The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) is the voice of screenwriters at European level and at the European institutions. It brings together 26 screenwriters’ organisations (national and regional associations, guilds and unions of writers for the screen) from 21 European countries. It represents more than 7,000 professional screenwriters.
Screenwriters are the storytellers of our time
Stories are at the heart of humanity and are the repository of our diverse cultural heritage. They are told, retold and reinterpreted for new times by storytellers. Screenwriters are the storytellers of our time.
European writing talent should be trusted, encouraged and supported. The European film industries need to find ways to attract and keep its screenwriters in the cinema and in their craft. One essential tool for ensuring that the voice of writers is heard is an effective voice at a European level, where important decisions are made. The Federation of Screenwriters in Europe can be that voice.
The common concerns of European writers are reflected in policy documents agreed by the member organisations. Read more about the policy issues.
The role of FSE
FSE monitors European debates and legislative issues. FSE launches campaigns in favour of screenwriters’ rights, collaborates with other creators’ groups on joint campaigns and seeks constructive dialogue with the other creative forces of the audiovisual sector.
FSE produces and distributes information leaflets on various issues of concern to the screenwriters. It also organizes major events where screenwriters debate on the new challenges of their profession (Collective Bargaining Workshops in 2013 and 2018); World Conferences of Screenwriters in Berlin in 2018, Warsaw in 2013, Barcelona in 2012 and in Athens in 2009; FSE European Screenwriters Award 2015 and 2017).
The FSE is also active at international level, works closely with the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG), is member of the advisory committee of the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO) and keeps contacts with other writers’ organisations around the world.