campaign,” WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, Vice President Michele Mulroney,...
WGA West and WGA East leaders, who are in contract talks with the company, said in a communique to members Friday that they are “determined to get a fair deal for these members, however, we are now facing the largest obstacle to an agreement-protecting the future of the WGA pension plan at Knx, Wcbs and Wbbm. Audacy has thus far refused to make the necessary level of pension fund contributions for its news writers.”
“We are at a critical time in the campaign,” WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, Vice President Michele Mulroney,...
- 7/8/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild Theater, which has been open for screenings since April, is implementing a proof-of-vaccination-and booster-policy as the latest Covid-19 subvariant, BA.5, surges across L.A. County.
WGA West leaders are also laying down the law, telling members that “quarreling with staff will not be tolerated” if they’re turned away because they forgot to bring their vaccination card, or don’t have one.
Masks, however, are optional, although “strongly” recommended. Here’s the link to the rules.
“We were thrilled to reopen the Writers Guild Theater for Guild Screenings in April, and we hope that you are enjoying the selection of films,” WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, Vice President Michele Mulroney, and Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote in an email sent to members tonight.
“We would like to take a moment to remind you the Guild has implemented a Covid-19 vaccination and booster policy for attendance to Guild Screenings.
WGA West leaders are also laying down the law, telling members that “quarreling with staff will not be tolerated” if they’re turned away because they forgot to bring their vaccination card, or don’t have one.
Masks, however, are optional, although “strongly” recommended. Here’s the link to the rules.
“We were thrilled to reopen the Writers Guild Theater for Guild Screenings in April, and we hope that you are enjoying the selection of films,” WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, Vice President Michele Mulroney, and Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote in an email sent to members tonight.
“We would like to take a moment to remind you the Guild has implemented a Covid-19 vaccination and booster policy for attendance to Guild Screenings.
- 7/6/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Maggie Haskins has a new title at Artists First: She’s been upped to partner.
Having started at the company more than 12 years ago as an intern, Haskins is considered an integral part of the company. Her focus is on female representation in front of and behind the camera, with clients like writer/producer Jen D’Angelo (Hocus Pocus 2), Stephanie Laing (Physical), Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight), Betsy Thomas (My Boys), Tawny Newsome (Space Force), comedian Heather McMahan, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee head writer Kristen Bartlett.
She’s also producing the untitled sister comedy feature alongside her colleague Itay Reiss; it’s from Gloria Sanchez Productions at 20th for Hulu and stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. It was written by D’Angelo.
“I am so honored and thrilled to join the partnership at Artists First,” Haskins said in a statement. “I am grateful that from day one,...
Having started at the company more than 12 years ago as an intern, Haskins is considered an integral part of the company. Her focus is on female representation in front of and behind the camera, with clients like writer/producer Jen D’Angelo (Hocus Pocus 2), Stephanie Laing (Physical), Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight), Betsy Thomas (My Boys), Tawny Newsome (Space Force), comedian Heather McMahan, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee head writer Kristen Bartlett.
She’s also producing the untitled sister comedy feature alongside her colleague Itay Reiss; it’s from Gloria Sanchez Productions at 20th for Hulu and stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. It was written by D’Angelo.
“I am so honored and thrilled to join the partnership at Artists First,” Haskins said in a statement. “I am grateful that from day one,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Maggie Haskins has been added as a partner at management and production company Artists First.
Haskins began at Artists First as an intern 12 years ago. Since then, she has become an essential arm of the company, emphasizing female representation in her work by advocating to have more women in positions of power in the entertainment industry, as well as in front of and behind the camera.
“I am so honored and thrilled to join the partnership at Artists First,” Haskins wrote in a statement accompanying the news. “I am grateful that from day one, my partners and colleagues believed in and supported me. This has been an incredible journey so far, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our inspiring clients. This might be the thing that will finally help stop my mom from mistakenly calling me an agent.”
Haskins’ clients include Stephanie Laing, Rob Riggle,...
Haskins began at Artists First as an intern 12 years ago. Since then, she has become an essential arm of the company, emphasizing female representation in her work by advocating to have more women in positions of power in the entertainment industry, as well as in front of and behind the camera.
“I am so honored and thrilled to join the partnership at Artists First,” Haskins wrote in a statement accompanying the news. “I am grateful that from day one, my partners and colleagues believed in and supported me. This has been an incredible journey so far, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our inspiring clients. This might be the thing that will finally help stop my mom from mistakenly calling me an agent.”
Haskins’ clients include Stephanie Laing, Rob Riggle,...
- 5/19/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA West is calling on Hollywood to consider not shooting films and TV shows in states that ban abortions. The move comes in the wake of a leaked draft opinion by a 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court that would overturn Roe v. Wade and let states decide whether to ban abortions.
“In light of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion rights, we want to reaffirm our Guild’s commitment to fighting on our members’ behalf against inequality and discrimination,” the guild’s board of directors said in a statement. “Women’s rights are human rights, and any laws that ban or limit a woman’s right to choose are dangerous and set a precedent for further erosion of our collective civil rights. We call on our employers to consider the laws of each state when choosing production locations to ensure that our members will never be...
“In light of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion rights, we want to reaffirm our Guild’s commitment to fighting on our members’ behalf against inequality and discrimination,” the guild’s board of directors said in a statement. “Women’s rights are human rights, and any laws that ban or limit a woman’s right to choose are dangerous and set a precedent for further erosion of our collective civil rights. We call on our employers to consider the laws of each state when choosing production locations to ensure that our members will never be...
- 5/5/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Women and minority film and TV writers have made “significant” hiring gains since 2010, according to the WGA West’s latest Inclusion & Equity Report, which found that the percentage of screenwriters employed under the guild’s contract who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (Bipoc) has quadrupled over the past 11 years.
According to the report, the percentage of working Bipoc screenwriters increased from only 5.2 in 2010 to 22.6 in 2020, which was up from 20.2 in the prior year. Over that same timespan, the percentage of Bipoc staff TV writers nearly tripled – from 13.6 in 2010 to 37 in 2020, which was up from 35.3 the year before.
Women writers have also made impressive gains. According to the report, the percentage of women employed as screenwriters increased from 17.2 in 2010 to 29.6 in 2020, which was up from 26.5 in 2019. Over that same time period, the percentage of women employed as TV staff writers has grown from 29.3 to 45.3, which was up from 43.5 in...
According to the report, the percentage of working Bipoc screenwriters increased from only 5.2 in 2010 to 22.6 in 2020, which was up from 20.2 in the prior year. Over that same timespan, the percentage of Bipoc staff TV writers nearly tripled – from 13.6 in 2010 to 37 in 2020, which was up from 35.3 the year before.
Women writers have also made impressive gains. According to the report, the percentage of women employed as screenwriters increased from 17.2 in 2010 to 29.6 in 2020, which was up from 26.5 in 2019. Over that same time period, the percentage of women employed as TV staff writers has grown from 29.3 to 45.3, which was up from 43.5 in...
- 4/6/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
After another politically and socially turbulent year, the Writers Guild of America is ready to celebrate the best that its members have to offer, while reflecting on the ever-changing social and entertainment landscape.
The WGA’s annual awards event, a joint venture between Wgaw and Wgawe, will be held on Sunday, March 20th, and similar to last year, will be handled as a virtual event. With Covid still firmly lingering in the space of the populace, the guild’s priorities have naturally shifted in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated, while still staying true to its collective core values.
This year’s WGA film award nominees represent a roster of high-caliber talent. Nominees in the Original Screenplay category Aaron Sorkin (“Being the Ricardos”), Adam McKay & David Sirota (“Don’t Look Up”), Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola & Hugo Guinness & Jason Schwartzman, Zach Baylin (“King Richard”), and Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”). Adapted...
The WGA’s annual awards event, a joint venture between Wgaw and Wgawe, will be held on Sunday, March 20th, and similar to last year, will be handled as a virtual event. With Covid still firmly lingering in the space of the populace, the guild’s priorities have naturally shifted in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated, while still staying true to its collective core values.
This year’s WGA film award nominees represent a roster of high-caliber talent. Nominees in the Original Screenplay category Aaron Sorkin (“Being the Ricardos”), Adam McKay & David Sirota (“Don’t Look Up”), Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola & Hugo Guinness & Jason Schwartzman, Zach Baylin (“King Richard”), and Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”). Adapted...
- 3/19/2022
- by Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA West is calling on Hollywood to reconsider filming in Florida if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed by the state’s legislature last week.
“We urge all WGA signatory companies to reassess not only their political giving, but also where they choose to spend their production dollars,” the guild said in a statement Tuesday. “Show, don’t tell, that you value the LGBTQ+ community.”
The Florida bill, and others like it pending elsewhere around the country, makes it illegal for teachers to discuss gay and transgender issues with students in kindergarten through third grade. The bill states that “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3.” Passage of the bill has set off a firestorm of protests.
DeSantis, a strong supporter of the legislation, is expected to sign it in the coming days.
“We urge all WGA signatory companies to reassess not only their political giving, but also where they choose to spend their production dollars,” the guild said in a statement Tuesday. “Show, don’t tell, that you value the LGBTQ+ community.”
The Florida bill, and others like it pending elsewhere around the country, makes it illegal for teachers to discuss gay and transgender issues with students in kindergarten through third grade. The bill states that “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3.” Passage of the bill has set off a firestorm of protests.
DeSantis, a strong supporter of the legislation, is expected to sign it in the coming days.
- 3/15/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA has lifted its ban on members working for Constantin Film Development, the powerhouse German production company behind such films as the Resident Evil franchise, Downfall and The Baader Meinhof Complex.
The guild issued the do-not-work order in October because of the company’s “refusal to pay residuals for most foreign reuse,” and for not making pension and health contributions for some writers.
In lifting the order, WGA West leaders told their members on Friday that “Constantin has reached an agreement with the Guild regarding the payment of foreign residuals and pension and health contributions. The parties have also settled the pending arbitration claim, which will result in the company paying $1.1 million in residuals due to writers. Therefore, effective immediately, Constantin is once again a WGA signatory company and WGA members can perform writing services for it.”
In their message, WGA West president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney...
The guild issued the do-not-work order in October because of the company’s “refusal to pay residuals for most foreign reuse,” and for not making pension and health contributions for some writers.
In lifting the order, WGA West leaders told their members on Friday that “Constantin has reached an agreement with the Guild regarding the payment of foreign residuals and pension and health contributions. The parties have also settled the pending arbitration claim, which will result in the company paying $1.1 million in residuals due to writers. Therefore, effective immediately, Constantin is once again a WGA signatory company and WGA members can perform writing services for it.”
In their message, WGA West president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney...
- 12/9/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 50 prominent showrunners, including J.J. Abrams, Shonda Rhimes and Mike Schur, have signed the WGA West’s Safe and Inclusive Workplace Pledge, committing to “partner with the guild in developing best practices proven to drive change, alongside support programs for the wider show-running community that ensure every leader has the tools and understanding necessary to create workplaces in which all members can thrive.”
The guild’s Showrunner Initiative Committee said in a message to the guild’s members, “As a writer community, we can help create a new culture, one in which abuse and discrimination cannot thrive.”
The pledge states: “As union members, mistreatment of one of us is a problem for all of us. For the last four years, there has been an evolving conversation about addressing sexism, racism, discrimination, and bullying in our industry. As showrunners, we believe this behavior should not be tolerated. And while the...
The guild’s Showrunner Initiative Committee said in a message to the guild’s members, “As a writer community, we can help create a new culture, one in which abuse and discrimination cannot thrive.”
The pledge states: “As union members, mistreatment of one of us is a problem for all of us. For the last four years, there has been an evolving conversation about addressing sexism, racism, discrimination, and bullying in our industry. As showrunners, we believe this behavior should not be tolerated. And while the...
- 11/22/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Talks are set to begin on Monday between the Writers Guild of America West and Constantin Film over a residuals dispute that led to union leaders calling on members to boycott the company, the German mini-major says.
On Friday, Guild president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote members of the writers’ union that “effective immediately WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. (Constantin), which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.” Working Rule 8 from the Guild’s Code of Working Rules deems that “No ...
On Friday, Guild president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote members of the writers’ union that “effective immediately WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. (Constantin), which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.” Working Rule 8 from the Guild’s Code of Working Rules deems that “No ...
- 11/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Writers Guild of America West leaders have ordered the union’s members to stop working with Constantin Film over a residuals and health and pension plan contributions dispute.
On Friday, Guild president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote members of the writers’ union that “effective immediately WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. (Constantin), which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.” Working Rule 8 from the Guild’s Code of Working Rules deems that “No member shall accept employment with, nor option or sell ...
On Friday, Guild president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas wrote members of the writers’ union that “effective immediately WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. (Constantin), which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.” Working Rule 8 from the Guild’s Code of Working Rules deems that “No member shall accept employment with, nor option or sell ...
- 11/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Updated: German production company Constantin Film has hit back at the Writers Guild of America, which advised its members on Friday not to work for the outfit as it is not a signatory to the 2020 Minimum Basic Agreement.
In a statement shared with Variety, Constantin Film said that it “has paid, and the WGA Plan has accepted, all WGA fringe payments.” Further, the “Resident Evil” producer said a planned arbitration process around the dispute will begin as early as Monday.
“Constantin and the WGA disagree over the interpretation of the Mba regarding the calculation of residuals,” continues the statement. “The arbitration of that dispute has been long scheduled and will begin on Monday, November 1. Constantin believes the parties should respect the arbitration process and abide by the results. Constantin has always worked, and will continue to work, with the WGA and all its members in good faith.”
The WGA instructed...
In a statement shared with Variety, Constantin Film said that it “has paid, and the WGA Plan has accepted, all WGA fringe payments.” Further, the “Resident Evil” producer said a planned arbitration process around the dispute will begin as early as Monday.
“Constantin and the WGA disagree over the interpretation of the Mba regarding the calculation of residuals,” continues the statement. “The arbitration of that dispute has been long scheduled and will begin on Monday, November 1. Constantin believes the parties should respect the arbitration process and abide by the results. Constantin has always worked, and will continue to work, with the WGA and all its members in good faith.”
The WGA instructed...
- 10/30/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA has told its members not to work for Constantin Film Development, the powerhouse German production company behind such films as the Resident Evil franchise, Downfall and The Baader Meinhof Complex.
“The Guild has an ongoing serious dispute with Constantin because of its refusal to pay residuals for most foreign reuse. Constantin has also failed to pay pension and health contributions for some writers,” WGA West president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas said in a message sent to their members Friday.
“It is crucial,” they said, “that Constantin be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions. While the Guild is working to resolve this situation as soon as possible, until then Constantin cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.”
“Effective immediately,” they said, “WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.
“The Guild has an ongoing serious dispute with Constantin because of its refusal to pay residuals for most foreign reuse. Constantin has also failed to pay pension and health contributions for some writers,” WGA West president Meredith Stiehm, vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas said in a message sent to their members Friday.
“It is crucial,” they said, “that Constantin be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions. While the Guild is working to resolve this situation as soon as possible, until then Constantin cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.”
“Effective immediately,” they said, “WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from working for Constantin Film Development, Inc. which is not signatory to the 2020 Mba.
- 10/30/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The major entertainment unions issued a joint statement of solidarity with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees on Friday, as the craft union looks towards a strike authorization vote next week.
The statement was signed by the heads of SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, East, and the Teamsters.
“On behalf of our hundreds of thousands of members working across film and television, we stand in solidarity with our I.A.T.S.E. brothers, sisters and kin,” the labor leaders said in the statement. “The basic quality of life and living wage rights they’re fighting for in their negotiations are the issues that impact all of us who work on sets and productions. We stand with the I.A.T.S.E.”
Talks between IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have broken down. The union seeks improvements on meal and rest periods,...
The statement was signed by the heads of SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, East, and the Teamsters.
“On behalf of our hundreds of thousands of members working across film and television, we stand in solidarity with our I.A.T.S.E. brothers, sisters and kin,” the labor leaders said in the statement. “The basic quality of life and living wage rights they’re fighting for in their negotiations are the issues that impact all of us who work on sets and productions. We stand with the I.A.T.S.E.”
Talks between IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have broken down. The union seeks improvements on meal and rest periods,...
- 9/24/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm has been elected president of the Writers Guild of America, West, succeeding David Goodman, who stepped down after four years on the job.
Stiehm ran unopposed, as did her slate of officers. Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Betsy Thomas was elected secretary-treasurer.
“It is an honor to serve the membership as Wgaw President,” Stiehm said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Michele, Betsy, and the Board of Directors to advance an agenda that builds on the progress our union has made for writers and addresses the challenges we face in our creative and economic lives.”
Stiehm was a producer on shows such as “Homeland,” “Cold Case,” “ER” and “NYPD Blue.” She is also a veteran of the guild’s bruising recent battle with the agencies, which led to the end of packaging. Stiehm served as one of the counter-claimants in the WGA’s suit against the agencies,...
Stiehm ran unopposed, as did her slate of officers. Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Betsy Thomas was elected secretary-treasurer.
“It is an honor to serve the membership as Wgaw President,” Stiehm said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Michele, Betsy, and the Board of Directors to advance an agenda that builds on the progress our union has made for writers and addresses the challenges we face in our creative and economic lives.”
Stiehm was a producer on shows such as “Homeland,” “Cold Case,” “ER” and “NYPD Blue.” She is also a veteran of the guild’s bruising recent battle with the agencies, which led to the end of packaging. Stiehm served as one of the counter-claimants in the WGA’s suit against the agencies,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West announced the results of its latest elections on Tuesday, including formally declaring “Cold Case” creator Meredith Stiehm as the next president of the guild.
Stiehm ran unopposed in the election, as did incoming vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas. Stiehm will succeed outgoing president David A. Goodman, who successfully led the WGA in a campaign to direct talent agencies to phase out packaging fees in order to continue representing members.
Stiehm, who previously served on the Wgaw Board of Directors with Mulroney and Thomas, played a role in the packaging fee campaign as a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the Writers Guild against Hollywood’s top agencies, alleging that CAA had packaged “Cold Case” without her knowledge or consent and, she claimed, “ended up making 94 cents for every dollar that I earned.” The lawsuit was dropped after CAA, UTA, WME and...
Stiehm ran unopposed in the election, as did incoming vice president Michele Mulroney and secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas. Stiehm will succeed outgoing president David A. Goodman, who successfully led the WGA in a campaign to direct talent agencies to phase out packaging fees in order to continue representing members.
Stiehm, who previously served on the Wgaw Board of Directors with Mulroney and Thomas, played a role in the packaging fee campaign as a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the Writers Guild against Hollywood’s top agencies, alleging that CAA had packaged “Cold Case” without her knowledge or consent and, she claimed, “ended up making 94 cents for every dollar that I earned.” The lawsuit was dropped after CAA, UTA, WME and...
- 9/21/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Meredith Stiehm, running unopposed, has been elected president of the WGA West, becoming only the third woman to ever hold the guild’s top elected office.
Stiehm, who executive produced Homeland and Cold Case, was a member of the guild’s board of directors and was one of the eight named plaintiffs in the WGA’s historic legal battle that reshaped the talent agency business. She succeeds David A. Goodman as president.
With her election, the WGA West, the DGA and SAG-AFTRA for the first time ever all have female presidents. Fran Drescher was elected president of SAG-AFTRA this month, becoming its fifth female president, and Lesli Linka Glatter was elected president of the DGA on Saturday, becoming only the second woman to hold that post.
In the WGA West elections, Michele Mulroney was elected vice president, and Betsy Thomas was elected secretary-treasurer, with both running unopposed. It marks the...
Stiehm, who executive produced Homeland and Cold Case, was a member of the guild’s board of directors and was one of the eight named plaintiffs in the WGA’s historic legal battle that reshaped the talent agency business. She succeeds David A. Goodman as president.
With her election, the WGA West, the DGA and SAG-AFTRA for the first time ever all have female presidents. Fran Drescher was elected president of SAG-AFTRA this month, becoming its fifth female president, and Lesli Linka Glatter was elected president of the DGA on Saturday, becoming only the second woman to hold that post.
In the WGA West elections, Michele Mulroney was elected vice president, and Betsy Thomas was elected secretary-treasurer, with both running unopposed. It marks the...
- 9/21/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West revealed the results of its board of directors and officers election on Tuesday, with incoming leaders including a new president, vice president and secretary-treasurer.
After all three ran unopposed, Cold Case creator Meredith Stiehm was elected president, while Power Rangers writer Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Abby’s co-executive producer Betsy Thomas was elevated to the secretary-treasurer role. All three have previously served on the Board of Directors, and each of their platforms emphasized the need for compensation gains for writers in a consolidated, streaming-focused industry landscape, diversity initiatives and an aggressive approach to the ...
After all three ran unopposed, Cold Case creator Meredith Stiehm was elected president, while Power Rangers writer Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Abby’s co-executive producer Betsy Thomas was elevated to the secretary-treasurer role. All three have previously served on the Board of Directors, and each of their platforms emphasized the need for compensation gains for writers in a consolidated, streaming-focused industry landscape, diversity initiatives and an aggressive approach to the ...
- 9/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America West revealed the results of its board of directors and officers election on Tuesday, with incoming leaders including a new president, vice president and secretary-treasurer.
After all three ran unopposed, Cold Case creator Meredith Stiehm was elected president, while Power Rangers writer Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Abby’s co-executive producer Betsy Thomas was elevated to the secretary-treasurer role. All three have previously served on the Board of Directors, and each of their platforms emphasized the need for compensation gains for writers in a consolidated, streaming-focused industry landscape, diversity initiatives and an aggressive approach to the ...
After all three ran unopposed, Cold Case creator Meredith Stiehm was elected president, while Power Rangers writer Michele Mulroney was elected vice president and Abby’s co-executive producer Betsy Thomas was elevated to the secretary-treasurer role. All three have previously served on the Board of Directors, and each of their platforms emphasized the need for compensation gains for writers in a consolidated, streaming-focused industry landscape, diversity initiatives and an aggressive approach to the ...
- 9/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When his tenure as president of the Writers Guild of America West began four momentous years ago, David Goodman knew a groundswell was building for a campaign to end the decades-old practice of talent agencies earning packaging fees from TV shows and movies.
As such, the longtime comedy scribe and showrunner for “Family Guy” and “The Orville” realized that setting a strategy for slaying the dragon of packaging fees once and for all — the issue had percolated in the guild since the early 1970s — would be a top priority. While WGA leaders developed a pitch to bring to members, Goodman fervently hoped that the WGA’s grassroots wouldn’t be too engaged.
“People don’t believe me when I say this: I’m hoping they’re going to say, ‘We’re not on board for this,’ because then we don’t have to do it,” Goodman tells Variety in a...
As such, the longtime comedy scribe and showrunner for “Family Guy” and “The Orville” realized that setting a strategy for slaying the dragon of packaging fees once and for all — the issue had percolated in the guild since the early 1970s — would be a top priority. While WGA leaders developed a pitch to bring to members, Goodman fervently hoped that the WGA’s grassroots wouldn’t be too engaged.
“People don’t believe me when I say this: I’m hoping they’re going to say, ‘We’re not on board for this,’ because then we don’t have to do it,” Goodman tells Variety in a...
- 9/17/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
One of the unintended consequences of the WGA’s historic campaign to reshape the talent agency business has been the inability of many writers to find representation after more than 7,000 guild members, in a show of solidarity, fired their agents en masse during the early days of the nearly two-year legal battle. Many writers weren’t taken back by their agents after the fight was over, and during a recent candidates’ night forum, Michele Mulroney, who will be the WGA West’s next vice president, said “the fallout from the membership is that it’s a nightmare.”
The WGA’s agency campaign began in April 2019 and ended in February with the signing of WME, the last agency holdout, to the guild’s agency agreement, which will phase out packaging by June 2022 and limit a franchised agency and its owners to owning no more than a 20% stake in a production or distribution entity.
The WGA’s agency campaign began in April 2019 and ended in February with the signing of WME, the last agency holdout, to the guild’s agency agreement, which will phase out packaging by June 2022 and limit a franchised agency and its owners to owning no more than a 20% stake in a production or distribution entity.
- 9/13/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: TBS is developing a comedy series starring and executive produced by Fox Sports anchor Rachel Bonnetta. Loosely-based on Bonnetta’s real life in the sports broadcasting world, the untitled comedy is co-created, written and executive produced by Betsy Thomas in her return to TBS where she created and executive produced the Turner network’s hit comedy series My Boys.
Thomas will serve as showrunner and will direct the potential pilot. She and Bonnetta executive produce alongside Eric and Kim Tannenbaum (Home Economics) via their Lionsgate-based Tannenbaum Co. and Adam Griffin (Carol’s Second Act). TBS is producing with Lionsgate Television.
Originally from Canada, Bonnetta is a host on Fox Sports 1’s daily show Fox Bet Live and co-hosts Crooked Media’s sports podcast Hall of Shame. Before she joined Fox Sports, Bonnetta was an on-air host for Major League Soccer daily shows Mls Now and Off Topic with Rachel Bonnetta.
Thomas will serve as showrunner and will direct the potential pilot. She and Bonnetta executive produce alongside Eric and Kim Tannenbaum (Home Economics) via their Lionsgate-based Tannenbaum Co. and Adam Griffin (Carol’s Second Act). TBS is producing with Lionsgate Television.
Originally from Canada, Bonnetta is a host on Fox Sports 1’s daily show Fox Bet Live and co-hosts Crooked Media’s sports podcast Hall of Shame. Before she joined Fox Sports, Bonnetta was an on-air host for Major League Soccer daily shows Mls Now and Off Topic with Rachel Bonnetta.
- 8/25/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm won’t take office as the next president of the WGA West until next month, but she’s already looking ahead to the 2023 film and TV contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Running unopposed in the guild’s upcoming election, she says in her official campaign statement that she’s ready for a “fight” with the major studios over a bigger share of steaming revenue and to achieve a long list of other economic gains for writers.
“I think writers feel in our bones that this will be a crucial negotiation,” she says in her statement (read it in full here). “Once again a new business model – vertically integrated streaming – is revolutionizing writers’ jobs, and being used to squeeze our pay. The downward pressure on income that we are all feeling is not a byproduct of the model, it is the goal.”
Stiehm,...
“I think writers feel in our bones that this will be a crucial negotiation,” she says in her statement (read it in full here). “Once again a new business model – vertically integrated streaming – is revolutionizing writers’ jobs, and being used to squeeze our pay. The downward pressure on income that we are all feeling is not a byproduct of the model, it is the goal.”
Stiehm,...
- 8/3/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm will be the next president of the WGA West. Stiehm, running unopposed, will succeed David A. Goodman, who has termed out, on Sept. 21.
Stiehm, who executive produced Homeland and Cold Case, will be only the third woman to hold the union’s highest elected position. The WGA West and its forerunner, the Screen Writers Guild, have had 47 presidents since their founding in 1933 — all but two of whom have been men. Currently a member of the local’s board of directors, she was one of the eight named plaintiffs in the WGA’s historic legal battle that reshaped the talent agency business.
Michele Mulroney will be the guild’s next vice president, and Betsy Thomas will be the next secretary-treasurer. Both are running unopposed, and it will mark the first time in the guild’s history that all three of its top elected posts were held by women. Mulroney...
Stiehm, who executive produced Homeland and Cold Case, will be only the third woman to hold the union’s highest elected position. The WGA West and its forerunner, the Screen Writers Guild, have had 47 presidents since their founding in 1933 — all but two of whom have been men. Currently a member of the local’s board of directors, she was one of the eight named plaintiffs in the WGA’s historic legal battle that reshaped the talent agency business.
Michele Mulroney will be the guild’s next vice president, and Betsy Thomas will be the next secretary-treasurer. Both are running unopposed, and it will mark the first time in the guild’s history that all three of its top elected posts were held by women. Mulroney...
- 7/23/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm is running for president of the WGA West. Currently a member of the local’s board of directors, she was one of the eight named plaintiffs in the WGA’s historic legal battle that reshaped the talent agency business.
The former executive producer of Homeland and Cold Case received the presidential nod from the guild’s nominating committee. The WGA West’s current president, David A. Goodman, is termed out and cannot seek re-election.
If elected, Stiehm would be only the third woman to hold the post. The WGA West and its forerunner, the Screen Writers Guild, have had 47 presidents since their founding in 1933 — all but two of whom have been men.
Current secretary-treasurer Michele Mulroney was nominated to run for vice president, and board member Betsy Thomas was nominated to run for secretary-treasurer.
The three officer candidates were the only ones selected by the nominating committee, though...
The former executive producer of Homeland and Cold Case received the presidential nod from the guild’s nominating committee. The WGA West’s current president, David A. Goodman, is termed out and cannot seek re-election.
If elected, Stiehm would be only the third woman to hold the post. The WGA West and its forerunner, the Screen Writers Guild, have had 47 presidents since their founding in 1933 — all but two of whom have been men.
Current secretary-treasurer Michele Mulroney was nominated to run for vice president, and board member Betsy Thomas was nominated to run for secretary-treasurer.
The three officer candidates were the only ones selected by the nominating committee, though...
- 6/21/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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