The elevator pitch
The WGI represents over 500 Irish writers for film, television, theatre, radio, animation and games. We campaign to ensure writers are recognized as the creative force without which, there is no production. All Guild members have access to bespoke networking events, expert advice on contracts, funding alerts through our newsletter, and an annual awards ceremony that celebrates their achievements.
We advocate…
We spend our days (and many evenings!) lobbying on behalf of our members to government bodies, broadcasters, producers, directors and industry stakeholders. Close ties to our Guild partners and working groups across Europe means we’re always up to speed on new legislation that impacts writers’ rights. Be assured, if writers are involved, we’ll be at the table.
We connect…
We know writers tend to fly solo, and yet we’ve seen informal writers’ groups flourish on the back of Guild-hosted socials. Our professional networking events have a proven track record in matching members with producers and directors. And our fortnightly newsletter is essential reading, featuring work opportunities and industry deadlines, along with regular shout-outs for our members’ achievements.
We celebrate…
Writers aren’t generally known for self-praise. So we do it for them. Every year we host the annual Zebbie Awards; a public affirmation and a proud honouring of our writers’ craft and talent, by the people who know what they’re talking about; your peers. Go to Zebbies.
Our History
The Writers’ Guild of Ireland is the representative body for writers in Ireland, across film, television, theatre, radio, animation and games.
It was founded as SIP, the Society of Irish Playwrights, in 1969 and became IPSG, the Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild in 2001 and then the Writers Guild of Ireland in 2012. The WGI is a founder member of the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe [FSE] and a member of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds [IAWG].
It has a joint membership agreement with the Writers Guild of Great Britain and an agreement with the Authors Licensing and Collecting Society.
Our board
The WGI board is made up of members from across our industry. Our gender-balance ensures the broadest range of opinion and expertise. As a group, we determine the Guild’s most pressing issues, campaigns and events, and decide how to use our resources to best support our members.
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Jennifer Davidson ChairFrom North Mayo, Jennifer writes regularly on RTE’s Fair City. She also has a number of original series in development.
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Carl Austin Board MemberCarl Austin is an American film and TV writer known for ‘The Bill’ and ‘Fair City’. He resides in Dublin.
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Martin Boylan Board MemberFrom Belfast, living in Dublin. A fair number of stage and radio plays produced, and a screenplay credit and a novel published.
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Dr. Susan Liddy EAC ChairDr Susan Liddy has campaigned extensively for gender equality and diversity in the screen industries and has published widely on these issues.
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John Lynch Board MemberFeature Film/Television writer/director. His theatre plays have been produced in the Abbey Theatre, London and Los Angeles.
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Michele Manahan Board MemberMichèle Manahan is a multi-award-winning writer and director working across theatre, film and TV.
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Thomas McLaughlin Board MemberBelfast, New York, Dublin. Productions for stage, radio and television. Bass Ireland Bursary, Prix Futura, Writers Guild of Ireland Zebbie
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Katie McNeice Board MemberKatie McNeice is a Zebbie and IFTA-Nominated Writer/Director who crafts thoughtful identity-films with a particular focus on sexuality and gender.
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Tania Notaro Board MemberTania Notaro is an award-winning Screenwriter with a first-class Masters Degree in screenwriting for Film & TV. She was inaugurated into the Warner Brothers Creative Talent team as a one to watch in 2020.
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David Gilna Board MemberDavid Gilna is an award-winning Irish playwright, screenwriter, actor and author from Swords, County Dublin. With 20 years of experience, David Gilna brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Writers’ Guild of Ireland board.
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Ursula Rani Sarma Board Member
Ursula is an Irish playwright and screenwriter based in London best known for Smother, Evening Train and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
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Kwaku Fortune Board MemberKwaku is an Actor and Playwright. As a writer, he recently completed theThe Baptiste Programme with Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin and has had a reading of his first play: It’s Cool In The Shade in the Dublin Theatre Festival. The Black Wolftone, Kwaku’s second play, was performed in New York, LA, and San Francisco as part of the Transatlantic Commisionwith the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York and Fishamble: The New Play Company, in Dublin. Kwaku is also a member of the Screen Writers Guild (WGI) and is working on his first feature film, Title Unknown.
Our team
The WGI staff understand the issues you face and the questions you need answered.
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Sharon McGarry Executive Director
Sharon has over 20 years experience in film distribution and senior management.
Prior to joining WGI in 2023, Sharon was General Manager of 20th Century Fox Films in Ireland and has over 20 years experience in film distribution and senior management.
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Clíona Ruiséil AdministratorClíona is a screenwriter, administrator and researcher who has worked in the film and television industry for over twenty years.
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Steven Galvin Editor
Steven has worked and taught in media production for many years.
Be part of the conversation
It’s your Guild. Your voice makes us stronger and more powerful. Our AGM is an opportunity for you to speak up on the issues you’re most passionate about. Meantime, if there’s anything you feel we should be doing that we’re not, or if you just want to introduce yourself, drop us a line. [email protected]
Professional toolkit
Dive into our resource-hub of expert tips, insights and advice; a better class of writerly displacement.
Join us
Be part of an industry-connected community, dedicated to your profession. It’s a no brainer.
Join your Guild.