Lisa Takeuchi Cullen to Succeed Michael Winship as President of WGA East

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Lisa Takeuchi Cullen to Succeed Michael Winship as President of WGA East

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is set to become the next president of the WGA East, taking over from Michael Winship. Cullen, who is running unopposed in the upcoming elections, will be the third female president and the first person of color to hold the position. She currently serves as the VP of the guild’s Film/TV/Streaming sector.

In a statement, Winship explained that he made the decision not to seek re-election two years ago when he was asked to return to the presidency. Despite already serving five terms as president from 2007-2017, he agreed to run again in 2021 to address constitutional revisions and membership concerns. However, he stated that it would only be for two years.

Cullen’s bio on the guild’s website highlights her work developing drama series and pilots for various networks and studios. She has also been involved in advocating for marginalized writers as the co-chair of the Committee for Inclusion and Equity and the founder of the Salon network of affinity groups. Additionally, she started and runs Diverse Writers of the East, which supports underrepresented WGA East and pre-WGA writers. In 2020, she received the Richard B. Jablow Award for her service to the guild.

Taking to Twitter, Cullen expressed her determination to lead the WGA East in the fight for fair pay. She pledged her support to the Negotiating Committee and officers from WGAWest and East as they face the AMPTP. She also emphasized her solidarity with the guild’s members, stating that they will not give up or give in.

Two other candidates, Chris Kyle and Erica Saleh, are also running unopposed. Kyle will be reelected as secretary-treasurer, and Saleh will become the next VP of Film/TV/Streaming, the position currently held by Cullen.

Winship assured that he will remain involved until late September and expressed confidence in the elected leadership and dedicated staff and members who are working tirelessly to make the strike a success. He acknowledged the challenges but believes that they will emerge victorious, drawing from his experience leading the guild during the previous strike in 2007-08.

The upcoming election will feature 12 candidates vying for six Council seats representing the Film/TV/Streaming sector, as well as five candidates running for three Council seats representing the Online Media sector. Voting will take place from September 6 to September 21.

Lily Winters

Lily, a film studies major at NYU, developed a fascination for avant-garde and experimental cinema during her time living in the vibrant art scene of Brooklyn. Her articles explore the intersection of art and film, celebrating boundary-pushing filmmakers and emerging visual styles.

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