Unpacking Screenwriters’ Struggles: Contracts, Royalties, and AI Issues

The Historic Writers’ Guild Meeting

This week, the Screenwriters Association of India hosted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) in Mumbai. Screenwriters from around the globe came together to discuss critical issues impacting their profession, including fair contracts, the absence of royalties, and the influence of artificial intelligence in writing.

Amid growing calls for rights and improved pay for writers, the AGM reflected these urgent demands. A diverse group of screenwriting organizations convened to voice their concerns and propose solutions.

Key Issues Addressed

Discussions during the AGM centered on the lack of royalties and troubling contracts. Screenwriters expressed their frustration over inadequate compensation and the pressure exerted by powerful producers to silence their collective efforts. Moreover, attendees examined the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in screenwriting, seeking to establish ethical guidelines for its use.

This conversation around improving conditions for screenwriters is essential as many professionals feel marginalized. The industry demands more work without the necessary compensation, raising concerns about sustainability.

Panel Discussion Highlights

A special panel discussion, moderated by critic Baradwaj Rangan, featured prominent voices such as Laura Blum-Smith from the Writers Guild of America West and Jennifer Davidson from the Writers’ Guild of Ireland. Anjum Rajabali, a senior activist with the SWA, emphasized the challenges writers face today.

Rajabali pointed out the lack of equitable treatment from streaming services, stating, “It’s modern-day colonialism.” He noted that while International creators receive fair compensation, Indian writers are often left out of the discourse surrounding royalties.

Blum-Smith echoed these sentiments, highlighting the exploitation in streaming transitions, stating that writers are doing “more work for less pay.”

About the IAWG

The IAWG, which held this three-day event in India for the first time, brings together international guilds to work toward fair contracts and pay. Delegates from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Africa, and Asian guilds participated, indicating the global nature of these challenges.

The IAWG exists to safeguard the rights of writers across various media. By establishing a unified front, the organization aims to ensure that screenwriters receive fair treatment worldwide.

What are your thoughts on the current landscape for screenwriters? Would you like to see more support for their rights?