Fred Lawless

'How to Write a Satisfying Resolution to Your Story'. Some great tips from our friends at @finaldraftinc

May 18th Deadline! @finaldraftinc

We fully support @TheWritersGuild and @ALCS_UK in their efforts to protect writers' copyright from the serious threat posed by AI. A recent report by WGGB and ALCS found that 60% of the 332 authors surveyed said their work had been used to train AI large language models without their permission or payment.

This is great news. A brilliantly written play by @mrJamesGraham which deserves to be seen by as many young people as possible.

Courtesy of @BIFA_film, this interview with @StephenMerchant gives great advice on writing comedy, breaking into TV writing and understanding the craft of comedy filmmaking. Full episode now on YouTube.

@TheWritersGuild has joined over 70 of the UK’s leading creators and creative organisations in signing an open letter demanding the Government explain its failure to protect the rights of UK copyright holders.

Great ideas deserve great protection! TheScriptVault.com

Some great tips from our friends at @finaldraftinc on writing cinematic screenplays: Get it right to boost your chances of industry insiders visualizing your movie. A vivid script increases your odds of an offer tenfold.

@TUDNUSA Can't see why that guy's complaining, Suarez bites most people. #hegotofflightly

¡Lamentable! Luis Suárez le escupe a un elemento del cuerpo técnico de Seattle Sounders #IntensaRivalidad

Club branded beer is really taking off. @Everton @LFC @BudweiserUK @Netto

I bought one item from Temu ages ago. Since then they've sent me shopping suggestions every single day. Today it's a teleprompter and a mandolin. It's like being in the middle aisle at Lidl without having to leave the house. @shoptemu @LidlGB

A leading playwright/TV writer recently told @TheStage 'My work has been used without my consent to train AI.' (thestage.co.uk/news/james-gra…). AI doesn’t ask permission, make sure you have proof of authorship. 'Because great ideas deserve great protection'. thescriptvault.com

A question we get asked a lot is 'How can I use social media to promote my writing career?' Final Draft asked screenwriter Nic Curcio for his advice and he's given some great tips. You can find Nic on TikTok: @NicolasCurcioWriter. Here's the @finaldraftinc link: blog.finaldraft.com/top-social-med…

Worried about AI? Can someone creating books and scripts call themselves a writer if they've used AI to create their work? And most importantly, will AI created work have a negative impact on authors who self-publish? ALCS CEO Barbara Hayes discussed this on BBC Radio 4 yesterday. @ALCS_UK @B_Hayes_ALCS Listen from 48.15 bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

The bi-annual 2025 @ScriptPipeline Pitch Contest is seeking original feature film and TV series ideas to be developed into screenplays and pilots. The special entry deadline is September 10, 2025. scriptpipeline.com

If you're writing something about a real person do you need their permission? How does UK copyright law treat factual material? @TheWritersGuild has produced a free online guide with some really good information. writersguild.org.uk/factual-materi… There's also a free online Zoom event on the subject on 27th August. Non-members can take part, although if you're a serious writer we strongly recommend joining and benefitting from the support and advice they give, which includes job information and writing opportunities in their weekly ebulletin.

@BelgradeTheatre in Coventry are offering three £1,000 commissions for writers to pitch their play idea. They especially want to hear from writers connected to Coventry or the Midlands, or who are underrepresented in UK theatre belgrade.co.uk/job/seed-commi… Deadline is Sept 4th.

The Mercury Theatre in Colchester currently has a play submission window open which closes on Aug 31st. They want to see the first 30 pages of your play. Open to writers based in the East of England, especially those underrepresented in the industry. mercurytheatre.co.uk/taking-part/fo…

Middle Child Theatre is offering paid commissions to playwrights based in, or with a connection to, Hull as part of the 2026 Fresh Ink scheme. Full details here: freshinkhull.co.uk/apply?utm_sour… Feel free to share.

We were at #edfringe this week and we met lots of lovely writers and performers, so do we have any recommendations? We certainly do... we loved 'Boiler Room Six - A Titanic Story' and from @edintfest we were blown away by 'Make It Happen' written by @mrJamesGraham. Both *****