FWA website: now register scripts online

A writer from a far-flung area in India had to travel to Mumbai to register his/her script with the Film Writers Association. Not anymore. Now one can just log into fwa.co.in, the official website of the Film Writers Association and register his/her script in a matter of minutes. Not just that, a writer can create his/her profile and choose to display the synopsis of his/her script for the benefit of directors and producers.

The launch of its official website recently is FWA’s attempt to establish a closer connect with its members who are spread across the length and breadth of the nation. Jalees Sherwani, President FWA says—“In an age when all the information is available online, FWA would be lagging behind if we don’t upgrade. A poor chap has to travel from Punjab to Mumbai to register his script which costs him a lot. Now you can approach FWA from your desk anywhere in the country.”

The website, however, only does so much to facilitate membership of FWA. One can download the application form and fill it up online, but a membership is approved only when proposed and seconded by two existing members of the FWA; a process which would require one to be physically present at the FWA office.

Same goes for the renewal of cards. Members of FWA are issued laminated identity cards with the validity of their membership printed on it. This is an obstacle in the way of initiating online renewal of memberships. However, Sherwani assures that digital identity cards is a work in progress.

The website of FWA has a section called Legal Cell which would provide answers to queries put forth by writers on copyright law and other legal issues. FWA has got a law firm on board who would act as legal consultants to FWA members, who can also hire lawyers on subsidized rates to settle legal disputes.

The website will also provide regular updates and news about FWA. Members can stay updated on FWA events: workshops, seminars, conferences etc through announcements on the website.

The section “Writer’s Block” will feature blogs by and interviews of filmmakers, writers and actors. This section currently features interviews of Anurag Kashyap and Soha Ali Khan. Columns by renowned writers are also planned for this section.

With all this and more, FWA is open to suggestions and ideas for the developing website. Anyone, there?

Posted by Nandita Dutta on Aug 24 2011. Filed under Features & Opinion, Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry