Writers & Directors Worldwide backs European directors and screenwriters’ call on EU Copyright Directive

September 3rd, 2018– Writers & Directors Worldwide, representing audiovisual creators in 69 countries across the world, today rallies behind a call by scores of European screenwriters for rapid adoption of the EU Copyright Directive by the European Parliament.

Discussions on the EU Copyright Directive are now at a pivotal moment, with the vote in the European Parliament approaching on 12th September. A total of 165 screenwriters and directors in Europe have today made a call at the Venice International Film Festival for the European Parliament to adopt the legislation without delay.

Writers & Directors Worldwide is joining its European partners in urging the European Parliament to adopt the EU Directive, sending a strong positive message to governments and the audiovisual community worldwide.

Directors and writers are indispensable to the existence of audiovisual works, to livelihoods and jobs across the sector, and to cultural creation.  But these vital contributors in Europe’s creative sector are currently being denied a guaranteed equitable share of the success of their creations for on-demand uses. A guaranteed right of remuneration is the only way to guarantee cultural diversity and tomorrow's audiovisual creation, not only in Europe but on all continents.

The EU Copyright Directive is a unique opportunity for change. It lays down important principles that will benefit the interests of audiovisual creators in Europe, advance the cause for fair remuneration, transparency and cultural diversity across the world.

For the Venice Declaration, see here.