The Writers Guild of America East has tapped Sam Wheeler as the union’s new executive director.
Chosen by the WGA East council as successor to longtime WGA East leader Lowell Peterson, who exited his post last October after the conclusion of the writers strike, Wheeler enters the role after serving as the national executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists (Agma) since 2022.
He will begin as executive director to WGA East April 1.
“In keeping with our transformative times, we looked for a transformative leader — and we believe we’ve found such a leader in Sam Wheeler,” Writers Guild of America East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said. “His clear strategic vision impressed our Search Committee and Council, as did his reputation for working closely with members and staff, leading tough negotiations and diligently administering collective bargaining agreements. He has already proven himself to be a forward-thinking labor leader...
Chosen by the WGA East council as successor to longtime WGA East leader Lowell Peterson, who exited his post last October after the conclusion of the writers strike, Wheeler enters the role after serving as the national executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists (Agma) since 2022.
He will begin as executive director to WGA East April 1.
“In keeping with our transformative times, we looked for a transformative leader — and we believe we’ve found such a leader in Sam Wheeler,” Writers Guild of America East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said. “His clear strategic vision impressed our Search Committee and Council, as did his reputation for working closely with members and staff, leading tough negotiations and diligently administering collective bargaining agreements. He has already proven himself to be a forward-thinking labor leader...
- 2/26/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America East has named Sam Wheeler executive director after its previous staff leader announced his departure last fall.
Wheeler, currently the national executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists, will start at the writers’ union on April 1. The union’s council announced the hire on Monday, saying that Wheeler’s appointment came after a “months-long search.”
“I am honored to join the Wgae as Executive Director,” Wheeler said in a statement. “I want to thank President Cullen, the Officers, and the Council for placing their trust in me. Wgae members have built a dynamic, member-led, fighting union and I am thrilled to be part of the work ahead.
Wheeler has held his current leadership position at the Agma, which represents staging staffers, singers and dancers in the fields of opera, ballet and choral performance, since 2022. He joined the union originally in 2019 as its eastern counsel,...
Wheeler, currently the national executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists, will start at the writers’ union on April 1. The union’s council announced the hire on Monday, saying that Wheeler’s appointment came after a “months-long search.”
“I am honored to join the Wgae as Executive Director,” Wheeler said in a statement. “I want to thank President Cullen, the Officers, and the Council for placing their trust in me. Wgae members have built a dynamic, member-led, fighting union and I am thrilled to be part of the work ahead.
Wheeler has held his current leadership position at the Agma, which represents staging staffers, singers and dancers in the fields of opera, ballet and choral performance, since 2022. He joined the union originally in 2019 as its eastern counsel,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over 1,000 members of the Writers Guild of America East union have signed a petition in support of introducing ways to protect journalists from artificial intelligence. The open letter demands that they be included in the decision-making process concerning AI tools in their places of employment.
The writers signing on include WGA East members at Bdg, CBS News, Chalkbeat, CNET, Crooked Media, Fast Company, Financial Times Specialist, Frontline, Future Plc, Gimlet, G/O Media, GroupNine, Inc., The Intercept, Hearst, HuffPost, iHeartMedia Podcasts, MSNBC, Parcast, Pineapple Street Studios, Slate, The Ringer, Vice, Vox Media, and more.
Among the film and television writers signing the petition are Robert Carlock, Patricia Cornwell, Tom Fontana, Mary Harron, Soo Hugh, Natasha Lyonne, Julie Martin, Adam McKay, Stephen O’Donnell, Michael Rauch, Diana Son, Jim Taylor, and Wgae President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen.
The petition reads:
“We, the members of the Writers Guild of America East, recognize that digital...
The writers signing on include WGA East members at Bdg, CBS News, Chalkbeat, CNET, Crooked Media, Fast Company, Financial Times Specialist, Frontline, Future Plc, Gimlet, G/O Media, GroupNine, Inc., The Intercept, Hearst, HuffPost, iHeartMedia Podcasts, MSNBC, Parcast, Pineapple Street Studios, Slate, The Ringer, Vice, Vox Media, and more.
Among the film and television writers signing the petition are Robert Carlock, Patricia Cornwell, Tom Fontana, Mary Harron, Soo Hugh, Natasha Lyonne, Julie Martin, Adam McKay, Stephen O’Donnell, Michael Rauch, Diana Son, Jim Taylor, and Wgae President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen.
The petition reads:
“We, the members of the Writers Guild of America East, recognize that digital...
- 10/30/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Lowell Peterson is stepping down as executive director of the Writers Guild of America East after 15 years.
Peterson’s tenure will end with the expiration of his current contract on November 15 — one month after the ratification of the WGA’s latest contract with the AMPTP that brought a 148-day strike to an end.
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.”
During Peterson’s time as executive director, the union’s membership doubled, growing both its core of television and film writers as well as expanding into formerly non-union sectors such as nonfiction TV, podcasting, and online media.
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the...
Peterson’s tenure will end with the expiration of his current contract on November 15 — one month after the ratification of the WGA’s latest contract with the AMPTP that brought a 148-day strike to an end.
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.”
During Peterson’s time as executive director, the union’s membership doubled, growing both its core of television and film writers as well as expanding into formerly non-union sectors such as nonfiction TV, podcasting, and online media.
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the...
- 10/10/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA East Executive Director Lowell Peterson is stepping down from his post at the expiration of his contract on Nov. 15. Peterson was with the guild for 15 years.
During Peterson’s tenure, the guild says the union’s membership doubled among television and movie writers as well as with formerly non-union sectors such as nonfiction TV, podcasting, and online media. Most recently, Peterson led the Wgae staff’s efforts in the strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and signatory employers.
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.”
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the Writers Guild of America East and...
During Peterson’s tenure, the guild says the union’s membership doubled among television and movie writers as well as with formerly non-union sectors such as nonfiction TV, podcasting, and online media. Most recently, Peterson led the Wgae staff’s efforts in the strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and signatory employers.
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.”
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the Writers Guild of America East and...
- 10/10/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
One day after the Writers Guild of America ratified its 2023 strike-ending contract, Lowell Peterson has announced that he is stepping down from the post of WGA East executive director.
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement on Tuesday. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.” Peterson will leave his post after his deal expires on Nov. 15, following 15 years of leadership at the union.
The guild’s director of contract enforcement and credits, Geoff Betts, will lead on an interim basis as the labor group searches for a new executive director. Variety was the first to report the news.
Starting in 2008, Peterson headed up the union at a time when it aggressively pursued organizing efforts in digital media,...
“I am proud of my work to transform the Wgae into a more powerful force for writers,” Peterson said in a statement on Tuesday. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such extraordinary leaders, members, and staff. Their activism, creativity, and diligence have been essential to our success.” Peterson will leave his post after his deal expires on Nov. 15, following 15 years of leadership at the union.
The guild’s director of contract enforcement and credits, Geoff Betts, will lead on an interim basis as the labor group searches for a new executive director. Variety was the first to report the news.
Starting in 2008, Peterson headed up the union at a time when it aggressively pursued organizing efforts in digital media,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lowell Peterson’s tenure as executive director of the Writers Guild of America East was destined to be bookended by strikes. After 15 years at the helm, Peterson will step down from his post as of Nov. 15 when his current three-year contract expires.
WGA East leaders credited Peterson with nearly doubling the size of its membership and rebuilding the union’s staff and infrastructure since he took the helm in May 2008. That was three months after the Writers Guild of America concluded a 100-day strike against Hollywood’s largest employees. News of his resignation comes one day after members of the WGA West and WGA East overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that was the byproduct of a 148-day strike. The hard-won pact delivers enormous gains for union members, albeit at great cost after a five-month work stoppage.
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the Writers Guild of...
WGA East leaders credited Peterson with nearly doubling the size of its membership and rebuilding the union’s staff and infrastructure since he took the helm in May 2008. That was three months after the Writers Guild of America concluded a 100-day strike against Hollywood’s largest employees. News of his resignation comes one day after members of the WGA West and WGA East overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that was the byproduct of a 148-day strike. The hard-won pact delivers enormous gains for union members, albeit at great cost after a five-month work stoppage.
“We thank Lowell for his years of service to the Writers Guild of...
- 10/10/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The strike is over, but the fight is not yet won.
On Wednesday, as the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike formally ended after 148 days, Variety spoke with newly elected WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson about the end of the work stoppage at the East coast guild’s membership meeting to discuss their tentative three-year Mba agreement with the Hollywood studios.
While the deal still needs to be ratified following a member vote to be held from Oct. 2-9, the details revealed about the pact with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) are points the WGA East leadership is immensely proud of and has every hope will be cleared by the union.
“That’s one of the realizations that’s gonna settle into a lot of members as we go forward — is that, not only did we achieve these gains,...
On Wednesday, as the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike formally ended after 148 days, Variety spoke with newly elected WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson about the end of the work stoppage at the East coast guild’s membership meeting to discuss their tentative three-year Mba agreement with the Hollywood studios.
While the deal still needs to be ratified following a member vote to be held from Oct. 2-9, the details revealed about the pact with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) are points the WGA East leadership is immensely proud of and has every hope will be cleared by the union.
“That’s one of the realizations that’s gonna settle into a lot of members as we go forward — is that, not only did we achieve these gains,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
This is Day 128 of the WGA strike and Day 55 of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul paid a surprise visit to striking writers and actors outside Netflix offices in Manhattan on Wednesday, making good on what one union officer said was a “very, very last-minute” decision to briefly join the picket line and meet strike leaders.
In an appearance lasting about 10 minutes that caught most picketers and passersby off-guard, the state’s top elected official exchanged hugs and handshakes with WGA and SAG-AFTRA officers, paused for photos and, protest sign in hand, waded into the march for a couple of laps — flanked by aides, security and visibly delighted union figures including SAG-AFTRA president Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
Hochul didn’t address the rally, but as she readied to leave, she spoke to a small circle of union leaders — all of them surrounded by onlookers — and encouraged the strikers to “stay strong.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul paid a surprise visit to striking writers and actors outside Netflix offices in Manhattan on Wednesday, making good on what one union officer said was a “very, very last-minute” decision to briefly join the picket line and meet strike leaders.
In an appearance lasting about 10 minutes that caught most picketers and passersby off-guard, the state’s top elected official exchanged hugs and handshakes with WGA and SAG-AFTRA officers, paused for photos and, protest sign in hand, waded into the march for a couple of laps — flanked by aides, security and visibly delighted union figures including SAG-AFTRA president Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
Hochul didn’t address the rally, but as she readied to leave, she spoke to a small circle of union leaders — all of them surrounded by onlookers — and encouraged the strikers to “stay strong.
- 9/6/2023
- by Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
A large majority of Americans support the writers and actors strikes, and a plurality hold an unfavorable view of the Hollywood studios, according to a new poll by Data for Progress.
The poll found 67% support among likely voters for the strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, while just 18% oppose them.
The poll also found that 48% have an unfavorable view of the major studios, and just 31% support the studios. The survey also found that 60% of respondents subscribe to Netflix, 41% subscribe to Hulu, and 35% subscribe to Disney+.
The firm also asked strike supporters if delays in their favorite movies and TV shows would cause them to change their minds. The survey found that 86% would continue to support the strikes, while 10% would oppose them.
Data for Progress is a progressive polling firm that conducts surveys on issues including climate, education, health care and workers rights. The firm surveyed 1,124 respondents online from Aug.
The poll found 67% support among likely voters for the strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, while just 18% oppose them.
The poll also found that 48% have an unfavorable view of the major studios, and just 31% support the studios. The survey also found that 60% of respondents subscribe to Netflix, 41% subscribe to Hulu, and 35% subscribe to Disney+.
The firm also asked strike supporters if delays in their favorite movies and TV shows would cause them to change their minds. The survey found that 86% would continue to support the strikes, while 10% would oppose them.
Data for Progress is a progressive polling firm that conducts surveys on issues including climate, education, health care and workers rights. The firm surveyed 1,124 respondents online from Aug.
- 8/18/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Workers at documentary powerhouse Story Syndicate, which has produced projects like Harry and Meghan, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and the Unknown series, have secured voluntary union recognition from management to bargain for their share of what they called “windfall profits for the largest streaming platforms in the world” on the back of their work.
Roughly 25 to 100 producers and 12 to 30 editorial employees, depending on the number of titles in production, will be represented by the Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) and Motion Picture Editors Guild (Mpeg) respectively, according to the groups. They attributed the successful unionization to a “remarkable example of inter-union solidarity.”
The next step will be to negotiate a contract with Story Syndicate, founded by Oscar and Emmy-winning couple Dan Cogan and Liz Garbus.
“At Story Syndicate, we believe the way we work with our employees is as important as the quality of the work itself,...
Roughly 25 to 100 producers and 12 to 30 editorial employees, depending on the number of titles in production, will be represented by the Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) and Motion Picture Editors Guild (Mpeg) respectively, according to the groups. They attributed the successful unionization to a “remarkable example of inter-union solidarity.”
The next step will be to negotiate a contract with Story Syndicate, founded by Oscar and Emmy-winning couple Dan Cogan and Liz Garbus.
“At Story Syndicate, we believe the way we work with our employees is as important as the quality of the work itself,...
- 8/8/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WGA East and the Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700, have won a major victory in their joint effort to unionize producers and editorial employees at Story Syndicate, the Brooklyn-based documentary powerhouse behind such nonfiction features and series as Harry and Meghan and Unknown for Netflix, Fauci for PBS and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and Last Call for HBO.
The American Arbitration Association independently verified that each guild had the support of a majority of Story Syndicate employees in their respective jurisdictions, and the company founded by Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan in 2019 now has agreed to voluntarily recognize the unions as their collective bargaining representatives.
Historically, most documentary production companies have been nonunion, and their workers have not enjoyed the same workplace benefits and protections as their counterparts in the entertainment industry’s heavily unionized scripted sector. Notable unionized exceptions include documentary companies run by Emmy...
The American Arbitration Association independently verified that each guild had the support of a majority of Story Syndicate employees in their respective jurisdictions, and the company founded by Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan in 2019 now has agreed to voluntarily recognize the unions as their collective bargaining representatives.
Historically, most documentary production companies have been nonunion, and their workers have not enjoyed the same workplace benefits and protections as their counterparts in the entertainment industry’s heavily unionized scripted sector. Notable unionized exceptions include documentary companies run by Emmy...
- 8/8/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The New York City Council’s Committee on Civil Service and Labor passed a resolution today in support of a fair contract for striking actors and writers.
Following a hearing, the committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution, which will go to a vote of the full City Council on Thursday. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since May 2 and SAG-AFTRA since July 14.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Dresher told the committee: “My members want the same things for their children that the CEO’s making large fortunes want for theirs. We will not be stepped on and squeezed out of our livelihoods so they can look good to their shareholders.”
Lowell Peterson, executive director of the WGA East, said: “The companies’ refusal to bargain about our core proposals – proposals that would enable writers to build and sustain their careers...
Following a hearing, the committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution, which will go to a vote of the full City Council on Thursday. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since May 2 and SAG-AFTRA since July 14.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Dresher told the committee: “My members want the same things for their children that the CEO’s making large fortunes want for theirs. We will not be stepped on and squeezed out of our livelihoods so they can look good to their shareholders.”
Lowell Peterson, executive director of the WGA East, said: “The companies’ refusal to bargain about our core proposals – proposals that would enable writers to build and sustain their careers...
- 8/1/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
In the pouring rain, upwards of 100 people marched outside of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Park Avenue South building Tuesday afternoon in New York as part of a themed Writers Guild picket that doubled as a promise to unionize east coast animation writers.
“This has been a long, horrible battle trying to get animation writing covered. We are not giving up. I’m really just here to say that when the strike is over, when we have won the contract we deserve, we are circling back to animation,” Susan Kim, WGA East animation caucus co-chair and a writer/story editor behind hits like Arthur, Bubble Guppies, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Clifford the Big Red Dog, told a drenched crowd of picketers. “We are going to be back. We’re going to be better than ever. And we are going to get this goddamn industry organized.”
During her brief speech — which...
“This has been a long, horrible battle trying to get animation writing covered. We are not giving up. I’m really just here to say that when the strike is over, when we have won the contract we deserve, we are circling back to animation,” Susan Kim, WGA East animation caucus co-chair and a writer/story editor behind hits like Arthur, Bubble Guppies, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Clifford the Big Red Dog, told a drenched crowd of picketers. “We are going to be back. We’re going to be better than ever. And we are going to get this goddamn industry organized.”
During her brief speech — which...
- 7/26/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with video: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, blasted the AMPTP at a strike rally Tuesday in Times Square, saying that the companies’ response to the guild’s proposals before contract talks broke off and the actors’ strike began 12 days ago was “No. No. No.”
Speaking before hundreds of cheering actors and their supporters from other guilds and unions, Crabtree-Ireland noted that when he and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher had talked to the CEOs of three of the studios on that last day of bargaining May 12, “We said: ‘Here’s all you have to do to make sure there’s no strike. All you have to do is make this fair deal.’
“And their response was, ‘No.’ Just like their response to so many of our proposals that we’ve said are essential for actors being treated in a respectful and fair way.
“Do actors...
Speaking before hundreds of cheering actors and their supporters from other guilds and unions, Crabtree-Ireland noted that when he and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher had talked to the CEOs of three of the studios on that last day of bargaining May 12, “We said: ‘Here’s all you have to do to make sure there’s no strike. All you have to do is make this fair deal.’
“And their response was, ‘No.’ Just like their response to so many of our proposals that we’ve said are essential for actors being treated in a respectful and fair way.
“Do actors...
- 7/25/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA is hosting a star-studded rally Tuesday out of Manhattan’s Times Square with NYC A-listers like Bryan Cranston, Christine Baranski and Matt Bomer leading the charge.
The “Rock the City for a Fair Contract” rally will begin at Times Square Pedestrian Plaza at 9:30 a.m. Et, the union announced Monday evening. T-shirts, buttons and stickers will be available while supplies last, the union’s release said.
In addition to the stars of “Your Honor,” “The Good Fight” and Showtime’s upcoming “Fellow Travelers,” other rally attendees named on the release include “Yellowjackets” star Lauren Ambrose, Steve Buscemi, Tituss Burgess, Liza Colón-Zayas, Gregory Diaz, Jennifer Ehle, Nancy Giles, Danai Gurrira, Jill Hennessy, Marin Hinkle, Stephen Lang, Arian Moayed, Wendell Pierce, Christian Slater, Corey Stoll and Merritt Wever.
Joining them will be SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; the union’s secretary-treasurer Joely Fisher; New York president...
The “Rock the City for a Fair Contract” rally will begin at Times Square Pedestrian Plaza at 9:30 a.m. Et, the union announced Monday evening. T-shirts, buttons and stickers will be available while supplies last, the union’s release said.
In addition to the stars of “Your Honor,” “The Good Fight” and Showtime’s upcoming “Fellow Travelers,” other rally attendees named on the release include “Yellowjackets” star Lauren Ambrose, Steve Buscemi, Tituss Burgess, Liza Colón-Zayas, Gregory Diaz, Jennifer Ehle, Nancy Giles, Danai Gurrira, Jill Hennessy, Marin Hinkle, Stephen Lang, Arian Moayed, Wendell Pierce, Christian Slater, Corey Stoll and Merritt Wever.
Joining them will be SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; the union’s secretary-treasurer Joely Fisher; New York president...
- 7/25/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
SAG-AFTRA will hold a mass rally in Times Square on Tuesday morning. It’s expected to be the biggest rally in NYC since the strike began on July 14. Celebs scheduled to attend the “Rock the City for a Fair Contract” rally include Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi, Christian Slater, Lauren Ambrose, Christine Baranski, Matt Bomer, Tituss Burgess, Liza Colón-Zayas, Gregory Diaz, Jennifer Ehle, Nancy Giles, Danai Gurrira, Jill Hennessy, Marin Hinkle, Stephen Lang, Arian Moayed, Wendell Pierce, Corey Stoll and Merritt Wever.
“SAG-AFTRA is fighting to ensure its members receive their fair share of streaming revenues, increased compensation to keep pace with inflation, and an agreement that will give actors informed consent and fair pay when A.I. creates digital replicas of their performance, voice, and likeness,” the guild said in a statement.
Also attending will be SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher; New York President Ezra Knight,...
“SAG-AFTRA is fighting to ensure its members receive their fair share of streaming revenues, increased compensation to keep pace with inflation, and an agreement that will give actors informed consent and fair pay when A.I. creates digital replicas of their performance, voice, and likeness,” the guild said in a statement.
Also attending will be SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher; New York President Ezra Knight,...
- 7/25/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees announced on Wednesday its “core principles” to addressing the rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, outlining its multifaceted approach to addressing technology that the below-the-line workers union says “threatens to
fundamentally alter employers’ business models and disrupt IATSE members’ livelihoods.”
“The stakes involved are high, therefore IATSE’s approach as a union must be comprehensive,
focusing on Research, Collaboration, Education, Political and Legislative Advocacy, Organizing,
and Collective Bargaining,” the union wrote.
The announcement comes after IATSE political and legislative director Tyler McIntosh met this past weekend with Biden Administration officials and other union leaders for a discussion on the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on labor. Among those present were SAG-AFTRA general counsel Jeffrey Bennett, Writers Guild of America East executive director Lowell Peterson, and representatives from non-entertainment labor orgs such as Afscme, AFL-CIO, and United Auto Workers.
Also Read:
SAG-AFTRA...
fundamentally alter employers’ business models and disrupt IATSE members’ livelihoods.”
“The stakes involved are high, therefore IATSE’s approach as a union must be comprehensive,
focusing on Research, Collaboration, Education, Political and Legislative Advocacy, Organizing,
and Collective Bargaining,” the union wrote.
The announcement comes after IATSE political and legislative director Tyler McIntosh met this past weekend with Biden Administration officials and other union leaders for a discussion on the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on labor. Among those present were SAG-AFTRA general counsel Jeffrey Bennett, Writers Guild of America East executive director Lowell Peterson, and representatives from non-entertainment labor orgs such as Afscme, AFL-CIO, and United Auto Workers.
Also Read:
SAG-AFTRA...
- 7/5/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Spike Lee was not on the speakers list at a rally Thursday morning for striking film and television writers outside City Hall in New York. But one of the Brooklyn-born filmmaker’s best-loved movies, 1989’s Do the Right Thing, kept cropping up as local elected officials took turns calling for studio executives to resume negotiations with the Writers Guild of America and help end a strike now in its eighth week.
“Eight weeks is too long — It’s time for a fair contract,” said Carmen De La Rosa, one of 12 elected members of New York’s 51-seat City Council who spoke at a demonstration in downtown Manhattan organized by the WGA East. De La Rosa on Thursday introduced a formal resolution that her colleagues will vote on calling for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to resume “good faith” negotiations with the WGA and settle their differences equitably.
“Eight weeks is too long — It’s time for a fair contract,” said Carmen De La Rosa, one of 12 elected members of New York’s 51-seat City Council who spoke at a demonstration in downtown Manhattan organized by the WGA East. De La Rosa on Thursday introduced a formal resolution that her colleagues will vote on calling for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to resume “good faith” negotiations with the WGA and settle their differences equitably.
- 6/22/2023
- by Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
Filming permit requests for TV and film projects in New York City were down 13% in April and 31.5% in May as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike raged on, Variety has confirmed.
According to information obtained by Variety, 760 requested shooting permits were issued to 177 projects by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in April 2022, and 801 permits were granted to 227 projects that May.
Comparatively, only 662 shooting permits were issued to 187 projects this April and 549 permits to 181 projects in May.
The writers strike began May 2, following the WGA’s inability to ink a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) before the previous agreement expired May 1. Between April and May, the filming permits requested for shoots in NYC fell 17%, while in 2022 they had increased just over 5% between the two months.
The number of overall NYC-based projects that applied for permits dropped 20% year-over-year in May (227 in 2022 vs.
According to information obtained by Variety, 760 requested shooting permits were issued to 177 projects by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in April 2022, and 801 permits were granted to 227 projects that May.
Comparatively, only 662 shooting permits were issued to 187 projects this April and 549 permits to 181 projects in May.
The writers strike began May 2, following the WGA’s inability to ink a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) before the previous agreement expired May 1. Between April and May, the filming permits requested for shoots in NYC fell 17%, while in 2022 they had increased just over 5% between the two months.
The number of overall NYC-based projects that applied for permits dropped 20% year-over-year in May (227 in 2022 vs.
- 6/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America East has ratified a new union contract with CBS News Streaming.
The new agreement includes board pay increases of 3% in each of the contract’s three years with the first increase retroactive to March 10, an increase to all salary minimums, a $500 ratification bonus for all employees, and further benefit improvements for the 58 members of the CBS News Streaming bargaining unit.
CBS News Streaming must respond to vacation requests within specific deadlines, provide a 30-day notice period before management may change the hybrid work model and improve extra pay and comp time for individuals working between 11 and 13 hours and over 13 hours. The agreement will also grant up to $100 per day in commuter reimbursements for work ending on or after 10 p.m. or starting on or before 6 a.m. and an increase in flex days from 2 per year to 3 per year starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
In addition, the...
The new agreement includes board pay increases of 3% in each of the contract’s three years with the first increase retroactive to March 10, an increase to all salary minimums, a $500 ratification bonus for all employees, and further benefit improvements for the 58 members of the CBS News Streaming bargaining unit.
CBS News Streaming must respond to vacation requests within specific deadlines, provide a 30-day notice period before management may change the hybrid work model and improve extra pay and comp time for individuals working between 11 and 13 hours and over 13 hours. The agreement will also grant up to $100 per day in commuter reimbursements for work ending on or after 10 p.m. or starting on or before 6 a.m. and an increase in flex days from 2 per year to 3 per year starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
In addition, the...
- 6/6/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
WGA East members at CBS News Streaming have renewed their union contract, which includes an annual pay increase of 3% for each of the next three years.
The pact, which will see the first pay bump for WGA’s CBS News Streaming staffers retroactive to March 10, also covers an increase to all salary minimums, a $500 ratification bonus for all employees, and “further benefit improvements” for the 58 members of the CBS News Streaming bargaining unit, per WGA East.
This second union contract for CBS News Streaming (the first signed in 2020) has been renewed amid the Writers Guild of America’s ongoing strike, which began following the union’s inability to reach a new agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) May 1.
“We are pleased to have reached a deal with CBS that recognizes the value that Guild members bring to CBS News Streaming by providing fair pay increases,...
The pact, which will see the first pay bump for WGA’s CBS News Streaming staffers retroactive to March 10, also covers an increase to all salary minimums, a $500 ratification bonus for all employees, and “further benefit improvements” for the 58 members of the CBS News Streaming bargaining unit, per WGA East.
This second union contract for CBS News Streaming (the first signed in 2020) has been renewed amid the Writers Guild of America’s ongoing strike, which began following the union’s inability to reach a new agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) May 1.
“We are pleased to have reached a deal with CBS that recognizes the value that Guild members bring to CBS News Streaming by providing fair pay increases,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
As the WGA strike entered its fourth week, Tony Kushner swore, Steve Earle sang, Wanda Sykes led union chants and Busy Philipps told CEO jokes for more than 1,000 demonstrators and hundreds of onlookers who filled the street in front of NBCUniversal headquarters Tuesday in Midtown Manhattan.
With a starry speakers list, celebrities dotting the crowd and turnout from several local labor unions, a “Rally at the Rock” outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza in support of striking movie and television writers filled one barricaded side of West 49th Street between 5th and 6th avenues — the equivalent of three city blocks — with cheering, sign-waving protestors who stayed for more than two hours. It was the largest turnout for any event organized by members of the Writers Guild of America East since the strike against film and television producers began May 2, a WGA representative told Deadline.
The WGA picket line outside NBCUniversal headquarters in Manhattan...
With a starry speakers list, celebrities dotting the crowd and turnout from several local labor unions, a “Rally at the Rock” outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza in support of striking movie and television writers filled one barricaded side of West 49th Street between 5th and 6th avenues — the equivalent of three city blocks — with cheering, sign-waving protestors who stayed for more than two hours. It was the largest turnout for any event organized by members of the Writers Guild of America East since the strike against film and television producers began May 2, a WGA representative told Deadline.
The WGA picket line outside NBCUniversal headquarters in Manhattan...
- 5/23/2023
- by Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
Shelly Johnson has been elected the 47th president of the American Society of Cinematographers. He succeeds Stephen Lighthill, who reached his term limit, having completed his second consecutive two-year term as president (and third overall).
The ASC Board also elected a slate of officers that includes VPs Charlie Lieberman, John Simmons and Patti Lee; treasurer Charles Minsky; secretary Dejan Georgevich; and sergeant-at-arms Chris Chomyn.
The members of the board, elected by the organization’s active membership, also include Mandy Walker (who became the first woman to win the ASC Award in features earlier this year for her lensing of Elvis), former Academy president John Bailey, Patrick Cady, Steven Fierberg, Michael Goi, Charles Minsky, Lowell Peterson, Lawrence Sher, Eric Steelberg, John Toll and Amy Vincent. Alternate members of the board are Karl Walter Lindenlaub, Georgevich, Denis Lenoir, Steven Poster and Mark Irwin.
Johnson, a California native, graduated from the Art Center College of Design...
The ASC Board also elected a slate of officers that includes VPs Charlie Lieberman, John Simmons and Patti Lee; treasurer Charles Minsky; secretary Dejan Georgevich; and sergeant-at-arms Chris Chomyn.
The members of the board, elected by the organization’s active membership, also include Mandy Walker (who became the first woman to win the ASC Award in features earlier this year for her lensing of Elvis), former Academy president John Bailey, Patrick Cady, Steven Fierberg, Michael Goi, Charles Minsky, Lowell Peterson, Lawrence Sher, Eric Steelberg, John Toll and Amy Vincent. Alternate members of the board are Karl Walter Lindenlaub, Georgevich, Denis Lenoir, Steven Poster and Mark Irwin.
Johnson, a California native, graduated from the Art Center College of Design...
- 5/22/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 upfront presentations are officially in the books — let the negotiations between ad sales and media-buying teams begin! Oh, and let the negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP pick back up. And soon; please?
The writers strike isn’t just (temporarily) damming the development pipeline, it deflated the once-a-year upfronts, practically eliminating all star power from the live events and making Netflix’s big debut, well, not live at all. Of course, all of that was the entire point of the daily picket lines.
“One of the reasons having a lot of people out on the sidewalk, if you will, is so powerful is because you have to look people in the eye,” Lowell Peterson, executive director of the Writers Guild of America — East, told IndieWire. “You have to realize these are actually human beings. This is not some proxy shareholder fight…this is a human reality.”
We spoke with...
The writers strike isn’t just (temporarily) damming the development pipeline, it deflated the once-a-year upfronts, practically eliminating all star power from the live events and making Netflix’s big debut, well, not live at all. Of course, all of that was the entire point of the daily picket lines.
“One of the reasons having a lot of people out on the sidewalk, if you will, is so powerful is because you have to look people in the eye,” Lowell Peterson, executive director of the Writers Guild of America — East, told IndieWire. “You have to realize these are actually human beings. This is not some proxy shareholder fight…this is a human reality.”
We spoke with...
- 5/18/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Members of the WGA East employed by Hearst Magazines Media have overwhelmingly ratified what the guild is calling a “groundbreaking” first contract that covers some 560 writers, producers and editors at 28 of the publishing giant’s brands, including Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Popular Mechanics, Car & Driver, Oprah Daily, Seventeen, Elle, Redbook and Woman’s Day.
“After more than two years of negotiations,” the guild said, “the ratification brings to a close the campaign for a first union contract with the infamously anti-union media conglomerate.” The deal was reached last month after a threatened strike, a half-day walkout and rally in March, and the union’s filing of four unfair labor practices charges against the company.
“The WGA East continues to build power for professional writers,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “The Hearst contract is a prime example of what can be achieved through collective action.
“After more than two years of negotiations,” the guild said, “the ratification brings to a close the campaign for a first union contract with the infamously anti-union media conglomerate.” The deal was reached last month after a threatened strike, a half-day walkout and rally in March, and the union’s filing of four unfair labor practices charges against the company.
“The WGA East continues to build power for professional writers,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “The Hearst contract is a prime example of what can be achieved through collective action.
- 5/18/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
When A.C. Bradley was hired to write on the 2022 Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel,” part of her job entailed going to set every day to help with re-writing scenes on the fly while the show was being filmed.
“It was a mixture of everything from wanting to add new characters into the show to needing to change things because of location,” Bradley tells Variety. Just one example: The day the production was set to shoot a chase sequence at Marriott hotel, she helped to add a beat where the chase entered the kitchen because it was nearby. “Why not use what you have?”
This kind of scenario is, of course, no longer possible during the ongoing writers strike. “Pens down” means no WGA member can write or change scripts whatsoever, before, during or after production. In many cases, that has meant that showrunners have left their shows entirely, like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power...
“It was a mixture of everything from wanting to add new characters into the show to needing to change things because of location,” Bradley tells Variety. Just one example: The day the production was set to shoot a chase sequence at Marriott hotel, she helped to add a beat where the chase entered the kitchen because it was nearby. “Why not use what you have?”
This kind of scenario is, of course, no longer possible during the ongoing writers strike. “Pens down” means no WGA member can write or change scripts whatsoever, before, during or after production. In many cases, that has meant that showrunners have left their shows entirely, like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power...
- 5/5/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: As the deadline approaches to avert a threatened writers strike, IATSE President Matt Loeb has told leaders of his locals that it’s probably going to be do-or-die when the WGA’s current contract expires Monday night at midnight Pt and that “he doubts an extension is in the cards.”
That assessment was provided to his members by Chuck Parker, national executive director of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, who attended a meeting today with Loeb and other union brass.
Even so, Loeb reportedly told his team that “there was presently no new, or known, information about the status of the negotiations” between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began March 20.
Related: WGA Reviews & Counters Latest AMPTP Offer As Potential Strike Deadline Moves Closer
Loeb also told his team that he expects to have conversations between now and Tuesday with Ellen Stutzman,...
That assessment was provided to his members by Chuck Parker, national executive director of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, who attended a meeting today with Loeb and other union brass.
Even so, Loeb reportedly told his team that “there was presently no new, or known, information about the status of the negotiations” between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began March 20.
Related: WGA Reviews & Counters Latest AMPTP Offer As Potential Strike Deadline Moves Closer
Loeb also told his team that he expects to have conversations between now and Tuesday with Ellen Stutzman,...
- 4/29/2023
- by David Robb and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The editorial staff at Fox affiliate Wnyw-tv New York has voted unanimously to ratify a new four-year contract with the WGA East. The 52-member bargaining unit includes news writers, writer/producers, assignment editors, segment producers, news assistants and feed coordinators.
Related Story WGA East Files Third Unfair Labor Practices Charge Against Hearst Magazines Media Related Story WGA Awards: 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' & 'Women Talking' Take Top Film Prizes – Full Winners List Related Story WGA East Files Unfair Labor Practices Charge Against Bustle Digital Group
The new pact includes 3% minimum annual salary increases in the first year, and 2% in each of the next three years. It also includes a fully funded pension for all current and future employees; 26% to 36% pay hikes in the first year for news associates, and a $1 an hour increase in the show producer/line producer fee.
“WGA East members at Wnyw-tv fought...
Related Story WGA East Files Third Unfair Labor Practices Charge Against Hearst Magazines Media Related Story WGA Awards: 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' & 'Women Talking' Take Top Film Prizes – Full Winners List Related Story WGA East Files Unfair Labor Practices Charge Against Bustle Digital Group
The new pact includes 3% minimum annual salary increases in the first year, and 2% in each of the next three years. It also includes a fully funded pension for all current and future employees; 26% to 36% pay hikes in the first year for news associates, and a $1 an hour increase in the show producer/line producer fee.
“WGA East members at Wnyw-tv fought...
- 3/21/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Stiehm, president of the WGA West, got right to the point in her remarks Sunday at the guild’s 2023 award ceremony. With contract negotiations less than two weeks aways, Stiehm rallied the troops about the need for solidarity, and she emphasized the guild’s role as serving as the “good sheriff” helping to tame the Wild West for writers.
The guild, Stiehm told the crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza, is “walking around like Gary Cooper — low key but watchful, vigilent and a little swagger.” The guild is “looking to keep the peace” but is devoted to enforcing the rules established by its contracts. “The guild says there are rules, there are laws,” she said referring to a fight that the WGA recently settled over $42 million in residual payments owed to guild members.
“The guild with its superior stuff set that right and Netflix paid that $42 million,” she said.
The guild, Stiehm told the crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza, is “walking around like Gary Cooper — low key but watchful, vigilent and a little swagger.” The guild is “looking to keep the peace” but is devoted to enforcing the rules established by its contracts. “The guild says there are rules, there are laws,” she said referring to a fight that the WGA recently settled over $42 million in residual payments owed to guild members.
“The guild with its superior stuff set that right and Netflix paid that $42 million,” she said.
- 3/6/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA East has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the Bustle Digital Group, claiming that three of the 39 guild members who were laid off there recently were terminated “in retaliation for their concerted, protected union activity in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.”
Members of the guild’s Bdg bargaining unit, wearing union shirts and Napoleonic hats, delivered the unfair labor practices charges today to the office of Bdg CEO Bryan Goldberg — who paid 1.4 million in 2021 for one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rare two-cornered hats.
Related Story WGA East-Represented Staffers At Bustle Digital Group Decry Layoffs, Demand Contract Related Story HuffPost Writers & Editors Unanimously Ratify New WGA East Contract Related Story Adam McKay, Tina Fey & David Simon Among 400+ Writers Urging MSNBC To Negotiate A "Fair Contract" With WGA East For Network's Newsroom Staffers
“The company’s decision to lay-off three WGA East unit members for concerted, protected...
Members of the guild’s Bdg bargaining unit, wearing union shirts and Napoleonic hats, delivered the unfair labor practices charges today to the office of Bdg CEO Bryan Goldberg — who paid 1.4 million in 2021 for one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rare two-cornered hats.
Related Story WGA East-Represented Staffers At Bustle Digital Group Decry Layoffs, Demand Contract Related Story HuffPost Writers & Editors Unanimously Ratify New WGA East Contract Related Story Adam McKay, Tina Fey & David Simon Among 400+ Writers Urging MSNBC To Negotiate A "Fair Contract" With WGA East For Network's Newsroom Staffers
“The company’s decision to lay-off three WGA East unit members for concerted, protected...
- 2/14/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA East-represented news writers and producers at HuffPost have ratified a new three-year contract. According to the guild, the pact was approved unanimously by the 91-member bargaining unit employed at the online news site.
A deal on the new contract was reached on February 1, and a strike averted, after 98 of the writers and editors signed a pledge vowing to strike if they didn’t get a fair contract.
“Guild members at HuffPost fought hard to win an extraordinary contract that provides numerous tangible gains that will immediately enrich our members’ professional and personal lives,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “This contract could not have been reached without the unit’s incredible solidarity throughout these tough negotiations, and they have been rewarded with an agreement that raises the bar for the entire online media industry.”
The covered writers and producers said in a joint statement: “We are incredibly proud of our third contract,...
A deal on the new contract was reached on February 1, and a strike averted, after 98 of the writers and editors signed a pledge vowing to strike if they didn’t get a fair contract.
“Guild members at HuffPost fought hard to win an extraordinary contract that provides numerous tangible gains that will immediately enrich our members’ professional and personal lives,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “This contract could not have been reached without the unit’s incredible solidarity throughout these tough negotiations, and they have been rewarded with an agreement that raises the bar for the entire online media industry.”
The covered writers and producers said in a joint statement: “We are incredibly proud of our third contract,...
- 2/10/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
In a show of solidarity, more than 400 film and TV writers – including Adam McKay, David Simon, Tina Fey, Alfonso Cuarón, Lilly Wachowski, John Waters and Alan Zweibel – have signed a petition calling on MSNBC to negotiate a fair first-time contract with the WGA East for the cable news network’s news writers and producers.
Related Story NBC News Guild, Wgae Object To News Division And MSNBC Layoffs Related Story Talking Points Memo Editorial Staffers Ratify New WGA East Contract Related Story Podcast Content Creators At Crooked Media Unionize With WGA East
The petition comes after MSNBC laid off 30 of the guild’s 300 members employed there last month – a move that the guild said left it “extremely frustrated and disappointed.” See petition and its full list of signers here.
“We are members of the Writers Guild of America who write and create scripted programs for NBCU and other studios,” reads the petition,...
Related Story NBC News Guild, Wgae Object To News Division And MSNBC Layoffs Related Story Talking Points Memo Editorial Staffers Ratify New WGA East Contract Related Story Podcast Content Creators At Crooked Media Unionize With WGA East
The petition comes after MSNBC laid off 30 of the guild’s 300 members employed there last month – a move that the guild said left it “extremely frustrated and disappointed.” See petition and its full list of signers here.
“We are members of the Writers Guild of America who write and create scripted programs for NBCU and other studios,” reads the petition,...
- 2/8/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America East is putting some additional pressure on MSNBC to expedite contract negotiations.
More than 400 members of the union — including star members Tina Fey, Lilly Wachowski and David Simon — are calling on the cable news brand to agree “to a fair contract that includes the pay and protections [MSNBC union members] deserve” in a petition released on Wednesday. The WGA East’s bargaining unit at MSNBC, a group of more than 300 writers, producers, fact-checkers and others, has been negotiating with MSNBC and NBCUniversal management for over a year on their first contract since the union’s certification via a National Labor Relations Board election in August 2021.
“We support our fellow Guild-represented writers and producers at MSNBC who have been fighting for over a year to win a reasonable first contract,” the petition states. “They are fully dedicated to the important work they do for NBCU and they deserve to...
More than 400 members of the union — including star members Tina Fey, Lilly Wachowski and David Simon — are calling on the cable news brand to agree “to a fair contract that includes the pay and protections [MSNBC union members] deserve” in a petition released on Wednesday. The WGA East’s bargaining unit at MSNBC, a group of more than 300 writers, producers, fact-checkers and others, has been negotiating with MSNBC and NBCUniversal management for over a year on their first contract since the union’s certification via a National Labor Relations Board election in August 2021.
“We support our fellow Guild-represented writers and producers at MSNBC who have been fighting for over a year to win a reasonable first contract,” the petition states. “They are fully dedicated to the important work they do for NBCU and they deserve to...
- 2/8/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The six-member editorial staff at Talking Points Memo has voted unanimously to ratify the WGA East’s new three-year contract with the political news website.
“The guild’s new collective bargaining agreement with Talking Points Memo raises the bar for online media workers, setting standards that keep up with cost-of-living expenses and the state of the industry,” said WGA East Executive Director Lowell Peterson. “It is rewarding, especially for guild members working at Talking Points Memo, to see a company live up to the values it espouses online.”
Related Story Podcast Content Creators At Crooked Media Unionize With WGA East Related Story Penelope Koechl To Receive WGA East's Richard B. Jablow Award For Devoted Service Related Story WGA East & HuffPost Reach Deal On New Contract, Avert Threatened Strike
The new contract will see the minimum salary go from 52,000 up to 65,000 in January 2025. Employees making below 75,000 will receive a 3.5 salary increase...
“The guild’s new collective bargaining agreement with Talking Points Memo raises the bar for online media workers, setting standards that keep up with cost-of-living expenses and the state of the industry,” said WGA East Executive Director Lowell Peterson. “It is rewarding, especially for guild members working at Talking Points Memo, to see a company live up to the values it espouses online.”
Related Story Podcast Content Creators At Crooked Media Unionize With WGA East Related Story Penelope Koechl To Receive WGA East's Richard B. Jablow Award For Devoted Service Related Story WGA East & HuffPost Reach Deal On New Contract, Avert Threatened Strike
The new contract will see the minimum salary go from 52,000 up to 65,000 in January 2025. Employees making below 75,000 will receive a 3.5 salary increase...
- 2/7/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Podcast content creators at Crooked Media, complaining about the “degradation of our working conditions,” have unionized with the WGA East. According to the guild, an “overwhelming majority” of the podcast company’s 55 content creators have signed cards to unionize and are calling on management to voluntarily recognize the guild as their collective bargaining representative.
Related Story WGA East & HuffPost Reach Deal On New Contract, Avert Threatened Strike Related Story Penelope Koechl To Receive WGA East's Richard B. Jablow Award For Devoted Service Related Story WGA East Members Threaten To Strike HuffPost Unless Given A Fair Contract By Midnight Tuesday
Founded in 2017 by former President Barack Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor, Crooked Media produces podcasts including Pod Save America, What a Day, Hall of Shame and Lovett It or Leave It.
“As audiences and creative opportunities expand for podcast storytelling, the guild is proud to work with...
Related Story WGA East & HuffPost Reach Deal On New Contract, Avert Threatened Strike Related Story Penelope Koechl To Receive WGA East's Richard B. Jablow Award For Devoted Service Related Story WGA East Members Threaten To Strike HuffPost Unless Given A Fair Contract By Midnight Tuesday
Founded in 2017 by former President Barack Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor, Crooked Media produces podcasts including Pod Save America, What a Day, Hall of Shame and Lovett It or Leave It.
“As audiences and creative opportunities expand for podcast storytelling, the guild is proud to work with...
- 2/6/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA East members employed as writers and editors at the HuffPost news site are threatening to go on strike if a fair contract can’t be reached by Tuesday night at midnight Et.
With only two days left of bargaining, their strike pledge comes after months of negotiations for a new contract. According to the guild, 98 of the 91-member HuffPost Union signed on to the strike pledge.
Related Story Slate Editorial Staff Unanimously Ratifies New WGA East Contract Related Story Paul Simms To Receive WGA East's Herb Sargent Award Related Story WGA Urges Members To Disregard "Misleading" Rumors & Strike Predictions
“We are prepared to strike,” says the strike pledge, which was delivered to management today. “We, the members of the HuffPost Union, are committed to a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the realities of the economy, our changing industry, and the issues most important to our unit. This means competitive compensation,...
With only two days left of bargaining, their strike pledge comes after months of negotiations for a new contract. According to the guild, 98 of the 91-member HuffPost Union signed on to the strike pledge.
Related Story Slate Editorial Staff Unanimously Ratifies New WGA East Contract Related Story Paul Simms To Receive WGA East's Herb Sargent Award Related Story WGA Urges Members To Disregard "Misleading" Rumors & Strike Predictions
“We are prepared to strike,” says the strike pledge, which was delivered to management today. “We, the members of the HuffPost Union, are committed to a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the realities of the economy, our changing industry, and the issues most important to our unit. This means competitive compensation,...
- 1/30/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 130 WGA East members employed at several media outlets owned by Bustle Digital Group have signed a petition calling on CEO Bryan Goldberg to address their salary demands after nearly two years of contract negotiations. The outlets include Gawker, Bustle, Nylon, Elite Daily and Scary Mommy.
“We, the undersigned employees of Bdg, demand that management commit to wage and salary minimums in line with accepted union industry standards,” the petition says. “Collectively, we call on management to propose and confirm living wages for all employees. We trust that management will act in good faith regarding the union’s proposals and continued negotiations.”
“After nearly two years at the bargaining table, guild members at Bdg are still fighting for a first collective bargaining agreement that addresses their needs and concerns, including reasonable salary provisions,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “This petition demonstrates the Bdg unit’s unwavering resolve and solidarity.
“We, the undersigned employees of Bdg, demand that management commit to wage and salary minimums in line with accepted union industry standards,” the petition says. “Collectively, we call on management to propose and confirm living wages for all employees. We trust that management will act in good faith regarding the union’s proposals and continued negotiations.”
“After nearly two years at the bargaining table, guild members at Bdg are still fighting for a first collective bargaining agreement that addresses their needs and concerns, including reasonable salary provisions,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “This petition demonstrates the Bdg unit’s unwavering resolve and solidarity.
- 12/21/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Writers Guild of America East and Writers Guild of America West have crafted a pledge committing to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in late night and comedy/variety TV, signed by more than 50 supervisory scribes in the space.
The diverse group, which includes John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Amy Schumer and Charlamagne tha God, acknowledges systemic barriers and a “sink or swim” culture that has historically excluded Bipoc writers and outlines some specific remedies for helping them enter, stay in and move up through the pipeline.
“Traditional pipelines into late night and comedy-variety television are historically overwhelmingly white, and it is, therefore, insufficient to rely solely upon them when making hiring decisions,” reads the joint statement, which also was signed by Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, whose shows or hosting stints recently concluded. “We will look for applicants...
The Writers Guild of America East and Writers Guild of America West have crafted a pledge committing to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in late night and comedy/variety TV, signed by more than 50 supervisory scribes in the space.
The diverse group, which includes John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Amy Schumer and Charlamagne tha God, acknowledges systemic barriers and a “sink or swim” culture that has historically excluded Bipoc writers and outlines some specific remedies for helping them enter, stay in and move up through the pipeline.
“Traditional pipelines into late night and comedy-variety television are historically overwhelmingly white, and it is, therefore, insufficient to rely solely upon them when making hiring decisions,” reads the joint statement, which also was signed by Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, whose shows or hosting stints recently concluded. “We will look for applicants...
- 12/20/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WGA East and FilmNation Entertainment announced that applications are now open for the second New York Screenwriting Fellowship, which is designed to support underrepresented, early-career screenwriters based in New York City.
The NY Screenwriting Fellowship is a weekly intensive that will run from early April through August 2023. Eight or more writers will be provided with both a screenwriting mentor and an executive mentor, as well as seminars, receptions and other introductions, as they develop a new feature-length screenplay throughout the length of the Fellowship. At the end, the Fellowship will culminate with table reads of the participants’ works, along with a dinner with leaders of the New York film industry. One of the main priorities of the Fellowship is to diversify the pool of writers who can have regular access to meetings and projects that offer them long-term career sustainability.
“The New York Screenwriting Fellowship, and our partnership with FilmNation Entertainment,...
The NY Screenwriting Fellowship is a weekly intensive that will run from early April through August 2023. Eight or more writers will be provided with both a screenwriting mentor and an executive mentor, as well as seminars, receptions and other introductions, as they develop a new feature-length screenplay throughout the length of the Fellowship. At the end, the Fellowship will culminate with table reads of the participants’ works, along with a dinner with leaders of the New York film industry. One of the main priorities of the Fellowship is to diversify the pool of writers who can have regular access to meetings and projects that offer them long-term career sustainability.
“The New York Screenwriting Fellowship, and our partnership with FilmNation Entertainment,...
- 11/11/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Averting a threatened strike, the 40 members of the WGA East employed at The Dodo have voted unanimously to ratify a new two-year contract with Vox Media, parent company of the popular animal content site. All 40 members on Tuesday had signed a pledge to strike if a fair deal hadn’t been reached by today, when their old contract was set to expire.
Related Story WGA East-Represented Gimlet & Parcast Employees Blast Parent Company Spotify In Wake Of Layoffs Related Story WGA East-Represented Writers & Editors At The Dodo Threaten To Strike Related Story Sara David & Kathy McGee Elected Vice Presidents Of WGA East
According to the guild, the new contract includes a major increase in salary minimums for all job titles. The average annual salary for all those covered by the contract is going up 8,000 a year, and the new minimum salary level for the lowest-tiered staff will go up 10,000 to a base pay of 60,000. Upon ratification,...
Related Story WGA East-Represented Gimlet & Parcast Employees Blast Parent Company Spotify In Wake Of Layoffs Related Story WGA East-Represented Writers & Editors At The Dodo Threaten To Strike Related Story Sara David & Kathy McGee Elected Vice Presidents Of WGA East
According to the guild, the new contract includes a major increase in salary minimums for all job titles. The average annual salary for all those covered by the contract is going up 8,000 a year, and the new minimum salary level for the lowest-tiered staff will go up 10,000 to a base pay of 60,000. Upon ratification,...
- 10/31/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
A new four-year contract between the WGA and Audacy, formerly CBS Radio, has been ratified unanimously by the 57 members employed under it. The guild’s new agreement with the country’s second-largest radio company coverers WGA members employed at radio stations Knx Los Angeles, Wcbs New York City and Wbbm Chicago.
The agreement calls for annual wage increases, starting with a 3 raise for most employees that is retroactive to April 6. It also includes improved vacation benefits, higher fees for acting editors at Wbbm, improved diversity and inclusion language and digital training.
“Audacy needs the talent and hard work of our members to craft audio content,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “This agreement underscores that the foundation of our power as a union is our members – their engagement and solidarity.”
“We are proud of the agreement we were able to present to our fellow guild members at Audacy for ratification,...
The agreement calls for annual wage increases, starting with a 3 raise for most employees that is retroactive to April 6. It also includes improved vacation benefits, higher fees for acting editors at Wbbm, improved diversity and inclusion language and digital training.
“Audacy needs the talent and hard work of our members to craft audio content,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “This agreement underscores that the foundation of our power as a union is our members – their engagement and solidarity.”
“We are proud of the agreement we were able to present to our fellow guild members at Audacy for ratification,...
- 9/13/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Writers Guild of America East has filed a grievance with CBS News over alleged unpaid backpay nearly two months after members ratified a new three-year contract with the division.
The union, which alongside its sister union the WGA West represents around 260 CBS News newswriters, producers, graphic artists and others based in multiple cities in collective bargaining, filed the grievance on Friday morning in an email to CBS News’ legal representatives, alleging that a number of changes in pay agreed to in the last round of contract negotiations have not yet been implemented. Specifically, the union is saying that most staffers at the company have not received their retroactive pay, dating back to April 3, that the new, ratified contract calls for. According to the union, no one on staff has been paid retroactive backpay for overtime hours.
Further, the WGA East alleges that...
The Writers Guild of America East has filed a grievance with CBS News over alleged unpaid backpay nearly two months after members ratified a new three-year contract with the division.
The union, which alongside its sister union the WGA West represents around 260 CBS News newswriters, producers, graphic artists and others based in multiple cities in collective bargaining, filed the grievance on Friday morning in an email to CBS News’ legal representatives, alleging that a number of changes in pay agreed to in the last round of contract negotiations have not yet been implemented. Specifically, the union is saying that most staffers at the company have not received their retroactive pay, dating back to April 3, that the new, ratified contract calls for. According to the union, no one on staff has been paid retroactive backpay for overtime hours.
Further, the WGA East alleges that...
- 7/8/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WGA East members employed by ABC News have voted overwhelmingly – 96 in favor – to ratify a new thee-year contract. The 110-member bargaining unit includes news editors, news writers, continuity writers, researchers, assignment editors, desk assistants, production assistants and graphic artists based in New York and Washington, D.C who work at Good Morning America, Wabc, ABC News Radio, NewsOne, and at the network desks for ABC’s national news programs.
“We are proud our members have won solid increases in pay and pension contributions, gains for full-time ‘temps,’ Dei protections, and more,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “This demonstrates that, even in a mature industry, collective bargaining works.”
The new contract includes overall pay and pension packages that increase minimums by 9 over three years. According to the guild, it also includes substantial increases in the minimum rates for desk assistants in D.C. and...
“We are proud our members have won solid increases in pay and pension contributions, gains for full-time ‘temps,’ Dei protections, and more,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “This demonstrates that, even in a mature industry, collective bargaining works.”
The new contract includes overall pay and pension packages that increase minimums by 9 over three years. According to the guild, it also includes substantial increases in the minimum rates for desk assistants in D.C. and...
- 7/1/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
WGA East members employed at NowThis, the progressive news site owned by Vox Media, have unanimously ratified their first-ever contract. The 65-member bargaining unit will see an average raise of 9 in the first year of the agreement, with the lowest-tiered employees receiving a minimum salary of 62,000 by the end of the two-year pact.
“Organizing and negotiating a first contract takes hard work and a willingness to take risks, but they won a great contract,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “We are pleased by the great terms our members have won.”
According to the guild, all the covered employees will receive a ratification bonus of 3,400 in recognition of increased costs when NowThis moves to Vox’s health insurance plan in 2023; the switch to unlimited paid time off, and the costs of work-from-home equipment.
The new contract also guarantees essential leave and benefit policies, including five months of parental...
“Organizing and negotiating a first contract takes hard work and a willingness to take risks, but they won a great contract,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “We are pleased by the great terms our members have won.”
According to the guild, all the covered employees will receive a ratification bonus of 3,400 in recognition of increased costs when NowThis moves to Vox’s health insurance plan in 2023; the switch to unlimited paid time off, and the costs of work-from-home equipment.
The new contract also guarantees essential leave and benefit policies, including five months of parental...
- 6/22/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Editorial and video staffers at Vox Media have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year union contract, the Writers Guild of America East announced on Thursday.
Three hundred and forty staffers within the more than 360-member bargaining unit voted in favor of the Vox Media Union’s second-ever agreement, while one staffer rejected the tentative deal. Ninety-five percent of the bargaining unit — which covers publications such as Polygon and Eater — turned out to vote on the deal, which secured higher base salaries for the union’s lowest-paid members and annual salary increases, changes to benefits language and a newly amplified severance package.
“After six months of bargaining, we’re thrilled to have ratified our second collective bargaining agreement, which we believe to be a truly industry-leading contract that secures so much for our members,” the Vox Media bargaining committee said in a statement. “This contract...
Editorial and video staffers at Vox Media have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year union contract, the Writers Guild of America East announced on Thursday.
Three hundred and forty staffers within the more than 360-member bargaining unit voted in favor of the Vox Media Union’s second-ever agreement, while one staffer rejected the tentative deal. Ninety-five percent of the bargaining unit — which covers publications such as Polygon and Eater — turned out to vote on the deal, which secured higher base salaries for the union’s lowest-paid members and annual salary increases, changes to benefits language and a newly amplified severance package.
“After six months of bargaining, we’re thrilled to have ratified our second collective bargaining agreement, which we believe to be a truly industry-leading contract that secures so much for our members,” the Vox Media bargaining committee said in a statement. “This contract...
- 6/16/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WGA East members employed at Vox Media digital news outlets have voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract that was reached just hours before the union threatened to go on strike. According to the guild, 95 of those covered by the contract took part in the vote, and all but one voted to ratify it.
The eleventh-hour agreement came June 11 after six months of bargaining that saw 95 of the 360-member bargaining unit sign strike pledges, and the guild’s Wgae Council voting unanimously to authorize a strike if a deal wasn’t reached before the June 13 expiration of the old contract.
Those taking part in the ratification vote included writers, editors, producers and podcasters workING at Vox.com, Curbed, Eater, Polygon, Racked, Recode, SBNation and The Verge.
“After six months of bargaining, we’re thrilled to have ratified our second collective bargaining agreement, which we believe to be...
The eleventh-hour agreement came June 11 after six months of bargaining that saw 95 of the 360-member bargaining unit sign strike pledges, and the guild’s Wgae Council voting unanimously to authorize a strike if a deal wasn’t reached before the June 13 expiration of the old contract.
Those taking part in the ratification vote included writers, editors, producers and podcasters workING at Vox.com, Curbed, Eater, Polygon, Racked, Recode, SBNation and The Verge.
“After six months of bargaining, we’re thrilled to have ratified our second collective bargaining agreement, which we believe to be...
- 6/16/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The board of governors at the American Society of Cinematographers on Monday reelected Stephen Lighthill as president for a third one-year term.
The news comes as the ASC board held its 2022-23 officer elections. Lighthill will serve alongside Vice Presidents Amy Vincent, John Simmons and Shelly Johnson; Treasurer Steven Poster; Secretary Gregg Heschong; and Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Chomyn.
“As an organization, we are focused on education, continued improvements of safety practices, and further expanding our diversity and outreach efforts,” Lighthill said. “The last year has presented many adversities for our community, and we are proud of how our members met these challenges while continuing to take storytelling to new places.”
The members of the ASC board, elected by the organization’s active membership, also include Curtis Clark, Richard Crudo, Steven Fierberg, Michael Goi, Ed Lachman, Patti Lee, Charlie Lieberman, Lowell Peterson, Lawrence Sher, John Toll and Robert Yeoman. John Bailey, Eric Steelberg,...
The news comes as the ASC board held its 2022-23 officer elections. Lighthill will serve alongside Vice Presidents Amy Vincent, John Simmons and Shelly Johnson; Treasurer Steven Poster; Secretary Gregg Heschong; and Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Chomyn.
“As an organization, we are focused on education, continued improvements of safety practices, and further expanding our diversity and outreach efforts,” Lighthill said. “The last year has presented many adversities for our community, and we are proud of how our members met these challenges while continuing to take storytelling to new places.”
The members of the ASC board, elected by the organization’s active membership, also include Curtis Clark, Richard Crudo, Steven Fierberg, Michael Goi, Ed Lachman, Patti Lee, Charlie Lieberman, Lowell Peterson, Lawrence Sher, John Toll and Robert Yeoman. John Bailey, Eric Steelberg,...
- 5/23/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Some 260 WGA members employed at CBS News have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract. The new agreement, which was approved by 89 of those who voted, the guild said Monday, covers WGA East and WGA West members who work as news writers, producers, graphic artists, desk associates and others at the network’s news operations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
“In a challenging environment, we were able to make real gains,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “Because our members at CBS News mobilized and made their voices heard, we won a solid contract that raises pay, includes a hefty boost in pension contributions, increases fees, and makes transformational gains for longer-term ‘temporary’ employees – severance pay and parental leave.”
According to the WGA, highlights of the contract include:
• Staff will get 2 minimum salary increases each year and full pension rate increase will be paid by the company.
“In a challenging environment, we were able to make real gains,” said WGA East executive director Lowell Peterson. “Because our members at CBS News mobilized and made their voices heard, we won a solid contract that raises pay, includes a hefty boost in pension contributions, increases fees, and makes transformational gains for longer-term ‘temporary’ employees – severance pay and parental leave.”
According to the WGA, highlights of the contract include:
• Staff will get 2 minimum salary increases each year and full pension rate increase will be paid by the company.
- 5/16/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter today joined the chorus of Hollywood union leaders condemning the Supreme Court’s draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and let states decide whether or not to ban abortions.
“I am appalled that the Supreme Court stands ready to disregard 50 years of precedent and eliminate a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body,” she said in a statement. “I strongly support the right for DGA members be able to make their own reproductive health care decisions and have access to safe abortion services. We must not return to that dark time in our nation’s history when unsafe and illegal back-alley abortions endangered or ended the lives of so many women.
“I am proud to join so many individual and collective voices in our industry and our nation who are standing up to protect freedom of choice and hope...
“I am appalled that the Supreme Court stands ready to disregard 50 years of precedent and eliminate a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body,” she said in a statement. “I strongly support the right for DGA members be able to make their own reproductive health care decisions and have access to safe abortion services. We must not return to that dark time in our nation’s history when unsafe and illegal back-alley abortions endangered or ended the lives of so many women.
“I am proud to join so many individual and collective voices in our industry and our nation who are standing up to protect freedom of choice and hope...
- 5/10/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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