Donor Spotlight: Lynn Esta Goldman
Introducing another edition of Donor Spotlight, the blog series where we highlight donors to the Writers Guild Foundation and their reasons for giving. We’re only able to provide our programs and resources for the screenwriting community because of our donors’ generous support. Thank you to our spotlighted donors — and all of our donors — for your generosity!
A photo of Lynn Esta Goldman.
The Writers Guild Foundation has seen a lot over the past fifteen years: the rise of streaming, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, superhero fatigue, a pandemic, #TreeGate, Barbenheimer, Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and so much more.
Through it all, one constant has remained: Lynn Esta Goldman’s support. Lynn has donated to WGF each year for the past fifteen years. In her own words, Lynn shares how she first connected with the Foundation, how our online resources help keep her connected all these years later, and why her support has never faltered.
How did you first hear about the Writers Guild Foundation?
Back in 2008, I was invited to join the WGA through the Independent Writers Caucus (IWC). I live in San Francisco, and I flew down to Los Angeles for the WGA Welcome Dinner. I was excited to attend the event at the WGA Headquarters! The presentation of the history of the WGA, going back to the 1930s, was inspiring. I was in awe at how the writers of that era fought for representation, as well as the obstacles they had to overcome to obtain basic fairness — something that goes on to this day, as evidenced by last year’s strike.
After the dinner, as I was chatting with the other new members, I wandered into the library. I was struck by the extensive range of material there. What an amazing catalogue of screenplays! This was before most screenplays were available online to download. I wished I had that library in San Francisco.
What motivated you to make that first gift in 2008?
While I was marveling at the collection, I was approached by the Foundation’s Executive Director. She started to tell me all about the Foundation and its programs and resources. I was impressed — not just by the library supported by the Foundation — but by the mentorship and educational programs offered. What impressed me most of all was the Veterans Writing Project. Both my parents were veterans (dad, Army; mom, Navy). Throughout my childhood I heard their fascinating stories. I know that veterans have extraordinary stories to tell, stories of bravery, depth, and complexity; they just need access to training programs and sponsorship. Right away, I knew that I wanted to contribute in some way to those programs.
For context: I work in low budget independent films in which remuneration is meager and most of your time is spent scrounging for financing. I told the ED that I would be happy to donate — just don’t expect a large donation. She said, not to worry. Any contribution would be appreciated.
I was frankly surprised to be contacted by the Foundation to write this, because my annual donation is small. As in, REALLY small. But what it lacks in size, it makes up in consistency. The Foundation can count on me to give what I can each year to support their excellent work.
As the years have passed, have your motivations for giving changed? If so, how?
Since the world has gone online, particularly since the COVID shutdown, I find myself able to participate more and more through the online resources and virtual events offered by the Foundation. During the COVID shutdown, there were valuable Zoom webinars offered which I eagerly looked forward to attending. I especially remember one panel with Billy Ray in which he discussed his career.
And even after the COVID shutdown ended, the virtual panels and webinars continue to be informative and inspiring. Although I’m not able to attend events in person, I enjoy the Zoom panels and recorded YouTube videos, e.g. “Women in Leadership Roles.” Also, if I’m searching for a specific screenplay to read, I check the Foundation website [WGF’s “Web Resources: Where to Find Scripts Online” page] to see if one of the links offered there has the PDF.
My motivation for supporting the Foundation still remains the same: I want to support the programs the Foundation offers.
What would you say to someone to encourage them to donate to the Writers Guild Foundation?
Even if you don’t live in the Los Angeles area and are only able to access the Foundation resources virtually, it is important to support programs that offer mentorship opportunities to writers, particularly writers from underserved communities. The Writers’ Access program provides training for writers to help them get jobs in TV writers rooms, and the free library resources support the entire community, as do the virtual panels and webinars. I’m gratified to do something to support them, and I hope that when I’m in Los Angeles for meetings I’ll be able to take advantage of the resources in person.
And lastly, what script or scripts would you recommend someone read?
I’m not able to visit the library in person, but I usually try to read the year’s award-winning and nominated screenplays. Many of those come through Deadline. There are many that I have gotten through the links provided by the library. [WGF’s “Web Resources: Where to Find Scripts Online” page] There are some scripts I read again and again for educational reference and inspiration:
Michael Clayton
Panic Room
Moonlight
Anything by Ava DuVernay (I’m reading Origin right now)
Anything by Billy Ray (e.g. Captain Philips)