15 June 2011
Posted in
Theatre
The Writers’ Guild has negotiated an increase of 4.4% in the minimum rates for plays commissioned by members of the Independent Theatre Council – mostly the smaller subsidised theatres, including many touring companies.
The agreement brings the minimum fee for a full-length play to £7,650; for a play between 30 and 70 minutes £5,101; and for a play under 30 minutes £2,550.
Normally the minimum rates are increased in accordance with the Retail Prices Index, which would have led to increases of 5.5%, but in view of the financial pressures on theatres the Guild agreed this year to use the lower Consumer Prices Index, without setting any precedent for future years.
Guild General Secretary Bernie Corbett commented: 'We are glad that we have been able to agree a worthwhile increase for our members. We know, of course, that times are tough for theatres, but it must never be forgotten that times are just as tough for writers facing downward pressure on fees and new commissions becoming harder to find.'
The new fees take effect immediately but the ITC is recommending its members to try to backdate them to the official settlement date of 1 April 2011.
Download a full list of the new minimum rates (pdf)
