“It’s Just Automatic”

Writers sound off about late pay successes from agency-provided information.

Late pay is so pervasive that most writers have a story about waiting weeks, or even months, for a paycheck. It is one of the problems the Guild is working to address in the agency campaign and why our franchise agreements require agencies to share contracts, invoices, deal memos, writer compensation, and commission information directly with the Guild. With this information, the Guild can now see when payment is due, then check with writers to see if they’ve been paid on time and, if payment is overdue, pursue both late pay and interest. In most instances, the MBA requires payment within seven days of commencement or delivery, and interest accrues at the rate of 1.5% per month until the late payment is made. Read more >>

For LGBTQ+ Writers, Progress Is Not Always a Straight Line

LGBTQ+ Writers Committee Co-Chair Katrina Mathewson shares her reflections on the state of the LGTBQ+ community in the industry and society.

When I was asked to write about what this particular moment means for the LGBTQ+ community, I felt inevitably pulled in two directions. These days, I find myself torn between where we are as an industry, and where we are as a society. Between pride and frustration. Between what it means to be a queer writer in Los Angeles and what it means to be a queer person in this country. Read more >>

Ask a Mentor: True Talk

Y. Shireen Razack on talking in the writers’ room.

Should a new staff member in an established writers’ room worry about talking too much, or too little? WGAW member and veteran TV writer-producer Y. Shireen Razack (New Amsterdam, Shadowhunters) has some words of advice.

Email your questions about the craft, job hunting, your career, or Guild service to Connect, (under 100 words, please), 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. Read more >>

3rd & Fairfax Podcast: Hilliard Guess Talks With A Black Lady Sketch Show Creator Robin Thede

On the latest episode of WGAW’s 3rd & Fairfax podcast, host Hilliard Guess talks with A Black Lady Sketch Show creator-showrunner Robin Thede (The Rundown with Robin Thede, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore) about her groundbreaking HBO comedy series and the importance of valuing diverse voices. Listen and subscribe. Also available on Spotify, iTunes, Libsyn, or Stitcher.