40 Rosebery Avenue London EC1R 4RX 020 7833 0777 From the General Secretary corbett@writersguild.org.uk www.writersguild.org.uk President: David Edgar Chair: Robert Taylor General Secretary: Bernie Corbett
Peter Fincham Director of Television ITV plc The London Television Centre Upper Ground London SE1 9LT 26 March 2010 Dear Mr Fincham The Bill I am writing in response to today’s news that The Bill is to be cancelled after 27 years. There is a lot of sadness at this announcement and many individuals – writers among them – will be badly affected. It is the latest in a procession of favourite shows that have disappeared from ITV screens recently. The Writers’ Guild acknowledges that you have made welcome and encouraging statements that this is not a cost-cutting measure, and that The Bill will be replaced by new shorter form drama series. We would welcome more detailed assurances from you that the hours of scripted drama commissioned will not go down and that the maximum use will be made of the opportunities this decision presents. The Guild strongly believes that British television would benefit hugely if it wholeheartedly encouraged the many writers – newcomers and experienced alike – who are bursting with original ideas. We need risk-taking, innovative drama that is writer-led, not producer-led. This, and not the safe options, is the key to larger audiences and bigger overseas sales. I should very much like to meet you to discuss these issues further and to raise the subject in the new Writers Forum that has been established as part of the recently concluded collective agreement between ITV and the Guild. We would welcome ITV once again leading the way in original, British, internationally acclaimed comedies and dramas. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely
Bernie Corbett General Secretary Affiliated to: British Copyright Council Creators’ Rights Alliance European Writers’ Council Fédération des Scénaristes d’Europe Federation of Entertainment Unions International Affiliation of Writers Guilds Performers’ Alliance Trades Union Congress Union Network International World Intellectual Property Organization