Fourteen delegates from WGGB travelled to Warsaw in October 2014 for the World Conference of Screenwriters (WCOS), joining 29 other guilds and writers’ organisations from 19 European countries, plus North America, New Zealand, Israel, Mexico, South Africa and India.
Here they debated, networked, shared experiences, were inspired, empowered and – most importantly – passed two resolutions: calling for true equality of men and women in screenwriting; and placing the creator at the centre of quality TV.
We asked WGGB delegates to tell us what thoughts they brought home with them. You can read these below, as well as download each writer’s full report.
Bill Armstrong
(Credits: Doctors, The Indian Doctor)
“If we stand together, within our guilds and national industries and in cooperation with our sister unions across the world, we have more leverage than we think.”
Read Bill’s full report
Grant Cathro
(Credits: Which is Witch?, Genie in the House, Mike & Angelo, B&B, Romeo & Juliet, T-Bag)
“Speaking with so many talented colleagues from all across the world has really fired me up, and left me thinking loudly and clearly, ‘Writers, unite!’”
Read Grant’s full report
Kate Delin
(Credits: Doctors)
“Real empowerment means trusting the writer, the audience and the idea.”
Read Kate’s full report
Henrietta Hardy
(Credits: Doctors, The Bill, Family Affairs, Casualty)
“WCOS03 was a memorable and life-changing experience. It was incredible to be in the company of so many talented and inspiring people.”
Read Henrietta’s full report
Ming Ho
(Credits: Casualty, The Bill, Heartbeat, EastEnders, McCready and Daughter)
“Communing with writers from all over the world gave us a chance to see that we share the same challenges.”
Read Ming’s full report
Emma Reeves
(Credits: The Dumping Ground, Tracy Beaker, Young Dracula, Sadie J, Doctors, Eve)
“As we British writers continue to struggle for artistic freedom and respect, it is inspiring to know that we’re supported by writers around the world.”
Read Emma’s full report
Gail Renard
(Credits: Give Me A Chance, Get Up, Stand Up, The Famous Five, Custer’s Last Stand Up)
“We might write alone but we stand together as one, saying ‘let writers write’.”
Read Gail’s full report
Alistair Rutherford
(Credits: Backflip, Eight Words, Lift Off, An Island Between Heaven and Earth, Happy New Year)
“To know there are many screenwriters, in the UK and across the globe, who achieve long and successful careers, is inspiring, empowering and highly motivating.”
Read Alistair’s full report