The ‘created by’ credit

The ‘created by’ credit: A good practice guide for TV writers and those who work with them has ben released by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) to highlight best-practice guidelines in UK broadcasting.

Currently in UK television the use of the ‘created by’ credit, which entitles writers to claim secondary royalties through ALCS, is not subject to any consistent definition across the industry.

As a result, writers doing the same job on different shows may be treated very differently and may not be rewarded with a ‘created by’ credit or the control over their own work to which they should be entitled. At the same time, non-writers are claiming ‘created by’ credits.

The WGGB guide aims to clarify the role of the TV series creator as well as providing definitions to key industry terms. You can read the full report here.

Find out more about registering scripted works with ALCS in our guidelines.

WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said: “Many established TV writers in the UK are granted creator status as a matter of course. But we know from our members that some are not. Variations in time slot, channel and the writer’s perceived standing in the industry, as well as entrenched practice in certain departments, are some of the factors which can prevent a writer from being recognised as the creator of a work.

These new guidelines will ensure that all screenwriters who are involved in creating TV shows receive the credit they rightfully deserve.”

Creating Positive Collaborations

Creating Positive Collaborations — New guidelines for writers and directors was released by The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) and Directors UK to promote professional excellence and combat bullying and harassment in the creative industries

As reported by the Film and TV Charity, 87% of people working in film and TV are experiencing poor mental health, making it necessary therefore to promote change in the industry to create a positive cultural change to working environments.

The traditional role of writer and director is changing. As film and high-end TV converge, writers and directors can find themselves moving between formats throughout their careers. While both still have roles to play, the creative lines can become blurred, leading to potential conflict when it comes to collaborating.

The best-practice guidelines have arisen from reports from Directors UK and WGGB members that writers and directors are being kept apart by colleagues who are keen to avoid artistic confrontation, yet this separation can lead to miscommunication, a loss of trust and a stifling of the artistic process. This is particularly acute in the transitional period where script development gives way to production.

You can read the full report here.

WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said: “A shared vision, respectful communication and commitment to resolving conflict are all essential ingredients that should underpin the alchemy that occurs when writer and director come together, but sadly the many pressures of working in film and TV often intervene. We hope these new joint guidelines will point the way to smoother, more fulfilling and ultimately more creative collaborations.”

Directors UK Head of Campaigns Natasha Moore said: “In the film and TV industry where mental health is well documented as being poor, Directors UK is actively working to create a more positive working environment, using professionalism and excellence in directing craft as a key tool for cultural change. By showing what good practice looks like, we can set the tone as creative leaders, and create a model that should become daily practice for ensuring healthier working environments and respectful collaboration.”

Directors UK is the professional association of UK screen directors. It is a membership organisation representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of over 7,800 members – the majority of working TV and film directors in the UK. Directors UK negotiates rights deals and collects and distributes royalties to its members. It also campaigns and lobbies on its members’ behalf and provides a range of services including legal advice, events and career development. Directors UK works closely with fellow organisations around the world to represent directors’ rights and concerns, promotes excellence in the craft of direction and champions change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all.

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) is a trade union representing writers for TV, film, theatre, radio, books, comedy, poetry, animation and videogames. It negotiates national agreements on pay and conditions with key industry bodies, including BBC, ITV and Pact; the Royal Court, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. It campaigns and lobbies on behalf of writers and offers a wide range of benefits to its members.