Tonight, we discussed the dispute between the WGA and agencies as well as how writers can support each other until an agreement can be reached.
Read the transcript below or on the Wakelet site.
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#Scriptchat Transcript Aaron Mendelsohn @amendelsohn - Politics of WGA - November 13, 2016
Tonight we talked with Aaron Mendelsohn, screenwriter and secretary/treasurer of the Writers' Guild, West. We talked craft, rewriting, WGA contracts/advice and more! Enjoy! @jeannevb
- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK: @amendelsohn author 11 Fundamental ?s: Guide to Better Screenplay & @WGAWest Sec’ty/Treas talks politics of WGA
- Hi everyone! #scriptchat
- Hey hey hey #scriptchat
- Happy to talk politics (strictly WGA!!) and craft as well. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn welcome! I should mention, I'm also the bartender *pours* #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn haha I think we've all had enough of the other politics this week. Promise to keep it drama free here. :) #scriptchat
- Hey Chris! #scriptchat
- Greetings and Salutations #scriptchat
- Hi everyone! #scriptchat
- Hey fellow Chris #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman Hey Isaac! *waves* #scriptchat
- I actually became full on CFWU. Union employees for the win. #scriptchat
- I've been a working screenwriter for 20 yrs and on the WGAW board since 2004 (and sec-treasurer since 2014). Happy to answer ?s #scriptchat
- Q: What are the 11 ?'s? #scriptchat
- The 11 Fundamental Questions: A Guide to a Better Screenplay is my new ebook. It shares the story-breaking method I developed. #scriptchat
- Q: Is FICOR a preferable way to join the WGA when one has sufficient credits? @amendelsohn #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Break a story? I'm still working on building a story. #scriptchat
- I use it to break the story for all my screenplays and pilots. Basically it's a series of prompts that stimulate ideas. #scriptchat
- here's the link to the 11 Fundamental Questions: http://11questionsbook.com/index.php/download/add … @Al_1701 #scriptchat
- I'm a complete newbie and am still learning (not earning), but just out of curiosity: are there a lot of WGA members here? #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Q: I wrote 3 spec eps for a web series that had a SAG actor (I'm non-union atm). Does that qualify for membership? #scriptchat
- Dwayne, FICOR is when you decide you no longer want to be a full member and just want the basic services. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn I should mention, though, that this was back in 2015 (I think), and these haven't been produced yet... #scriptchat
- Re: FICOR, you have to be a member or an eligible member to switch to FICOR status. #scriptchat
- @SamSquamchman there are 8000+ WGA members in the West and another 3000 or so in the East. They are separate Guilds. #scriptchat
- Okay. I was told something different by a guild member. Thanks for straightening that up. Or out. @amendelsohn #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn is there something the WGA is really pushing for currently? Like a long-term goal they want to achieve? #scriptchat
- Dwayne, you can become an Associate Member at some point, w fewer points. You can also join one of the caucuses (ie indy film) #scriptchat
- Chris, your web series would only qualify you for WGA membership if you make your series WGA signatory first. #scriptchat
- Q: So once you become a member is it for life or do you have to qualify each year to be a member? #scriptchat
- That makes sense. I have some works produced w/ Amazon Studios. I think the new media caucus is what she spoke of @amendelsohn #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn I see. Thanks very much for clearing that up. I'll have to ask its creator. Been a few years since S1 #scriptchat
- Jeanne, the WGA is looking to improve upon our current new media contract with the companies. #scriptchat
- Isaac, once you become a member, you have to book another WGA-covered gig within four years to renew your membership. #scriptchat
- You need to keep booking signatory gigs within every 4 years. After 18 years you become a lifetime member. #scriptchat
- Matthew, you earn certain amount of points when you work a WGA signatory gig. You need 24 points to be eligible to join. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn How does the WGA new media agreement work? #scriptchat
- I believe you get 12 points for each 1/2 hr of covered work but there are variations. #scriptchat
- Sarah, working different genres is me following my muse but it makes my reps crazy. They want to be able to brand me :) #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn are there opportunities for signatory assignments from http://within.Like if I was a member without a manager or an agent? #scriptchat
- The way I've been able to do that is by having great samples in all the diff genres I work in. But it's tough switching around. #scriptchat
- I haven't become well known in any partic genre except family film #scriptchat
- New media agreement covers original and derivative work made for the web. Agmt can be found here http://www.wga.org/uploadedfiles/writers_resources/new_media/New-Media-Sideletter11.pdf … #scriptchat
- The MBA also dictates the terms for films or TV episodes that are subsequently show (reused) on the web. Residuals etc. #scriptchat
- Sarah, the original Air Bud WAS written on spec. We met a dog with an amazing stupid pet trick, so we wrote the script for him. #scriptchat
- When chat is over, watch this: President @WGAWest @ivanjohnson on How Hollywood Really Works @scriptmag http://bit.ly/2cDg89R #scriptchat
- Here's a link to bookmark for a variety of WGA contracts: http://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/other-contracts … #scriptchat
- Sarah, it definitely helped to have the dog attached because no one believed he could do those tricks when they read the script! #scriptchat
- Sarah, my involvement w the Guild has helped me network w other writers, and a lot of ideas (and some work) has come out of that #scriptchat
- But since I wrote mostly films and pilots, my writing continues to be mostly a solitary profession #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Did you bring the dog to the pitch? #scriptchat
- *write mostly films and pilots #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Q: How does their feedback help you during the writing process? #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn And that way, they can't ask to change the dog into a cat #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn some writers have a love/hate relationship w/ the Guild. Is there any downside to being a member? #scriptchat
- We didn't pitch Air Bud, we wrote a spec, but if we had we would've definitely brought the dog. He was amazing! #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn I mean, we all know the downsides of not being eligible to be a member :) #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Yep. That would have been awesome. #scriptchat
- Chris, I find the feedback from other WGA writers to be levels above most others, but ultimately I follow my own judgment #scriptchat
- Not too many downsides except it makes you ineligible to do non-union work. Upsides are enormous. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn SAG has made it possible for even the most low-budget films to go union. Would WGA consider something like that? #scriptchat
- Residuals, minimums, pension contributions and one of the best health plans in the country. Plus screeners! #scriptchat
- What non-union work is out there? #scriptchat
- Matthew, the WGA has a low budget agmnt that enables low and micro budget films to be signatory. Kay Wolfe @ Guild can help. #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 I would think any major studio has a contract with the WGA. #scriptchat
- Sorry I'm late (Hello Aaron!) #scriptchat
- Sarah, best way to protect work is to register it w WGA & also copyright. You can also mail a copy to yourself & get date stamp. #scriptchat
- Hey Bill! Good to "see" you again. #scriptchat
- SAG has a mission to make every single movie regardless of budget SAG signatory, and have contracts to make that happen. WGA? #scriptchat
- Bill, see my answer below re the Low Budget agmnt. I believe it's similar to SAG's. #scriptchat
- (sorry - I'm late!) #scriptchat
- @wcmartell always making an entrance. #scriptchat
- Contact Kay Wolf about low budget agreement: kwolf@wga.org #scriptchat
- @wcmartell interesting concept to make a micro and still get credit for WGA... #scriptchat
- Other upsides to becoming WGA: enforcement of contracts, access to great events, film screenings, employment/union standards etc #scriptchat
- fantastic chat, I am picking up so much gold #scriptchat
- Sarah, altho I'm mostly an original writer, I've done quite a few rewrite jobs. Good gigs, if you can get them. #scriptchat
- But it often feels funny to rewrite another writer. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 thanks so much for the great Qs. #sickpup is needing some love, so I'm in and out tonight. #scriptchat
- Sarah, arbiters (who are members) read all the scripts and determine if subsequent writers did enough work to garner credit. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn thoughts on whether writers shld look for agent or manager when they're starting out (assuming scripts are ready)? #scriptchat
- Re the handoff between writers, I find it's very helpful to meet the other writer and get a sense of their vision. #scriptchat
- Jeanne, having an agent and/or manager helps immeasurably, no doubt. Opens a lot more doors. #scriptchat
- Will be easier to find a manager than an agent (more of them). #scriptchat
- Q: do you have peers review your work or a mentor? Coverage? Notes? Before going to market... #scriptchat
- But there are many other access points to producers, via contests, pitch fests, sites like Blacklist and Inktip etc. #scriptchat
- Or just being bold and cold calling/emailing a producer (or their assistant) and convincing them to read your script. #scriptchat
- What ever happened to the WGA plan to partner older writers with younger writers (as advisers)? Um, ah... asking for a friend. #scriptchat
- Christopher, I have a few trusted writer peers, and my reps, read my scripts before I submit. #scriptchat
- Bill, I know there are various mentor programs, but I'm not sure about that one. Try Sharline Liu about that. sliu@wga.org. #scriptchat
- Sarah, unfortunately my digital studio closed its virtual doors some time ago. These days I'm entirely focused on "old media." #scriptchat
- @jeannevb @SarahAlexis4 :( So sorry to hear about your dog, Jeanne. Hope he feels better soon. <3 #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @amendelsohn Q: Any advice for those writing for digital web series/new media? #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 @amendelsohn Not just for those who want to be part of the union, but also navigating the industry, career, etc. #scriptchat
- Chris, doing web series is a great way to get noticed these days. Plus you're disintermediating all the gate keepers. #scriptchat
- Executives are increasingly looking at web series to discover new writers and filmmakers. #scriptchat
- The writing's gotta be great, though. You can get away with shaky camera work but not shaky writing. #scriptchat
- @wcmartell We used SAG actors on our Amazon shows by signing the SAG New Media contract. Using H.SALT as crafties is a plus. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Definitely realize that. I've been working on my own web series for just over 2 years now. Launching S2 soon... #scriptchat
- Sarah, I've learned from digital writing to try to grab my reader/viewer with a dynamic opening scene. #scriptchat
- Congrats, @filmwritr4! Give us a link to your show. #scriptchat
- Q: suggestions for getting mentored by more experienced writers? Or stick to peers? #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Issa Rae is a great success story. Met her at the WGA just before things happened for her. #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips, getting mentored by experienced writers is a big plus. Peers can sometimes send u in the wrong direction. #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips If you are a veteran, apply for the WGA mentorship program. One year of sitting with your heroes. #scriptchat
- We are big fans of Issa Rae. She made a web series that ended up landing her an HBO show. #scriptchat
- Sarah, non members can attend events put on by the Writers Guild Foundation. Check out their website. Excellent events. #scriptchat
- The veterans' mentorship program is one of the crown jewels of the Guild. #scriptchat
- Cool vid, Jeanne #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Thanks very much for giving me a chance to link to my show on #scriptchat
- Writers Guild Foundation: http://wgfoundation.org . #scriptchat
- I get the WGA event notices. They do fill up quickly, but worth going @amendelsohn #scriptchat
- F5! BOURNE MOVIES book: suspense and paranoid chase thrillers! 279 pages. Only $3.99 https://www.amazon.com/Bourne-Movies-Story-Action-Book-ebook/dp/B01L1R0ILQ/secretsofactions … #writing #film #scriptchat
- You can get on the WG Foundation subscriber list and get regular emails about upcoming events. #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn you're doing great! *pours refill* #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Improving our new media contract and keeping the health fund and pension strong are big priorities. #scriptchat
- We're also stepping up the fight to maintain net neutrality, partic in light of our new political reality in this country. #scriptchat
- The WGAW Political Action Committee has been doing exceptional work lobbying for/against issues that affect writers. #scriptchat
- If Bill gets to plug his new book, I get to plug mine! http://www.11questionsbook.com :) #scriptchat
- Nxt Sunday #scriptchat topic: Going DIY vs Going Hollywood - @zacsanford moderating.
- @amendelsohn Speaking of which, we did some CGI Obama pieces in new media. Circumspect re: Trump pieces... #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn thanks for a great chat, Aaron! I’ll get a transcript up and tag you in the tweet. Thanks, everyone! #scriptchat
- Sarah, Go to http://WGA.org and subscribe to the various Guild publications incl Written By magazine & WriteNow etc. #scriptchat
- Thanks for the great questions, everyone! #scriptchat
- Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, (gonna grab your book since you plugged it) http://11questionsbook.com/index.php/download/add … #scriptchat
- @amendelsohn Thanks so much for joining us Aaron, and for answering all our questions! Really appreciate it! #scriptchat
- Enjoyed it, as always! ((((((HUGS)))))) See you next week! #scriptchat
- Thanks @amendelsohn for a great chat. And @jeannevb, much love, much respect. Fna @wcmartell, peace, love and fish grease. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 You may be able to make your web series signatory after the fact. Check w signatory dept @ the guild. #scriptchat
- *blows a kiss* Goodnight everybody. #scriptchat
- Don't forget to check out Aaron's site where you can find his book on The 11 Fundamental Questions: A Guide to a Better Screenplay http://11questionsbook.com/index.php/download/add …
