Chris Keyser and David A. Goodman, the co-chairs of the 2023 WGA Negotiating Committee, have been jointly awarded the prestigious WGAW Morgan Cox Award in recognition of their exceptional service to the Guild during the 2023 MBA negotiations and the ensuing 148-day strike.
Their outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Guild will be celebrated at the Writers Guild Awards L.A. show on April 14 at the Hollywood Palladium.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm lauded their dedication, stating, “David and Chris love this union. They both served as presidents of the membership, were brave leaders in the uncharted territory of the Agency campaign, and unstoppable forces in our crucial MBA negotiations last year.”
Ellen Stutzman, Executive Director of WGA West, also praised their contributions, remarking, “Chris and David have been leaders of every important Guild campaign over the past decade. They put in countless hours to build solidarity among the membership, voicing the problems writers were facing and outlining the collective action needed to address issues ranging from agency conflict of interests to the future of the writing profession. They have built a stronger union of writers.”
REELated:
Throughout the negotiations, Keyser and Goodman effectively communicated the existential threat to the writing profession, rallying Guild members and fostering solidarity. Their tireless efforts, both on the picket lines and behind closed doors, ensured that members remained informed and engaged throughout the prolonged strike.
Their pivotal roles in negotiating unprecedented gains for writers in 2023 cannot be overstated. When negotiations stalled due to the AMPTP’s refusal to address core proposals, Keyser and Goodman made the crucial decision to call a strike. Their direct negotiations with company CEOs ultimately led to a groundbreaking deal 148 days later, securing substantial gains for screenwriters, including minimum staffing and guaranteed duration of employment in television, a viewership-based bonus in streaming, protections against AI, and minimum terms for comedy-variety programs on streaming platforms.
Chris Keyser, a WGA member since 1989, has an illustrious career in television, co-creating and showrunning acclaimed series like Party of Five and The Society. David A. Goodman, who joined the Guild in 1988, has written for over 20 television series and served as showrunner for hit shows like Family Guy and The Orville.
Both Keyser and Goodman have a long history of service to the Guild. Keyser served as President of WGA West from 2011 to 2015 and co-chaired the Agency Campaign Negotiating Committee from 2018 to 2021. Goodman, on the other hand, served on the WGAW Board of Directors and was President from 2017 to 2021.
The Morgan Cox Award, named after the esteemed WGAW member who dedicated his career to serving the Guild, recognizes individuals who exemplify the ideal of service to the Guild. Previous recipients include Joan Meyerson, Dan Wilcox, Del Reisman, and Frank Pierson.
The honor bestowed upon Keyser and Goodman underscores their invaluable contributions to the Guild and the writing profession as a whole, solidifying their place among the Guild’s most esteemed members.
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