Lifetime is wading into the guardianship debate by greenlighting a fictional movie with the working title The Bad Guardian.
Following the headlines and debate surrounding the guardianships of Wendy Williams and Britney Spears, the network has ordered a movie about a court-appointed guardianship gone wrong.
The Bad Guardian will star Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and La La Anthony (La La’s Full Court Life) and “is inspired by countless true stories of individuals who have been put in the care of a guardian by the courts and raises the question — are these caretakers helpful or harmful?”
The official (and a bit spoiler-filled) description: The Bad Guardian is “about one woman’s fight to save her father from the clutches of a corrupt and greedy court-appointed guardian. When Leigh’s (Melissa Joan Hart) father Jason (Eric Pierpoint) suffers a fall while she’s out of town, the courts assign Jason a guardian,...
Following the headlines and debate surrounding the guardianships of Wendy Williams and Britney Spears, the network has ordered a movie about a court-appointed guardianship gone wrong.
The Bad Guardian will star Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and La La Anthony (La La’s Full Court Life) and “is inspired by countless true stories of individuals who have been put in the care of a guardian by the courts and raises the question — are these caretakers helpful or harmful?”
The official (and a bit spoiler-filled) description: The Bad Guardian is “about one woman’s fight to save her father from the clutches of a corrupt and greedy court-appointed guardian. When Leigh’s (Melissa Joan Hart) father Jason (Eric Pierpoint) suffers a fall while she’s out of town, the courts assign Jason a guardian,...
- 3/1/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Members of WGA West showed solidarity for hotel workers over the last 24 hours by joining their downtown protest over low pay and limited benefits.
Members of United Here Local 11, which represents more than 32,000 hotel workers in Southern California and Arizona, are fighting for raises. They walked off the job Sunday.
They were soon joined on the picket line by WGA negotiating committee members David Goodman, Ashley Gable and Chris Keyser. The trio joined the picketing hotel workers in Santa Monica Sunday.
The union has been negotiating for a new contract since April, according to the Los Angeles Times. They want a $5 hourly wage increase increase now and a $3 boost annually for three years. The union reps cooks, dishwashers, servers, bellmen and front-desk agents at hotels in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
“Our members were devastated first by the pandemic, and now by the greed of their bosses,” Kurt Petersen, co-president...
Members of United Here Local 11, which represents more than 32,000 hotel workers in Southern California and Arizona, are fighting for raises. They walked off the job Sunday.
They were soon joined on the picket line by WGA negotiating committee members David Goodman, Ashley Gable and Chris Keyser. The trio joined the picketing hotel workers in Santa Monica Sunday.
The union has been negotiating for a new contract since April, according to the Los Angeles Times. They want a $5 hourly wage increase increase now and a $3 boost annually for three years. The union reps cooks, dishwashers, servers, bellmen and front-desk agents at hotels in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
“Our members were devastated first by the pandemic, and now by the greed of their bosses,” Kurt Petersen, co-president...
- 7/3/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
As the Writers Guild of America’s negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is about to enter the final week before their contract expires, both sides are hopeful it won’t take a strike to get a deal done. But the WGA’s long battle with the talent agencies showed it can reach agreements with even the most intractable of mega-companies.
Four years ago today, on April 22, 2019, more than 7,000 WGA members fired their agents en masse – a show of solidarity at the start of the guild’s historic two-year campaign to reshape the talent agency business that still is playing out today, emboldening the guild in its ongoing negotiations with the studios for a new film and TV contract.
Five days before the mass firings, the WGA filed a lawsuit against the Big Three agencies that sought to establish that packaging – in which the major talent...
Four years ago today, on April 22, 2019, more than 7,000 WGA members fired their agents en masse – a show of solidarity at the start of the guild’s historic two-year campaign to reshape the talent agency business that still is playing out today, emboldening the guild in its ongoing negotiations with the studios for a new film and TV contract.
Five days before the mass firings, the WGA filed a lawsuit against the Big Three agencies that sought to establish that packaging – in which the major talent...
- 4/22/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s only a matter of time before late-night cracks the streaming model.
Chelsea, hosted by Chelsea Handler, and Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj opened the door for late-night shows on Netflix, followed by a second wave of streaming originals such as Apple TV+’s The Problem with Jon Stewart and Peacock’s The Amber Ruffin Show.
The latter two shows did not exist the last time there was a negotiation between the WGA and the AMPTP.
But in 2020, the writers guild did attempt to help scribes working for streaming comedy-variety shows by lobbying for WGA minimums to apply.
At the time, the WGA’s negotiating committee said, that “comedy-variety is perhaps the oldest television genre and it’s still going strong with more new shows being produced now than in any time in recent memory. And for the past few years this genre has been quite popular on subscriber streaming platforms.
Chelsea, hosted by Chelsea Handler, and Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj opened the door for late-night shows on Netflix, followed by a second wave of streaming originals such as Apple TV+’s The Problem with Jon Stewart and Peacock’s The Amber Ruffin Show.
The latter two shows did not exist the last time there was a negotiation between the WGA and the AMPTP.
But in 2020, the writers guild did attempt to help scribes working for streaming comedy-variety shows by lobbying for WGA minimums to apply.
At the time, the WGA’s negotiating committee said, that “comedy-variety is perhaps the oldest television genre and it’s still going strong with more new shows being produced now than in any time in recent memory. And for the past few years this genre has been quite popular on subscriber streaming platforms.
- 3/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Writers Guild of America has named its negotiating committee for the pivotal 2023 round of contract talks covering film and television projects, the first to occur since Covid-19 disrupted the last round of talks two years ago.
With WGA West executive director David Young serving as chief negotiator, the 2023 negotiating committee overseeing the WGA’s Basic Agreement will be co-chaired by former WGA West presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser. Prominent Guild members including John August, Kay Cannon, Mike Schur, David Shore and Davis Simon will serve on the negotiating committee, as well as WGA West leaders Meredith Stiehm, Michele Mulroney and Betsy Thomas and WGA East leaders Michael Winship, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and Christopher Kyle.
Other members of the committee include WGA West board members Adam Conover, Angelina Burnett, Robb Chavis, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Nicole Yorkin and WGA...
The Writers Guild of America has named its negotiating committee for the pivotal 2023 round of contract talks covering film and television projects, the first to occur since Covid-19 disrupted the last round of talks two years ago.
With WGA West executive director David Young serving as chief negotiator, the 2023 negotiating committee overseeing the WGA’s Basic Agreement will be co-chaired by former WGA West presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser. Prominent Guild members including John August, Kay Cannon, Mike Schur, David Shore and Davis Simon will serve on the negotiating committee, as well as WGA West leaders Meredith Stiehm, Michele Mulroney and Betsy Thomas and WGA East leaders Michael Winship, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and Christopher Kyle.
Other members of the committee include WGA West board members Adam Conover, Angelina Burnett, Robb Chavis, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Nicole Yorkin and WGA...
- 11/7/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WGA East and WGA West have appointed the members of their negotiating committee for upcoming contract talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers – a showdown that could trigger the first writers strike since 2008. The guilds’ current contract expires May 1, 2023.
WGA West Executive Director David Young will serve as chief negotiator, with former WGA West presidents David A. Goodman and Chris Keyser serving as co-chairs. Patric M. Verrone, who was president of the WGA West during the 100-day writers’ strike of 2007-08, will be one of the 24 members of the negotiating committee.
In August, during the run-up to the WGA West’s board elections, several of the candidates who are now serving on the negotiating committee addressed a wide range of issues that could trigger a strike.
Angelina Burnett, who won a seat on the board and now serves on the negotiating committee, wrote in her campaign statement...
WGA West Executive Director David Young will serve as chief negotiator, with former WGA West presidents David A. Goodman and Chris Keyser serving as co-chairs. Patric M. Verrone, who was president of the WGA West during the 100-day writers’ strike of 2007-08, will be one of the 24 members of the negotiating committee.
In August, during the run-up to the WGA West’s board elections, several of the candidates who are now serving on the negotiating committee addressed a wide range of issues that could trigger a strike.
Angelina Burnett, who won a seat on the board and now serves on the negotiating committee, wrote in her campaign statement...
- 11/7/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America has tapped former presidents David Goodman and Chris Keyser to co-chair the guild’s negotiating committee, leading the fight on what are sure to be difficult bargaining with Hollywood’s major players in the first half of next year.
The WGA’s master contract covering most film and TV production is set to expire on May 1. With numerous economic issues and concerns about working conditions for middle-class writers, the negotiations are expected to be intense at a time when the TV and film sectors are in the throes of a messy transition to internet-delivered content on an increasingly on-demand basis.
Goodman, a showrunner known for his work with Seth MacFarlane on “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” is revered among WGA membership for successfully waging a three-year campaign against the top talent agencies that allowed the guild to ban the practice of agencies receiving packaging fees...
The WGA’s master contract covering most film and TV production is set to expire on May 1. With numerous economic issues and concerns about working conditions for middle-class writers, the negotiations are expected to be intense at a time when the TV and film sectors are in the throes of a messy transition to internet-delivered content on an increasingly on-demand basis.
Goodman, a showrunner known for his work with Seth MacFarlane on “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” is revered among WGA membership for successfully waging a three-year campaign against the top talent agencies that allowed the guild to ban the practice of agencies receiving packaging fees...
- 11/7/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Abbott Elementary executive producer Justin Halpern are among the eight Writers Guild of America West members just elected to its board of directors.
Incumbents Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Deric A. Hughes won re-election to the board in the 2022 board election, while Bob-Waksberg, Halpern, Angelina Burnett and John Rogers were elected as additional members, the union announced on Tuesday. Seventeen WGA members were originally nominated to run in the election, for which voting took place between August 31 and Sept. 20.
In their candidacy platforms, most of the writers that won seats in Tuesday’s election said that, if elected, they would prioritize gaining more compensation — and especially more fulsome streaming residuals — from streaming platforms. Another popular theme of their platforms was ending so-called “mini-rooms,” or small writers’ rooms convened during the development process for a TV series.
BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Abbott Elementary executive producer Justin Halpern are among the eight Writers Guild of America West members just elected to its board of directors.
Incumbents Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Eric Haywood and Deric A. Hughes won re-election to the board in the 2022 board election, while Bob-Waksberg, Halpern, Angelina Burnett and John Rogers were elected as additional members, the union announced on Tuesday. Seventeen WGA members were originally nominated to run in the election, for which voting took place between August 31 and Sept. 20.
In their candidacy platforms, most of the writers that won seats in Tuesday’s election said that, if elected, they would prioritize gaining more compensation — and especially more fulsome streaming residuals — from streaming platforms. Another popular theme of their platforms was ending so-called “mini-rooms,” or small writers’ rooms convened during the development process for a TV series.
- 9/20/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eight WGA West members have been elected to the guild’s board of directors in a race that foreshadowed a possible writers strike next year.
Former board member Angelina Burnett was the top vote-getter, with 1,696 votes, followed by incumbents Ashley Gable, Deric A. Hughes, Eric Haywood and Travis Donnelly. Also elected were Raphael Bob-Waksberg, John Rogers and Justin Halpern.
A total of 2,527 valid ballots were cast.
The WGA’s current contract doesn’t expire until May 1, but many of the 17 candidates made it clear that they’re prepared to strike if the guild can’t get a fair deal at the bargaining table. In their campaign statements, they outlined a wide range of issues that need to be addressed in the next contract, including higher minimum pay rates, bigger streaming residuals, more secure pension and health benefits, greater equity and inclusion, the elimination of free work, and the curbing of mini-rooms,...
Former board member Angelina Burnett was the top vote-getter, with 1,696 votes, followed by incumbents Ashley Gable, Deric A. Hughes, Eric Haywood and Travis Donnelly. Also elected were Raphael Bob-Waksberg, John Rogers and Justin Halpern.
A total of 2,527 valid ballots were cast.
The WGA’s current contract doesn’t expire until May 1, but many of the 17 candidates made it clear that they’re prepared to strike if the guild can’t get a fair deal at the bargaining table. In their campaign statements, they outlined a wide range of issues that need to be addressed in the next contract, including higher minimum pay rates, bigger streaming residuals, more secure pension and health benefits, greater equity and inclusion, the elimination of free work, and the curbing of mini-rooms,...
- 9/20/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Next year’s contract talks and a possible writers strike are looming large over the WGA West’s ongoing board election, in which 17 candidates are vying for eight open seats. The WGA’s current contract doesn’t expire until May 1, but in their campaign statements, many of the candidates are making it clear that they’re prepared to strike if the guild can’t get a fair deal at the bargaining table.
And there’s considerable pent-up demand for major gains, in no small part because in 2020, when the WGA’s previous contract was set to expire, contractual advances the guild had hoped to make became all but impossible to achieve because the threat of a strike was all but off the table as the industry was already shut down by the first wave of the Covid pandemic.
Several candidates observed that the guild’s historic victory last year in...
And there’s considerable pent-up demand for major gains, in no small part because in 2020, when the WGA’s previous contract was set to expire, contractual advances the guild had hoped to make became all but impossible to achieve because the threat of a strike was all but off the table as the industry was already shut down by the first wave of the Covid pandemic.
Several candidates observed that the guild’s historic victory last year in...
- 8/12/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Seventeen candidates are vying for eight open seats on the WGA West’s board of directors, including five incumbents. Voting begins August 21 and ends September 20.
The candidates are Angelina Burnett, Robert H. Wolfe, Rich Talarico, Justin Halpern, Timothy Dowling, Ryan Walls, Van Robichaux, David Schulner, Danny Tolli, John Rogers, Leah Folta, Raphael Bob-Waksberg and incumbents Eric Haywood, Ashley Gable, Deric A. Hughes, Travis Donnelly and E. Nicholas Mariani.
The guild will host a virtual Candidates Night forum on August 31, where members can pose questions to the candidates. Guild members will receive voting materials, including links to candidate, non-candidate, and rebuttal statements on that same date.
The voting period concludes at noon on September 20. Members can vote online or request a paper ballot to vote by mail. Proxy voting is not permitted, the guild said.
The candidates are Angelina Burnett, Robert H. Wolfe, Rich Talarico, Justin Halpern, Timothy Dowling, Ryan Walls, Van Robichaux, David Schulner, Danny Tolli, John Rogers, Leah Folta, Raphael Bob-Waksberg and incumbents Eric Haywood, Ashley Gable, Deric A. Hughes, Travis Donnelly and E. Nicholas Mariani.
The guild will host a virtual Candidates Night forum on August 31, where members can pose questions to the candidates. Guild members will receive voting materials, including links to candidate, non-candidate, and rebuttal statements on that same date.
The voting period concludes at noon on September 20. Members can vote online or request a paper ballot to vote by mail. Proxy voting is not permitted, the guild said.
- 7/22/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA West is calling on Hollywood to consider not shooting films and TV shows in states that ban abortions. The move comes in the wake of a leaked draft opinion by a 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court that would overturn Roe v. Wade and let states decide whether to ban abortions.
“In light of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion rights, we want to reaffirm our Guild’s commitment to fighting on our members’ behalf against inequality and discrimination,” the guild’s board of directors said in a statement. “Women’s rights are human rights, and any laws that ban or limit a woman’s right to choose are dangerous and set a precedent for further erosion of our collective civil rights. We call on our employers to consider the laws of each state when choosing production locations to ensure that our members will never be...
“In light of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion rights, we want to reaffirm our Guild’s commitment to fighting on our members’ behalf against inequality and discrimination,” the guild’s board of directors said in a statement. “Women’s rights are human rights, and any laws that ban or limit a woman’s right to choose are dangerous and set a precedent for further erosion of our collective civil rights. We call on our employers to consider the laws of each state when choosing production locations to ensure that our members will never be...
- 5/5/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
After another politically and socially turbulent year, the Writers Guild of America is ready to celebrate the best that its members have to offer, while reflecting on the ever-changing social and entertainment landscape.
The WGA’s annual awards event, a joint venture between Wgaw and Wgawe, will be held on Sunday, March 20th, and similar to last year, will be handled as a virtual event. With Covid still firmly lingering in the space of the populace, the guild’s priorities have naturally shifted in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated, while still staying true to its collective core values.
This year’s WGA film award nominees represent a roster of high-caliber talent. Nominees in the Original Screenplay category Aaron Sorkin (“Being the Ricardos”), Adam McKay & David Sirota (“Don’t Look Up”), Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola & Hugo Guinness & Jason Schwartzman, Zach Baylin (“King Richard”), and Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”). Adapted...
The WGA’s annual awards event, a joint venture between Wgaw and Wgawe, will be held on Sunday, March 20th, and similar to last year, will be handled as a virtual event. With Covid still firmly lingering in the space of the populace, the guild’s priorities have naturally shifted in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated, while still staying true to its collective core values.
This year’s WGA film award nominees represent a roster of high-caliber talent. Nominees in the Original Screenplay category Aaron Sorkin (“Being the Ricardos”), Adam McKay & David Sirota (“Don’t Look Up”), Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola & Hugo Guinness & Jason Schwartzman, Zach Baylin (“King Richard”), and Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”). Adapted...
- 3/19/2022
- by Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
Charles Beeson, the British television director who helmed episodes of The Mentalist and worked on the upcoming adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days, has died.
Actor Jim Beaver, who collaborated with Beeson on The CW’s Supernatural among other shows, revealed the news on Twitter. Beeson’s agent also confirmed his passing when contacted by Deadline.
“Rip my great friend Charles Beeson,” Beaver wrote. “A sweeter and more gently gregarious fellow you couldn’t meet.” In reply to a question from The Mentalist executive producer Ashley Gable, Beaver said Beeson suffered a heart attack.
Rip my great friend Charles Beeson, who started directing on EastEnders and worked as a genial and genuinely lovely friend directing many episodes of Supernatural, Revolution, and Timeless that I worked on. A sweeter and more gently gregarious fellow you couldn’t meet. pic.twitter.com/SXW9H45RGO
— Jim Beaver (@jumblejim) April 27, 2021
In a statement,...
Actor Jim Beaver, who collaborated with Beeson on The CW’s Supernatural among other shows, revealed the news on Twitter. Beeson’s agent also confirmed his passing when contacted by Deadline.
“Rip my great friend Charles Beeson,” Beaver wrote. “A sweeter and more gently gregarious fellow you couldn’t meet.” In reply to a question from The Mentalist executive producer Ashley Gable, Beaver said Beeson suffered a heart attack.
Rip my great friend Charles Beeson, who started directing on EastEnders and worked as a genial and genuinely lovely friend directing many episodes of Supernatural, Revolution, and Timeless that I worked on. A sweeter and more gently gregarious fellow you couldn’t meet. pic.twitter.com/SXW9H45RGO
— Jim Beaver (@jumblejim) April 27, 2021
In a statement,...
- 4/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West announced on Monday the results of its 2020 Board of Directors Election, with seven of the race’s eight incumbents being re-elected.
The 2020 Board members are Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, and newcomer Eric Haywood.
A total of 2,204 votes were cast, with Thomas leading the votes with 1,583. The remaining votes were as follows: Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, Katherine Beattie (754), Daniel Kunka (753), Rob Forman (655), Andrew Ti (558), John Lopez (493), Leland Jay Anderson (303).
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” said WGA West President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.
The 2020 Board members are Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, and newcomer Eric Haywood.
A total of 2,204 votes were cast, with Thomas leading the votes with 1,583. The remaining votes were as follows: Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, Katherine Beattie (754), Daniel Kunka (753), Rob Forman (655), Andrew Ti (558), John Lopez (493), Leland Jay Anderson (303).
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” said WGA West President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.
- 9/21/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Former Writers Guild of America West president Patric Verrone and negotiating committee co-chair Betsy Thomas have won re-election to WGA West board seats.
Incumbents Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack and Travis Donnelly also won re-election along with “Empire” and “Power” co-executive producer Eric Haywood. Other candidates were Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Rob Forman, Andrew Ti, John Lopez and Leland Jay Anderson.
A total of 2,204 valid ballots were cast, reflecting the usual turnout of about 25% of eligible members. The ballot count was announced Monday and supervised by Votenet Solutions.
“A heartfelt thank you to all the candidates that ran this year,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “The work of the board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.”
The seats are for two-year terms.
Incumbents Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack and Travis Donnelly also won re-election along with “Empire” and “Power” co-executive producer Eric Haywood. Other candidates were Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Rob Forman, Andrew Ti, John Lopez and Leland Jay Anderson.
A total of 2,204 valid ballots were cast, reflecting the usual turnout of about 25% of eligible members. The ballot count was announced Monday and supervised by Votenet Solutions.
“A heartfelt thank you to all the candidates that ran this year,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “The work of the board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.”
The seats are for two-year terms.
- 9/21/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Writers Guild of America West has announced the results of its 2020 Board of Directors election, with eight members elected for two-year terms.
Of the eight, only one – Eric Haywood – is a non-incumbent.
The elected members include Haywood, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” said Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.”
The numerical voting results are: Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, Katherine Beattie (754), Daniel Kunka (753), Rob Forman (655), Andrew Ti (558), John Lopez (493), Leland Jay Anderson (303).
A total of 2,204 valid ballots were cast.
Of the eight, only one – Eric Haywood – is a non-incumbent.
The elected members include Haywood, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” said Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we have so many members ready to step forward and give their free time to help protect and advance the interests of all our members.”
The numerical voting results are: Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly, Patric M. Verrone, Katherine Beattie (754), Daniel Kunka (753), Rob Forman (655), Andrew Ti (558), John Lopez (493), Leland Jay Anderson (303).
A total of 2,204 valid ballots were cast.
- 9/21/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Amid a standoff with two major talent agencies, the Writers Guild of America West unveiled the results of its annual election for its leadership on Monday.
Candidates that have been elected to two-year terms to the guild’s board of directors include Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone. The union disclosed that 2,204 ballots were cast.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” stated Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we ...
Candidates that have been elected to two-year terms to the guild’s board of directors include Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone. The union disclosed that 2,204 ballots were cast.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” stated Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we ...
- 9/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amid a standoff with two major talent agencies, the Writers Guild of America West unveiled the results of its annual election for its leadership on Monday.
Candidates that have been elected to two-year terms to the guild’s board of directors include Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone. The union disclosed that 2,204 ballots were cast.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” stated Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we ...
Candidates that have been elected to two-year terms to the guild’s board of directors include Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, Ashley Gable, Patti Carr, David Slack, Eric Haywood, Travis Donnelly and Patric M. Verrone. The union disclosed that 2,204 ballots were cast.
“A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the candidates that ran this year,” stated Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “The work of the Board continues, and we’re fortunate that we ...
- 9/21/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The WGA West board of directors sent a letter to its members today that updates writers on the union’s latest efforts in the wake of its new film and TV contract. Read it in full below.
The missive comes less than a week after WGA members voted overwhelmingly to ratify with the new film and TV deal worked out with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Sent under the header, “How Agency Information Sharing Is Paying Off,” the letter notes that “a key objective of our agency campaign is timely information from the agencies to assist Mba enforcement of late pay and free work violations, and enhance the Guild’s analysis of compensation and other employment trends.”
Here is the letter in full:
Dear Members,
A key objective of our agency campaign is timely information from the agencies to assist Mba enforcement of late pay and free work violations,...
The missive comes less than a week after WGA members voted overwhelmingly to ratify with the new film and TV deal worked out with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Sent under the header, “How Agency Information Sharing Is Paying Off,” the letter notes that “a key objective of our agency campaign is timely information from the agencies to assist Mba enforcement of late pay and free work violations, and enhance the Guild’s analysis of compensation and other employment trends.”
Here is the letter in full:
Dear Members,
A key objective of our agency campaign is timely information from the agencies to assist Mba enforcement of late pay and free work violations,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Sixteen candidates are vying for eight open seats on the WGA West’s board of directors. The seven incumbents seeking reelection are Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, David Slack, Patric M. Verrone, Travis Donnelly and Deric A. Hughes.
The nine other candidates are Adam Starks, John Lopez, Rob Forman, Scott Rosenbaum, Andrew Ti, Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Leland Jay Anderson and Eric Haywood.
Ballots will go out August 31 and must be returned by September 21. The guild will host a virtual Candidates Night forum, where members can pose questions to the candidates, on September 2.
The nine other candidates are Adam Starks, John Lopez, Rob Forman, Scott Rosenbaum, Andrew Ti, Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Leland Jay Anderson and Eric Haywood.
Ballots will go out August 31 and must be returned by September 21. The guild will host a virtual Candidates Night forum, where members can pose questions to the candidates, on September 2.
- 7/23/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Writers Guild of America leaders have endorsed the union’s tentative deal negotiated this week with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. In an email message this morning (read it below), union leaders said that “both the Wgaw Board and Wgae Council voted unanimously to recommend the contract.”
Earlier this week, the WGA and the AMPTP secured a tentative three-year deal that bring labor stability to an industry hobbled by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. In a marathon bargaining session that stretched into the early hours Wednesday, negotiators secured an agreement to take to the guild’s membership for ratification.
In today’s email, the leadership said that, upon certification by the WGA’s chief negotiator of the final contract language, the guilds will conduct a ratification vote among eligible members later this month.
“As soon as the confirmed draft is in place,” wrote the Wgaw Board of Directors,...
Earlier this week, the WGA and the AMPTP secured a tentative three-year deal that bring labor stability to an industry hobbled by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. In a marathon bargaining session that stretched into the early hours Wednesday, negotiators secured an agreement to take to the guild’s membership for ratification.
In today’s email, the leadership said that, upon certification by the WGA’s chief negotiator of the final contract language, the guilds will conduct a ratification vote among eligible members later this month.
“As soon as the confirmed draft is in place,” wrote the Wgaw Board of Directors,...
- 7/3/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Writers Guild of America West president Patric Verrone and negotiating committee co-chair Betsy Thomas are among the 15 candidates for eight WGA West board seats.
The guild’s nominating committee made the announcement Friday. The election will take place on Sept. 21.
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight other board seats will be up for election next year.
Verrone, best known for leading the bitter 2007-08 strike while president, is an incumbent on the board. Thomas, who is also an incumbent and has credits on “My Boys” and “Whitney,” was named co-chair of the negotiating committee with Michele Mulroney and Shawn Ryan late last year.
The WGA launched negotiations on May 18 on a successor master contract for film and TV with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The current three-year contract expires on June 30. The WGA has announced that it’s seeking gains in streaming residuals,...
The guild’s nominating committee made the announcement Friday. The election will take place on Sept. 21.
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight other board seats will be up for election next year.
Verrone, best known for leading the bitter 2007-08 strike while president, is an incumbent on the board. Thomas, who is also an incumbent and has credits on “My Boys” and “Whitney,” was named co-chair of the negotiating committee with Michele Mulroney and Shawn Ryan late last year.
The WGA launched negotiations on May 18 on a successor master contract for film and TV with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The current three-year contract expires on June 30. The WGA has announced that it’s seeking gains in streaming residuals,...
- 6/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA West’s nominating committee has selected 18 candidates to vie for eight open seats in the guild’s upcoming board of directors election.
Seven of the candidates are incumbents: Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, David Slack, Patric M. Verrone, Travis Donnelly and Deric A. Hughes. The other candidates selected by the nominating committee are Adam Starks, J. David Shanks, John Lopez, Carlos Foglia, Rob Forman, Scott Rosenbaum, Andrew Ti, Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Leland Jay Anderson and Eric Haywood.
Eligible members also can run for the board by petition by obtaining 15 member signatures in support of their candidacies. The deadline for submitting signed petitions is July 23. Guild members will receive voting materials, including links to candidate, non-candidate and rebuttal statements, on August 31. The voting period concludes on September 21.
Seven of the candidates are incumbents: Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, David Slack, Patric M. Verrone, Travis Donnelly and Deric A. Hughes. The other candidates selected by the nominating committee are Adam Starks, J. David Shanks, John Lopez, Carlos Foglia, Rob Forman, Scott Rosenbaum, Andrew Ti, Katherine Beattie, Daniel Kunka, Leland Jay Anderson and Eric Haywood.
Eligible members also can run for the board by petition by obtaining 15 member signatures in support of their candidacies. The deadline for submitting signed petitions is July 23. Guild members will receive voting materials, including links to candidate, non-candidate and rebuttal statements, on August 31. The voting period concludes on September 21.
- 6/19/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
After a stinging loss in federal court two weeks ago, the WGA has filed its first amended complaint in its ongoing legal battle with the Big 3 talent agencies over packaging fees.
The latest filing reframes many of the guild’s claims that U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte Jr. threw out on April 27, including his ruling that the guild “lacks organizational standing to bring claims for breach of fiduciary duty and constructive fraud on behalf of their members.” In its amended complaint, the guild asks the judge to “declare that packaging fees constitute a breach of the Agencies’ fiduciary duties to their writer-clients,” and that “the Agencies’ packaging fee practices constitute constructive fraud.”
Birotte also had ruled that the guild “lacks Article III standing to bring an Unfair Competition Law (Ucl) cause of action on their own behalf,” but the guild is now urging him to “declare that packaging...
The latest filing reframes many of the guild’s claims that U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte Jr. threw out on April 27, including his ruling that the guild “lacks organizational standing to bring claims for breach of fiduciary duty and constructive fraud on behalf of their members.” In its amended complaint, the guild asks the judge to “declare that packaging fees constitute a breach of the Agencies’ fiduciary duties to their writer-clients,” and that “the Agencies’ packaging fee practices constitute constructive fraud.”
Birotte also had ruled that the guild “lacks Article III standing to bring an Unfair Competition Law (Ucl) cause of action on their own behalf,” but the guild is now urging him to “declare that packaging...
- 5/12/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Leaders of the Writers Guild of America have told members that the guild will press on in its legal battle with Wme, CAA and UTA over packaging fees in the wake of a federal judge’s decision to dismiss most of the guild’s lawsuit against the talent agencies.
The WGA sent a message to members Tuesday, a day after U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte dismissed eight of the 14 claims brought by the WGA in its countersuit, including claims that packaging fees amount to illegal kickbacks and were a form of racketeering.
In a message sent to members by the WGA’s agency negotiating committee and the WGA West board of directors, guild leaders emphasized that the claims involving breach of fiduciary duty and price-fixing among agencies over packaging fees were allowed to proceed and will be the crux of the guild’s case. A trial date has been...
The WGA sent a message to members Tuesday, a day after U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte dismissed eight of the 14 claims brought by the WGA in its countersuit, including claims that packaging fees amount to illegal kickbacks and were a form of racketeering.
In a message sent to members by the WGA’s agency negotiating committee and the WGA West board of directors, guild leaders emphasized that the claims involving breach of fiduciary duty and price-fixing among agencies over packaging fees were allowed to proceed and will be the crux of the guild’s case. A trial date has been...
- 4/28/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Women writers, producers and assistants across Twitter turned the hashtag #NotWorthLess into a trend Wednesday, shining a light on issues of pay inequality in the entertainment business. Sparked by screenwriter Adele Lim’s recent decision to walk away from the “Crazy Rich Asians” sequel in protest of being paid less than her male co-writer, dozens of writers shared their own pay-inequity stories. Two of those writers spoke with Variety at length about their experiences.
Ashley Gable served as a co-executive producer and then executive producer on CBS’ “The Mentalist,” produced by Warner Bros. Television, for four years between 2008 and 2012. As her three-year contract neared an end, she was earning $25,000 per episode. Then she discovered that she was being paid about two-thirds of the $40,000 per episode that her male counterparts were making, each of whom had joined the show after her.
She negotiated up to $30,000 per episode, which she said the studio called “an outsized raise,...
Ashley Gable served as a co-executive producer and then executive producer on CBS’ “The Mentalist,” produced by Warner Bros. Television, for four years between 2008 and 2012. As her three-year contract neared an end, she was earning $25,000 per episode. Then she discovered that she was being paid about two-thirds of the $40,000 per episode that her male counterparts were making, each of whom had joined the show after her.
She negotiated up to $30,000 per episode, which she said the studio called “an outsized raise,...
- 9/19/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America has withdrawn its state court suit against Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners alleging packaging fees are illegal and re-filed suit in federal court.
The WGA also responded to antitrust claims brought against the guild by the three agencies. Those agency suits alleged that the WGA abused its power in April by telling members to fire their agents if those agents had not signed the new Code of Conduct.
“Over the years the major agencies have repeatedly broken federal antitrust law by conspiring to fix the price of packaging fees,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “Their current campaign to preserve the packaging fee model by strong-arming smaller agencies also violates the law. We are simply asking the court to stop these agencies from illegally enriching themselves at the expense of writers.”
The federal counter-claim charges that the agencies’ packaging fee model violates their...
The WGA also responded to antitrust claims brought against the guild by the three agencies. Those agency suits alleged that the WGA abused its power in April by telling members to fire their agents if those agents had not signed the new Code of Conduct.
“Over the years the major agencies have repeatedly broken federal antitrust law by conspiring to fix the price of packaging fees,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “Their current campaign to preserve the packaging fee model by strong-arming smaller agencies also violates the law. We are simply asking the court to stop these agencies from illegally enriching themselves at the expense of writers.”
The federal counter-claim charges that the agencies’ packaging fee model violates their...
- 8/19/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The late summer 2019 timing of the WGA election for new president, officers and eight board seats was considered perfectly timed for the membership to select leaders they feel would best fight for their interests in the crucial 2020 negotiations with the AMPTP.
But while the battle with the studios is still looming on the horizon, it is another standoff that is currently on the minds of WGA members — the ongoing impasse with the Association of Talent Agents which led to more than 7,000 writers firing their agents.
The WGA leadership is looking to stay the course of hardline approach toward agencies as most current WGA-Agency Agreement Negotiating Committee members in elected guild positions are seeking reelection. That includes David A. Goodman, the outspoken President of WGA West and the public face of the guild’s agency campaign, and agency negotiating committee co-chair Meredith Stiehm, one of the most vocal showrunners against agency...
But while the battle with the studios is still looming on the horizon, it is another standoff that is currently on the minds of WGA members — the ongoing impasse with the Association of Talent Agents which led to more than 7,000 writers firing their agents.
The WGA leadership is looking to stay the course of hardline approach toward agencies as most current WGA-Agency Agreement Negotiating Committee members in elected guild positions are seeking reelection. That includes David A. Goodman, the outspoken President of WGA West and the public face of the guild’s agency campaign, and agency negotiating committee co-chair Meredith Stiehm, one of the most vocal showrunners against agency...
- 6/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CAA is challenging the Writers Guild of America’s standing to bring forth a lawsuit against the talent agency, arguing that under California law, the WGA can’t pursue what it says is unfair competition as a collective bargaining organization on behalf of its union members.
“The WGA does not allege that it has a fiduciary relationship with CAA. Instead, the WGA asserts a breach of fiduciary duty claim on behalf of the individual plaintiffs and all unnamed members of the WGA who have ever been represented by CAA. The law prohibits such a claim,” CAA said in a memo filed on Thursday, alongside an amended complaint. “The WGA lacks standing to bring a cause of action for breach of fiduciary duty or constructive fraud on behalf of its 15,000 member-writers based on alleged violations by agents in connection with unknown thousands of unique transactions over a multi-decade period.”
The WGA...
“The WGA does not allege that it has a fiduciary relationship with CAA. Instead, the WGA asserts a breach of fiduciary duty claim on behalf of the individual plaintiffs and all unnamed members of the WGA who have ever been represented by CAA. The law prohibits such a claim,” CAA said in a memo filed on Thursday, alongside an amended complaint. “The WGA lacks standing to bring a cause of action for breach of fiduciary duty or constructive fraud on behalf of its 15,000 member-writers based on alleged violations by agents in connection with unknown thousands of unique transactions over a multi-decade period.”
The WGA...
- 6/13/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
CAA has filed a motion to dismiss the WGA’s lawsuit against the Big 4 talent agencies, asking the court to remove the guild as a complainant because it allegedly lacks standing under state law to represent members in such a case.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on April 17, accused the agencies of violating state and federal laws by taking packaging fees on TV shows they packaged. The longstanding practice, the guild’s suit claimed, “Constitute unlawful kickbacks from an employer” in violation of the Taft-Hartley Act, which makes it unlawful for employers “to pay, lend, or deliver, or agree to pay, lend, or deliver, any money or other thing of value … to any representative of any of his employees who are employed in an industry affecting commerce.”
CAA has also moved to strike these unlawful kickback allegations on the grounds that the federal anti-bribery statute is...
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on April 17, accused the agencies of violating state and federal laws by taking packaging fees on TV shows they packaged. The longstanding practice, the guild’s suit claimed, “Constitute unlawful kickbacks from an employer” in violation of the Taft-Hartley Act, which makes it unlawful for employers “to pay, lend, or deliver, or agree to pay, lend, or deliver, any money or other thing of value … to any representative of any of his employees who are employed in an industry affecting commerce.”
CAA has also moved to strike these unlawful kickback allegations on the grounds that the federal anti-bribery statute is...
- 6/13/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elaine W. Mandel has replaced Craig D. Karlan to handle the Writers Guild of America’s lawsuit against Hollywood’s four major talent agencies.
Mandel was appointed Wednesday. She is the third judge assigned to the case, which was filed April 17 by the WGA against CAA, Wme, UTA and ICM Partners over the issue of agencies accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients. Mandel was appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2009 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The WGA, using its only preemptory challenge, removed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross on May 3 after Gross refused to voluntarily recuse himself from the case. Karlan replaced Gross on May 6 and recused himself after both sides requested that he do so on grounds that he has been a writer and engaged in discussions with a CAA employee about projects.
Mandel was appointed Wednesday. She is the third judge assigned to the case, which was filed April 17 by the WGA against CAA, Wme, UTA and ICM Partners over the issue of agencies accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients. Mandel was appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2009 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The WGA, using its only preemptory challenge, removed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross on May 3 after Gross refused to voluntarily recuse himself from the case. Karlan replaced Gross on May 6 and recused himself after both sides requested that he do so on grounds that he has been a writer and engaged in discussions with a CAA employee about projects.
- 5/23/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America has bulked up its lawsuit with additional fraud allegations against Hollywood’s four biggest talent agencies.
The WGA amended its suit Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court with the claim that CAA, Wme, UTA and ICM partners have engaged “constructive fraud” by allegedly placing their own interests ahead of their clients and by concealing facts about how packaging works.
The amended complaint alleges “failure of a fiduciary to disclose a material fact to his principal that might affect the fiduciary’s motives or the principal’s decision constitutes constructive fraud, regardless of whether the fiduciary acted with fraudulent intent.”
The amended complaint also alleged that agencies are operating in a conflicted position because their interests in negotiating packaging fees for themselves are at odds with the interests of writer clients.
The Association of Talent Agents, which serves as the negotiating arm for the agencies, brushed off the amended complaint.
The WGA amended its suit Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court with the claim that CAA, Wme, UTA and ICM partners have engaged “constructive fraud” by allegedly placing their own interests ahead of their clients and by concealing facts about how packaging works.
The amended complaint alleges “failure of a fiduciary to disclose a material fact to his principal that might affect the fiduciary’s motives or the principal’s decision constitutes constructive fraud, regardless of whether the fiduciary acted with fraudulent intent.”
The amended complaint also alleged that agencies are operating in a conflicted position because their interests in negotiating packaging fees for themselves are at odds with the interests of writer clients.
The Association of Talent Agents, which serves as the negotiating arm for the agencies, brushed off the amended complaint.
- 5/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig D. Karlan has been assigned to handle the Writers Guild of America’s lawsuit against Hollywood’s four major talent agencies.
Karlan was appointed Monday. The WGA, using its only preemptory challenge, removed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross on May 3 after Gross refused to voluntarily recuse himself from the case.
The WGA’s lawsuit against Wme Entertainment, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners was filed April 17. The guild is seeking to block the agencies from accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients.
Monday’s filing said that a case management conference is scheduled for Oct. 21. The suit was filed April 17 by the WGA and eight individual writers, including David Simon, creator of “The Wire,” “The Deuce” and “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” Other plaintiffs are Meredith Stiehm, Barbara Hall, Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Deric Hughes,...
Karlan was appointed Monday. The WGA, using its only preemptory challenge, removed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross on May 3 after Gross refused to voluntarily recuse himself from the case.
The WGA’s lawsuit against Wme Entertainment, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners was filed April 17. The guild is seeking to block the agencies from accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients.
Monday’s filing said that a case management conference is scheduled for Oct. 21. The suit was filed April 17 by the WGA and eight individual writers, including David Simon, creator of “The Wire,” “The Deuce” and “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” Other plaintiffs are Meredith Stiehm, Barbara Hall, Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Deric Hughes,...
- 5/7/2019
- by Dave McNary and Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America has removed the judge assigned to its lawsuit against Hollywood’s four major talent agencies, using its only preemptory challenge.
The WGA had asked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross to voluntarily recuse himself from the case earlier this week but Gross refused, leading to the guild using its right to remove him on Friday.
Gross, who serves in the Santa Monica Superior Courthouse, had been assigned to handle the WGA’s lawsuit against Wme Entertainment, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners. The guild is seeking to block the agencies from accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients.
Gross is married to Susan Gross, who most recently was a consultant at Media Strategies International. Prior to that, she worked for three years as an executive vice president at FremantleMedia North America. Her resume also includes stints at Endeavor Talent Agency,...
The WGA had asked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marc Gross to voluntarily recuse himself from the case earlier this week but Gross refused, leading to the guild using its right to remove him on Friday.
Gross, who serves in the Santa Monica Superior Courthouse, had been assigned to handle the WGA’s lawsuit against Wme Entertainment, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners. The guild is seeking to block the agencies from accepting packaging fees from studios, which the guild alleges violates the agencies’ fiduciary duty to clients.
Gross is married to Susan Gross, who most recently was a consultant at Media Strategies International. Prior to that, she worked for three years as an executive vice president at FremantleMedia North America. Her resume also includes stints at Endeavor Talent Agency,...
- 5/3/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Dealmaking in the creative community is in a state of limbo as the traditionally close alliance among writers, agents, managers and lawyers has ruptured amid a highly volatile climate.
Since the Writers Guild of America filed suit against Hollywood’s four largest agencies — Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners — on April 17 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the steady stream of termination letters flowing from writers to their agents has cast a dark cloud over the industry. Writers are essential to job creation in the TV and film businesses. Nothing gets done in scripted entertainment without a script.
Meanwhile, lawyers and managers are scrambling to sort out what they can — and can’t — do on behalf of their writer clients in the absence of agents. The Ata maintains that the guild is overreaching its authority as the collective bargaining agent for writers.
The WGA, meanwhile, has sought to expressly empower talent...
Since the Writers Guild of America filed suit against Hollywood’s four largest agencies — Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners — on April 17 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the steady stream of termination letters flowing from writers to their agents has cast a dark cloud over the industry. Writers are essential to job creation in the TV and film businesses. Nothing gets done in scripted entertainment without a script.
Meanwhile, lawyers and managers are scrambling to sort out what they can — and can’t — do on behalf of their writer clients in the absence of agents. The Ata maintains that the guild is overreaching its authority as the collective bargaining agent for writers.
The WGA, meanwhile, has sought to expressly empower talent...
- 4/23/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Good Friday has put Hollywood on pause for tomorrow, but today the Writers Guild said it has a very big Easter delivery for the uberagencies coming on Monday.
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
- 4/19/2019
- by Dominic Patten and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Association of Talent Agents responded to the Writers Guild of America’s newly filed lawsuit against the top four talent agencies in Hollywood on Wednesday, warning that the guild was sending the entertainment industry on a “predetermined path to chaos” and declared it was proof that the guild never had “any intention to negotiate.”
The WGA, on Wednesday morning, filed a civil lawsuit against the top four talent agencies in Hollywood, including UTA, CAA, Wme and ICM Partners. The lawsuit says that packaging fees violate California fiduciary law by “severing the relationship between writers’ compensation and what the agency receives in fees.”
“This development is ironic given that the Guild itself has agreed to the legitimacy of packaging for more than 43 years,” said Ata Executive Director Karen Stuart in a statement Wednesday. “Even more ironic is the fact that the statute the WGA is suing under prevents abuses of...
The WGA, on Wednesday morning, filed a civil lawsuit against the top four talent agencies in Hollywood, including UTA, CAA, Wme and ICM Partners. The lawsuit says that packaging fees violate California fiduciary law by “severing the relationship between writers’ compensation and what the agency receives in fees.”
“This development is ironic given that the Guild itself has agreed to the legitimacy of packaging for more than 43 years,” said Ata Executive Director Karen Stuart in a statement Wednesday. “Even more ironic is the fact that the statute the WGA is suing under prevents abuses of...
- 4/18/2019
- by Trey Williams and Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
As the battle rages on between the Writers Guild of America and Hollywood’s biggest agencies, a new lawsuit could give writers another legal leg to stand on. Today, the WGA filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to establish that talent agency packaging fees are illegal under both California and federal law.
The plaintiffs are the Writers Guild of America West and East, along with writers and WGA members Patti Carr (“Reign”), Ashley Gable (“The Mentalist”), Barbara Hall (“Madam Secretary”), Deric Hughes (“Arrow”), Chip Johannessen (“Homeland”), Deirdre Mangan (“The Crossing”), David Simon (“The Wire”), and Meredith Stiehm (“Cold Case”). The defendants are the “big four” Hollywood talent agencies, including William Morris Endeavor (Wme), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and ICM Partners (ICM).
The lawsuit comes as thousands of Hollywood writers and members of the WGA are firing talent agencies and agents that refuse to...
The plaintiffs are the Writers Guild of America West and East, along with writers and WGA members Patti Carr (“Reign”), Ashley Gable (“The Mentalist”), Barbara Hall (“Madam Secretary”), Deric Hughes (“Arrow”), Chip Johannessen (“Homeland”), Deirdre Mangan (“The Crossing”), David Simon (“The Wire”), and Meredith Stiehm (“Cold Case”). The defendants are the “big four” Hollywood talent agencies, including William Morris Endeavor (Wme), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and ICM Partners (ICM).
The lawsuit comes as thousands of Hollywood writers and members of the WGA are firing talent agencies and agents that refuse to...
- 4/17/2019
- by Kate Erbland and Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Updated with more info and full lawsuit: The WGA has filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the four major packaging agencies, accusing them of violating state and federal laws with respect to the fiduciary duties to their writer-clients.
Tony Segall, the general counsel for the Writers Guild of America, West, said during a press conference at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles on Wednesday said the suit against CAA, Wme, ICM Partners and UTA makes two claims: that packaging fees violate state fiduciary duty laws, and that those fees violate federal unfair competition laws.
Specifically, the suit cites the anti-kickback provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act. Under that law, representatives of an employee can’t receive money from an employer, Segall said.
“Packaging fees have caused tremendous financial harm to the guilds and their members including the individual plaintiffs,” read the 25-page suit (read it here).
The plaintiffs...
Tony Segall, the general counsel for the Writers Guild of America, West, said during a press conference at Wgaw headquarters in Los Angeles on Wednesday said the suit against CAA, Wme, ICM Partners and UTA makes two claims: that packaging fees violate state fiduciary duty laws, and that those fees violate federal unfair competition laws.
Specifically, the suit cites the anti-kickback provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act. Under that law, representatives of an employee can’t receive money from an employer, Segall said.
“Packaging fees have caused tremendous financial harm to the guilds and their members including the individual plaintiffs,” read the 25-page suit (read it here).
The plaintiffs...
- 4/17/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America on Wednesday filed a civil lawsuit against Hollywood’s top four talent agencies, escalating its dispute over packaging fees.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the guild said it was filing a lawsuit that alleges that packaging fees — collected when bundling talent and bringing them as a package to a studio or network for film or TV projects — are illegal under California and federal law.
The lawsuit claims that packaging fees violate California fiduciary law by “severing the relationship between writers’ compensation and what the agency receives in fees.”
Also Read: Talent Agents Plan Fight Against WGA, Lay Out Standard of Representation for Agents
Lawyers for the WGA also argued during the press conference on Wednesday that packaging fees violate the Taft-Hartley Act, which says that any representative of an employee cannot receive money from the employer.
“All of the writer plaintiffs have been hurt financially by packaging deals.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the guild said it was filing a lawsuit that alleges that packaging fees — collected when bundling talent and bringing them as a package to a studio or network for film or TV projects — are illegal under California and federal law.
The lawsuit claims that packaging fees violate California fiduciary law by “severing the relationship between writers’ compensation and what the agency receives in fees.”
Also Read: Talent Agents Plan Fight Against WGA, Lay Out Standard of Representation for Agents
Lawyers for the WGA also argued during the press conference on Wednesday that packaging fees violate the Taft-Hartley Act, which says that any representative of an employee cannot receive money from the employer.
“All of the writer plaintiffs have been hurt financially by packaging deals.
- 4/17/2019
- by Trey Williams and Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
The WGA and the ATA have averted — at least temporarily — a looming crisis and they have agreed to push tonight’s midnight deadline five days to try and figure out a compromise. Sources said that the agents initiated a meeting with WGA that lasted three and led to an extension as their 43-year-old franchise agreement was set to expire at midnight. The new deadline is Friday.
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
- 4/7/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva, Mike Fleming Jr and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West have announced the results of the 2018 Board of Directors Election.
Eight members were elected to the Wgaw’s Board of Directors for two-year terms. They include Patti Carr (incumbent), Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack, Jonathan Fernandez (incumbent), Patric M. Verrone (incumbent), Travis Donnelly. Their terms are effective immediately.
“This vote represents the largest turnout in Guild Board election history, due in no small part to an outstanding group of candidates,” said Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “I’m thrilled to welcome the new Board members, and I’m very gratified to see, more than ever, writers engaging to strengthen our union.”
2,475 ballots were cast and the count was supervised by Votenet Solutions. The results were as follows: Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack, Jonathan Fernandez, Patric M. Verrone, Travis Donnelly (972), Eric Heisserer (927), Dante W. Harper...
Eight members were elected to the Wgaw’s Board of Directors for two-year terms. They include Patti Carr (incumbent), Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack, Jonathan Fernandez (incumbent), Patric M. Verrone (incumbent), Travis Donnelly. Their terms are effective immediately.
“This vote represents the largest turnout in Guild Board election history, due in no small part to an outstanding group of candidates,” said Wgaw President David A. Goodman. “I’m thrilled to welcome the new Board members, and I’m very gratified to see, more than ever, writers engaging to strengthen our union.”
2,475 ballots were cast and the count was supervised by Votenet Solutions. The results were as follows: Patti Carr, Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack, Jonathan Fernandez, Patric M. Verrone, Travis Donnelly (972), Eric Heisserer (927), Dante W. Harper...
- 9/19/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Writers Guild of America West president Patric Verrone has been re-elected to a board seat along with incumbents Patti Carr and Jonathan Fernandez.
Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack and Travis Donnelly were also elected. Carr was the top vote-getter with 1,667, followed by Gable, Thomas, Hughes, Slack, Fernandez, Verrone, and Donnelly (972).
Eric Heisserer (927), Dante W. Harper (916), Spiro Skentzos (856), Deborah Amelon (751), VJ Boyd (661) also ran. A total of 2,475 valid ballots were cast. The ballot count was supervised by Votenet Solutions.
“This vote represents the largest turnout in Guild Board election history, due in no small part to an outstanding group of candidates,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “I’m thrilled to welcome the new Board members, and I’m very gratified to see, more than ever, writers engaging to strengthen our union.”
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight...
Ashley Gable, Betsy Thomas, Deric A. Hughes, David Slack and Travis Donnelly were also elected. Carr was the top vote-getter with 1,667, followed by Gable, Thomas, Hughes, Slack, Fernandez, Verrone, and Donnelly (972).
Eric Heisserer (927), Dante W. Harper (916), Spiro Skentzos (856), Deborah Amelon (751), VJ Boyd (661) also ran. A total of 2,475 valid ballots were cast. The ballot count was supervised by Votenet Solutions.
“This vote represents the largest turnout in Guild Board election history, due in no small part to an outstanding group of candidates,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “I’m thrilled to welcome the new Board members, and I’m very gratified to see, more than ever, writers engaging to strengthen our union.”
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight...
- 9/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, 2:24 Pm: The WGA West said today that two announced candidates have dropped out of its 2018 board of directors race. The union said incumbent Courtney Ellinger withdrew her candidacy on July 15, followed by challenger Akilah Green exiting four days later.
Their exits leave 13 people, including three incumbents, vying for 13 open seats on the board.
Previously, June 21: Fifteen candidates have been nominated to run for eight open seats on the WGA West’s board of directors, including incumbents Patti Carr, Jonathan Fernandez, Courtney Ellinger and former guild president Patric Verrone.
The other candidates chosen by the guild’s nominating committee are Deric Hughes, David Slack, Akilah Green, Ashley Gable, Spiro Skentzos, VJ Boyd, Travis Donnelly, Dante W. Harper, Eric Heisserer, Deborah Amelon, and Betsy Thomas.
Eligible members also can run by petition by obtaining 15 member signatures in support of their candidacies. The deadline for submitting signed petitions is July...
Their exits leave 13 people, including three incumbents, vying for 13 open seats on the board.
Previously, June 21: Fifteen candidates have been nominated to run for eight open seats on the WGA West’s board of directors, including incumbents Patti Carr, Jonathan Fernandez, Courtney Ellinger and former guild president Patric Verrone.
The other candidates chosen by the guild’s nominating committee are Deric Hughes, David Slack, Akilah Green, Ashley Gable, Spiro Skentzos, VJ Boyd, Travis Donnelly, Dante W. Harper, Eric Heisserer, Deborah Amelon, and Betsy Thomas.
Eligible members also can run by petition by obtaining 15 member signatures in support of their candidacies. The deadline for submitting signed petitions is July...
- 7/23/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Writers Guild of America West president Patric Verrone and “Arrival” screenwriter Eric Heisserer are among the 15 candidates for eight WGA West board seats.
The guild’s nominating committee made the announcement Thursday. The election will take place on Sept. 18.
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight other board seats will be up for election next year.
Verrone, best known for leading the 2007-08 strike, is an incumbent on the board. Other incumbents seeking re-election are Patti Carr, Courtney Ellinger, and Jonathan Fernandez. Besides Heisserer, the other candidates include Deborah Alemon, VJ Boyd, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Akilah Green, Dante W. Harper, Deric A. Hughes, Spiro Skentzos, David Slack, and TV showrunner Betsy Thomas.
Verrone has extensive credits in animation on shows such as “Futurama.” Heisserer was nominated for an Academy Award in the adapted screenplay category for “Arrival.”
Two high-profile board members — “Mad Men...
The guild’s nominating committee made the announcement Thursday. The election will take place on Sept. 18.
The seats are for two-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and eight other board seats will be up for election next year.
Verrone, best known for leading the 2007-08 strike, is an incumbent on the board. Other incumbents seeking re-election are Patti Carr, Courtney Ellinger, and Jonathan Fernandez. Besides Heisserer, the other candidates include Deborah Alemon, VJ Boyd, Travis Donnelly, Ashley Gable, Akilah Green, Dante W. Harper, Deric A. Hughes, Spiro Skentzos, David Slack, and TV showrunner Betsy Thomas.
Verrone has extensive credits in animation on shows such as “Futurama.” Heisserer was nominated for an Academy Award in the adapted screenplay category for “Arrival.”
Two high-profile board members — “Mad Men...
- 6/21/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Sneak Peek footage from the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer", Season 1 episode "I, Robot...You Jane", written by Ashley Gable, Thomas A. Swyden and directed by Stephen L. Posey, that aired April 28, 1997 on The WB:
"...in 'Cortona', Italy, in 1418, a circle of priests trap the demon 'Moloch' in a book using a magic ritual. The book is sealed in a box, with the head priest hoping the book will never be read. In the present, the book is delivered to 'Giles' and added to a pile that 'Willow' is scanning into a computer.
"Willow tells 'Buffy' that she formed an online relationship with a boy named 'Malcolm'. As Buffy tries to warn Willow about the dangers of rushing into a relationship, 'Fritz', a computer geek, is instructed by Moloch, via the computer he is working on, to keep watch on Buffy.
"Willow becomes suspicious of Malcolm after she learns...
"...in 'Cortona', Italy, in 1418, a circle of priests trap the demon 'Moloch' in a book using a magic ritual. The book is sealed in a box, with the head priest hoping the book will never be read. In the present, the book is delivered to 'Giles' and added to a pile that 'Willow' is scanning into a computer.
"Willow tells 'Buffy' that she formed an online relationship with a boy named 'Malcolm'. As Buffy tries to warn Willow about the dangers of rushing into a relationship, 'Fritz', a computer geek, is instructed by Moloch, via the computer he is working on, to keep watch on Buffy.
"Willow becomes suspicious of Malcolm after she learns...
- 11/13/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Recently, CBS delivered the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Person Of Interest" episode 18 of season 4. The episode is entitled, "Skip," and it turns out that we're going to see some very intriguing and dramatic stuff as Reese has to deal with trying to protect a bounty hunter that has no problem with getting herself into life-threatening situations, and more! In the new, 10th episode press release: Reese is going to try to protect a bounty hunter who refuses to let the threat to her life, get in the way of tracking her target. Press release number 2: Reese will have to protect a bounty hunter who refuses to let the potential threat to her life, deter her from the relentless pursuit of her target. Also, Finch will try to set the plan he began in Shanghai in motion. Guest stars feature: Katheryn Winnick (Frankie Wells), Ato Essandoh (Ray Pratt), Louis Lourens (Mr.
- 3/10/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
So far away and yet so near. The problem with depicting the future on TV is that, 99.99999% of the time, it never turns out that way. Take the short-lived Space: 1999, the mid-1970s ITV rival to Doctor Who. 1999 itself was far less dramatic – the moon was never catapulted across space in the wake of a nuclear disaster. And come to think of it, no one walked around in drab, grey jumpsuits with big, bouffant hair. So many of the sci-fi classics made the mistake of thinking that the future is overpowered by the jumpsuit and the bouffant hairdo – a terrifying combination.
And let's not forget computers – great big clunky pieces of metal that would require the combined mights of Geoff Capes, Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks to ferry from one place to another. TV programmes also assumed that computers could talk to people in the form of a giant holographic face.
And let's not forget computers – great big clunky pieces of metal that would require the combined mights of Geoff Capes, Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks to ferry from one place to another. TV programmes also assumed that computers could talk to people in the form of a giant holographic face.
- 5/6/2013
- Shadowlocked
Exclusive: The Mentalist creator/executive producer Bruno Heller and the series’ executive producers Ashley Gable and Tom Szentgyorgyi have set up a new crime drama at CBS. Titled Murder Bitches, it centers on two young female detectives who are complete opposites, their relationship made more complicated by the fact that one of them suffered a stroke two years ago at age 27. They’re known on the force, in admiration and envy, as the Murder Bitches. Gable and Szentgyorgyi will write the script and executive produce with Heller. Mentalist producer Warner Bros TV, where Heller is under an overall deal, is producing. Gable joined The Mentalist right after the pilot and was on it for the first four seasons, the last two as an executive producer. She currently serves as a consulting producer on the new CBS/CBS TV Studios drama Vegas. Szentgyorgyi came on board Mentalist as a co-executive producer...
- 10/1/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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