Writers Guild of America, East Announces Candidates for 2011 Council Election

NEW YORK CITY – The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) announced the nominees for its Council (order determined by lot*) today. The term is for two years from 2011-2013.Michael Winship is running unopposed for President. There are two candidates running for Vice President: Jeremy Pikser and Matt Nelko. Bob Schneider is running unopposed for Secretary-Treasurer.In addition to the positions of Guild officers, there are nine open Council seats (six Freelance seats and three Staff seats) in this election. The 14 candidates for the six open Freelance seats are: Robert Levi, Leslie Nipkow, Henry Bean, Tom Jennings, Bernardo Ruiz, Elliott Kalan, Daryn Strauss, Courtney Simon, Bonnie Datt, Michael Kantor, Richard Vetere, Susan Kim, Jenny Lumet, and John Marshall.The four candidates for the three open Staff seats are: Gail Lee, Duane Tollison, Sue Brown McCann, and Phil Pilato.     The WGAE annual membership meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2011.The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO, is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media, and broadcast news. The WGAE conducts programs, seminars, and events on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers. In addition, it represents writers’ interests on the legislative level.  For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit www.wgaeast.org.###Notes:*The order of listing candidates is determined by a drawing of candidates’ names by lot, conducted by two members with a WGAE staff member acting as witness. The WGAE does not endorse or recommend any candidates for Guild office.