News index
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UK Film Council to close
But tax regime and lottery funds to continue.
Tributes to Alan Plater
Guild President and Chair hail his extraordinary achievements.
Alan Plater 1935-2010
Brilliant scriptwriter, playwright and former President of the Writers’ Guild.
Major theatres lift writers' fees
The Writers’ Guild has agreed a full 3.7% cost-of-living increase on minimum fees and other payments by the leading subsidised theatres
Guild deplores videogames tax decision
Budget announcement will harm UK games industry.
Guild / BBC TV Drama Event - podcasts
Podcasts from the Guild BBC Drama Event on 2nd June are now available, free of charge.
Writers’ Guild Awards 2010 – Call for nominations from Guild Members
Deadline: 3rd September 2010.
Robert Adams on the Writers' Guild Books Co-op
A video interview by Bernie Corbett.
Guild AGM supports new structure
Ringing endorsement for proposals put forward by the Chair, Robert Taylor, for a new structure to take the organisation forward in the digital age.
Writers' Guild defends digital payments plan
ALCS performs U-turn in mass mail-out
Guild response to BBC Trust Strategy Review
The full text of the WGGB submission to the consultation.
DCMS announces cuts across the board
Arts Council England comes off worst from funding review.
Why cuts to S4C must be resisted
By Roger Williams, Deputy Chair of the Writers' Guild.
Save Kids' TV urges BBC to invest in homegrown programming
Guild signs letter to Chair of BBC Trust.
Guild Books Co-op launched
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain Books Co-operative has been launched at an event in London attended by around 40 Guild members.
Guild signs milestone agreement with ITV
Agreement brings minimum fees more into line with current standards and introduce 100% advances on many shows for the first time.
Guild TV Committee's submission to BBC Strategy Review
The submission from the Writers’ Guild TV Committee to the BBC Trust review of how money is spent on the production of the corporation's portfolio of continuing dramas.
In defence of the Digital Economy Bill
By Bernie Corbett, General Secretary of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain.
Writers' Guild AGM - call for nominations and motions
This year’s Writers’ Guild AGM takes place on Friday 4 June 2010.
FSE/IAWG first joint communiqué
The Federation of European Screenwriters and International Association of Writers' Guilds have issued their first joint communiqué.
Reorganisation threat to Public Lending Right
Writers' organisations contact Minister to express concern.
Guild response to The Bill being axed
Assurances demanded on replacement drama.
Writers' Guild response to BBC announcement
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has issued its response to today’s announcement by Mark Thompson, Director-General of the BBC.
The future of BBC radio drama
Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Drama, Jeremy Howe, outlines his plans.
WGGB General Secretary advert
To comply with trade union legislation the post of General Secretary must be advertised every five years.
Have your say on the skills needs of the literature sector
Creative & Cultural Skills is inviting writers, literature development workers and others across the literature sector to contribute to a new plan to develop the skills needs of the industry.
Go-ahead for product placement
Guild responds to new government plans.
Writing For Publication
Philip Monks reports from the West Midlands Writers' Guild Branch event.
Save scripted television content
Introducing the Writers' Guild's topic for the Performers' Alliance Parliamentary Reception, by Gail Renard.
Google Book Settlement - decision time
If you want to opt out, opt back in or file an objection, you must do so by 28 January.
Writers' Lab @ Bolton
The University of Bolton is developing a writer's programme in association with a number of production companies in the North West
UNI-MEI campaign against digital theft
UN-MEI, the global media, entertainment and arts union, has launched a campaign against digital theft.
Product placement consultation
The Guild's response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport consultation.
The Tinniswood and Imison Radio Awards 2010
Producers invited to submit entries.
Guild Comedy Award for Linehan
Graham Linehan was presented with the Ronnie Barker Writers' Guild of Great Britain award at the Comedy Awards in London.
MP seeks to save Silver Street
John Hemming MP tables Early Day Motion requesting BBC re-think on Asian Network soap.
David Edgar's tribute to Andrew Davies
At the Writers' Guild Awards on Sunday, Guild President, David Edgar, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Andrew Davies.
Writers’ Guild Awards 2009
The winners of the 2009 Guild Awards were announced at a ceremony in London on 29 November.
British Comedy Awards
Shortlists announced; winners to be announced on December 12th.
Writers' Guild condemns Silver Street axing
Guild says BBC Asian Network soap must be reprieved.
West Midlands survey results
Results into a survey of training needs.
We start from here
Gail Renard reports from the first World Conference of Screenwriters.
World Screenwriters Declaration
At its conclusion in Athens, the first World Conference of Screenwriters has issued a World Screenwriters Declaration.
National Theatre Wales
National Theatre Wales has announced its first year programme.
Screenwriters' Festival 2009
Piers Beckley reports from the Screenwriters' Festival.
Writers' Guild Awards 2009 shortlists
Guild announces shortlists covering TV, theatre, film, radio and video games.
Tinniswood and Imison Radio Award winners
The Writers' Guild and the Society of Authors have announced the results of their prestigious annual radio drama awards.
Working With Writers - a good practice guide for TV programme makers
A new publication from the Guild's TV Committee.
Guild's guide to screenwriting to be launched
New good practice guide calls for writers and producers to be partners not enemies.
Screenwriters' Festival 2009
The fourth Screenwriters' Festival will be running from Monday 26th October to Thursday 29th October this year.
Radical TV Drama Before and During Thatcher
Festival at BFI Southbank will screen many modern classics - discount for Guild members.
Citizens' Coalition for Public Service Broadcasting
New organisation in defence of public service broadcasting.
Frank Deasy 1960-2009
Screenwriter and Guild member Frank Deasy has died at the age of 49.
Troy Kennedy Martin 1932-2009
Troy Kennedy Martin, one of the most influential British screenwriters, has died at the age of 77.
World Conference of Screenwriters
The first ever World Conference of Screenwriters will take place in Athens on November 6th and 7th.
EU statement on digital books and copyright
EU Commissioners issue a joint statement on issues relating to book digitisation in Europe.
WGGB membership survey
Guild members are invited to give their views of the services the union offers.
Corbett criticises film merger proposal
Writers' Guild General Secretary, Bernie Corbett, has criticised the proposed merger of the BFI and UK Film Council.
Copyright Code revised
The Alliance for the Protection of Copyright (APC) has published a newly updated Code of Practice.
Arts Council England's Theatre Assessment
Findings published of first major review since 2001.
Guild agrees increases in radio rates
BBC minimum rates for drama increase by 1.4%.
Ofcom's Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Annual Report
First run UK-originated PSB spending and output down 15% since 2004.
Writers’ Guild Awards 2009 – call for nominations from Guild Members
Closing date for nominations is 28 August.
European Union Prize for Literature
The names of twelve European authors to receive the first ever European Union Prize for Literature have been announced by the European Commission.
Tinniswood and Imison Radio Awards shortlists
The shortlists have been announced for this year's Tinniswood and Imison Radio Awards.
Notice for all members working with Creative Partnerships
Sample agreement now available to download.
BBC approach to talent
Guild responds to an email from the BBC.
Extreme pornographic writing
WGGB reply to The House of Lords' proposed amendment on extreme pornographic writing.
Showcomotion
Jayne Kirkham reports from the sixth annual Showcomotion Children's Media conference.
Free tax guidance
HW Fisher & Company have produced a free tax guide for authors and journalists and are offering free tax advice to Guild members.
Gender bias
American study suggests that female playwrights face discrimination.
Thoughts on Digital Britain
Responses to Lord Carter's long-awaited report.
Vamps, Vixens and Feminists
Tracy Brabin reports from a conference on gender equality organised by Sphinx Theatre Company.
William Jones (1953–2009)
A tribute to the renowned Welsh scriptwriter who died earlier this year.
Screenlit Festival of Film, TV and Writing
Andrew Cooper introduces the first ever Screenlit Festival in Nottingham.
Guild AGM report
Full member subs to raise; Robert Taylor is elected Chair.
Writing by committee
Gail Renard explains the background to the upcoming launch of the Guild’s TV Good Practice Guide.
Newsjack's open call for submissions
New topical BBC radio comedy show looking for sketches.
Copycats? Digital Consumers in the Online Age
New report highlights prevalence of illegal downloading.
Google Books Settlement - time to state your claim
Further advice from the Guild for members affected by US court settlement.
State aid for screenwriting
The Federation of Scriptwriters in Europe calls for script development funding.
Multilingualism In Drama
Othniel Smith reports from a Guild event at Sherman Cymru, Cardiff
Sony Radio Academy Awards
Winners announced for prestigious radio prizes.
Guild backs Project Canvas
Support for joint venture between the BBC, ITV and BT.
Survey of playwrights
Responses invited as part of Arts Council research into working conditions.
BAFTA TV Awards winners
The winners have been announced of the 2009 BAFTA TV Awards.
BBC Writers' Academy and Comedy College
The BBC is inviting applications for two if its main new writing initiatives.
Proposal for a digital rights agency
Guild submits response to government discussion paper.
Guild concern over BBC's rejection of Churchill play
Reports suggest that radio broadcast of Caryl Churchill's Seven Jewish Children rejected over fears that it would threaten the BBC's impartiality.
Guild response to Digital Britain report
Comments on the government's outline plans for the transition to a 'digital economy'.
Product placement ban maintained
Culture Secretary refuses to change the rules.
Copyright - the future
Guild submits response to the Intellectual Property Office's consultation.
Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar triumph
Eight awards, including Best Film and Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) for Simon Beaufoy.
7 on 7 - radio sketch writers wanted
A new opportunity for radio sketch writers.
Google Book Settlement site live
Authors affected by American deal can register on website.
New Kindle raises copyright query
Concern over 'text-to-speech' function.
BAFTA Film Awards 2009
Success for UK writers, including for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Competition Commission blocks Project Kangaroo
Proposed video on demand (VOD) venture between the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will not go ahead.
ITV cuts back on dramas
The Bill cut to once a week; Heartbeat and The Royal not recommissioned.
Saving Kids’ TV
Jayne Kirkham responds to Ofcom’s Second Public Service Broadcasting Review.
Harold Pinter 1930-2008
Tributes paid to one of the great post-War writers.
Performers' Alliance Parliamentary Lobby
Guild representatives join those from Equity and the Musicians' Union to lobby MPs.
Comedy Award for Renwick
Screenwriter David Renwick won the Ronnie Barker Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award at the British Comedy Awards on Saturday night.
Ofcom’s Second Public Service Broadcasting Review
The Guild has submitted a paper as part of the consultation on Ofcom’s Second Public Service Broadcasting Review - Phase 2: preparing for the digital future.
Alfred Bradley Bursary Award
Radio drama competition for writers in, or from, the North of England who are new to BBC radio drama.
BAFTA Children's Awards
Alison Hume wins Writer award for Summerhill.
Response to EU Green Paper on copyright in the knowledge economy
Guild cautions against exceptions and limitations to copyright.
Will Project Kangaroo fly?
Proposed video-on-demand service faces numerous challenges.
WGGB supports French protest
Guild support for French writers' opposition to the proposal to remove advertising from France Télévisions.
Brits triumph at International Emmy Awards
British writers behind numerous winners.
Guild Awards 2008 winners
David Croft and Jimmy Perry given Lifetime Achievement Award.
Australian Guild attacks Screen Australia guidelines
The Australian Writers’ Guild has expressed alarm at Screen Australia’s draft guidelines covering development support and production financing.
ITV adopts product placement code
ITV and independent TV producers have signed up to a code of conduct that will come into place if the government decides to permit placement during TV shows win government approval.
Waterstone's cancels poetry reading following Christian Voice protest threat
A reading by poet Patrick Jones has been cancelled after threats of protests by the campaigning organisation, Christian Voice.
Radio sketches wanted
The BBC is inviting radio sketch writers to submit work for the new series of Recorded For Training Purposes.
Bond breaks box office record
£15.4 million taken in UK over first weekend.
Google Books settlement could transform publishing
The Guild is seeking ways to get money for UK writers following a settlement in a New York courtroom that looks set to transform publishing.
Tinniswood and Imison winners
Radio Awards won by Stephen Wyatt and Adam Beeson.
Breton writers condemn Cardiff sale of antique books
Support for campaign by Welsh writers and academics.
New ministers at DCMS
Barbara Follett and Stephen Carter join the team.
Theatre and Politics: A Playwright's Agenda
Othniel Smith reports from the event organised by the Guild's Welsh Branch at Sherman Cymru.
BBC promtion for Stephenson
Ben Stephenson is new Controller, Drama Commissioning as Jane Tranter moves on.
WGGB Awards shortlists
Shortlists announced for 2008 Awards.
WGA Videogame Writing Awards
The Writers Guild of America West and East are calling for submissions for their second annual Videogame Writing Awards.
WGGB Theatre Encouragement Awards 2008
Winners announced of fourth annual awards from the Guild's Theatre Committee.
Rowling wins copyright case
US court rules against publication of Potter Lexicon.
Arts Council England Theatre Assessment 2008
Arts Council England is inviting contributions for its Theatre Assessment 2008
Radio drama rates 2008
New rates for writers available for download.
Tinniswood and Imison Awards shortlists
WGGB and Society of Authors announce 2008 shortlists for radio awards.
Gareth Miles wins £10,000 book prize
Guild member heads the Welsh-language category of the prestigious Wales Book of the Year Awards 2008.
Reality writing
The Writers Guild of America West is targeting the new series of hit talent show American Idol to highlight the poor working conditions for writers.
Can you Rewrite the Future?
Save the Children, as part of its Rewrite the Future campaign, is inviting all writers to sign up to a joint letter demanding that world leaders take action to ensure all children have the opportunity to attend school.
ITV's drama and comedy priorities
Commissioners have revealed what they are looking for from programme makers.
Writing Film
Olivia Hetreed introduces new Draft Screenwriters' Guildines from the Writers' Guild.
Next generation iPlayer launched
New features include integration of radio programming.
Screenwriters' Festival 2008
There's still time to book tickets for the third annual Screenwriters' Festival in Cheltenham, 1-3 July.
BBC announces online TV archive plans
Dedicated web page for every episode of every show.
Guild agrees rates increase with TNC theatres
The Guild has agreed an increase of 2.75% for rates for writers working with TNC theatres.
AGM 2008
New criteria for Full Membership agreed by Guild AGM.
Moffat to take helm at Doctor Who
Steven Moffat will be lead writer for 2010 series.
Writing for romance
Naomi MacDonald reports on the Writers' Guild and DACS getting together for an evening of romance.
World Service drama
Guild complains about decline in commissions.
BAFTA for Moffat
Steven Moffat wins Best Writer at BAFTA Craft Awards.
Online guidelines
Guild publishes guidelines for writing online drama and other content
BAFTA TV Awards winners
Writers to the fore on TV's big night.
BBC Drama Series Writers Academy
Applications invited from writers with at least one professional contract.
BAFTA Craft awards
Nominations for the BAFTA Television Craft awards have been announced.
Arthur C. Clarke: 1917-2008
Legendary science fiction writer dies at the age of 90.
Anthony Minghella 1954-2008
Anthony Minghella, a WGGB member for the past twenty years, has died at the age of 54.
The Bruntwood Playwriting Competition
The 2008 Bruntwood Playwriting Competition for The Royal Exchange is inviting entries.
BBC Comedy College launched
Writers with some track record in comedy invited to apply.
HBO backs Ladies' Detective Agency
13-part series ordered in partnership with the BBC.
Lords reject Springer case
Christian Voice blasphemy petition thrown out.
The Met Film School Training Scheme
Writers with some professional experience invited to apply for new Skillset-funded development scheme - closing date 10th March 2008.
Oscar for Suzie Templeton
British animator Suzie Templeton has won an Oscar for Best Short Animated Film for her version of Prokofiev's Peter And The Wolf (co-written with Marianela Maldonado).
The Guild goes to Downing Street
Gail Renard, Chair of the Guild's TV Committee, reports on a reception for women in trade unions.
BBC dramas on iTunes
Top BBC dramas are being made available for sale on iTunes for the first time.
Euro Film Awards credits
European Film Academy will mention screenwriters in all outgoing materials.
BAFTA Film Awards 2008
British screenwriters honoured.
US strike is over
92.5% vote to return to work.
US writers to vote on strike
Three month dispute could end on Wednesday.
Guild campaigns against Public Lending Right funding cut
Department for Culture, Media and Sport urged to reconsider.
Arts Council England announces final funding decisions
Arts Council England (ACE) has published the final decisions on who will get what until 2011.
Nominations sought for Meyer-Whitworth Award
£10,000 Award is UK's richest annual playwriting prize.
Andy Burnham is new Culture Secretary
Purnell moves on, and former Chris Smith adviser takes over.
'No confidence' after Arts Council cuts
British theatre has delivered a resounding vote of no confidence in Arts Council England.
Moxie Makers - The Big Pitch 2008
Moxie Makers, a "micro studio" managed by Ipso Facto Films, has launched The Big Pitch 2008.
