A brief powerpoint on the function of the writers guild, a union of writers from all areas of the industry.

1. THE WRITERS GUILD -
UK UNION
By Brad Sampson

2. THE WRITERS GUILD– WTF IS IT BRO?
• The writers guild was established in 1959, in
Great Britain.
• It is a trade union for professional and non professional
writers.
• It represents writers working in television,
radio, film, theatre, books and multimedia.
• As of 2013, it had just over 2000 members.
• David Edgar is the president of the
company, a prolific man having over 60 of
his plays published and performed on
stage.

3. THE WRITERS GUILD
• The guild is not limited to professionals, but is a service open to emerging and
aspiring writers.
• They have attracted high profile writers through their history and continue to do so.
• They campaign on behalf of writers, to ensure their voices are heard.
GENERAL INFORMATION

4. THE WRITERS GUILD
• Free training
• Contract vetting (publishing contract)
• Pension schemes
• Welfare fund
• Entry to weekly find a writer directly
• Plus member only offers and discounts!
WHAT DO THEY DO?

5. THE WRITERS GUILD
WHAT DO THEY DO X2?
• The writers guild host a red carpet event,
every year, since 1961.
• The event gives writers a chance to
celebrate their peers, and to honour the
importance of writers. And to get
hammered.
• There are plenty of opportunities for
writers to get involved with their union.
Through regional committees or
becoming a member of the WGGBs
decision-making body.

6. THE WRITERS GUILD
TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN: PART 1
• 1 – Pay. The Writers Guild negotiates pay with major
industry bodies. Such as; BBC, ITV, The Royal Court, National
Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
• 2 – Decent Conditions. Regular baths that sort of thing.
From bullying to rehearsal attendance, the guild protects
the writer from exploitation.
• 3 – Basic contract vetting service for full and candidate
members. Ran by WGGB staff.
• 4 – Support and advice. Writers can be weird little loners,
modern age cave dwellers. You will receive the full backing
of a professionally ran trade union. Including personal
advice from staff, and the ability to meet regularly with new
writers.
• 5 – Pension. Full members working in Film, TV and radio
have a pension scheme. This requires that the BBC, ITV and
Channel 4 pay 6-8% of their fee directly to a pension fund.

7. THE WRITERS GUILD
TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN: PART 2
• 6 – Free and discounted training. As a member of WGGB you
are eligible for free training through the Federation. This
includes workshops and online tutorials on a wide set of
transferable skills to your freelance career.
• 7 – Other perks and discounts. A free British Library Reader
pass god damn. Discounts off theatre tickets at selected
theatres. Full members pay no joining fee for the Writers Guild
of America.
• 8 – Weekly Ebulletin. All WGGB members receive a weekly
Ebulletin, sent out every Friday and packed full of news, events,
jobs and writing opportunities.
• 9 – Get involved with regional committees. Join community.
Impact your own life and other writers around you.
• 10 – A campaigning union. WGGB have a powerful voice in the
industry on issues that affect writers. Public debates via
lobbyists in Westminster and Europe. WGGB also has large
international affiliations, which put it in great stead in an every
changing digital landscape.

8. THE WRITERS GUILD
• WGGB rates and agreements cover TV, theatre, radio
and some areas of film.
• A section of the WGGB, is where you can find an
extensive list of rates and agreements which cover
the above industries.
• These rates and agreements are used to protect
writers legally. Within these agreements you can find
such laws which are dated from certain acts.
• Many of the laws which the WGGB use to protect its
members are passed in the USA.
RATES&AGREEMENTS

9. THE WRITERS GUILD
RESOURCES AND GUIDELINES
• The union also publishes and
distributes guidelines for the different
areas of the industry. E.g. Animation
and Musical Theatre.
• Some guidelines are published
publically, downloadable from the
website.
• For others, members must contact the
head office to obtain.

10. THE WRITERS GUILD
CONTACT
• The contact info of the union is clearly
stated on their website
• The address, phone number and email are
all clearly listed which is professional and
efficient.
• You can also find your regional
representative.