WGA East Hosts Web Series Summer Camp

In the past year, the WGA East has plunged head first into new media. Originally established in 1951 as a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media, and broadcast news, the organization signed 23 new digital media signatories to new contracts in 2009. In the first half of 2010, it doubled that number.

As the WGAE continues its progress on attracting digital media creators, it’s also expanding its outreach. On Saturday, August 28, in New York City, the WGAE is hosting its first Web Series Summer Camp. In short, it’s “a day-long event featuring workshops, a screening, and networking opportunities for web series writers and producers. The event is open to experienced web series writers and producers and also novices serious about creating original, quality content for new media.”

Ursula Lawrence, Strategic Lead Organizer at the WGAE, tells me the initial response to the event has been “overwhelming” and that inspiration for the Summer Camp was twofold:

First, it provides excellent training for existing Guild members who have built careers in traditional media but are looking to transition to the digital space. Second, by admitting non-members, we are meeting a whole new group of web content creators – many of whom are interested in being WGA members or in hiring WGA members for their new media projects.

You can find a tentative schedule of the Web Series Summer Camp lineup here. Vital info on the event is below. If you’re in the NYC area, I hope to see you there!

• WHAT: The WGAE is holding the first Web Series Summer Camp.
• WHEN: Saturday, August 28, 2010
• WHERE: WGAE, 250 Hudson Street, New York City
• WHO: Leaders in digital media, the New York entertainment community, and the legal community will be among those leading the day’s workshops.
• WHY: “Web Series Summer Camp” is part of the WGAE’s continuing Writers Guild 2.0 initiative, which includes seminars and events for current and prospective members, a job training program, and a sustained organizing effort in digital media.
• REGISTER: “Web Series Summer Camp” is open to WGAE members, as well as non-members, but due to the overwhelming response, registration is currently closed.