About the Documentary Caucus
The Documentary Caucus was formed to enhance and protect the rights of theatrical documentary writers and filmmakers.
Many documentaries are financed by filmmakers themselves, which means that the demands of documentary filmmaking can often be difficult to navigate. The Documentary Caucus provides filmmakers with the resources, network, and tools that will help them realize their projects and succeed in the industry.
Please note: the Writers Guild also organizes the creative professionals who create non-fiction television. If you perform storytelling duties on a non-fiction/reality TV show, we encourage you to learn more about how the Writers Guild protects nonfiction creators through contracts and organizing efforts in the industry.
The Documentary Caucus holds 3-4 meetings annually and hosts events throughout the year.
Recent Documentary Caucus events include:
- Documentary Filmmaker Summit
- Navigating the Business of Entertainment: When to call the WGAE or an attorney
- Seed & Spark Crowdfunding Workshop
Joining the Documentary Caucus
Benefits
In addition to the events, education, professional network, and resources that all Caucus members enjoy, members of the Documentary Caucus whose projects are encouraged to submit their contracts under the Documentary Screenplay Contract.
The Documentary Screenplay Contract allows writers to write or sell a theatrical documentary screenplay under the protection of the Writers Guild of America, East, while deferring all or part of their writing fees.
Eligibility
All applicants must have fulfilled at least one of the four eligibility criteria* detailed below in order to be considered for the Documentary Caucus. If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to indicate your interest in joining the Documentary Caucus by submitting an application.
Eligibility Criteria for the Documentary Film Caucus:
- The Writer’s feature-length documentary screenplay has been produced under a WGA Documentary Screenplay Contract (for films budgeted at $1.2 million and below).
- The Writer’s feature-length documentary screenplay was produced and the film premiered at a film industry-recognized domestic film festival.
- The Writer’s feature-length documentary screenplay was completed in connection with a highly regarded and/or accredited domestic screenwriting program offered at an educational institution or film industry organization and, in addition, the Writer completed the screenwriting program requirements.
- The Writer’s feature length documentary screenplay was nominated for and/or won a highly regarded writing award. Note: Screenwriting “contests” are also subject to review and individual approval by the WGAE.
*Please note: All Documentary Caucus applications are subject to staff review and approval. In some cases, more than one eligibility criterion or combination of eligibility criteria must be fulfilled. When applying, the Writer is encouraged to submit ALL eligibility criteria information that apply.
Please note: the Writers Guild also organizes the creative professionals who create non-fiction television. If you perform storytelling duties on a non-fiction/reality TV show, we encourage you to learn more about how the Writers Guild protects nonfiction creators through contracts and organizing efforts in the industry.
Submit your application for a WGAE Caucus (external – opens in a new window)
In addition to the events, education, professional network, and resources that all Caucus members enjoy, members of the Documentary Caucus whose projects are encouraged to submit their contracts under the Documentary Screenplay Contract.