JOIN THE WGSA
Membership Benefits
Script Registry
The WGSA offers an inexpensive Script Registry to protect your work and provide proof of ownership. It is open to all writers – not just members, but members qualify for discounted rates on the service.
WGSA Muse Awards
All members are eligible to enter the WGSA Muse Awards. An award ceremony for writers by writers.
WGSA Member Directory Listing
Special Offers
The WGSA has a Black List membership, where WGSA members can list their work free of charge. Members also have access to discounted prices on Final Draft and IMDBPro. Attendance to City Varsity (Full time or short courses), WGSA members will receive a 15% discount.
Professional Development
Empowerment and development through discounted and free workshops and knowledge share sessions.
Contractual Services
Through the WGSA Contractual Services programme, members can solicit advice on contractual and industry-related issues.
PLEASE NOTE: The WGSA does not have lawyers. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.
Behind the scenes, the WGSA council and its executive officer are lobbying for the rights of performance writers:
- The Copyright Amendment Bill – The WGSA is part of the Copyright Coalition of South Africa, dedicated to protecting rights of content creators and campaigning for the redrafting of the Copyright Amendment Bill.
- Standard rates and standard contracts/agreements – The WGSA is currently in negotiations with the Independent Producers Organisation
A Writers Guild of South Africa membership is valid for one (1) year from date of first payment.
Membership Categories
To qualify, you must be one of the following:
1. Student – an emerging performance writer enrolled at a legitimate learning institution. Applications must be accompanied by a valid proof of enrolment.
2. Candidate – an emerging performance writer who has not yet had work produced. Once a script has been produced, a Candidate Member must apply for a change of membership.
3. Full – a performance writer who has had work produced in any of the scope disciplines. Please attach a full list of all writer screen credits to your application. This should not be part of a Curriculum Vitae. Applications without Performance Writer Credits will be approved for candidate membership.
4. Corporate – writing companies / production houses employing staff writers qualify for this category (includes a maximum of 5 writers). Corporate members must update their member list annually.
Fees & Incentives
| STUDENT | CANDIDATE | FULL | CORPORATE |
Fee | R 220.00 | R 500.00 | R 700.00 | R 1,200.00 |
Member Benefits | All | All | All | All |
Seat on Council | – | – | P | – |
Vote at a General Meeting | – | – | P | – |
Free Advertising | – | – | P | P |
Membership Status | – | – | P | – |
PLEASE NOTE:
1. Only Full members are eligible to run for council.
2. Only Full members are eligible for one vote during the Annual General Meeting.
3. Only Full and Corporate members are eligible to place advertisements to be shared with members.
4. Full members are eligible to use their membership as a status by placing the letter WGSA behind their name
Application Process
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the application process.
Before You Apply
There are a few things you need to know:
Attention FULL MEMBER APPLICANTS: Please prepare your Performance Writer Credits before you apply, and then copy/paste it onto the application form. We strongly recommend that you use this format:
| TITLE | CATEGORY | FORMAT/ GENRE | YEAR | CREDIT | PRODUCER/ PRODUCTION COMPANY | DIRECTOR |
· The WGSA has a payment plan available for all categories except for Corporate and Student membership.
· A minimum of R100 deposit is required. The remainder of the amount may be paid monthly over 10 months or any other shorter term and may only be paid via online payments. Cash payments to our bank account is not acceptable. Applications without a proof of payment will not be accepted
PLEASE NOTE: Membership will be revoked should the terms of the payment plan not be followed.
· The WGSA allows a 40% discount for Full and Candidate membership for persons 60 years or older. To qualify for this discount, your Identity Document / Passport must accompany your application.
PLEASE NOTE: From time to time, the WGSA has to prove to government and benefactors that we are a legitimate organisation with legitimate members. These institutions require information regarding the composition and demographics of our members, hence the addition of specific requests of information to our application form.
PLEASE NOTE: The WGSA application form gathers personal information. In line with the POPI ACT the WGSA will need your permission to store this information. To familiarise yourself with the conditions of the POPI ACT, you may download the ACT HERE.
How to apply
| New Members | Membership Renewals |
|---|---|
PLEASE NOTE:
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How to pay
PLEASE NOTE: We no longer accept CASH PAYMENTS to our account.
1) Direct Bank Deposit via EFT
Banking Details
WGSA CHEQUE ACCOUNT
FNB, Randpark Ridge
Branch No: 250655
Account No: 62886952467
Account Type: Business Cheque
2) Payment via Payfast
Student Membership
| Fee | R 220.00 |  |
Candidate Membership
| Fee | R 500.00 | |
| Discounted (60 years or older) | R300.00 | |
Full Membership
| Fee | R 700.00 | |
| Discounted (60 years or older) | R420.00 | |
Corporate Membership
| Fee | R 1,200.00 | |
Membership Payment Plan Deposit
| Fee | R100.00 | |
3) Payment via SnapScan
| Student Membership – R 220.00 Candidate Membership – R 500.00 Discount for 60 years and older – R300.00 Full Membership – R 700.00 Discount for 60 years and older – R420.00 Corporate Membership – R 1,200.00 DEPOSIT for payment plan – R100.00 |  |
Application Form
Please make sure you have your proof of payment ready before you fill in the application form. Your membership application will not be processed without this.