The Writer’s Guild of America is a labor union for writers on the television and film industries as well as employees of television and radio news. It offers a number of benefits for its members, which include Health & Pension as well as countless special offers. Also, it is an excellent source of support and guidance for both successful working writers as well as struggling writers, as it protects and guarantees writers’ rights.
The WGA is constituted by the Writer’s Guild of America East and the Writer’s Guild of America West:

Writer’s Guild of America East:
555 West 57th St. #1230
New York, NY 10019
212-767-7800
http://www.wgaeast.org

Writer’s Guild of America West:
7000 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-951-4000
http://www.wga.org

In order to join, one must have a writing history of twenty four credits or writing units, in the three years prior to applying. In Television, thirty minute scripts such as those for sitcoms account for six writing units, sixty minute scripts, the norm for dramas, account for nine writing units and ninety minute scripts account for twelve writing units; these are usually television films and specials. Theatrical features account for twenty four units.

The Writer’s Guild of America East charges a $1500 initiation fee, 1.5% of quarterly gross, $25 annual dues and for Associate members $100-$1000. The WGA West charges a $2500 initiation fee, 1.5% of quarterly gross, $25 annual dues and $75 for Associate members. Please visits the Guilds’ respective websites for further details.

For those interested in other writer’s guilds consider:
The Writer’s Guild of Great Britain
http://www.writersguild.org.uk
Australian Writer’s Guild
http://www.awg.com.au
Writer’s Guild of Canada
http://www.writersguildofcanada.com

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