Welcome to the Writers’ Craft Committee (WCC) of The Animation Guild. Our committee’s purpose is to be a place where writers can gather, learn about our craft (as well as our contract), bring up work issues, and to fight for expanded rights.
Our Committee meets over Zoom on the third Thursday of every month. To sign up for meeting links, invites to our monthly mixers, and access to the Staffing Grid, join our mailing list here.
Get Informed
Commonly Asked Questions
- Is there a guide to help me understand the TAG contract?
We have assembled a guide to help writers navigate our contract in easy to understand terms. Read the guide here.
- Should I get paid if I’m asked to pitch IP?
Did you know you should be getting PAID when studios ask you to pitch on studio-owned IP (intellectual property)?
If you are asked to pitch on studio-owned IP without pay, you can forward this letter from TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan. This letter was sent to all TAG signatory studios and their Business Affairs representatives in 2020. This is NOT a new policy, and if a studio claims they did not know the Union’s stance on this, please contact the Union through the Workplace Issues form. We will be happy to remind them.
Also, check out our Rules of the Road document that covers best practices for pitching and IP development.
- Should I get paid for any prep work?
Unit rates ONLY cover the written deliverable (outline, script) and DO NOT cover any work such as brainstorms, notes meetings, or the prep work required to attend those sessions (such as reading bibles, reading episode outlines or scripts, or watching episodes or animatics). TAG writers should be paid for any prep work you do in advance of a freelance episode, summit, pitch, etc.
You can read an explanation of prep work, including the definition, employer requirements, rates, and more in this letter that was sent to TAG writers by TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan.
- Does WCC have listings where I can make myself available for jobs?
We run a Staffing Grid that connects writers looking for work with executives and showrunners. You can access the WCC Staffing Grid here. The grid requires a password. To get the password, sign up for WCC emails here.
- Are there any resources where I can learn more about writing jobs and the craft?
Yes! You can check out the Virtual Panel Series to learn more about a wide-range of craft-related subjects.
Also, check out the Showrunner Training Series for leadership advice.
- What is a Story Editor position in animation?
In live action and/or on WGA shows, the title of “Story Editor” is a low-level position just above Staff Writer and is considered a writer early in their career with no supervisory role.
In most animation rooms, “Story Editor” refers to the Head Writer (or the #2 if the Showrunner is also a writer). Duties of this position usually include managing/running the writers’ room, delegating work among the writers, giving notes on each draft, rewriting the work of other writers, and managerial duties.
“Story Editor” is an upper-level position in animation.
We recommend negotiating “Head Writer” as your on-screen credit if you do not have a Producer title.
Get Involved
We are a robust craft committee with dedicated members who volunteer their time and expertise to help push our writers forward via subcommittees. If you are a Union member and are interested in joining our subcommittee efforts (or starting your own subcommittee), please email WCCchair839@gmail.com and we will help you get involved.
WCC Subcommittees
- Communications
Leads: Janis Robertson and Jo Winters
Contact: WCCchair839@gmail.com
This subcommittee is dedicated to getting information to TAG writers, as well as educating the industry on the issues we face. These writers were the force behind our trending #PayAnimationWriters campaign during the 2021 negotiation cycle. They currently can be found on social media:
Instagram: @tag_writers
TikTok: @tag_writers
Bluesky: @tagwriters.bsky.social,
X: @tagwriters.We are always looking for members with fresh ideas and the fire to lead new projects!
- Captains Program
Leads: Rusteen Honardoost, Janae Hall, Sarah Nerboso
The TAG Captains Program empowers member leaders to quickly disseminate information out to our larger membership.
Our Captains are members who have volunteered to help us keep fellow members educated and up-to-date on Union happenings, from WCC meetings to surveys, contract negotiations, and urgent actions needed. Our Captains are your point people for the Union and a friendly face among a sea of more than 6,000 members.
Captains are generally responsible for contacting 10-15 of their fellow members and are guided by our Leads (Rusteen Honardoost, Janae Hall, and Sarah Nerboso) via Discord. All you need to do is be willing to reach out to your network on a monthly basis.
Think you could be a Captain? Email 839tagme@gmail.com to express interest.
Need a Captain? Reach out at WCCchair839@gmail.com
- Disabled Writers
Lead: Grace Deppe-Waldschmidt
Contact: disability.wcc@gmail.com
This subcommittee is a place where disabled writers can share experiences and build community.
- Education
Lead: NEW LEAD NEEDED!
Contact: WCCchair839@gmail.com
This subcommittee is dedicated to educating writers about their rights under the Union’s many contracts. This committee also previously helped us get the word out about getting paid to pitch studio-owned IP and getting paid for prep work. This is the arm of our committee that helps make change outside our contract negotiations.
- POC Writers
Leads: Mercedes Valle and Nick “Rocket” Rodriguez
Contact: POCwc839@gmail.com
X and Instagram: @TAG_POCwriters
This subcommittee is dedicated to supporting POC Writers in their careers, as well as offering community.
- Networking/Events
Leads: Dan Salgarolo and David Avallone
Contact: WCCchair839@gmail.com
This subcommittee runs our monthly mixers, as well as organizing other social events. Mixers are the second Thursday of every month at rotating locations across the city. Sign up for our mailing list for invites to the mixers and other events.
- Mentorship
Leads: Cassie Soliday and Emily Beaver
Contact: WCCchair839@gmail.com
This subcommittee hosts online panels (including our Fireside Chats) that offer professional advice for TAG writers and organize various mentorship opportunities.
- Staffing
Lead: Julia Prescott
Contact: wccstaffing839@gmail.com
This subcommittee organizes and maintains a staffing grid for any interested members to promote hiring.
The Staffing Grid, which is password protected, can be found here. To get the password, please sign up for the WCC mailing list.
- Writing Teams
Leads: Becky Wangberg and Sarah Eisenberg
Contact: WCCchair839@gmail.com
This subcommittee is dedicated to protecting the rights of, and supporting the writers in. writing teams.