WGA survey finds worsening conditions for screenwriters

Free rewrites, competitive pitch sessions and late payments are becoming a fact of life for many screenwriters, according to a recent survey of screenwriters by the Writers Guild of America.

The confidential survey, which was sent to members who had worked on feature films or pitched movie ideas in 2011, found that screenwriters are increasingly unhappy with how they are being treated by producers and studios.

“The guild has become increasingly concerned based on anecdotal evidence from our members about deteriorating conditions in screen employment and the rise of certain practices that harm both screenwriters and the overall quality of films produced,” WGA, West leaders wrote in a recent letter to members.
Among the findings: Most writers working for major studios did rewrites without being paid because they felt it necessary in order to keep their job or get hired in the future; a majority of screenwriters received only one or two guaranteed payments for drafts in their deals; and nearly a quarter believed they weren’t paid on time.

“Screenwriters believe their status in the industry has significantly deteriorated over the past several years,” according to the survey conducted in February by the research firm Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz.

In its annual report to members, the WGA, West said earlier this month that earnings for feature film writers dropped 13% to $349.1 million last year, while the number of screenwriters employed fell 8% to 1,562 as studios released fewer feature films.

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