Los Angeles Events Calendar – October 2024

The Writers Guild of America East invites members to attend events happening in Los Angeles and online this month.

The calendar below includes information on screenings, panels and committee meetings taking place in October.

RSVPs are not required for screenings at the Writers Guild Theater. You only need your Guild membership card to attend all screenings. All screenings take place at the Writers Guild Theater (135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills) and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise specified, you can bring up to TWO guests to screenings. You can find the latest list of upcoming Los Angeles screenings via the WGAW website. (external – opens in a new window)

RSVPs are required for all other, non-screening events.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at events@wgaeast.org. 

View Meetings | View Screenings

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Upcoming Meetings & Events – In-Person & Virtual

Tuesday, October 01, 6:30–8 p.m.
Genre Committee Meeting
Zoom
RSVP
WGAW’s Genre Committee was formed with the purpose of attracting writers interested in a certain genre, to meet, discuss and exchange information in a peer-to-peer setting. Our mission is to push education, diversity and camaraderie amongst all writers no matter their background. The Committee welcomes all writers because writers work in all genres. Special guest Malcolm Spellman (Bel-Air, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Empire) will appear at meeting start at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 02, 7–9 p.m.
Committee of Black Writers Meeting
Zoom
RSVP
The WGAW Committee of Black Writers’ mission is to empower, increase visibility, and create career and networking opportunities for Black writers in Hollywood. Established in 1975.

Saturday, October 05, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The State of the Industry: A Town Hall for Black Writers in Hollywood
Zoom
RSVP
Join the WGAW Committee of Black Writers for a virtual town hall addressing the current landscape of inclusion and equity for Black writers. We’ll delve into data-driven insights, engage in panel discussions, and collaborate on actionable strategies for change.

Monday, October 07, 7–9 p.m.
Committee of Women Writers Meeting
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room + Zoom (Hybrid)
RSVP
The Committee of Women Writers represents the professional interests of the women-identifying Guild members who are seeking WGA-covered work. The CWW sponsors events designed to increase access to employment and to foster networking and collaboration between the women-identifying members of all Guilds. The goal is to improve the profile and perception of women-identifying writers in our industry in order to achieve equal access and financial parity in the workplace. Established in 1972.

Wednesday, October 09, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Jewish Writers Committee Meeting
Zoom
RSVP
The Jewish Writers Committee represents the professional, creative, and social interests of Jewish writers of all backgrounds and levels of observance and offers a sense of community. It educates and advocates with the goal of encouraging the accurate depiction of Jewish characters and Jewish history in the media. It promotes Jewish inclusion on and off the screen, working to prevent discrimination in the hiring process. Established in 2024.

Thursday, October 10, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Middle Eastern Writers Committee Meeting
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room + Zoom (Hybrid)
RSVP
The mission of the Middle Eastern Writers Committee is to boost visibility and employment of Middle Eastern writers within the film and television industry, while celebrating and promoting accurate portrayals of Middle Eastern characters in all areas of media. We also serve as an expert resource for productions on issues related to the vast and diverse Middle Eastern community in the United States and abroad. Established in 2020.

Tuesday, October 15, 7–8:30 p.m.
A More Perfect Union: Politics in Film & Television
Zoom
RSVP
Given the political climate and upcoming Presidential election in November, tune in to this timely, topical panel discussion to explore the impact of film and television on politics, and vice versa. Elections gauge public opinion–so do movies and TV shows. Historically, political cinema and television speaks, comments, and reflects on our times. Join us for a candid conversation with writers of political films and TV series that is sure to be informative and illuminating during this election year. This panel will explore everything from the creative process of crafting a political screenplay, the role films & TV programs can play in influencing public opinion in our political system, the challenges of telling contemporary political stories vs. historical ones, striking a balance between storytelling vs. moralizing, and whether audiences and the film business are partisan when we look at art, its meaning, and worth. Panelists to appear: Writers Dustin Lance Black (Rustin, Milk), Rick Cleveland (House of Cards, The West Wing), and more TBA; moderated by WGAW member Lori Rosene-Gambino (Anniversary); presented by WGAW’s Genre Committee.

Thursday, October 17, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Asian American Writers Committee Meeting
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room
RSVP
This committee actively represents the professional and creative interests of Asian American Guild members. Its mandate is to be dedicated to the encouragement, empowerment and employment of writers of Asian heritage. Established in 2002.

Tuesday, October 22, 7–8:30 p.m.
The Authoritarian Playbook: Global Tactics & Why There’s Hope
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room
RSVP
Join the Writers Guild Foundation, in partnership with Human Rights Watch, for a conversation on how portrayals of aspiring authoritarians in film and television can help audiences identify and respond to the tactics and strategies that are deployed to threaten our institutions. The panel will explore how writers portray aspiring authoritarians–and the tactics they use to dissolve democracies, control people’s autonomy, and weaponize fear–and the forces of resistance working to restore healthy societies. Panelists include Tanya Greene (Director of US Programs, HRW), Jacey Heldrich (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Anslem Richardson (The Boys). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Event starts at 7:00 p.m. A reception immediately follows the event. RSVP for free or with a suggestion donation.

Thursday, October 24, 7–8:30 p.m.
Writing for the Faith-Based Film Industry
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room
RSVP
In the past decade, faith-based films have made a leap from niche content into commercially viable storytelling. As the market has expanded (and as the profit margin has grown), studios have taken notice and enveloped faith-based film companies into their corporate structure. This panel will offer an overview of the kind of material that works in this market, explain the importance of authenticity for those who want to work in this market, and introduce members to the players and the prayers in this fast-growing market for high-quality faith-based stories. Panelists include Andrew Erwin (Chief Creative Officer, Kingdom Story Company), Jared Geesey (Chief Distribution Officer, Angel Studios), and more TBA; moderated by Career Longevity Committee Chair Catherine Clinch; co-presented by WGAW’s Writers Education and Genre Committees.

Tuesday, October 29 – Sunday, November 3
SAVE THE DATE: 2024 The American French Film Festival (formerly known as COLCOA)
Directors Guild of America Theaters, 7920 Sunset Blvd., L.A.
Info at tafff.org
The WGAW, in partnership with the DGA, MPA and SACEM, proudly presents the 28th annual American French Film Festival, “A Week of French Film Premieres in Hollywood.” The American French Film Festival showcases the latest in French film production, including several U.S., International and World Premieres. Free to WGA members in good standing and a guest. Opening Monday night (10/29) is by invitation only; no walk-ins. Program announced on October 2 on tafff.org. RSVP’s begin 10/4. Code to be used is BIGSCREENWGA. Check back at this listing on 10/4 for link with RSVP instructions.

November Preview

Wednesday, November 06, 7–9 p.m.
South Asian Writers Committee Meeting
WGAW 2nd Floor, Multi-purpose Room + Zoom (Hybrid)
RSVP
The South Asian Writers Committee was created to enhance the visibility, access, employment opportunities, and community support of South Asian WGA members. We seek to increase awareness of our unique culture and to empower and support South Asian writers, storylines, and portrayals on screen. Established in 2024.

Wednesday, November 06, 7:30–9 p.m.
The 2nd Annual WGF Veterans Day Laugh-In: A Comedy Benefit Show
Dynasty Typewriter
RSVP
Join us at Dynasty Typewriter for a hilarious evening celebrating comedy, service, and the WGF’s Veterans Writing Project! Expect a silent auction, special appearances, and of course, great comedy from stand-ups and alumni of the program. All proceeds benefit the Veterans Writing Project. Our lineup includes Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything, The Crystal Maze), Grace Freud (Rick & Morty, The Eric Andre Show), Vinny Thomas (Platonic, After Midnight), and the Vets With Benefits sketch group, including Addison Blu, Y’Dhanna Daniels, Travis Diffenderfer, Travis Kehoe, Brian McDevitt Jr., Harsha Rao, and Tracy Thompson. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Livestream tickets are also available.

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Upcoming Screenings

All Los Angeles screenings take place at the Writers Guild Theater (135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills 90211). Parking is free/validated at theater. You can bring TWO (2) GUESTS to all general screenings, and THREE (3) GUESTS at all Family Matinees. Seating is first come, first served. No RSVP needed. The most up-to-date list of screenings can always be found on the WGAW’s Screenings Calendar.

Saturday, October 5, 2:00 p.m.
Screening: THE WILD ROBOT
Written and Directed by Chris Sanders
Based on the Novel “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
Family Matinee: Members may bring up to 3 guests (ages 3 and up) to this screening.

Saturday, October 5, 5:00 p.m.
Screening: LEE
Written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume

Saturday, October 5, 8:00 p.m.
Screening: MEGALOPOLIS
Written, Produced and Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Sunday, October 6, 11:00 a.m.
Screening: PIECE BY PIECE
Written by Morgan Neville, Jason Zeldes, Aaron Wickenden, Oscar Vazquez
Told through the lens of LEGO® Animation
Family Matinee: Members may bring up to 3 guests (ages 3 and up) to this screening.

Sunday, October 6, 2:00 p.m.
Screening: THE UNIVERSAL THEORY
Screenplay by Roderick Warich and Timm Kröger
This is a Foreign Language film with subtitles.

Sunday, October 6, 5:00 p.m.
Screening: REZ BALL – Co-Sponsored by the Native American and Indigenous Writers Committee
Written by Sydney Freeland & Sterlin Harjo
Inspired by the Book “Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season On The Navajo Nation” and the New York Times Article by Michael Powell

Sunday, October 13, 11:00 a.m.
Screening: DAAAAAALÍ!
Written and Directed by Quentin Dupieux
This is a Foreign Language film with subtitles.

Sunday, October 13, 2:00 p.m.
Screening: WHITE BIRD
Screenplay by Mark Bomback
Based on the Book by R.J. Palacio

Sunday, October 13, 5:00 p.m.
Screening: JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX
Written by Todd Phillips & Scott Silver
Based on Characters from DC

Saturday, October 19, 2:00 p.m.
Screening: THE OUTRUN
Screenplay by Nora Fingscheidt & Amy Liptrot
Story by Amy Liptrot & Nora Fingscheidt and Daisy Lewis
Based on the Memoir by Amy Liptrot

Saturday, October 19, 5:00 p.m.
Screening: WOMAN OF THE HOUR
Q&A with Ian McDonald immediately following.
Written by Ian McDonald

Saturday, October 19, 8:00 p.m.
Screening: BLITZ
Written and Directed by Steve McQueen

Friday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.
Screening: THE APPRENTICE
Pre-show Q&A with Gabriel Sherman at 7:30pm. Screening to follow.
Written by Gabriel Sherman

Saturday, October 26, 1:00 p.m.
Screening: EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS
Written and Directed by Titus Kaphar

Saturday, October 26, 4:00 p.m.
Screening: WE LIVE IN TIME
Written by Nick Payne

Saturday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
Screening: SATURDAY NIGHT
Q&A with Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman immediately following.
Written by Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman

Sunday, October 27, 11:00 a.m.
Screening: RUMOURS
Screenplay by Evan Johnson
Story by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson

Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m.
Screening: SMILE 2
Written and Directed by Parker Finn

Sunday, October 27, 5:00 p.m.
Screening: NICKEL BOYS
Q&A with RaMell Ross immediately following.
Screenplay by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
Based on the Book “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead