The Writers Guild of America (WGA) governs the arbitration of screen
credits. The arbitration process is intimidating, complex and emotional. Writers facing arbitration are under a tremendous amount of pressure to prepare an arbitration statement defending their creative work. An arbitration statement is the only voice writers have to defend their writing credit. Losing an arbitration can have a lasting effect on a writer's career. The outcome will determine which writer(s) receive credit, and credit establishes residual payments, sequel rights and a writer's ability to sell future screenplays.