WGA East elects first president of color
The members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) have voted Lisa Takeuchi Cullen as its new president. Cullen, who ran unopposed for office, will succeed outgoing President Michael Winship, who announced his resignation Decision not to stand for re-election his long-standing position in the summer.
“It is an honor to become the next president of the Writers Guild of America East,” Takeuchi Cullen said in a statement. “Even if we negotiate a fair deal with the Hollywood studios – and it’s a when, not an if – I know the fight is not over.”
Cullen also addressed the historic nature of her election, writing, “As the first person of color and third woman to lead our 69-year-old union, I will continue to professionally advocate for greater equity and opportunity among all storytellers.” we are. Our stories matter. Our work is important. And I will fight like hell to make sure no one tells us otherwise.”
The WGA East also re-elected Christopher Kyle as secretary-treasurer; Erica Saleh was elected vice president of film/television/streaming; and Sofia Alvarez, Josh Gondelman, Liz Hynes, Greg Iwinski, Sarah Montana and Sasha Stewart were elected to the Film/TV/Streaming Member Council. In addition, Caitlin Cruz, Sie Morley and Samantha Smylie were elected to the Online Media Membership Council.
Kyle, Gondelman, Hynes, Iwinski, Stewart and Cruz are all incumbents who were re-elected to their positions. Saleh, who currently sits on the Film/Television/Streaming Council, will vacate her council seat at midterm. According to WGAE rules, officers and council members from the same sector can choose to fill the vacancy “either with the unsuccessful candidate from that work area who received the most votes in the previous election or another eligible member from the same work area.” want. According to WGAE, the decision on this position will be made in the near future.
Per WGA East, “13.3% of all eligible voters (7,166) voted for President and Treasurer. In the film/TV/streaming area, 19.1% of those eligible to vote (4,183) voted. In the online media, 7.5% of those eligible to vote (2,012) voted. In broadcast/cable/streaming news, 8.03% of eligible voters (971) cast their votes.”
