Writers Guild of America

Who We Are: An Introduction
We are the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), a labor union composed of the thousands of writers who write the content for television shows, movies, news programs, documentaries, animation, and Internet and mobile phones (new media) that keep audiences constantly entertained and informed.

Services for Our Members
Our primary duty is to represent our members in negotiations with film and television producers to ensure the rights of screen, television, and new media writers.
Once a contract is in place, we enforce it. Because of the WGAW’s long-term efforts, writers receive pension and health coverage, and their financial and creative rights are protected.

CREDITS
We are responsible for determining writing credits for feature films, television, and new media programs—a responsibility with far-reaching impact, financial and artistic.
Writers’ livelihoods often depend on the careful and objective determination of credits.
 

RESIDUALS
The WGAW monitors, collects, and distributes millions of dollars in residuals (payments for the reuse of movies, television, and new media programs) for writers each year.
 

EDUCATION
Throughout the year, the Writers Guild sponsors seminars, panel discussions, and special events for its members as well as the public at large.
 

LEGISLATION & OUTREACH
The WGAW furthers the interests of writers through legislation, international agreements, and public relations efforts. The WGAW is affiliated with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and other organizations around the world.
If you have further questions about the important work being done by the WGAW—the world’s largest organization of this kind—visit the Guild’s website at www.wgaw.org.