In a firm stance to protect the interests of its members, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced that members are prohibited from providing writing services, optioning, or selling literary material to Village Roadshow Productions Inc. or any of its affiliates.
This decision follows Village Roadshow’s alleged failure to compensate writers on multiple projects, with outstanding payments including compensation, interest, and benefit contributions. Part of the statement sent out to writers reads:
“It has come to the Guild’s attention that over the last few months Village Roadshow hasn’t paid writers on numerous projects. Village Roadshow owes writers compensation, interest, and benefit contributions but has refused to pay. As such, the Guild has determined that Village Roadshow is not reliable or financially responsible and requires the posting of a bond to protect writers. Village Roadshow has, to date, refused to do so. As a result, Village Roadshow is on the WGA strike list until further notice.”
WGA leadership emphasized that preventing companies like Village Roadshow from undercutting writers’ standards is paramount. The Guild’s statement reads, “Village Roadshow cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.”
The Guild’s investigation revealed that despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter, Village Roadshow has refused to pay what is owed or post a bond to safeguard writers’ payments. Consequently, the Guild has placed Village Roadshow on its strike list until further notice, deeming the company unreliable and financially irresponsible.
Guild members who believe they are owed money by Village Roadshow or are currently in discussions or under employment with the company are urged to contact the WGAE and WGA West to address their individual circumstances.
This action underscores the WGA’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment and timely compensation for writers across the industry, reinforcing solidarity in the face of financial disputes.
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