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Simpson Writing Vets Feted for WGAw Animation Writers Caucus Honors

The Animation Writers Caucus (AWC) of the Writers Guild of America, west will presented its eighth annual Animation Writing Award for lifetime achievement in the medium to veteran animation writers Al Jean and Michael Reiss at its annual reception held Nov. 9, 2005, at WGAw headquarters in Los Angeles.

Mike and Al have been have been friends and colleagues of mine for over 25 years, since our childhood playing together in the schoolyard at Harvard, said WGAw president Patric M. Verrone, who presented the award. Presenting this award is a proud testament to the highest achievement in both animation writing and blatant cronyism,.

The talents and abilities of Al Jean and Mike Reiss go without saying, said AWC Chair Craig Miller. Everyone knows how much theyve contributed to the quality of the animated series theyve worked on. Less well known are their efforts and involvement in bettering conditions and circumstances for their fellow writers. For all of that, they are to be congratulated and made fun of,

Longtime animation writers and frequent writing partners, AWC award co-recipients Jean and Reiss have penned hundreds of hours of award-winning animated programming over the years.

Jean is currently exec producer/showrunner of THE SIMPSONS where he has worked since the show first launched on FOX in 1989. He is credited on some 300 SIMPSONS episodes, winning six Emmys and a Peabody Award for his work on the long-running series. Jean co-created the animated series, THE CRITIC (with Reiss), as well as serving as producer on Emmy-nominated series, THE PJs. Jeans non-animated TV credits include ITS GARRY SHANDLINGS SHOW, ALF and THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON. Graduating from Harvard in 1981, Jean was formerly vp of the colleges THE HARVARD LAMPOON.

During his 15 years writing for THE SIMPSONS, Reiss has won four Emmys and a Peabody Award for his creative contributions to the successful series. Along with co-creating THE CRITIC, Reiss also created Showtimes hit cartoon series QUEER DUCK and is now slated as a feature film to be released in 2006. Reiss other notable non-animation TV writing credits include ITS GARRY SHANDLINGS SHOW, ALF and THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JOHNNY CARSON. Reiss original dramatic screenplay, FAT MAN, is currently in development with Adam Sandler attached to star.

Reiss caveman detective story, CRO-MAGNON P.I., won an Edgar Award as Best First Mystery. His best-selling childrens book, HOW MURRAY SAVED CHRISTMAS, will soon be a feature film from Nickelodeon. Other childrens books penned by Reiss include THE BOY WHO LOOKED LIKE LINCOLN, SANTA CLAUSTROPHOBIA and LATE FOR SCHOOL. Earlier in his career, he was president of THE HARVARD LAMPOON, as well as editor of THE NATIONAL LAMPOON.

Founded in 1994, the WGAw Animation Writers Caucus represents more than 600 animation writers and works to advance economic and creative conditions in the field. Through organizing efforts, educational events, and networking opportunities, the Caucus is a leading proponent for animation writers.

The Writers Guild of America, west (www.wga.org) represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. The union conducts numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the world on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers.

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