One of the biggest changes to writers’ contracts was the introduction of The EU Copyright Directive (2019) which was brought into Irish law by Statutory Instrument in November 2021. These new rights give authors and performers new rights in relation to the exploitation and success of films and audiovisual works.

We have been working with all stakeholders to get these guidelines into operation for Irish writers and from these discussions we have agreed the Industry Interim Guidelines for Producers, Authors and Performers in The Irish Screen Industry which cover “Fair Remuneration in Exploitation Contracts of Authors and Performers”. All contracts going forward should include these rights. Please take time to read these in full here as it is important that you know and understand these rights and how they relate to your work.

In brief, these rights are:

1. Principle of appropriate and proportionate remuneration: A right to appropriate and proportionate remuneration,
2. Transparency obligation: A right to receive annual information from their producer on the economic life of the project,
3. Contract adjustment mechanism: A right to re-open contract terms where the success of the project is significantly greater than originally anticipated,
4. Right of revocation: A right to a return of rights in the event of non-exploitation,
5. Alternative dispute resolution procedure: A right to a disputes process.

We will have an online introduction to this agreement with Screen Directors Guild Ireland, Screen Composers Guild Ireland and Equity Ireland on Tuesday 18th February from 1pm – 2pm.

This event will give an overview of these rights and how they relate to your work. To register just click here:

https://script.ie/industry-interim-guidelines-for-producers-authors-and-performers-in-the-irish-screen-industry-zoom-event/