Writers Guild of America, West
 

Residuals Claims Representative

Based in Los Angeles, CA
(currently hybrid)

 

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Residuals Claims Representative. The Residuals Claims Representative is a full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position with full benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

The WGAW is an activist union representing thousands of writers of feature films and episodic content. Throughout its history, the WGAW has successfully secured creative rights, fair compensation, and premium benefits for its members, and recently reformed talent agency business practices to better align with the interests of writers. One way the WGAW builds power among writers is by providing them with the resources they need to understand, navigate, and confront challenges in the entertainment industry. In a landscape of corporate consolidation and technological change, an informed and organized membership has never been more important.

Under the supervision of the Residuals Collections Administrator, the Residuals Claims Representative is responsible for investigating and pursuing claims for unpaid residuals. The Residuals Department ensures that writers are paid residuals due pursuant to the residual provisions of the WGA Basic Agreements from 1953 to present.

The WGAW is based on a hybrid schedule of 3 days in-office and 2 days remote. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required of all employees unless they qualify for a lawful exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Responsible for handling multiple cases involving the collection of residuals for various distributions markets, such as television and new media, under the collective bargaining agreement(s).
2. Pursues cases against companies for alleged residuals violations of the collective bargaining agreement(s).
3. Researches and reviews various agreements, such as writing contracts, license and distribution agreements, and assumption agreements for each case.
4. Analyzes financial records and residuals history to prepare detailed Excel spreadsheets/schedules of residuals owed.
5. Communicates with writers and companies throughout the investigation and resolution of the case.
6. Writes demand letters and other correspondence to relevant persons to resolve claims.
7. Researches and reviews chain of title and signatory information to effect service of process on respondents for cases that cannot be resolved.
8. Drafts, files and serves arbitration claims/grievances.
9. Writes memoranda summarizing facts and issues about claims for transfer to the Legal Services Department.
10. In addition to responsibilities for assigned cases, answers inquiries from writers, rate calls, agents, attorneys, and company representatives regarding residual obligations under the MBA.
11. Other duties as required.
12. Some overtime may be required.

OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a hands-on, self-starting, and detail-oriented individual who works well independently.
2. Strong written/verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are required.
3. The ability to confidently discuss provisions of the Basic Agreements and residuals issues with outside attorneys, studio personnel, production companies, payroll house staff, and Labor Relations executives is also required.
4. A high degree of integrity, diplomacy and the ability to exercise good discretion with relevant persons regarding confidential and sensitive information are essential.
5. Must be able to write detailed emails, letters and memoranda and should be comfortable with all aspects of writing including drafting, proofreading, grammar and punctuation as well as proficiency at MS Word.
6. Must have strong Excel and math skills; this position involves preparing detailed spreadsheets to calculate residuals that accompany written requests and claims for payment.
7. Must be able to comprehend, analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, licensing and distribution agreements, financial statements and distribution reports.
8. Must be organized, good at time management, and good at follow-through to prioritize and perform all tasks associated with assigned work and ensure responsibilities are completed on time.
9. Must be comfortable working in a busy department with multiple deadlines.
10. Bachelor’s degree required.
11. Residuals background and/or entertainment industry experience at a studio or guild desired; paralegal certificate and/or accounting, finance, or bookkeeping experience a plus.
12. A passion for working in entertainment, particularly television and new media strongly preferred.

SALARY RANGE: $69,000 – $82,000

TO APPLY
Interested applicants should email cover letter and résumé to the Human Resources Department of the Writers Guild at: recruitment@wga.org.

For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.

WGAW is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage qualified people with diverse backgrounds to apply.