A Public Service Announcement if ever there was one. Here’s what going on, socially and professionally, at the Writers Guild of America West this month:
November 2021
Until further notice, the Guild has suspended in-person committee meetings and events, member meetings, and screenings at the Writers Guild Theater. Virtual events are listed below. Members must RSVP in advance to receive access info to participate in online events.
Unless otherwise stated within the event, committee activities and events are open to WGAW Current, Post Current, Associate, and Associate Caucus members in Active status. If you have questions about your member status, please contact the Membership Department or call (323) 782-4532
To see the live calendar, click here. (Member Login required for that, sorry.)
Events listed are current at time of publication. Dates and details are subject to change during the month.
Monday 01
2021 COLCOA French Film Festival
Mon.-Sun., 11/1-11/7 – Directors Guild of America Theaters, 7920 Sunset Blvd., L.A.
Category: Other agencies
RSVP NOW/Info: colcoa.org. The WGAW, in partnership with the DGA, MPA and SACEM, proudly presents the 25th annual COLCOA French Film Festival, “A Week of French Film Premieres in Hollywood.” COLCOA showcases the latest in French film production, including several U.S., International, and World Premieres. Free to WGA members in good standing and a guest. Opening Monday night (11/01) is by invitation only; no walk-ins.
Monday 01
Disabled Writers Committee Meeting
7-9 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: DWC 11-2021. This Committee seeks to enhance the visibility and employment of writers with all types of disabilities, and encourage, celebrate, and endorse accurate portrayals of disabled people in all areas of the media. We also serve as an expert resource for all issues related to the disabled community.
Wednesday 03
Career Longevity Committee Meeting
7-9 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: CLC 11-2021. The mission of the Career Longevity Committee is to advocate for writers of all ages to obtain equal access to the job market with equal opportunity for sustained professional growth.
Tuesday 09
Native American & Indigenous Writers Committee Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: NAIWC 11-21. This Committee represents the professional and creative interests of Native American & Indigenous writers. It works to mentor, encourage, empower and increase the visibility and employment of writers of Native American & Indigenous heritage, and serves as a cultural and educational resource for all Guild member-writers seeking to portray Native American & Indigenous Peoples in their work.
Thursday 11
Writers Education Committee Meeting
6-7:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Writers Ed
RSVP: WEC. WGAW’s Writers Education Committee brainstorms and develops events and programs, which provide WGA members with practical, inside knowledge about how the industry works and how it is changing, emphasizing tips and tools to help writers succeed. We strive to provide working knowledge for writers and invite you to contribute your ideas.
Tuesday 16
LGBTQ+ Writers Committee Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: LGBTQ 11-2021. The Writers Guild of America West’s LGBTQ+ Writers Committee seeks to utilize its constituency as a resource to all writers who include LGBTQ+ characters in their work. Its members also wish to provide cultural and educational opportunities for WGAW members to nurture an understanding of how sexual orientation and gender identity affect the lives of writers; endeavor to provide networking and social activities enabling the WGAW membership to better know one another and create a greater demand for the writing services of LGBTQ+ WGAW members; and strive to generate a greater awareness within the Guild of sexual orientation (and gender identity) as a minority and, where appropriate, to identify and advocate against instances of homophobia, transphobia and/or discrimination within our industry.
Wednesday 17
Demystifying Business Affairs
6-7:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Writers Ed
RSVP: BA. As writers, all of our deals go through “business affairs” – but who are they and what exactly do they do? This virtual panel aims to demystify the Business Affairs department at studios, networks, and production companies by exploring their key objectives, how they collaborate with network and studio executives, and their communication with writers’ lawyers and reps. Panelists include: Karen Barna (Skydance, SVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Theatrical / screenwriter, Step Up 2: The Streets), Sandeep Motwani (Big Beach, Head of Business Affairs), and more TBA. Moderated by Hilary Weisman-Graham (Social Distance). Presented by WGAW’s Writers Education Committee.
Friday 19
WGFestival 2021
10 a.m.-9 p.m. – Online and Dynasty Typewriter
Category: Writers Guild Foundation
Info/Tickets: WGFestival.org. WGF’s annual celebration of craft is back and going hybrid this year with two days of virtual programming and fun in-person events at Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth featuring top film and TV writers and producers. Virtual Passes and first come, first served in-person theater tickets are free for WGAW members. Use the promo code WGFWGA on the Eventbrite ticketing page. If you have questions about WGFestival, feel free to email WGF at wgfestival@wgfoundation.org.
Monday 29
Latinx Writers Committee Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: LWC 11-2021. This committee actively represents the professional, creative, social and economic interests of Latino Guild members. Its mandate is to encourage Latino writers to become more active within the Guild; and to raise the profile and perception of Latino writers in the industry at large by creating forums that foster networking, collaboration, education, information exchange, employment opportunities and creative expression.