Will the WGAW Prevail over Village Roadshow Productions?

by Larry Brody

If what this email from the WGAW is true, and I assume it is because WGAW, I urge all my Guild member friends and TVWriter.Com visitors to pay attention and do the right thing.

Dear Members,

We are writing to alert you that WGA members are prohibited under Working Rule 8 from performing writing services for, or optioning or selling literary material to, Village Roadshow Productions Inc., or any affiliate thereof.

It has come to the Guild’s attention that over the last few months Village Roadshow hasn’t paid writers on numerous projects. Village Roadshow owes writers compensation, interest, and benefit contributions but has refused to pay. As such, the Guild has determined that Village Roadshow is not reliable or financially responsible and requires the posting of a bond to protect writers. Village Roadshow has, to date, refused to do so.

As a result, Village Roadshow is on the WGA strike list until further notice.

It is crucial that Village Roadshow be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions. Village Roadshow cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.

If you believe you are owed money by Village Roadshow, have been recently approached or are currently employed by Village Roadshow to work on a project, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Legal Department so our staff can talk with you about your particular circumstances.

In solidarity,

Meredith Stiehm, President
Michele Mulroney, Vice President
Betsy Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer

LYMI, LB

Author: LB

A legendary figure in the television writing and production world with a career going back to the late ’60s, Larry Brody has written and produced hundreds of hours of American and worldwide television and is a consultant to production companies and networks in the U.S. and abroad . Shows written or produced by Brody have won several awards including - yes, it's true - Emmys, Writers Guild Awards, and the Humanitas Award.

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