Candidate for Council, Film/TV/Streaming Sector
Hello, my name is Geri Cole and I am running to be one of your new FTS council members. I’ve been a member of the guild since 2015 through my work at Sesame Street and while this is my first time running for council it is not my first time volunteering at the Guild.
My first venture into extracurricular leadership was when I went with the guild to lobby in Albany to include diversity provisions in the NY Film & TV Tax credit. While we weren’t exactly successful those first few years, I learned a lot not only about the process of lobbying but more importantly of the camaraderie between writers of all stripes.
My next step into guild culture was hosting the On Writing Podcast. This was a sweet gig. It was the first year of the pandemic which meant everyone was at home and available for zoom-in interviews. Not only did I get to interview some of my screenwriting heroes, I also learned a ton about process, career longevity, and how success looks different for everyone.
From there the guild knew I was a person who would say yes (the answer is always yes until it’s actually no) to things so I became the co-chair of the newly formed Black Writers Salon. In that position my main focus has been to foster community, develop, and remember to have a good time.
Then it was just a hop, skip, and jump to becoming the co-chair of the Committee for Inclusion and Equity. In that role my main focus has been galvanizing solidarity across all the affinity groups again to connect, develop and uplift those of us with marginalized identities. I’ve helped organize picnics, panels, happy hours and other social events. Most recently focusing on developing resources for writers to take more control over their careers amidst productions’ ever changing landscape.
But wait there’s more! I was also on the bargaining committee for the Sesame Street writers contract negotiations both in 2015 and 2024 and am proud to report that in this last round we successfully negotiated precedent setting new coverage and minimums for kids animation and social media work.
So I suppose it is no surprise that I might now find myself here, running to be your new council person. In addition to my track record of service with the guild I would also like to offer what I consider my two greatest strengths, a sense of curiosity and a sense of humor to this tenure should you find me fit. I am truly a believer in “all ships rise with the tide” and look forward to finding new ways to help fortify and grow our great union.
Endorsements
Ali Barthwell, Sean Crespo, Carol Hartsell, Tom Kemnitz, Jr, Susan Kim, Opheli Lawler, Sarah Montana, Andrew Rheingold, Susan Rinkunas, Celine Robinson, Lynn Rosen, Alana Sanko, Oriana Schwindt, Sasha Stewart, Moujan Zolfaghari
Endorse Geri Cole for Council, Film/TV/Streaming Sector
Note: WGAW members who wish to endorse a candidate may follow the process outlined in section G.1.B of the 2026 Election Policy.
