Writers' Guild of Great Britain

The EIFF25 Industry Programme has been announced! - Edinburgh International Film Festival This year's industry programme presents an impactful series of panels and networking opportunities for local and international creatives.

Delighted to be at Edinburgh International Film Festival this year + on 19 Aug we'll be hosting a panel on screenwriting in Scotland, to be followed by networking drinks

WGGB members can receive a discount off the delegate pass - check your ebulletin for details!

www.edfilmfest.org/the-eiff25-i...

Graphic with the WGGB logo and the word 'Confidential' stamped in red. The graphic is text only and repeats the message in the post

WGGB members can get free advice and support on a variety of contract, copyright and workplace issues, including bullying, harassment and discrimination, even if you've signed a confidentiality clause or NDA. We will NOT take action without consulting with you

Email: casework@writersguild.org.uk

V concerning reading in this new report

Action to tackle low pay + free work + late payment of freelancers are just some of the issues WGGB is lobbying + campaigning around

WGGB also negotiates minimum rates for playwrights in the UK. View rate cards + join your union here: writersguild.org.uk

Image of open laptop, tablet displaying the Zoom logo, coffee cup, open book, spectacles on a desk

Why contracts for writers are important, how they can protect you, what they should (and should not!) include, and how you can improve them

Join our Senior Organiser John Sailing in this free online workshop for WGGB members

30 July, 12-2pm

Register 🔽

forms.office.com/pages/respon...

On July 2nd, Paramount agreed to settle a baseless lawsuit brought against 60 Minutes and CBS News by President Trump for $16 million. On July 15, during a regular show of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Colbert went on-air and called the settlement a “big fat bribe” in exchange for a favorable decision on the proposed merger between Paramount and Skydance, a charge currently under investigation in California. Less than 48 hours later, on July 17, Paramount canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a show currently performing first in its timeslot, giving vague references to the program’s “financial performance” as the only explanation. For ten years, the show has been one of the most successful, beloved and profitable programs on CBS, entertaining an audience of millions on late night television, on streaming services and across social media.

Given Paramount’s recent capitulation to President Trump in the CBS News lawsuit, the Writers Guild of America has significant concerns that The Late Show’s cancelation is a bribe, sacrificing free speech to curry favor with the Trump Administration as the company looks for merger approval. Cancelations are part of the business, but a corporation terminating a show in bad faith due to explicit or implicit political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society. Paramount’s decision comes against a backdrop of relentless attacks on a free press by President Trump, through lawsuits against CBS and ABC, threatened litigation of media organizations with critical coverage and the unconscionable defunding of PBS and NPR.

The Writers Guild of America calls on New York State Attorney General Letitia James, no stranger to prosecuting Trump for illegal business practices, to join California and launch an investigation into potential wrongdoing at Paramount. We call on our elected leaders to hold those responsible to account, to demand answers about why this beloved program was canceled and to assure the public that Colbert and his writers were not censored due to their views or the whims of the President. In the meantime, the Writers Guild of America will support our members at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and across the late-night industry as they speak truth to power and we will explore all potential legal and political avenues to fight for our members in the aftermath of this decision.

The following is a statement from the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) on Paramount’s Decision to Cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”.

OpenAI to expand UK office and work with government departments to turbocharge the UK’s AI infrastructure and transform public services OpenAI and the UK government have today signed a new strategic partnership.

2/ This announcement brings into question the Gov's impartiality in these discussions, at a time when OpenAI is facing legal challenges for copyright infringement + we are also yet to hear the Gov's response to the AI + Copyright consultation

www.gov.uk/government/n...

1/ We're concerned the Gov has announced a deal with Open AI at the same time it is convening working groups to find a way forward that works for creatives + big tech

There’s a fantastic buzz @rxtheatre.bsky.social for #TheBruntwoodPrize2025
I’m very proud to be here representing @writersguildgb.bsky.social

Our sister union @bectu.bsky.social are coordinating a Union Bloc for London Trans+ Pride this Saturday 26 July

If you would like to join and take part please email john@writersguild.org.uk who can provide you with the details

WGGB has been invited to expert working group meetings hosted by the Government commencing on 16 July which will include representatives of the creative and AI sectors. Creators' rights must be at the forefront in discussions on copyright and AI and we'll keep members posted

Image shows the covers of the new Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2026 + Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2026 and celebrates publication date on 17 July

The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2026 + Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2026 are now out!

What’s more, WGGB members can get 25% off these and other Writers' & Artists' publications

Head over to our Members’ area for the discount code:

writersguild.org.uk/members-area...

WeTransfer says user content will not be used to train AI after backlash Firm revises new terms of service that had suggested uploaded files could be used to ‘improve machine learning models’

Good to see WGGB mentioned in this Guardian story about WeTransfer today

We're pleased that WeTransfer has responded to the backlash, provided clarity + said it will not use customers’ data to train AI systems

Read more:

www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

2/ WGGB members affected by these issues can contact us in confidence for support and advice: email casework@writersguild.org.uk

Toxic behaviour in TV jeopardises key British industry, experts warn Leading figures say skilled freelancers feel ‘massive fear’ about speaking out and are leaving industry

1/ This feature in the Guardian today sadly reflects what our members tell us - that bullying, harassment + discrimination are rife in the TV + other creative industries

It's something we've long campaigned around + will continue to do so

www.theguardian.com/media/2025/j...

WeTransfer and AI - The Writers' Guild of Great Britain Following a backlash this week about changes to WeTransfer’s Terms of Service, the file transfer service has confirmed that it does not use files uploaded to its service to train …

Following a backlash this week about changes to WeTransfer’s Terms of Service, we're pleased to see that WeTransfer has responded to complaints, provided clarity about the issue + said that it will not be using customers’ data to train AI

Read more:

writersguild.org.uk/we-transfer/

Book Prize | Comedy Women In Print Comedy Women In Print is the UK and Ireland's first comedy literary prize, aiming to recognise, celebrate and encourage witty women authors.

Congratulations to all the #writers who made the Comedy Women in Print Prize longlist - announced today!

You can find full details about the Prize and view all the longlists here:

www.comedywomeninprint.co.uk

Over 10,000 people have signed this open letter calling on the Government to ensure that ALL children can enjoy the arts throughout their school life

Add your name here 🔽

actionnetwork.org/forms/open-l...

#MakeSpaceForTheArts

Photo of writers mingling at our Manchester summer meet-up

It was great to talk to writers at our Manchester summer meet-up @rxtheatre.bsky.social yesterday - thanks to everyone who came along!

Thousands of BBC jobs at risk as broadcaster considers major outsourcing drive Exclusive: BBC understood to be speaking to US tech giants as it desperately seeks cost savings

V worrying news and the BBC needs to provide clarity as a matter of urgency as well as consult with the relevant unions

www.theguardian.com/media/2025/j...

We welcome this new report that highlights the issues facing Black workers in UK television, particularly in relation to career progression

It highlights many of the concerns raised by our members + we will continue to challenge broadcasters + producers on this

blackleadersintv.com/black-in-foc...

Ban on controversial NDAs silencing abuse The Employment Rights Bill will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements that silence workplace harassment and abuse.

We welcome the news that the Employment Rights Bill will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements that silence workplace harassment and abuse, something that is sadly rife in our creative industries

www.gov.uk/government/n...

Just enjoyed a fantastic talk about radical poetry, presented by @writersguildgb.bsky.social !

Such a pleasure to hear Michael Rosen, @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social, Testament, and Andy Crofts discuss poetry's role - now, and in the times to come.

#poetry #PoetryCommunity #SpeculativePoetry #specpo

WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers speaking to Alison Hume MP

Chris Evans MP

Lord Clement-Jones

Palace of Westminster

Great to be at the All Party Writers Group summer reception in Parliament yesterday evening, talking about AI, writers' earnings + more

Photo of the panel from left to right: Andy Croft, Kate Fox, Testament and Michael Rosen

Still time to grab a FREE ticket for our online event this Thurs 'Poetry for all? Reviving poetry's radical vision’, with @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social, Testament + Smokestack Books' Andy Croft, chaired by @gailrenard.bsky.social, 7-8pm

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UK government says it is "looking afresh" at AI and copyright proposals for the creative sector "We are looking afresh at the whole range of options," said the government this week.

Serious questions remain around copyright and AI, says WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers, quoted in this story in Screen Daily today

It is also vital, she adds, that creators’ rights + remuneration are not sacrificed in an attempt to woo Big Tech

www.screendaily.com/news/uk-gove...

New inquiry: MPs to investigate children’s TV and video content - Committees - UK Parliament A new inquiry will explore the provision of children’s TV and video content in the UK and what can be done to ensure future generations continue to have access to high-quality British-made progr...

We welcome this new inquiry from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which will look at the provision of original children's TV and video content in the UK + how to ensure high quality TV and video for children can be made + easily found in future

committees.parliament.uk/committee/37...

Blue and white flyer with photo of Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre and photos of afshan d’souza-lodhi and Sukey Venables Fisher plus details of the event

Calling all #writers in + around Manchester! You are invited to our free summer meet-up on Mon 14 July, 6-8pm @rxtheatre.bsky.social, hosted by WGGB Manchester + Lancashire Rep @afshandl.bsky.social + WGGB TV Chair Sukey Venables Fisher

Non-members welcome too

forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

Photo of the panel from left to right: Andy Croft, Kate Fox, Testament and Michael Rosen

'Poetry for all? Reviving poetry's radical vision’, FREE online event with v special guests @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social, Testament + Smokestack Books' Andy Croft, hosted by WGGB Treasurer @gailrenard.bsky.social

10 July, 7-8pm

forms.office.com/pages/respon...

Image is on a white and red background In red text Stop Disability Benefit Cuts In a red box in white text it says Tuesday 1st July 1pm Old Palace Yard Westminster London SW1P 3JY There is an image of disabled people holding flags and banners a protest Then it has logo of DPAC and Crips Against Cuts #WelfareNotWarfare

#StopDisabilityBenefitCuts

Today is the second reading of the PIP (Personal Independence Payments) and UC (Universal Credit) Bill

There is a vigil/protest at Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3JY 1pm

Please spread the word

Please bring a hat, sun cream and water

Stop Disability Benefit Cuts purple flyer with photos of protestors and details of the rally on Monday 30 June at 4.30pm in Parliament Square, London

WGGB stands in solidarity with all those affected by the Government's proposed cuts to disability benefits

If you're attending the rally this afternoon, please let us know - email john@writersguild.org.uk

If you can't attend, you can follow on the livestream

www.instagram.com/thepplsassem...