WGGB industry events

WGGB launched its free series of online events for writers during the pandemic and it has gone from strength to strength since then

You can find details of upcoming sessions (and a selection of some of our previous events) below, and also view videos (where we recorded sessions) of past events on our YouTube channel here. Closed captions are available for all our Zoom events.

We do have occasional in-person events, and you can view upcoming events below too

Shaping your game narrative

Every game has different writing needs, so how do you figure out the best approach? In this free set of online lightning talks (which took place on 15 October 2025), Kim MacAskill, Will Aryitey, George Lockett, Rose Behar and Ben Sabin highlighted the differences between working with established IPs and making your own, crafting educational games, writing for long-form games or ones consumed in short bursts. Thanks to our sponsor Articy Draft X.

Poetry for all? Reviving poetry’s radical vision

We were joined by some special guests for this free online panel event exploring poetry’s radical vision: Michael Rosen (The advantages of nearly dying), Kate Fox (On sycamore gap), rapper, screenwriter and dramatist Testament, and Smokestack Books publisher Andy Croft, hosted by BAFTA-winning writer and WGGB Treasurer Gail Renard. It took place on 10 July 2025.

Navigating careers in videogames

Working as a games writer can differ tremendously depending on each game and project. At this in-person event (which took place in London on 7 May 2025), WGGB hosted an evening, sponsored by Articy Draft X, full of advice, discussions and the chance to ask questions.

Greenwriting symposium – how to create scripts with global impact 

Film and TV writers sit at the start – and at the heart – of the creative process. But how can we achieve real-world impact through our writing, both in the screenplay’s content and in how it is ultimately produced? Our in-person symposium in London on 29 April 2025 featured panel discussions with leading voices from across the industry’s sustainability sector. We discussed how as writers we can build positive social and environmental messaging into our scripts, and how these scripts are assessed for their climate impact as they move into production. You can read a summary in our Members’ Area.

Where next for UK comedy?

The comedy industry in the UK is facing severe challenges, including reduced commissioning and recent cancellations of studio comedy entertainment. Scripted comedy has recently been described by Ofcom as an “at risk” genre across public service broadcasters. So, what is next for comedy writers? This joint panel event with WGGB and PACT featured comedy writers Joel Morris (Cunk on Life, Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe) and Holly Walsh (Amandaland, The Other One), plus producers Tilusha Ghelani, Tom Jordan (Tiger Aspect) and Matt Campion (Spirit Studios). They explored the state of the industry, challenges in development and broadcasting, and how writers can navigate the current landscape. It was exclusively for members of WGGB and PACT and took place on 19 March 2025.

Crisis in TV funding – town-hall style event

We hosted an online town hall-style meeting to discuss the funding crisis in UK scripted TV and its impact on writers on 5 March 2025. The meeting was a member-only event and was open to all WGGB members, but with particular relevance to Full Members with recent, professional credits in scripted TV, including comedy, continuing drama series (CDS), streaming and beyond. You can find a summary in our Members’ Area.

How to get that comedy break – Women in Comedy Festival, Manchester

This joint event with WGGB and the David Nobbs Memorial Trust saw comedy icon Helen Lederer lead a top panel of women writers (including WGGB North West rep afshan d’souza-lodhi) and experts from across the comedy industry. The discussion was followed by an audience Q&A and then a one-hour networking session. It took place in October 2024 at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester.

Life after soaps

WGGB Chair Emma Reeves, Treasurer Gail Renard and former Chair Lisa Holdsworth discussed next steps for continuing drama writers who want to explore options outside TV and much, much more! The event took place in August 2024.

Who would brave the writers room? 

Whether you are a new writer, a regular participant or even a showrunner, what should you expect of the writers room? How will it operate, how will the story structure unfold, and how will work be assigned to different people on the team? Screenwriters Sumerah Srivastav, Testament, Daniel Rusteau and Lisa Holdsworth discussed the multiple forms that writers rooms can take, from streamers to public service broadcasters, from continuing drama to high-end drama series, and where and how they have led to prize-winning television, follow-up commissions and life-time writing partnerships. The event took place in July 2024.

Protect your copyright!

Copyright is a writer’s most precious possession, a vital part of every creative’s career and income. Don’t be cheated out of yours! WGGB Treasurer Gail Renard spoke to screenwriter and media lawyer Robert Taylor about how to protect your rights, as explained in his new book Copyright Made Easy: How to Know, Exploit and Protect Your Rights. The event took place in July 2024.