Digital Writers & the WGC

The digital sphere is evolving daily, with business models growing organically out of collaborations and creativity. Digital is the future. The WGC represents all genres of screenwriting, and we want to be right there with you as the media evolve.

Whether you are working in digital media in a traditional screenwriter/producer engagement or whether you are a writer/creator at the helm of your own production, the WGC is working hard to create an industry that supports you and your work. We work with other unions, guilds, artists and government groups advocating for policies that are of benefit to digital writers.

Be they original, stand alone, convergent with other media, or based on a pre-existing property, digital projects are an important and vital element of the entertainment industry. The WGC believes that you, the writers and creators, are the driving force behind that industry, and we want to ensure you are fairly compensated and fairly contracted – that’s what the Independent Production Agreement (IPA) is all about.

The WGC covers digital writing in Canada. How do you know if the WGC supports what you’re writing? Simple: if it needs a script, it’s covered by the IPA.

Covered:

Original and Experimental
• Webseries and webisodes (live action, puppets, animation, etc.)
• Scripted vlogs
• Films (longform, short, or serialized)
• Scripted video or flash games
• Scripted video or flash comics
… or anything similar.

Convergent (Value-Added Content)

Any of the above that is based on a pre-existing broadcast property.
For example: The Being Erica vlogs; Murdoch Mysteries: The Curse of the Lost Pharaoh video; My Life Me interactive

Not Covered:

Tweets (in character or not), unscripted podcasts, blog entries (in character or not), social networking (in character or not), comics, tie-in novels, 'words-on-a-screen' prose, and commercials (however, we do cover brand-sponsored series).

If you have any doubts, or if your digital project covers many kinds of content, please talk to us. We are here to help!

And just as for any other writing for the screen, WGC members must have IPA contracts for their digital writing work and may only sign with producers who adhere to the IPA.  Producers need not be members of the CMPA to choose to adhere to the IPA, and can do so as individuals or as single-purpose production companies. That being said, if you are creating and producing your own original digital content, the Guild understands the challenges associated with this type of production. We are willing to be flexible and work with you or your agent to bring your contract under the IPA. The WGC is here to help make your digital project happen.