We stand with WGA

WGGB, alongside all other members of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG), representing approximately 50,000 film and television writers worldwide, has passed a resolution in support of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in their current negotiations with the Association of Talent Agents (ATA).

The IAWG have reminded the agencies, who earn commissions from a global client base that includes many dual WGA members, that we are all paying close attention to this dispute. The international community of creators expect their agents to work for them, to represent and promote their best interests above all else. We strongly agree with the WGA position that, in order for agencies to ethically represent our members, every dollar they make must be generated as a percentage of the money they negotiate on our members’ behalf.

The resolution states:
Be it resolved that: In the spirit of Article 4B of the Affiliation Agreement whereby, “to the extent practicable, each Guild shall adopt uniform codes of working rules and bring existing codes into uniformity”: We resolve to inform our members of a lapsed WGA Artists’ Manager Basic Agreement (AMBA), educate them on the underlying issues of the dispute, the adoption of an Agency Code of Conduct, and the list of non-signatory agents; We further resolve to encourage our dual members to ensure their agents adhere to the Agency Code of Conduct, and recommend all writers reject agency-based studios, the unethical   of packaging fees, and to request their agents also sign onto the Code of Conduct.

WGGB recommends that all dual members read this excellent FAQ document produced by WGA which provides details of the dispute and the recommended action.

For those members concerned that ending their relationship with their US agent  may affect their visa status. We understand that those who are in the U.S. on visas sponsored by talent agencies have been given special dispensation by the WGA and can keep their agents even if the agency involved does not sign the WGA’s new Code of Conduct. If you are unsure, please contact the appropriate WGA officer.

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