Ok, so I've got an independent producer who wants to make one of my features.  But, of course, this couldn't happen at a worse time due to the current Writer's Strike.  

I just wanted to make sure; I shouldn't do anything while the strike is going on, right?  I remember reading that if I do anything it would be HEAVILY frowned upon later.

Ok, so after a bit of my own research, it looks like I should have just Google'd this first (much like with anything you need to know).  But I found some helpful information, so I thought I'd post it, just in case it hasn't been already:

Q: Does the strike affect every studio in Hollywood?
A: No, it does not. The WGA is striking against the specific studios that it has signatory agreements with, a complete list of which is available here on the Guild’s website. There are still several production companies that operate independent of the WGA, which are often referred to as non-signatory companies.

Q: What is a signatory company?

A: Signatory companies have agreed to the terms of the WGA’s Basic Agreement. These terms include minimum pay rates, pension and health plan contributions, and residuals. All of the major studios and networks have signed this agreement with the Guild. During the strike, all signatory companies are being struck.

Q: What is a scab?

A: Anyone who performs screenwriting services of any kind for a struck company is considered a scab, whether they are a Guild member or not. Guild members who scab write will be punished, while non-members will be barred from future membership.

Q: Can I sell to a non-signatory company?
A: WGA writers cannot write or sell work during the strike, but non-guild writers can still sell to non-signatory companies, since this violates neither side of the signatory agreements.

Q: I’m not a member. Can I still sell to struck companies, or does that make me a scab?

A: Non-member writers who sell scripts or perform any sort of screenwriting work for struck companies will be considered scabs and barred from future membership.

Q: I won a screenwriting contest that promises money and production as their prize, but what if they don’t pay me until after the strike starts? Am I a scab?

A: If the production company that would make the movie is one of the struck companies, then, yes, this would be scab work.

Q: I’m a non-guild member, someone bought my first script and I’ve already signed a contract. Can I still do rewrites?

A: If the purchasing company is a struck company, doing rewrites would violate the strike and be considered scab work. Guild members who perform scab writing will be punished, while non-members will be barred from future membership.

Q: A company in another country wants to buy one of my scripts. Would that make me a scab?

A: There are signatory companies outside of the country. If the purchasing company is a struck company, selling a script would violate the strike and be considered scab work. Guild members who perform scab writing will be punished, while non-members will be barred from future membership.

Q: Can I just work for free now and get paid later?

A: The point of the strike is not to perform any work, not to avoid being paid for work. Anyone who performs screenwriting services of any kind for a struck company is considered a scab. Guild members who scab write will be punished, while non-members will be barred from future membership.

Q: Can I still try to get an agent or a manager during the strike?

A: Yes, you can. Some reps have even said they’ll be using the time they aren’t working on deals or contracts to catch up on their reading and submissions. However, others warn that they are focusing even harder on their existing clients to be ready once the strike ends. In short, the challenge will still be attracting someone’s attention with good writing.

Q: The WGA says if I scab I can never be a member, but aren’t all the studios allowed to buy specs from non-members anyway?
A: Technically, this is true. However, non-guild members cannot be hired for any assignments or other writing work once the strike ends, receive no benefits, and have no retirement plan.

Q: Will joining picket lines get me into the WGA?
A: No. While the writers appreciate any support, the normal rules and requirements for WGA membership are still in effect.

Q: How long will the strike last?

A: No one can say for sure. Many industry experts are already predicting five or six months, while some hold out hope for a quicker resolution. At the moment, neither side has announced plans to resume negotiations.

Q: Does this mean I’ll never learn how Sylar lost his powers?

A: Possibly. Several television series have already stopped filming for both political and practical reasons, while others will continue to make episodes as long as they still have scripts. Some showrunners (such as Tim Kring of Heroes) made last minute changes before the strike began so their shows can have a degree of closure if there is an extended work stoppage.

Hey Dressel,

Thanks for this. Very useful info.

I doubt they're a struck company, since most of the independents aren't, but there are lists on the WGA East and West sites if you need to verify.

Quoted from Shelton I doubt they're a struck company, since most of the independents aren't, but there are lists on the WGA East and West sites if you need to verify.

Nope, they're not.

Here's the list:

http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2537