Call For Nominations – WGC Special Awards

The WGC recognizes certain unique contributions through its Special Awards, including the WGC Showrunner Award & the Alex Barris Mentorship Award.

The sixth annual WGC Showrunner Award will go to a screenwriter with a big vision and a body of work that expresses it. Learn more about the Award here, and nominate a showrunner you admire today.

The Alex Barris Mentorship Award is the chance to recognize that mentor who helped you become the writer you are today? The award acknowledges one person who has gone above and beyond to help a writer - or several writers - to get a start in the business – just as Alex Barris did over his career. While the nominator must be a WGC member, the recipient need not be. It could be a teacher or a story editor, or someone else. Learn more about the Award here, and nominate your mentor today.
 

WGC Member Meetings!

The WGC is in the midst of collective bargaining, and it's time to talk again with members. Priorities in this round of bargaining include animation minimums, bible contracts and increases (including increases to retirement contributions). There is tough work ahead. Join us for an update and to share your perspective on this current round of negotiations. These member-only meetings will provide more detail on negotiations over drinks. This is the most significant conversation we've had in years - please attend this important discussion about the conditions under which you work.

Montreal

When: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Where: Lionceau of Au Petit Extra (1690 Ontario St East, Montreal)
            RSVP by contacting Elaine Mannila. (please mention city when RSVPing)

Halifax

When: Thursday, February 16th (6:30pm)
Where: TBA
           RSVP by contacting Elaine Mannila. (please mention city when RSVPing)

Congrats to Amanda Forbis & Wendy Tilby

Our heartfelt congratulations to Amanda Forbis & Wendy Tilby, creators of "Wild Life," the Oscar-nominated NFB short film. We wish you both very well - and we'll be rooting for you on the big night. To view a clip of "Wild Life," visit here.

National Digital Economy Consult

Industry Minister Christian Paradis is in the midst of consultations on the National Digital Economy Strategy. He is anticipated to be holding a series of cross-Canada consultations that will continue in the weeks leading up to the release of the 2012 budget. Industry Canada has said Canadians wishing to participate in the discussion can participate in the consultations online. And/or they can participate in person - venues and details will be publicized as the information becomes available. For Canadian audiences in general, and content creators in particular, it is important that the strategy go beyond e-commerce and broadband access to ensure that Canadians can choose quality Canadian programming on all platforms.  

Member Alert: Telefilm Changes!

Telefilm Canada has instituted new development guidelines that will affect feature film writers in Canada. The WGC was simply informed of the new guidelines. They arrive approved by the Telefilm Board and set for implementation in April. Telefilm will roll out the final version of the guidelines in the coming weeks and is hosting information sessions at various locations across the country – we have been assured our members are welcome at those sessions. Click Read More (below) for dates and places. Please refer any questions to your local Telefilm office and/or check the Telefilm website for more.