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Fighting for writers’ rights in...

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain is a trade union registered at 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU

Animation

Books

Film

Poetry

Comedy

Radio

Theatre

Television

Videogames

Writers’ Guild of Great Britain2

CONTACT USCall us on 020 7833 0777 or email [email protected]

WGGB onlineThere is lots more information on our website, which includes WGGB guidelines, rates and agreements, FAQs, a list of useful links and other resources, contacts, news, campaigns, member interviews, a members’ area, our Find A Writer directory, online joining, full details of member benefits, and much more.

Throughout this guide use this icon to find the correct link to follow at

www.writersguild.org.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter @TheWritersGuild, or on Facebook www.facebook.com/thewritersguild

1. Introduction 5 2. Top 10 reasons to join WGGB 63. Working for writers in… 8 TV 8 Theatre 9 Film 10

Radio 10 Books 11

Animation 11 Comedy 11

Videogames 114. Events and awards 12 5. WGGB in action 13 6. WGGB in your region 147. Member benefits/how to join 16

www.writersguild.org.uk 3

Contents


WGGB wields influence in (clockwise from top left) Westminster, Holyrood, Cardiff Bay, Brussels and beyond. The union is also working hard to protect writers’ rights during Brexit

IntroductionThis booklet will tell you all you need to know about the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB), the TUC-affiliated trade union representing professional writers in TV, film, theatre, radio, books, poetry, animation, comedy and videogames. Our members also include emerging and aspiring writers (known as our Candidate Members).

We have been negotiating better pay and working conditions for writers since 1959. The national agreements we have in place cover key employers, including the BBC, ITV, National Theatre, Royal Court and Royal Shakespeare Company.

We have attracted high-profile members throughout our 58-year history, and continue to do so today. Their names include, among many others:

Screenwriters Steven Moffat, Mike Leigh, Paul Laverty, Kay Mellor, Emma Thompson and Andrew Davies; playwrights Tom Stoppard, Laura Wade, April De Angelis and Mike Bartlett; authors Tony Robinson, Stella Duffy, Sandi Toksvig and David Nicholls.

We lobby and campaign on behalf of writers, to ensure their voices are heard in a rapidly changing digital landscape, and we wield considerable influence over politicians in Westminster, Brussels, Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and beyond.We offer a range of benefits to our members, including free training, contract vetting, a pension scheme, Welfare Fund, entry to our Find A Writer directory, a weekly ebulletin, plus member-only events and discounts and a dedicated area of our website.

If you are a writer in one of the areas we represent, we look forward to welcoming you, too. Full information on joining can be found on page 17, and there is an application form at the end of this booklet.


“Perhaps the best example of reach into the new economy is the well-established Writers’ Guild of Great Britain which goes some way to bringing worker representation to the expanding online world, videogames and creative content of all sorts.”

JournalisT, aCademiC, Banker and former Blair speeCHWriTer pHilip Collins, WriTinG on ‘TomorroW’s Trade unions’ in ideas maGazine PROSPECT


pay

WGGB negotiates agreements on pay with major industry bodies, including BBC, ITV, UK Theatre, ITC and Pact. The more members we have, the stronger we are as a union, and the more we can push for improved deals.

deCenT CondiTions WGGB agreements also cover writers’ working conditions and the terms of their contracts. These include a wide range of issues – from bullying to rehearsal attendance – and protect writers from exploitation.

ConTraCT veTTinGWGGB provides a contract vetting service for Full and Candidate Members. It is run by WGGB staff and outsourced to external contract vetters when necessary.

supporT and adviCeWriting can be an isolated profession. As a WGGB member, you will receive the full backing of a professionally run trade union, including advice from our experienced staff, fellow members and, where required, specialist media lawyers. Networking events give you the chance to meet and share issues with fellow writers.

pension Full Members working in film, TV or radio can join the WGGB pension scheme. This requires that the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or an independent production company pays an employer’s contribution of between 6% and 8% of their fee directly into their pension fund.

free and disCounTed TraininGAs a member of WGGB, you are eligible for free training through the Federation of Entertainment Unions. This includes workshops and online tutorials on a wide variety of skills useful in your freelance career – from building your own website and utilising social media to negotiating contracts and keeping your finances in order. WGGB members in Wales are also eligible for discounted training via CULT Cymru, plus there is a 10% discount off course fees at Birkbeck University.

Top 10 reasons to join WGGB

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oTHer perks and disCounTs These include a free British Library Reader Pass, plus discounts off tickets at selected theatres, Black List and Script Angel services, Final Draft software and Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook and workshops, special pricing on Apple products, and discounted membership of the London Library, Union Club and Royal Society of Literature. Full Members are also eligible for Cannes Accreditation, entry in the WGGB Find A Writer online directory, and to pay no joining fee for the Writers Guild of America, East or West (if they are eligible for membership).

Weekly eBulleTinAll WGGB members receive a weekly ebulletin, packed full of news, events, competitions, jobs and writing opportunities.

GeT involvedAs a WGGB member, you can join one of our craft or regional committees, or the WGGB’s decision-making body, our Executive Council. These offer a great way to participate in the running of your union and have a positive impact on writers’ lives.

a CampaiGninG union WGGB has a powerful voice in the entertainment industries and campaigns on issues that affect writers. It contributes to public debate via our lobbyists in Westminster and Europe, and has major international affiliations, which enable it to keep ahead of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

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www.writersguild.org.uk/about/


Television WGGB and the Personal Managers’ Association have set up Writers Digital Payments, a not-for-profit company that ensures writers get paid whenever their work is shown on digital services like BBC iPlayer. Over £2 million has been paid to writers to date.

We are running a campaign, Free is NOT an Option, against unpaid development work in television and film, which has gained considerable support in writers’ meetings in Brussels and Warsaw, and in Parliament.

We are tackling the issue of writers not being paid properly on BBC ‘soaps’ shadow schemes, including EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Doctors, and have negotiated fee increases with the BBC.

We have secured significant improvements for writers affected by BBC cuts on the Doctors and Pobol y Cwm TV series.

We work collectively with other unions to combat bullying, harassment by managers and colleagues as part of the Creating Without Conflict campaign.

We continue to negotiate and update our minimum terms agreements with the BBC, ITV and Pact (representing the independent producers).

We have negotiated a major new agreement with the BBC – the Script Agreement for Television and Online.

“I remember way back when I was a jobbing writer, a producer pushed me to change a script which was very dear to me. When I refused they told me they would go ahead and change it themselves anyway. Thankfully I was able to turn to my Writers’ Guild contract, which protected me and my work from this happening. I will forever be grateful to the Guild for this protection.”

Why I’m a WGGB member

kay mellor oBe

‘‘

Working for writers in…


THeaTre

We negotiate minimum rates increases with UK Theatre, the Independent Theatre Council and TNC (representing the Royal Court, Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre).

We have won new rights for playwrights commissioned by UK Theatre organisations, including provisions to protect textual integrity and additional fees if their work is performed in English-language productions in non-English speaking countries.

We have actively supported the Playwrights’ Progress showcase for new writing; and the In Battalions campaign to highlight the damaging effects of Arts Council cuts.

We organise the annual Olwen Wymark Theatre Encouragement Awards.

We organise an annual Literary Managers’ Forum to discuss issues directly with theatres and touring companies.

“I’m a member because I’m glad the Writers’ Guild exists, and its existence should be celebrated. The Guild continues to do hugely important work for all of us, and as a freelance worker, it’s very empowering to know you’ve got such a strong organisation behind you.”

Phot

o: L

inda

Nyl

ind


Laura Wade

‘‘www.writersguild.org.uk/craft-areas/


film

We negotiated the ‘locked box’ deal with the British Film Institute (BFI), to ensure that writers get a share (alongside producers and directors) of recouped income from feature films supported with Lottery Funding through the BFI Film Fund (and held in a ‘locked box’ for reinvestment in the British Film industry).

We have taken a leading role in an international campaign to have the role of screenwriters recognised at film festivals, commissioning research and a detailed report, Written Into the Picture.

We host networking events, eg with Film London.

We organise special screening events. WGGB has gained funding for a major gender equality survey focusing on screenwriters in film and TV, which will form the basis of a campaign.

radio

We have negotiated special fees for the Home Front Radio 4 drama serial until 2018.

We meet regularly with the BBC to raise issues on pay and conditions for radio writers, which are enshrined in our national agreement with the corporation.

We organise the annual Tinniswood audio drama script award alongside the Society of Authors.

We are planning a Radio Drama Roadshow and best practice guidelines for writers and producers.

“I believe in the union movement and the power of a collective voice to shout loudly for the good of all.”

“I’m proud to be a member of the Writers’ Guild, I consider it the greatest of clubs. One that seeks to represent not just one but all.”


Gurpreet kaur Bhatti

Jack Thorne

‘‘‘‘

Working for writers in…


Books

We are working on booklets including a Guide to Self-Publishing and planning workshops.

Our Books Committee represents poets and non-fiction writers, as well as writers of prose and deals with various issues of relevance to them.

We have defended libraries against devastating cuts.

animaTion

We have produced Guidelines for Animation Writers.

We have produced a best-practice guide for industry professionals in collaboration with the Personal Managers’ Association.

Children’s animation scriptwriters are now eligible for the WGGB pension.

videoGames

We have revised our Guidelines for Games Writers and those working with them.

We hold events, including an annual panel event with the International Game Developers Association.

Comedy

The recently formed committee has run a sitcom-writing event with comedy legends Marks and Gran.

“Game writers have the capacity to deliver powerful stories that deserve to stand alongside other forms of drama, and this needs to be nurtured. That means the involvement of organisations like WGGB. I’m proud to be a game writer, and I’m proud to be a member of WGGB.”

“We writers tend to be rather solitary people, and it can be easy to rip us off. It makes sense that we have a unified voice and agreements that can protect our interests.”

Photo: Simon Annand


dan pinchbeck Tony robinson

‘‘‘‘

“The Writers’ Guild has successfully fought attempts to cut the pay of children’s TV writers, and has updated its guidelines and developed a good practice guide for writers working in animation. It is vitally important.”

WGGB memBer emma reeves

www.writersguild.org.uk/about/craft-areas/


Fleabag writer phoebe Waller-Bridge was just one of the guests at the Writers’ Guild awards 2017 ceremony

As well as a lively programme of regional events (see pages 14-15), WGGB hosts (or is part of) a number of annual national awards ceremonies.

The Writers’ Guild awards The Writers’ Guild Awards have been celebrating writers, and writing, since they were launched in 1961. They have featured high-profile winners throughout their history, and champion the importance of writers and writing to the creative industries, in the UK and abroad. The Tinniswood awardWGGB presents this audio drama script award each year, in partnership with the Society of Authors, at the annual BBC Audio Drama Awards. It was established in memory of English radio and TV comedy scriptwriter Peter Tinniswood, who died in 2003.

olwen Wymark Theatre encouragement awardsOur Olwen Wymark Theatre Encouragement Awards were the brainchild of playwright Mark Ravenhill, and were set up to give WGGB members the opportunity to publicly thank those who have provided them with a positive experience in new writing over the previous year.

other national eventsOur annual forum of theatre literary managers and a videogames panel event are some of the other highlights in our calendar. Further details of all our events are on our website.

Events and awards

www.writersguild.org.uk/category/events/


WGGB in actionThe Writers’ Guild of Great Britain campaigns and lobbies on behalf of writers, both in the UK and abroad. In the UK we have tackled issues including unpaid development work in TV, bullying and harassment in the creative industries, lack of visibility of screenwriters at film festivals, gender equality and diversity, the effects of arts funding cuts and of Brexit on writers, and in support of a properly funded BBC.

As a member of organisations like the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds and the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe, we attend regular events abroad to address issues including copyright and collective management.

We negotiate rates and national agreements for writers – it’s at the heart of what we do. These protect writers’ pay, and also the conditions under which they work. Our rates and agreements cover TV, theatre, radio and some sections of film. They benefit all writers working in those areas, and not just our members.Where we don’t have an agreement in place (for example, in books, poetry, animation and videogames), we produce best-practice guidelines – for writers, and those working with them.We also offer all our members, whatever level of membership, bespoke advice on their pay and contracts.

WGGB raTes and aGreemenTs

www.writersguild.org.uk/about/campaigns/

Wales

We continue to negotiate on behalf of writers on the Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm.

We organise recruitment events for writers with guest speakers.

WGGB is a partner union in CULT Cymru, which provides training, advice and support to people in the creative industries in Wales and offers discounts for union members.

souTH WesT (CornWall & devon)

An area with a small population but full of festivals, competitions and literary events.

WGGB in your region


norTH WesT (manCHesTer & lanCasHire)The region has been represented at various events including the Manchester Theatre Awards and #WriteNow.

norTH WesT (merseyside)We have held meetings with Merseyside theatres and met with young writers’ groups.

WesT midlands

We have campaigned against library cuts. We run popular ‘Notworking’ events. We have held events/talks at the Birmingham Literature Festival and the Writers’ Toolkit annual networking event.

We work with local organisations including the BBC, the Royal Television Society, Arts Connect, Writing West Midlands, the Society of Authors, Birmingham Rep and more.

yorksHire & norTH easT

We hold popular events such as Television Writing: Women’s Work?

london & souTH easT

We hold events for members including the popular ‘Meet the...’ sessions with industry experts.

easT midlands

Events have included a WGGB presence at the University of Nottingham’s Writers’ Conference.

souTH WesT (Wessex)

A relatively new WGGB region, due to boundary changes that have made Swindon part of the London & South East area, and Gloucester and Cheltenham part of West Midlands.


sCoTland

We hold a stand at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We contribute to the Literature Alliance Scotland, and the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Culture.

www.writersguild.org.uk/contact/find-your-regional-rep/

Further details of member benefi ts can be found on our website.

*Contract vetting may be subject to terms and conditions.

**The WGGB pension scheme is open to Full Members working in the areas of fi lm, TV and radio.

***Eligibility criteria apply.


Member benefi ts at a glance

full CandidaTe affiliaTe memBers memBers memBers

free contract vetting* support and advice Weekly ebulletin member discounts member events WGGB pension scheme** entry in the find a Writer directory members-only area of the WGGB website free and discounted training Welfare fund***

www.writersguild.org.uk/member-benefi ts/


Which membership tier is for you?

full memBer To be eligible for Full Membership writers must have had work produced or published under a WGGB-negotiated contract or equivalent industry-standard terms (please contact us if you are unsure about eligibility – see page 2 for contact details). Membership costs £198 for the first year or £16.50 per month.

CandidaTe memBerFor those working towards a writing career. Membership costs £108 per year or £9 per month and Candidate Members upgrade to Full Membership when they get professional credits.

affiliaTe memBerAgents, technical advisers, consultants etc engaged in a professional relationship with writers. Membership costs £300 per annum or £25 per month.

*If applying with a cheque you DO NOT have to fill in the Direct Debit form.

How to join Membership of WGGB costs as little as £9 per month and you can join in the following ways:

Join online with a credit or debit card. Go to www.writersguild.org.uk/join-renew/

By cheque. Detach the application form at the back of this booklet, fill it in and return it with your cheque (made payable with the correct amount to Writers’ Guild of Great Britain), to WGGB, 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU.*

By instalments via Direct Debit. Detach the application form and Direct Debit mandate at the back of this booklet. Fill in both of these and return to WGGB, 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU. You can also download a Direct Debit/application form online. Choose your correct membership tier and then follow the links at www.writersguild.org.uk/join-renew/

If you would like to pay with credit or debit card over the phone, please call the WGGB Head Office on 0207 833 0777.

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design by www.savageandgray.co.uk

produced and published by The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, 134 Tooley street, london se1 2Tu in september 2017The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has made every effort to ensure that the content in this booklet is correct at the time of publication, but cannot take any responsibility for any loss arising out of use of the information in this booklet. The content in this booklet is for general guidance only and should not be regarded as constituting legal or business advice or opinion. Legal and business advice should be sought and taken in relation to the specific circumstances of each case and nothing appearing here is intended to be a substitute for obtaining specific legal and/or business advice from a competent professional.

photo credits: P4 (clockwise from top left): 123rf.com/David Novi; Shutterstock.com/Heartland; Shutterstock.com/Horia Bogdan; Shutterstock.com/Darryl Sleath; p9 © Linda Nylind; p11 © Simon Annand; p12 © WGGB/Matt Writtle

If you require a large-print or text-only version of this booklet, please email [email protected] or phone 020 7833 0777



application form


Application to join

Personal Details

Name

Nom de plume

Date of birth

Gender Female / Male / Other LGBT+ Yes / No

Ethnicity

Disability (please list any access needs)

Address

Postcode

Telephone/s

Email

Website

Agent

Where did you hear about the WGGB?

What is your main reason for joining?

Membership categories and fees

All information on this form will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be made available to officers and staff of the union.

Signature

Date

Please return this form with a subscription cheque or completed Direct Debit form (overleaf) to: Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, Membership, 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU (cheques should be payable to Writers’ Guild of Great Britain)

Area(s) of interest please circle n Animation n Books n Children’s writing n Comedy n Comedy (panel/topical) n Film n Online writing n Poetry n Radio n Scripted reality n Television n Theatre n Videogames

Writer job title(s) please circle n Animation writer n Author n Children’s writer n Comedy writer n Dramatist n Librettist n Lyricist n Online writer n Playwright n Playwright-radio n Poet n Screenwriter-film n Scripted reality writer n Screenwriter-TV n Videogame writer n Other (please specify)

Full Membership £198 pa /£16.50 pm for the first yearTo be eligible, writers must have had work produced or published under a WGGB-negotiated contract or equivalent industry-standard terms.Please provide proof of eligibility for Full Membership, list your professional writing credits below or attach a list with this application (please contact us if you are unsure about eligibility).

Candidate Membership £108 pa /£9 pmFor those working towards a writing career.

Affiliate Membership £300 pa /£25 pmFor agents, technical advisers, consultants etc engaged in a professional relationship with writers.

Please tick the appropriate box:

Please fill in the form and send to:WGGB1st Flr, 134 Tooley Street,London, SE1 2TU

To: The Manager Bank/building society

Address

Postcode

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Bank/building society account number

Branch sort code

Reference

Please indicate the frequency you would like to pay (Official WGGB use only) Monthly Quarterly Half Yearly Annually

Instruction to your bank or building societyPlease pay Writers’ Guild of Great Britain direct debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society

Signature(s)

Date

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account.

9 7 4 1 0 8Service user number

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by direct debit

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