Here’s what going on, socially and professionally, at the Writers Guild of America West this month:
April 2021
Members must RSVP in advance to receive access info to participate in online events.
Events listed are current at time of publication. Dates and details are subject to change during the month.
Unless otherwise states 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.)
Tuesday 06
Genre Committee Meeting
6-7:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Genre
RSVP: Genre. The WGAW’s Genre Committee was formed with the purpose of attracting writers interested in a certain genre, to meet, discuss and exchange information in a peer-to-peer setting. Our mission is to push education, diversity and camaraderie amongst all writers no matter their background. The Committee welcomes all writers because writers work in all genres.
Wednesday 07
Committee of Black Writers Meeting
7-9 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: CBW 04-2021. The WGAW Committee of Black Writers’ mission is to empower, increase visibility, and create career and networking opportunities for Black writers in Hollywood. You will be emailed the Zoom ID and meeting logistics on the day of the meeting.
Thursday 08
Writers Education Committee Meeting
6-7:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Writers Ed
RSVP: WritersEd. This WGAW 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.
Thursday 08
Middle Eastern Writers Committee Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: MEWC 04-2021. Guest speaker: Amotz Zakai (Partner and Literary Manager, Echo Lake Entertainment). The mission of the Middle Eastern Writers Committee is to boost visibility and employment of Middle Eastern writers within the film and television industry, while celebrating and promoting accurate portrayals of Middle Eastern characters in all areas of media. We also serve as an expert resource for productions on issues related to the vast and diverse Middle Eastern community in the United States and abroad. You will be emailed the Zoom ID and meeting logistics on the day of the meeting.
Monday 12
Committee of Women Writers Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: CWW 04-2021. Guest speaker: Devin Crossfield (Paramount+). The Committee of Women Writers represents the professional interests of the women-identifying Guild members who are seeking WGA-covered work. The CWW sponsors events designed to increase access to employment and to foster networking and collaboration between the women-identifying members of all Guilds. The goal is to improve the profile and perception of women-identifying writers in our industry in order to achieve equal access and financial parity in the workplace. You will be emailed the Zoom ID and meeting logistics on the day of the meeting.
Tuesday 13
Accessing the Industry: Engaging and Empowering Disabled Writers
4-5 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Writers Guild Foundation
Info/RSVP: WGFoundation.org. This panel, in partnership with Inevitable Foundation and the Disabled Writers Committee, explores the experiences of disabled film and TV writers, from the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry with a disability to the role accessibility plays in their writing process. Hear a range of perspectives about the various barriers disabled writers face, and learn how non-disabled writers can make the storytelling process more hospitable and inclusive for disabled writers to thrive. Panelists include Jenn Lloyd (K.C. Undercover), Shani Am. Moore (The Bold Type), Shoshannah Stern (This Close), and Keisha Zollar (Astronomy Club). Moderated by WGAW Disabled Writers Committee Chair David Radcliff (Waffles + Mochi). Free with suggested donation of $10.
Wednesday 14
Stop Asian Hate: How to be an Ally in the Room
7 p.m. – Zoom or BlueJeans
Category: Inclusion and Equity
RSVP: AAWCevent. The Asian American community is under attack. Our collective problems won’t be solved overnight nor will this be a comprehensive overview of the myriad problems that we face. Nevertheless, change begins with small steps, and we welcome all who want to listen and do the work in learning how to join us in allyship. The Asian American Writers Committee, along with the support of the Think Tank for Inclusion and Equity, will host this discussion with influential Asian American writers who will share their experiences and provide actionable strategies for supporting our colleagues and portraying authentic characters and stories. Panelists include: Soo Hugh (Pachinko) and others to be announced. WGA members plus one guest.
Thursday 15
WGF Script Breakdown with Dickinson’s Alena Smith
4-5 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Writers Guild Foundation
Info/RSVP: WGFoundation.org. Hosted by WGF Librarians Javier Barrios and Lauren O’Connor, we’ll take a painstaking look at scripts on screen to analyze and learn about description, dialogue, character voice, text on screen, plus much more. For this session, we speak with Alena Smith, Creator/showrunner/Executive Producer of Dickinson on AppleTV+, and dive deep into the season 2 script, “Split the lark.” Free with suggested donation of $10.
Thursday 15
Asian American Writers Committee Meeting
7:30-9:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity Committee Meetings
RSVP: AAWC 04-2021. The Asian-American Writers Committee represents the professional and creative interests of Asian-American Guild members. Its mandate is to be dedicated to the encouragement, empowerment and employment of writers of Asian heritage. Join us for an informative and fun evening in a relaxed environment. You will be emailed the Zoom ID and meeting logistics on the day of the meeting.
Wednesday 21
Write Inclusion: Latinx
6-7:30 p.m. – BlueJeans
Category: Writers Ed
RSVP: Inclusion. Presented by WGAW’s Writers Education and Latinx Writers Committees, in partnership with the Think Tank for Inclusion and Equity and Storyline Partners, join us for the latest virtual panel event in the Guild’s multi-part series to unpack cultural narratives surrounding TTIE’s #WriteInclusion: Tips for Accurate Representation factsheet initiative. These talks delve into authentic and nuanced storytelling, examining culture creation, how we shape stories, and how to ensure accurate and authentic characters and narratives in film and TV. This panel will focus on the portrayals and representation of Latinx people. Panelists: Writers Moises Zamora (Selena: The Series), Ashley Charbonnet (Roswell, New Mexico), Emmylou Diaz (Station 19), Mercedes Valle, and Solange Morales, and Brenda Castillo (President & CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition); Moderator: WGAW Latinx Writers Committee Co-Chair Danny Tolli (Roswell, New Mexico).
Thursday 29
The Story of US: Decolonizing Black and Native/Indigenous Narratives
7-8:30 p.m. – Zoom
Category: Inclusion and Equity
RSVP: StoryofUs. This moderated Q&A will provide information promoting Black and Native/Indigenous narratives, as well as include actionable steps to increase collaboration between Black and Native/Indigenous people through storytelling mediums. Panelists TBA. Co-Hosted by the Committee of Black Writers (CBW) and Native Americ