Lisa Takeuchi Cullen Ascends to WGA East Presidency, Becomes First POC in Position

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is set to become the next president of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGA East), succeeding incumbent Michael Winship who has decided against seeking re-election. As the only contender in the upcoming guild elections, Cullen will come into office next month becoming both the third woman and first person of color to hold this position. Cullen, an effective VP of the guild’s Film/TV/Streaming sector, prepares to ascend to guild presidency.

Retiring President Winship, who previously served five terms, clarified his decision not to run for a sixth term was established at the onset of his comeback two years prior, to address matters concerning constitutional revisions and other members’ concerns. He had committed to only a two-year term at that time.

Before the distressing writers strike, Cullen showcased her proficiency by developing several drama series under a comprehensive agreement with Universal TV. Her prowess in drama pilots development is evident in her work with leading platforms and channels like Apple, Netflix, ABC, NBC, CBS, A&E, and Warner Bros. Her CBS produced pilot, The Ordained, speaks volumes of her outstanding work. A product of the WGAW Showrunner Training Program, Cullen’s remarkable stint on NBC’s The Endgame as a co-executive producer and her contributions as a writer and consulting producer on Law & Order: SVU underline her expert skills in the industry.

As an Asian-American, Cullen is a champion of underrepresented writers. She represents marginalized writers as the co-chair of the Committee for Inclusion and Equity, and founded the Salon network: an affinity group for such writers. Her initiative, Diverse Writers of the East, is a dedicated database for underrepresented WGA East and pre-WGA writers. Reflecting her dedication to the guild, she was honored with the Richard B. Jablow Award for service to the guild in 2020.

Other positions in the election are also running unopposed. Chris Kyle will be reelected as the secretary-treasurer while Erica Saleh is set to take over Cullen’s previous role as the VP of Film/TV/Streaming. The highly anticipated election starts on September 6 and will conclude on September 21.

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So, an industry vet steps back and lets a new leadership face the rising sun, something you'd mistake for a plot from one of Cullen’s gripping drama series. Isn’t it just beautifully poetic? And with Cullen’s upcoming presidency, the WGA East hasn't just hit a home run, but possibly a grand slam.

Cullen personifies diversity and inclusion, a woman of color breaking the racial ceiling, and rising to the top spot of a prestigious guild: now that's a narrative Hollywood should be telling more often. She's not merely flaunting her impressive resume; she's already etched her legacy in the industry with her stance on representation.

Cullen's tweet about leading the guild in their "epic battle for fair pay" essentially outlines her mission. A leader with the courage to call a spade a spade and the gall to negotiate it into a diamond: that’s the stuff real heroes are made of, as is apparent from her tackling underrepresented writers' issues.

But let's also tip our hats to Michael Winship, whose immense contribution to the guild can't be overlooked. His conscientious leadership and wisdom have steered the guild through thick and thin, guiding them through their last strike in 2007-2008. It takes a league of extraordinary leaders to pave the way for incoming visionaries, and Winship has undoubtedly been one of them.

So, as the voting curtains go up on September 6, Hollywood prepares to welcome a power shift, an era marked by spirited leadership and a greater push for inclusivity. With Lisa Takeuchi Cullen at the helm, the guild is certainly in capable hands, ready to tackle industry challenges and champion novel narratives. One thing's for sure: the upcoming scene in Hollywood is about to get a lot more colorful. Curtain up, folks, and let's bring on the applause!