WGA News

John Wells was elected president of the Writers Guild of America, West. He received 1,191 votes and his opponent, Elias Davis, received 1,066. The more significant number may be that 2,348 ballots were cast, which is high for a WGA election. Member involvement is a big issue and that number suggests a high level of member involvement.

I voted for Elias but as I said here, I don't think John will do a bad job. The outcome does not surprise me. The main thing Elias did wrong was picking up the endorsement of Larry Gelbart. Larry was a brilliant writer and a dear man but I can't recall him ever backing a winner in a WGA election.

Tom Schulman was elected vice-president and David N. Weiss will be secretary-treasurer. Elected to the Board of Directors were Patric M. Verrone, Howard A. Rodman, Dan Wilcox, Linda Burstyn, Billy Ray, Steven Schwartz, Chip Johannessen, Carleton Eastlake and Ian Deitchman. Full details are here.