Establishing union protections for Animation writers
Writing is writing, no matter if it’s for animation or live-action, and it’s time for animation writers to get the protections and benefits that all writers deserve. That’s why the WGAE is fighting to win union coverage for animation writers at employers like PBS and beyond.
We are actively organizing in Animation. If you write for an animated program and don’t work under a union contract, we want to hear from you! Please reach out to WGAE’s Animation Organizers to get started.
You can help win Guild coverage for Animation writers
The Guild has successfully negotiated coverage for multiple animated series (PDF). In the spring of 2024, we won a groundbreaking contract at Sesame Workshop that, for the first time at Sesame, expands union coverage to include animation writers.
We’re currently fighting for a PBS contract that includes full and equal coverage for animation writers.
Contact us if you’ve written or are in development talks for…
- A PBS animation program, especially if you have worked on one of these shows: Pinkalicious & Peterrific, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Molly of Denali, Work it out Wombats, Alma’s Way, Cyberchase, Rosie’s Rules, Skillsville, Elinor Wonders Why, Carl the Collector, Hero Elementary, Nature Cat, and/or Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band.
- A children’s programming animation studio like Fred Rogers Productions or 9 Story Media Group/Scholastic, even if you haven’t written on animation programs that air on PBS.
- An eastern region-based children’s animation show like Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures.
- Any other animation program and are interested in supporting the push for a unionized animation writing industry.
Covering animated features
For feature animation, the Guild has successfully secured coverage for animated features and hybrid live-action/animation projects such The Lego Movie, Peter Rabbit, and Spongebob: Sponge on the Run, to name a few.
If you are a writer interested in selling or developing an animated feature, you can negotiate WGA coverage, even though not all types of animation are automatically covered by the MBA.
If you’re developing an animated feature project, here are the steps you can take to ensure your film is covered under a WGA agreement:
- As soon as you begin development, contact a WGAE Animation organizer for support and resources. All conversations are confidential.
- Make sure your Reps understand that Guild coverage is a priority and enlist their support. Guild coverage is essential for members to qualify for health insurance, vest in the pension plan, or build for retirement.
- Make sure that the company in question uses an existing signatory to the MBA or becomes a signatory to cover animation.
- Be prepared to use your leverage and to walk away from the deal, if Guild coverage is essential to you.
Writers have had the most success getting projects covered when there has been a live-action component. You should be clear up-front that you want your project to be Guild-covered, and in some cases be willing to push hard for a Guild deal.
Other ways to get involved
Animation Caucus
The WGAE Animation Caucus is a community for professional writers who work in the field of animation and seek to improve the industry through unionization.
Caucus programming addresses industry-wide shifts for animation writers, and Caucus members work together to advance economic and creative conditions in the field. Through educational events, organizing efforts, networking opportunities and more, the Animation Caucus is a leading proponent for improving the working lives of animation writers.
WGAE caucuses are open to Guild members and non-members alike. If you’re interested in learning more about the WGAE Animation Caucus you can visit the Caucus homepage and submit an application.
