Residuals in the UK

Just a question about screenwriting in the UK in general.
I listen to the Script Notes podcasts by John August and Craig Mazin, and they talk about residuals a lot.

I've tried finding how it works in the UK but couldn't find much information.
I've seen what it's like if something repeats on BBC, but what about for DVDs of series or feature lengths? I'm starting to think writers don't really get them over here in the same way.

Just wondering if someone had any knowledge on this?

Any reply is greatly appreciated, thank you.

I think it all depends on what was written in the original contracts.

I've heard though not sure of any details, that DVD publishers try to get away without paying any residuals on early contracts because digital rights were never mentioned.

This usually causes a legal arguement, not surprisingly and eventually some compromise is reached through the lawyers.

So you think it's more on individual circumstances?
Instead of a set percentage that the Writer's Guild collect on your behalf, like in America?

Quote: Lewis Smith @ March 5 2013, 4:02 PM GMT

So you think it's more on individual circumstances?
Instead of a set percentage that the Writer's Guild collect on your behalf, like in America?

View original

Yes.

Ah, I see.
Well thank you for the replies, couldn't find much on the internet about it.

Hard to tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing though, the way it's done in the UK.