Should a Film Producer and Screenwriter Join PGA, WGA, or Both?
Should a Film Producer and Screenwriter Join PGA, WGA, or Both?
As a film producer and screenwriter, deciding whether to join the Producers Guild of America (PGA) or the Writers Guild of America (WGA) can be quite complex. This decision often hinges on your career stage and the specific opportunities you have. Let us explore the implications and necessities of joining each guild.
Understanding the Guilds
The PGA (Producer’s Guild of America) and the WGA (Writers Guild of America) are fraternal organizations designed to advocate for and protect the interests of their respective members in the film and television industry. Both offer a range of benefits, including representation, networking, and resources. However, the path to joining each guild differs significantly.
Criteria for Joining WGA
The most direct route to joining the WGA is by selling scripts to a company that is a signatory to the WGA contract. This means that you must actually have a script that a WGA signatory company has purchased or produced. Once you meet this criterion, joining the WGA can provide a wealth of benefits. The WGA is among the best-organized guilds in the country, offering a robust health and pension package that many producers and screenwriters rely on.
Why the WGA is Essential:
One of the best-organized and effective guilds in the industry. Premium health and pension packages. Advocacy and representation for writers. Negotiated contracts and industry standards.However, it's important to note that you cannot join the WGA simply by having an interest or dream of becoming a screenwriter or producer. You must have already sold a script or produced a film under a WGA signatory company's umbrella. This requirement ensures that the benefits of membership are available to those who have already demonstrated their professional capability in the industry.
Criteria for Joining PGA
The process of joining the PGA is less straightforward. The PGA is a more diverse guild, encompassing producers, assistants, and other industry professionals. Membership in the PGA generally requires that the individual has produced a significant number of scripts or that they have a substantial track record in the industry.
Why the PGA is Valuable:
Wide-ranging membership, including producers, assistants, and other industry professionals. Networking opportunities and resources for professional growth. Representation and advocacy by the PGA. Guidance and support for those emerging in the industry.One notable advantage of the PGA is its relative predictability in terms of joining, as you do not necessarily need a direct script sale to join. The PGA can provide significant benefits and opportunities for producers and screenwriters who are not yet at the stage of needing a WGA contract.
Key Considerations for Joining
Deciding whether to join the PGA, the WGA, or both should depend on your current career stage and immediate needs in the industry.
For Existing Screenwriters and Producers:
If you have already sold a script or produced a film under a WGA signatory company, joining the WGA is advisable. If you are a producer who is not yet at this stage but looking to network and grow in the industry, joining the PGA might be more beneficial.For Aspiring Screenwriters and Producers:
Focus on building your portfolio and network. Continue writing and producing to meet the criteria for joining these guilds. Consider joining both if you believe that the immediate benefits of each guild align with your career aspirations.It's also crucial to understand the costs involved in joining the guilds. There are often sign-up fees and yearly dues that you must pay. These fees contribute to the resources and support that the guilds offer their members, such as health and retirement benefits, resources for professional development, and access to industry events and negotiations.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to join the Producers Guild of America (PGA) or the Writers Guild of America (WGA) involves careful consideration of your career stage, specific needs, and the long-term benefits each guild offers. While the WGA provides unparalleled benefits for those who have already demonstrated their professional capability, the PGA offers valuable networking and resources for emerging professionals. Whether you choose to join one guild, both, or neither, the decision should be guided by your current career goals and the immediate benefits available to you.
Key Takeaways:
WGA membership requires a script sale or production under a WGA signatory company. PGA membership can be more flexible, requiring a track record in the industry. Both guilds offer significant benefits but at a cost of sign-up fees and annual dues.