Series Writers, Beware of These Company Practices

The Guild is ready to assist you.

As the industry adapts to production during the pandemic, some employers have tried to circumvent key aspects of writers’ pilot and series services deals and Articles 13 and 14 of the MBA. Series writers, if you experience any of these questionable practices, contact the Guild’s Legal Department via email or by phone at (323) 782-4521. Read more >>

2021 Writers Guild Awards

Tune in to the first-ever streamed show.

On Sunday, March 21, at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST, the WGAW and WGAE present the 2021 Writers Guild Awards, honoring outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, new media, news, radio, and promotional categories. Acclaimed actor, writer, producer and former Obama White House staffer Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar franchise, House) will host this year’s ceremony — a virtual event co-produced by the guilds.

“I’m very honored that the Writers Guild, of which I’m a member, chose me to bring together a wildly diverse range of people,” Penn said upon accepting hosting duties. “From liberal writers on the West Coast to liberal writers on the East Coast. I’m just that unifying.” Read more >>

Ask a Mentor: The Youth Movement

Linda Mathious answers a member’s question about writing in a different genre.

Let’s say you’re a writer who cut your teeth on crime procedurals, but lately you’ve grown weary of poring over murders and autopsies. You want to write something lighter for another audience, like young adult, but you’ve been buried in coroner’s reports for so long you don’t know where to start. TV writer Linda Mathious (Gabby Duran & the Unsittables, Outmatched) has some recommendations about crossing over to a new genre.

Send your questions about the craft, job hunting, your career, or Guild service to Connect (under 100 words, please) with the subject “Mentor,” and we’ll send them to an established screen or TV writer to answer. Questions might be edited for space or clarity and will be published anonymously. WGAW mentors provide informal career advice and are not expected to read scripts, give notes, hear pitches, or help find representation or work. Read more >>

WATCH: PR 101 Virtual Panel

Build your brand with advice from social media-savvy writers and publicity experts.

Did you miss the Guild's recent panel, PR101: Using Social Media to Build Your Brand + Navigating Industry Publicity? Luckily, it’s not too late to elevate your publicity game and bolster your career opportunities. Catch the event recording featuring Julie Plec, LaToya Morgan, John August, and Brooks Elms, along with publicists, industry execs, and social media experts. This event was presented by the WGAW’s Publicity & Marketing and Writers Education Committees. Watch here >>