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Ellen Stutzman confirmed as WGA West executive director
A new era for the Writers Guild of America West
The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) has officially confirmed Ellen Stutzman as its executive director, following a decisive vote from its members. Stutzman, who played a pivotal role during the union’s historic strike, received overwhelming support with 97% of the vote, tallying 2,279 in favor and only 72 opposed.
Leadership transition and negotiation triumphs
Stutzman stepped into the role of executive director last November, succeeding David Young, the long-time leader who retired after taking a medical leave earlier in the year. During this transitional period, Stutzman served as the chief negotiator in the critical talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), showcasing her adept leadership and negotiation skills.
In the last fiscal year, Stutzman earned $680,000, a significant increase from her previous salary as assistant executive director. This pay raise reflects her expanded responsibilities and the union’s confidence in her leadership.
New faces on the board of directors
In addition to Stutzman’s confirmation, the WGAW announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors. Melinda Hsu, the showrunner of “Nancy Drew,” emerged as the top vote-getter with 1,491 votes. Joining her are Chris Hazzard and Danny Tolli, who finished fifth and seventh, respectively. These new members will work alongside five re-elected incumbents: Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Deric A. Hughes, Justin Halpern, Travis Donnelly, and John Rogers.
Melinda Hsu’s vision for a kinder Hollywood
Melinda Hsu, known for her work on “Lost” and her current overall deal at ABC Signature, brings a unique perspective to the board. She hosts the podcast “Lead With Kindness,” which aims to transform Hollywood’s culture by emphasizing kindness and inclusion. Hsu’s campaign for the board was driven by her commitment to these values.
“Specifically, the goal of putting kindness into action is what spurred me to run,” Hsu stated in her candidate statement. “If elected, I’ll help launch Guild-driven training to effect long-term positive change in writers’ rooms and wherever the Guild can reach.”
Contributions of Hazzard and Tolli
Chris Hazzard, a feature writer, played a crucial role during the strike as part of the “rapid response team,” which effectively picketed and shut down location shoots in the early morning hours. Danny Tolli, a strike captain and lot coordinator at Netflix, also demonstrated his dedication to the union’s cause.
The significance of the WGAW’s leadership changes
The confirmation of Ellen Stutzman and the election of new board members mark a significant moment for the WGAW. These changes reflect the union’s commitment to strong leadership and a progressive vision for the future. Stutzman’s proven expertise in negotiation and leadership, combined with the fresh perspectives of Hsu, Hazzard, and Tolli, position the WGAW to continue advocating effectively for its members.
Looking ahead
As the WGAW moves forward under Stutzman’s leadership, the union is poised to tackle new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. The emphasis on kindness, inclusion, and proactive negotiation strategies will likely shape the union’s approach in the coming years.
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