2016 Writers Guild Awards Industry Alert

Contact: Contact: Gregg Mitchell (323) 782-4574
The Writers Guilds of America, West (WGAW) and East (WGAE) have made key changes to Writers Guild Awards categories this year in terms of eligibility criteria to accurately define what constitutes a series vs. a limited series and/or miniseries, as well as reflect the creative differences between writing for comedy/variety talk series and comedy/variety sketch series.

LOS ANGELES -- The Writers Guilds of America, West (WGAW) and East (WGAE) have made key changes to Writers Guild Awards categories this year in terms of eligibility criteria to accurately define what constitutes a series vs. a limited series and/or miniseries, as well as reflect the creative differences between writing for comedy/variety talk series and comedy/variety sketch series.

Long Form – Original and Long Form – Adapted categories now include Limited Series

  • As traditional miniseries have been increasingly replaced in recent years by a broader variety of self-contained episodic series of varying lengths, the WGA has adopted the more precisely defined term "limited series" to reflect this new reality in the television and new media industry. As a result, the "Long Form" awards categories (both Original and Adapted) are now defined by the WGA as: "A long form television or new media motion picture is a motion picture, over one hour in length, including MOWs and limited series."

  • A limited series (including miniseries) is now defined by the WGA as "at least two but not more than 13 episodes with a total running time of at least three broadcast or exhibition hours that is based on a single theme or story line which is resolved within the piece."

  • In addition, the WGA has eliminated its existing rule prohibiting series with a "Created by" credit from competing in this category.

  • Programs that meet the WGA's new "limited series" definition will not be eligible to compete in the WGA's Drama, Comedy or New Series awards categories.

The Comedy/Variety (Including Talk) Series category has been split into two separate categories: Comedy/Variety Talk Series and Comedy/Variety Sketch Series

  • Weekly sketch shows, which predominately consist of scripted sketches, will no longer compete against nightly talk shows, which may feature occasional sketch elements but are primarily composed of monologue jokes, desk segments and guest interviews.

More detailed information on eligibility criteria and submission guidelines for the above Writers Guild Awards categories can be found here.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

TV-Radio-New Media Script Submissions
Submission deadline: 5:30 p.m. (PT) on Friday, October 9, 2015

Drama, Comedy and New Series
Submission deadline: 5:30 p.m. (PT) on Friday, October 9, 2015

Paul Selvin Award
Submission deadline: 5:30 p.m. (PT) on Friday, October 9, 2015

Original and Adapted Screenplay
Submission deadline: 5:30 p.m. (PT) on Friday, November 13, 2015

For specific questions about the Writers Guild Awards submissions process, including which category to submit your program in, please contact WGAW Awards Administrator Jennifer Burt at (323) 782-4569 or email: Jennifer Burt

For more information about the 2016 Writers Guild Awards, please visit www.wga.org or www.wgaeast.org.

For media inquiries about the 2016 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles show, please contact Gregg Mitchell in the WGAW Communications Department at: (323) 782-4651 or email: Gregg Mitchell.

For media inquiries about the 2016 Writers Guild Awards New York City show, please contact Jason Gordon in the WGAE Communications Department at (212) 767-7809 or email: Jason Gordon