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Screenwriters' Earnings in the Streaming age
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Our paper explores the impact of Subscription Video On Demands (SVODs) services on the earnings of screenwriters in the UK. The rapid growth of SVODs has profoundly altered production models resulting in significant changes to the terms under which screenwriters work. In particular, the ‘buy-out’ practices, with no option of receiving residuals, introduced by SVODs particularly became subject to concern to screenwriters, culminating in the Hollywood strikes. While some agreements were reached between screenwriters and SVODs, the long-term effects of thes new practices have yet to be seen. To gain a deeper understanding of how these changes affect the relevant stakeholders in the UK, we interviewed 20 screenwriters from various career stages and backgrounds, as well as with agents and relevant organisations. Our findings highlight significant inequalities in screenwriter earnings received, and illuminate the power dynamics played out between the streamers, the WGGB screenwriters. Based on these findings, we discuss broader implications for diversity and the future talent development in the UK screen sector.
Meeting ID: 925 3590 7740
Passcode: 706397
About the speakers
Dr Carolyn Hunter is a senior lecturer at the School for Business and Society, University of York. She specialises in researching the writers (magazines, books and writing for screen), gender, culture management and fun and play at work. Recent publications explore the themes of humour, gender and happiness at work in journals such as Human Relations, Gender, Work and Organisation and Culture & Organization, and the book Affect in Organization and Management co-edited with Dr Nina Kivinen.
Dr Hyojung Sun is a lecturer in the Business of the Creative and Cultural Industries, School of Arts and Creative Technologies at the University of York. She has conducted a range of high profile government-commissioned research, such as Music 2025: the Music Data Dilemma, Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Era and Contract Adjustment and Rights Reversion. She is currently working on an AHRC/DCMS-funded project, Valuing Digital Cultural and Heritage Assets.
Simon van der Borgh has worked globally for 40 years, gaining an international reputation as a produced screenwriter, screenwriting teacher, and script consultant. He has delivered his practical scene-writing lectures, masterclasses, and workshops to thousands of students, screenwriters, and filmmakers worldwide. Many of the ideas in his new book Scene-writing for Film and TV (Focal Press/Routledge) were developed during his time as Senior Lecturer in Screenwriting at the University of York.
Robin MacKillop is a Research Associate at the University of York, where he combines academic research expertise with television production experience. As an Associate of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment he brings specialized knowledge of sustainable practices to his work, focusing on advancing social impact through research. Adept in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, he is always open to collaborative projects.
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