14.3 Navigating the Writers Guild of America (WGA)
4 min read•august 6, 2024
The (WGA) is a vital organization for screenwriters. It's split into East and West regions, working together to protect writers' rights and negotiate contracts with studios. The WGA's power lies in collective bargaining.
The WGA's sets industry standards for pay, credits, and working conditions. It also handles script registration, , and residuals. The guild can strike if negotiations fail, and it celebrates excellence through annual awards.
WGA Regions
Geographic Division of the WGA
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- represents writers primarily working in the western United States, including California (Hollywood)
- represents writers primarily working in the eastern United States, including New York
- Both guilds work together to advocate for writers' rights and negotiate contracts with studios and production companies
- Membership in one guild allows a writer to work in both regions without joining the other guild
Contracts and Agreements
Collective Bargaining and the Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA)
- Collective Bargaining is the process by which the WGA negotiates with studios and production companies on behalf of its members to establish the terms and conditions of employment
- The Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) is the primary contract negotiated by the WGA that sets the minimum terms for compensation, credit, and working conditions for writers
- The MBA covers issues such as minimum salaries, residuals, pension and health benefits, and creative rights
- The MBA is renegotiated every three years to address changes in the industry and the needs of writers
Guild Signatory Status
- A Guild Signatory is a company that has agreed to abide by the terms of the MBA and other WGA contracts
- Writers working for a Guild Signatory are guaranteed the protections and benefits outlined in the MBA
- Non-signatory companies are not bound by the MBA, and writers working for them may not receive the same benefits or protections
- The WGA encourages writers to work only for Guild Signatory companies to ensure fair treatment and compensation
Protecting Writers' Work
Script Registration and Establishing Authorship
- Script Registration is a service provided by the WGA that allows writers to establish a record of their work and its creation date
- Writers can register their scripts, treatments, and outlines with the WGA to help prove authorship in case of disputes
- Registration does not provide protection but can serve as evidence in legal proceedings
- The WGA maintains a database of registered works that can be searched by producers, studios, and other interested parties
Credit Arbitration and Determining Writing Credits
- Credit Arbitration is the process by which the WGA determines the writing credits for a film or television project
- When there are disputes over writing credits or multiple writers have contributed to a project, the WGA conducts an arbitration to determine the appropriate credits
- The arbitration process involves a panel of experienced writers reviewing the scripts and other materials to assess each writer's contribution
- The WGA's credit determination is binding and must be used in all advertising and promotion of the project
Residuals and Ongoing Compensation
- Residuals are payments made to writers for the reuse of their work, such as reruns on television, home video sales, and streaming platforms
- The MBA establishes the formulas for calculating residuals based on factors such as the type of reuse, the writer's original compensation, and the project's budget
- Residuals provide ongoing income for writers and recognize their continued contribution to the success of a project
- The WGA collects and distributes residuals to writers, ensuring they receive the compensation they are entitled to under the MBA
Union Actions and Recognition
Strikes and Collective Action
- A Strike is a collective action taken by the WGA when negotiations with studios and production companies break down
- During a strike, WGA members are prohibited from working for companies that have not agreed to the guild's demands
- Strikes can halt production on films and television shows, putting pressure on companies to reach an agreement with the WGA
- Notable WGA strikes include the 1988 strike, which lasted 22 weeks, and the 2007-2008 strike, which lasted 100 days and focused on compensation for new media (streaming and digital distribution)
WGA Awards and Celebrating Writing Excellence
- The are an annual event that recognizes outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, and new media
- Categories include Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Drama Series, Best Comedy Series, and Best New Series, among others
- The awards are voted on by WGA members and serve to highlight the importance of writing in the entertainment industry
- Winning a WGA Award is a significant honor and can boost a writer's career and recognition within the industry
Key Terms to Review (19)
Carl Gottlieb: Carl Gottlieb is an American screenwriter and director, best known for co-writing the iconic film 'Jaws.' His contributions to the film industry extend beyond just writing, as he has also worked in various capacities within the Writers Guild of America, making him a significant figure in navigating industry standards and practices.
Collective bargaining agreement: A collective bargaining agreement is a written contract between an employer and a labor union representing employees, outlining the terms and conditions of employment. This agreement typically covers aspects such as wages, working hours, benefits, and working conditions, aiming to ensure fair treatment and protect workers' rights within the industry.
Copyright: Copyright is a legal framework that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, such as literature, music, and film, for a specified period. This protection allows authors to control how their works are used, distributed, and reproduced, promoting creativity by ensuring that creators can benefit financially from their contributions. Understanding copyright is essential for navigating the entertainment industry and working within organizations like the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
Credit arbitration: Credit arbitration is a process used to resolve disputes regarding writing credits for screenplays and other works. It typically occurs when multiple writers claim credit for a project, and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) facilitates this process to ensure that credits are awarded fairly based on contribution and industry standards.
Fair Compensation: Fair compensation refers to the appropriate and equitable payment that writers receive for their work, ensuring that their contributions are valued and rewarded according to industry standards. This concept is crucial in supporting writers' rights and advocating for better pay and benefits, which are essential for fostering a sustainable career in writing.
Guild membership: Guild membership refers to the formal affiliation of writers with professional organizations, such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which provides support, resources, and advocacy for its members. Joining a guild is crucial for writers as it offers protections related to contracts, pay, and working conditions, while also fostering a sense of community among writers in the industry.
Health plan: A health plan is a type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. Health plans can come in various forms, including employer-sponsored plans, government programs, and individual policies, all designed to provide access to healthcare services while managing costs and risks associated with medical care.
John Wells: John Wells is a prominent American television and film writer, director, and producer known for his influential work in the entertainment industry. He has been instrumental in shaping modern television through his involvement with successful series such as 'ER,' 'The West Wing,' and 'Shameless,' showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and advocate for writers' rights.
Minimum Basic Agreement: The Minimum Basic Agreement is a foundational contract established by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) that sets the minimum terms and conditions for writers working in television and film. This agreement outlines essential aspects such as minimum compensation, working conditions, and health benefits, ensuring that writers are fairly treated and compensated for their work. It serves as a vital tool for writers to negotiate better contracts and is an essential part of navigating the landscape of the entertainment industry.
Option agreement: An option agreement is a legal contract that grants a producer or studio the exclusive right to purchase the screenplay or story from a writer for a specified period. This agreement serves as a way to secure the rights to develop a project while giving the writer compensation, often in the form of an upfront fee, for allowing the producer time to explore the potential of the material. It's crucial for writers to understand how option agreements relate to contracts and copyright protections, as they can significantly influence ownership and creative control over their work.
Pension Plan: A pension plan is a retirement savings plan that provides individuals with a steady income after they stop working, usually funded by employer contributions. These plans are designed to ensure that writers and other professionals in the industry have financial security during their retirement years. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) administers its own pension plan, which benefits members who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Screenplay submission guidelines: Screenplay submission guidelines are specific rules and requirements that screenwriters must follow when submitting their scripts to producers, agents, or competitions. These guidelines ensure that submissions are formatted correctly and meet the expectations of industry professionals, facilitating a smoother review process.
Spec script: A spec script is a screenplay written without being commissioned, usually created to showcase a writer's talent and style. This type of script is often used by writers to attract attention from agents or producers, as it reflects their unique voice and creative vision without any external constraints. Spec scripts are an essential tool for screenwriters looking to break into the industry or shift their career direction.
WGA Awards: The WGA Awards are prestigious accolades given annually by the Writers Guild of America to recognize outstanding writing in film, television, and new media. These awards highlight the creative contributions of writers, honoring their work across various genres and formats, and serve to promote the value of screenwriting within the industry.
WGA Board: The WGA Board, or Writers Guild of America Board of Directors, is the governing body of the Writers Guild of America, responsible for overseeing the guild's activities and ensuring that the interests of its members are represented. The board sets policies, makes decisions about negotiations, and guides the overall direction of the organization to support writers in the entertainment industry.
WGA East: WGA East, or the Writers Guild of America, East, is a labor union that represents writers in the film, television, and digital media industries primarily in the eastern United States. It plays a critical role in advocating for writers' rights, negotiating contracts, and providing support and resources to its members, connecting them to industry standards and practices.
WGA Strike: The WGA Strike refers to the organized work stoppage initiated by the Writers Guild of America, which represents thousands of writers in film, television, and digital media. This strike aims to address key issues such as fair compensation, working conditions, and creative rights, significantly impacting the entertainment industry by halting productions and highlighting the importance of writers' contributions to storytelling.
WGA West: WGA West, or the Writers Guild of America West, is a labor union representing writers in the film, television, and digital media industries. It advocates for the rights and interests of its members through collective bargaining, offers resources for professional development, and provides legal support. Understanding WGA West is crucial for navigating the screenwriting industry, as it plays a vital role in establishing standards for wages, working conditions, and intellectual property rights.
Writers Guild of America: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labor union representing writers in the film, television, and digital media industries. It plays a crucial role in advocating for writers' rights, negotiating contracts, and ensuring fair compensation, making it an essential organization in the screenwriting landscape.