New arbitration guidelines

06 April 2011
Posted in Film



A summary of the film credits arbitration process has been published by the Writers' Guild

Credits Arbitration is one of the Guild’s most important services to its members. It protects the professional reputation of every screenwriter by making sure that the credit each receives is accurate and appropriate. 

In the interests of transparency and to clarify its arbitration process the Guild's Film Committee decided that it was important for the essence of how the service worked in practice to be published on the website in order to aid both writers and those working with writers. 

The procedure outlined is all about integrity. The process itself is discreet and without prejudice. The result is binding on all parties.

The short document below captures the essence of the Guidelines. 

Download further details of the arbitration process (pdf). 

Update (12.04.11): This article has been revised to reflect the fact that the guidelines are 'new' (ie it is the first time they have been published) but the process has not been 'revised' as previously stated.  

Comments  

 
0 #1 Greg Dinner 2011-04-08 15:28
There is a bit more to this perhaps than is being let on here, in its timing and revision. The results are somewhat suspect I'd suggest, and the review/ renewal of credits allocation differing somewhat significantly with other Guild guidelines. Given the timing of this by the committee, and a complete lack of consultation with any membership who've worked in film and television, there's something rather distasteful about this being posted at this particular time. Protecting writers, I'd agree. Protecting some writers in particular, I note. Protecting the integrity of process, I hope so. Timing is all and in this case, appearing as it does now, it leaves a question mark about those involved below the surface for some of us....
Quote
 
 
0 #2 Olivia Hetreed 2011-04-08 15:56
The comment from Greg sounds rather sinister but perhaps it will reassure him, and anyone else who may be concerned,to know two things. One that, contrary to the introduction on the website, no changes have been made at this time to the guidelines for arbitrators - the only change has been to summarise and publish them for the sake of transparency and fair dealing. Secondly, that this summary process was undertaken with considerable care by people with no vested interest in the outcome and with the oversight of Guild Officers and the Executive Council, not in any cloak and dagger way.

A revision of the Arbitration Guidelines themselves is under consideration, at which time there will indeed be consultation with the membership, especially with members who have undertaken arbitrations for the Guild. The Film Committee would be delighted to hear from Guild members with their thoughts on any improvements.
Quote
 
 
0 #3 Stan Hayward 2011-04-27 14:59
Regarding Google scanning, one possible idea would be for authors of out-of-print books to give them to the guild and then let the guild negotiate for them as a block to Google. If all the various guilds and writer's societies could agree on such a scheme it might allow Google to make some headway until a better solution is found.
Quote
 

Add comment


Security code
Refresh