Exile in Goyville, Part I
by Bob Schneider
1954 in The Naked City: You could lay down 15¢ for a subway token, take the AA or the CC to 49th Street, flash your G.O. card and pay just four bits for a side-balcony seat at an NBA doubleheader or a Rangers game.... Click here to read more.
WGAE Statement on FCC Chair Nomination
President Obama has nominated industry veteran Tom Wheeler to replace current Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski. Although the Writers Guild of America, East is always skeptical that people can become effective watchdogs over industries they once represented, we are hopeful and note that Mr. Wheeler appears to have a detailed grasp of the technologies that are transforming communications. Click here to continue reading...
"Conversations with a Twitter Feed"
by Alex J. Mann
The pilot episode of my web series “Conversations with a Twitter Feed” (CWATF) was conceived, written, shot and edited in about 12 hours. Click here to continue reading...
Featured
Funding Your Independent Film, Part 2: Indiegogo
On Wednesday, June 19, at 6:30pm, Indiegogo's own film and crowdfunding guru John T. Trigonis will share a handful of helpful tips and tactics that will help anyone get the funding they need to create the projects they're passionate about. Click here for more information.
2013 Executive Director's Report
by Lowell Peterson
Reports of labor’s demise might be premature, but the news is not good: The percentage of people in the American workforce represented by unions is at an historic low. Decades of attacks by powerful corporate interests and conservative politicians seem to have paid off, and the labor movement is struggling for survival. Fortunately, the Writers Guild of America, East is doing well.... Click here to continue reading.
WGAE, WGAW Ratify New Collective-Bargaining Agreement with CBS News
The Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West have negotiated a new three-year agreement with CBS News ... Click here to read more.
Screenplay Reading Series: Call for Entries
The Guild's popular Screenplay Reading Series continues this spring. In June, we will feature two screenplay excerpts. The first will be a drama, written by a Collyer Fellowship recipient. The second will be a comedy chosen by a panel of judges from among your submissions. Click here to read more.
News
"Drama and Deception in DC"
Join three of today’s acclaimed political-intrigue showrunners at 92Y Tribeca on Monday, June 3, as they discuss the new crop of Washington insiders on television. Stefan Forbes (Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story) moderates a panel that includes Danny Strong (Recount, Game Change), Joe Weisberg (The Americans) and Beau Willimon (House of Cards). Click here for more information.
May Day March
On May 1, the 125th anniversary of the campaign for the eight-hour work day, WGAE led a march in New York City to Atlas Media, a nonfiction TV company known as a flagrant union buster and violator of overtime and labor law. Click here to continue reading...
"Fashion Police" Writers Go On Strike
Writers on E! Network's Fashion Police have finally had enough. They've put their pencils down and are striking E! and Joan Rivers' production company, Rugby Productions, which jointly employ the writing staff. Click here to read more.
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, 1927–2013
by Richard Vetere
In interviewing Ruth Prawer Jhabvala when she was on the panel for Screenplay Adaptation for the Guild, I was surprised to find her such a petite lady in physical size, yet enormously gracious and charming as she gave easily and patiently of her time. She was a delight as she answered my questions and revealed, without hesitation, some wonderful anecdotes and insights into her work as a screenwriter, directing her answers to why she crafted the screenplays as she did. She was youthful and vigorous with a delightful no-nonsense attitude. She made us all feel as if she was sharing her life experiences as a screenwriter with old friends. Her tough and ageless spirit will be missed.
