Netflix & UK Writers Guild Strike First Ever Agreement For Scripted Series

Netflix has struck a deal with the Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) over live-action scripted series.

The first-of-its-kind deal also sees the global streamer tie with the Personal Managers Association, which represents UK agents.

The deal came into place on February 1 and comes as the streamers look to deepen relationships with local unions.

While deal terms were not disclosed, a PMA spokesperson called the agreement “trailblazing” and said it “moves away from granting rights in perpetuity and introduces a structure for ongoing payments.”

Ellie Peers, General Secretary of the WGGB, said: “For the first time in the UK, writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix.”

Netflix VP UK Anne Mensah added: “Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the UK and we are delighted to have reached a deal.”

The WGGB has had a good few weeks. Ever since the WGA struck its deal with the AMPTP in the U.S., the WGGB has also secured a 10% pay rise for writers on BBC shows and improved residuals following updates to the pair’s agreement. The renegotiated agreement includes a 10% rise in minimum fees, seeing the minimum rate for a 60-minute show increase from £12,780 ($16,132) to £14,040. Series minimum rates will rise to £12,900 per 60 minutes, dramatizations to £9,360 per 60 minutes and adaptations to £5,760 per 60 minutes. BBC sketch writers will see a rise of 4% on minimum fees, taking the ‘per minute’ minimum rate to £123.