Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Labor union representing film, television, and digital media writers negotiating contracts and arbitrating credits.
Definition
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is the labor union representing writers in film, television, and new media. The WGA negotiates contracts establishing compensation, creative rights, and working conditions while arbitrating credit disputes.
WGA Awards recognize excellence in writing, with the ceremony providing high-profile recognition during awards season. The Guild's advocacy on residuals, particularly for streaming content, addresses industry evolution affecting writer compensation.
Why It Matters
WGA membership provides essential career protections including minimum compensation, residuals, and credit arbitration that ensure writers receive appropriate recognition and payment.
WGA strikes have shaped industry economics, with labor actions winning improvements that benefit all writers. Understanding Guild priorities provides insight into industry tensions.
Examples in Practice
WGA minimum requirements ensure a writer receives appropriate compensation for a project that might otherwise have exploited inexperience.
Credit arbitration through WGA resolves a dispute where multiple writers contributed, with Guild process determining fair attribution.
WGA Award recognition for a television series elevates the writers' profiles, leading to overall deal negotiations and showrunner opportunities.