The WGAW is Getting Ready for the 2016 Writers Guild Awards

If you’re a member of the Writers Guild of America, either West or East, it’s time to nominate yourself for the next batch of WGA Awards. If you aren’t, well, now you have something to aspire to. Either way, here’s the info you need:

(1A) Long Form–Original and (1B) Long Form–Adapted categories now include “limited series”

• Programs eligible to compete in these categories are now defined as follows: “A long form television or new media motion picture is a motion picture, over one hour in length, including MOWs and limited series.”

• A limited series (including miniseries) is defined as “at least two but not more than 13 episodes with a total running time of at least three broadcast or exhibition hours that is based on a single theme or story line which is resolved within the piece.”

• In addition, the WGA has eliminated the rule prohibiting series with a “Created by” credit from competing in this category.

• Programs that meet the WGA’s new “limited series” definition will not be eligible to compete in the WGA’s Drama, Comedy or New Series awards categories.

(5A) Comedy/Variety (Including Talk) Series category has been split into two separate categories: (5A) Comedy/Variety Talk Series and (5C) Comedy/Variety Sketch Series

• Weekly sketch shows, which predominately consist of scripted sketches, will no longer compete against nightly talk shows, which may feature occasional sketch elements but are primarily composed of monologue jokes, desk segments and guest interviews.