Several members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) are working with their union's support to establish an Animation Writers caucus aimed at bringing animation writing under union jurisdiction.

Citing their belief that the "amount of time, effort, skill and craftsmanship that goes into writing for animation is just as much (and sometimes more) that writing for live action," the writers signed a joint letter to all WGAE members requesting that they join the new caucus.

The caucus members seek "live action" rates in pay, residual payments, writing credits, pension and health contributions as well as equitable separation of rights when working on animation projects.

In the effort to impose union standards on animation work, the WGAE proposes hosting events, panels and seminars to keep members abreast of developments and to allow writers to strategize collectively.

Further information on the WGAE Animation Writers Caucus is available from organizing coordinator Daniel Esakoff at (212) 767-7808. -- By Murdoch McBride