Writers Beware

FIRST OF ALL, to anyone who's attending the WGC Screenwriting Awards tonight, be advised that they are NOT in the same place they've been the last two years -- Brant House, just off King Street near Spadina in Toronto. No no no. That venue was too small, you see.

Tonight's shindig is at a lovely place in Toronto's burgeoning film & tv-friendly 'hood Liberty Village. It's called Maro.

The shindig gets underway at 7:30 p.m. And yes, there will be tickets at the door. Geri Hall hosts the almost-inconceivably deliciously short show at 8:30 p.m.

If you get a chance at the event, take a moment to shake the hand of Maureen Parker. Maureen's celebrating 20 years fighting for writers in this country, in a long line from union steward to Executive Director of the WGC. It's hard to think of where we'd be as a group without Maureen's strategic planning, tireless efforts and endless patience. As many people admitted at a wonderful dinner in her honour last night, "let's face it, writers are no picnic."

Along the way, Parker has become one of the most trusted and passionate advocates for creative artists in this country. If you draw a paycheque from a Canadian-produced series, or film -- especially if you're a writer -- you owe her a big debt of thanks.

And she's got a great laugh too.

See you tonight. If you're at the awards, and see me, come up and say 'hi.' And 'bye,' I guess...though we're getting ahead of ourselves there...plenty of time for that later...