a smaller option fee calculated by a set formula, within 18 months of first transmission. It then sets out a scale of residual payments (again percentages of the original fee) to be made on sale of the programme to various markets in various territories across the world.

The agreement also caters for matters of detail such as the use of extracts from the programme, the writerâs attendance at rehearsals and recording, alterations to the script required in the course of production or by regulators, payments for writing a storyline, and writers credits.

In practice, you will find that you are negotiating with agents for most writers with any sort of television track-record. Agents are familiar with the structure of the ITV Companies-WGGB Agreement, and usually willing to conduct negotiations according to the template that it sets out.

The full text of the agreement is held by the appropriate manager in each ITV Company. The ITV Companies deal with the Writers Guild collectively through the Producers Industrial Relations Service (PIRS) at (tel) 44 (0)207-830-6600, or (e-mail) pirs@pact.co.uk.