Philip Ralph
@philralph.bsky.social
Screenwriter, recovering actor, rites of passage guide. Advocate for positive change in UK TV and the arts.
philipralph.com
emergence-uk.org
philipralph.com
emergence-uk.org
Pinned
Common People - Reclaiming the narrative on class in TV at a time of crisis.
YouTube video by Philip Ralph
youtu.be
My keynote on class in the UK TV industry given @leedsunimedia.bsky.social
last year is now available to watch on YouTube. Grab a cuppa and check it out. I’d love to know your thoughts.
youtu.be/_66i8f815oA?...
last year is now available to watch on YouTube. Grab a cuppa and check it out. I’d love to know your thoughts.
youtu.be/_66i8f815oA?...
Writers! Looking for an affordable, collegial, cosy, beautiful and productive retreat to write this year???
Look no further! 👇👇👇
Places are booking now 👀👀👀
Look no further! 👇👇👇
Places are booking now 👀👀👀
This year we're delighted to be offering two retreats for writers in a collegial and supportive gathering to 'Write Here Write Now'. With mentoring on hand from @philralph.bsky.social, award winning screenwriter and playwright. Dates are 12-17 March and 4-9 October.
emergence-uk.org/write-here-w...
emergence-uk.org/write-here-w...
February 4, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Writers! Looking for an affordable, collegial, cosy, beautiful and productive retreat to write this year???
Look no further! 👇👇👇
Places are booking now 👀👀👀
Look no further! 👇👇👇
Places are booking now 👀👀👀
Reposted by Philip Ralph
All our retreats for 2026 are now open for bookings. From calming spaces to write and learn body work, to deep dives into beloved poems and our nature connection work, we hope there's something here to support and nourish you in these days of change. 👇🧵
emergence-uk.org/upcoming-eve...
emergence-uk.org/upcoming-eve...
February 4, 2026 at 3:38 PM
All our retreats for 2026 are now open for bookings. From calming spaces to write and learn body work, to deep dives into beloved poems and our nature connection work, we hope there's something here to support and nourish you in these days of change. 👇🧵
emergence-uk.org/upcoming-eve...
emergence-uk.org/upcoming-eve...
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Whenever people in the arts rage at government about support, we all say “BUT IT’S A MULTI BILLIONTY BILLION INDUSTRY.”
And then we say “Oh. None of us get paid.”
That should be the issue, surely?
We’ve had super profitable industries before where workers never saw the cash. And we did something.
And then we say “Oh. None of us get paid.”
That should be the issue, surely?
We’ve had super profitable industries before where workers never saw the cash. And we did something.
This is a brilliant, thorough and truthful bit of writing, as you’d expect from @littlemaddles.bsky.social.
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Please sir can I have some more
On making a living as a writer
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Whenever people in the arts rage at government about support, we all say “BUT IT’S A MULTI BILLIONTY BILLION INDUSTRY.”
And then we say “Oh. None of us get paid.”
That should be the issue, surely?
We’ve had super profitable industries before where workers never saw the cash. And we did something.
And then we say “Oh. None of us get paid.”
That should be the issue, surely?
We’ve had super profitable industries before where workers never saw the cash. And we did something.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
This is a brilliant, thorough and truthful bit of writing, as you’d expect from @littlemaddles.bsky.social.
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Please sir can I have some more
On making a living as a writer
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:51 AM
This is a brilliant, thorough and truthful bit of writing, as you’d expect from @littlemaddles.bsky.social.
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Someone is making a penny, as they say, and the arts needs to have a hard look at itself, 25 years into a lunatic experiment in impoverishing creators.
open.substack.com/pub/madelein...
Every word of this superb piece is chillingly true… and I honestly don’t know what the pathway forwards looks like. But I do know we need more people like @littlemaddles.bsky.social speaking out about what’s going on and demanding change…
“I didn’t have rich parents, a childhood bedroom to return to or an infatuated billionaire intent on marrying me. Either writing had to make me money or I couldn’t do it. “
I wrote about making a living from writing in the new economy.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
I wrote about making a living from writing in the new economy.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Please sir can I have some more
On making a living as a writer
substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Every word of this superb piece is chillingly true… and I honestly don’t know what the pathway forwards looks like. But I do know we need more people like @littlemaddles.bsky.social speaking out about what’s going on and demanding change…
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Over on Substack, Celine Nguyen's posted about how we’ve created a society where artists can’t make a living, and @naomialderman.bsky.social has weighed in with her usual insightfulness.Yet stagger on we do! Here’s a run-down models of earning a living that (sort-of, sometimes) work: buff.ly/610IUYV
February 3, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Over on Substack, Celine Nguyen's posted about how we’ve created a society where artists can’t make a living, and @naomialderman.bsky.social has weighed in with her usual insightfulness.Yet stagger on we do! Here’s a run-down models of earning a living that (sort-of, sometimes) work: buff.ly/610IUYV
Reposted by Philip Ralph
I know you've heard that a federal judge ordered the release of 5 year old Liam Conejo Arias and his father, and that they're now home.
But did you look at the judge's order?
It's less than 2.5 pages and well worth a minute. "Jesus wept."
Link to pdf: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
But did you look at the judge's order?
It's less than 2.5 pages and well worth a minute. "Jesus wept."
Link to pdf: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 2, 2026 at 7:11 PM
I know you've heard that a federal judge ordered the release of 5 year old Liam Conejo Arias and his father, and that they're now home.
But did you look at the judge's order?
It's less than 2.5 pages and well worth a minute. "Jesus wept."
Link to pdf: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
But did you look at the judge's order?
It's less than 2.5 pages and well worth a minute. "Jesus wept."
Link to pdf: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Philip Ralph
"For years the cultural sector has relied on equality messaging. But as the Class Ceiling report states: “The language has improved. The outcomes have not.” "
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the class crisis in the arts: the UK’s culture must not become the preserve of the elite | Editorial
Editorial: Countless reports and celebrities have called for greater working-class representation, so why has nothing changed?
www.theguardian.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:17 PM
"For years the cultural sector has relied on equality messaging. But as the Class Ceiling report states: “The language has improved. The outcomes have not.” "
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Philip Ralph
This piece of brilliance from @vizcomic.bsky.social is the story of my life
February 1, 2026 at 12:12 PM
This piece of brilliance from @vizcomic.bsky.social is the story of my life
This is such a simple and brilliant idea in a world of useless, slop filled webpages. Massive props to @robmanuel.b3ta.com 👏👏👏🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Bunged some loading messages on this coz noticed it was taking a bit of time (like 5 or 10 seconds, whatever) to load data / process it and it's possible people would be going "is this broke?"
isthereafilmonthebbctonight.robmanuel.workers.dev
isthereafilmonthebbctonight.robmanuel.workers.dev
IS THERE A FILM ON THE BBC TONIGHT?
A simple way to see if there’s a film on the BBC around 9pm tonight.
isthereafilmonthebbctonight.robmanuel.workers.dev
February 1, 2026 at 9:17 AM
This is such a simple and brilliant idea in a world of useless, slop filled webpages. Massive props to @robmanuel.b3ta.com 👏👏👏🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Because parachuting yourself into a random constituency on the offchance is what REAL leaders do, eh?
God they're pathetic.
God they're pathetic.
Labour party chair says Zack Polanski ‘cowardly’ for not fighting Gorton by-election – politics live
Labour party chair says Zack Polanski ‘cowardly’ for not fighting Gorton by-election – politics live
The party is trying to shift conversation after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from fighting the seat
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK politics. The Labour party has accused the Green party leader Zack Polanski of being cowardly for not standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection on 26 February.
In an interview with The Observer, the Labour party’s chair, Anna Turley, said the fact Salford-born Polanski did not stand showed the Greens lacked “confidence” to do so. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Because parachuting yourself into a random constituency on the offchance is what REAL leaders do, eh?
God they're pathetic.
God they're pathetic.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
As a working-class boy, it was massively inspirational seeing all the working-class singers, actors, directors, playwrights dancers and artists that were visible and successful.
Now it’s appalling to see the way in which we’ve been shut out almost completely. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Now it’s appalling to see the way in which we’ve been shut out almost completely. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the class crisis in the arts: the UK’s culture must not become the preserve of the elite | Editorial
Editorial: Countless reports and celebrities have called for greater working-class representation, so why has nothing changed?
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:22 PM
As a working-class boy, it was massively inspirational seeing all the working-class singers, actors, directors, playwrights dancers and artists that were visible and successful.
Now it’s appalling to see the way in which we’ve been shut out almost completely. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Now it’s appalling to see the way in which we’ve been shut out almost completely. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Every strand of the arts are *already* the preserves of the elite. As I argued last year👇 TV is one of the worst offenders. What no one seems prepared to acknowledge is this is dramatically worsened by there being far less work across the board.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
January 31, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Every strand of the arts are *already* the preserves of the elite. As I argued last year👇 TV is one of the worst offenders. What no one seems prepared to acknowledge is this is dramatically worsened by there being far less work across the board.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Oh no!!!
Rest in peace, legend. Far, far too soon for you.
Rest in peace, legend. Far, far too soon for you.
January 30, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Oh no!!!
Rest in peace, legend. Far, far too soon for you.
Rest in peace, legend. Far, far too soon for you.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Oh no, Catherine O’Hara. RIP.
a woman in a black coat says " if that 's not cause for alcohol "
ALT: a woman in a black coat says " if that 's not cause for alcohol "
media.tenor.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Oh no, Catherine O’Hara. RIP.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Reposted by Philip Ralph
If Britain had a Department of Culture, it would be able to engage with this issue.
'the UK creative industries — which contributed £125 billion to the economy in 2024 and supported 2.4 million jobs — are being destroyed by an AI sector that... contributed just £11 billion in the same year and supported only 85,000 jobs." www.thetimes.com/culture/film...
All 2.4m of Britain’s creative workers are at risk — and we know why
A new report into the impact of AI on the creative sector makes for apocalyptic reading. The government must act now
www.thetimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:45 AM
If Britain had a Department of Culture, it would be able to engage with this issue.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
"The UK creative industries — which contributed £125 billion to the economy in 2024 and supported 2.4 million jobs — are being destroyed by an AI sector that, whatever its long-term potential, contributed just £11 billion in the same year and supported only 85,000 jobs."
archive.is/hvRv2
archive.is/hvRv2
January 30, 2026 at 9:02 AM
"The UK creative industries — which contributed £125 billion to the economy in 2024 and supported 2.4 million jobs — are being destroyed by an AI sector that, whatever its long-term potential, contributed just £11 billion in the same year and supported only 85,000 jobs."
archive.is/hvRv2
archive.is/hvRv2
Reposted by Philip Ralph
A friend has a theory that we’re getting adaptations of famous books (Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights) that are more about the writer/director’s “feelings” or memories of the books rather than an actual interrogation of or engagement w. what source material is doing bc only IP is getting greenlit rn
January 29, 2026 at 2:44 PM
A friend has a theory that we’re getting adaptations of famous books (Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights) that are more about the writer/director’s “feelings” or memories of the books rather than an actual interrogation of or engagement w. what source material is doing bc only IP is getting greenlit rn
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Given that this technology is currently subject to lawsuits over it causing psychosis, self harm, suicide, and even murder, and given that repeated studies have found it is inaccurate and misleading at least half the time, what definition of "safe" are you using here?
January 29, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Given that this technology is currently subject to lawsuits over it causing psychosis, self harm, suicide, and even murder, and given that repeated studies have found it is inaccurate and misleading at least half the time, what definition of "safe" are you using here?
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Today I'm announcing the AI Shills Hub - free AI training, available now for every adult in the UK 🇬🇧
You'll learn:
- Torrenting pirate libraries
- AI scamming
- Ensloppification
- Misinformation 101
and much more!
aishillshub.org.uk
You'll learn:
- Torrenting pirate libraries
- AI scamming
- Ensloppification
- Misinformation 101
and much more!
aishillshub.org.uk
AI Shills Hub
Upskill in AI using our range of free courses, all paid for by big tech!
aishillshub.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Today I'm announcing the AI Shills Hub - free AI training, available now for every adult in the UK 🇬🇧
You'll learn:
- Torrenting pirate libraries
- AI scamming
- Ensloppification
- Misinformation 101
and much more!
aishillshub.org.uk
You'll learn:
- Torrenting pirate libraries
- AI scamming
- Ensloppification
- Misinformation 101
and much more!
aishillshub.org.uk
Reposted by Philip Ralph
This government clearly don't really understand the complexity or the danger of the situation. They show no sign of beginning to understand, and every sign of asking the monorail salesman how public transport should work. It's going to be an uphill struggle, but don't leave this to politicians.
January 28, 2026 at 1:26 PM
This government clearly don't really understand the complexity or the danger of the situation. They show no sign of beginning to understand, and every sign of asking the monorail salesman how public transport should work. It's going to be an uphill struggle, but don't leave this to politicians.
Reposted by Philip Ralph
I think the Starmer government needs some new ideas. If they really want an educated population and a growing economy, why don't they scrap this nonsense, fund schools and colleges properly, and rejoin the EU?
This government clearly don't really understand the complexity or the danger of the situation. They show no sign of beginning to understand, and every sign of asking the monorail salesman how public transport should work. It's going to be an uphill struggle, but don't leave this to politicians.
January 29, 2026 at 10:10 AM
I think the Starmer government needs some new ideas. If they really want an educated population and a growing economy, why don't they scrap this nonsense, fund schools and colleges properly, and rejoin the EU?
Reposted by Philip Ralph
Embarrassing isn’t the word. You wouldn’t get into a car without checking it’s roadworthy and safe to drive. Yet, we’re jumping off a cliff into the realm of AI without all the appropriate safety checks. Madness.
For those at the back of the class: protect screenwriters and novelists copyright.
For those at the back of the class: protect screenwriters and novelists copyright.
BREAKING: Free AI training will be offered to every adult in the UK, with short courses to teach people how to use simple AI tools effectively in the workplace.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells #BBCBreakfast about the scheme
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells #BBCBreakfast about the scheme
January 28, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Embarrassing isn’t the word. You wouldn’t get into a car without checking it’s roadworthy and safe to drive. Yet, we’re jumping off a cliff into the realm of AI without all the appropriate safety checks. Madness.
For those at the back of the class: protect screenwriters and novelists copyright.
For those at the back of the class: protect screenwriters and novelists copyright.