All great films have one thing in common: each came about as a result of a great screenplay. Long before the parts were cast and the cameras rolled, a writer gazed upon a blank page and set in motion a classic story. 101 GREATEST SCREENPLAYS will honor the greatest scripts in cinema history, and the writers who wrote them, by compiling the ultimate list of the best-written films as voted upon by guild members.

"The Writers Guild of America, west is very pleased to be working with our sister guild in the East to compile a record of the greatest screenplays ever written. This list, which will be created by our qualified memberships of professional writers, will act as a guide for future generations of screenwriters," said WGAw president Daniel Petrie Jr. "I have been inspired by so many fine writers' work and look forward to casting my vote for the 101 GREATEST SCREENPLAYS."

"I can think of no greater honor for screenwriters than to have the members of the WGA East and west honor their work. As fellow writers, we understand better than most the challenges of screenwriting. We also understand that no great movie can be made without a great screenplay having been written first. This 101 GREATEST SCREENPLAYS list will help celebrate writers, and their work. It's about time," remarked WGAE president Warren Leight.

A joint venture between the Writers Guild of America west and East, the 101 GREATEST SCREENPLAYS list will be determined by guild members through online voting and mail ballots. Members may vote for up to ten screenplays, and any produced screenplay, English-language or otherwise, is eligible. Results will be tabulated and released in October 2005 at ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.

The Writers Guild of America, East and west represent writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. The unions conduct numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the world on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers.