Personal Managers Association
Dear All
Since the announcement about the closure of Doctors, the WGGB and the PMA have been in lengthy discussions with the BBC on two key issues; compensation and writer support and development, the latter aimed at core writers.
Compensation
The BBC has agreed to pay an additional 10% per episode for the last 75 episodes in series 24, episodes 201-275.
Tier Rate (30 mins) Additional increase per episode
Beginner £3876 £387.60
Standard £4845 £484.50
Higher £5056 £505.60
The BBC has said this should be paid shortly.
Support and development
The BBC has also agreed to run two development programmes to support the transition from medical CDS to other genres. These programmes are aimed at Doctors writers’ who have had block contracts in the last 12 months or have contributed a similar number of episodes in that time. The list has been put together by the Doctors team. BBC Studios will be sending invitations to writers next week. There are 23 writers on this list.
Commercial development:
3-day residential programme (travel, hotel and expenses paid) with development producers working with writers to develop their work for commercial/precinct/genre drama. Work will be pitched to BBC Studios’ Creative Director (Deb Sathe), Head of Development (Tom Williams), Training Exec (Kris Green) and Exec Producer (Neil Irvine). Up to three writers will be commissioned to write a paid spec script, which will be developed by BBC Studios’ in-house development team.
Cosy Crime-
up to eight places on a Cosy Crime (Father Brown, Boniface etc) residential programme.
Expenses and fees-Writers will have their travel (one return) and accommodation (two nights) paid. Lunches and evening meals will also be provided. We are following up on the fees for the paid spec scripts.
For any WGGB members, the Guild are offering a one-to-one legal surgery with their specialist lawyer. Should members wish to discuss Doctors issues that relate to them, please email casework@writersguild.org.uk putting âRSVP Doctors legal surgery’ in the subject title.
If you have any questions do contact both Gary Wild garywild@jflagency.com and myself.