Pay writers or they will spoil Succession... Why you should worry about the Writers Guild strike in the US
On Tuesday, May 3, 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over a range of issues. Here’s how the strike has far-reaching consequences.
What is the WGA?
The Writer's Guild of America is a professional organisation that represents and advocates for the interests of writers in the American entertainment industry. Established in 1933, the WGA has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the entertainment industry through its collective bargaining agreements, legal advocacy, and lobbying efforts.
One of its primary functions is to negotiate and enforce contracts between writers and their employers, which include major studios, television networks, and independent production companies. These contracts establish minimum compensation rates, residuals, and other important provisions that help to ensure fair treatment and compensation for writers. The WGA also provides legal assistance to members who may be experiencing workplace issues, such as discrimination or harassment.
Beyond its contractual and legal functions, the WGA serves as a platform for writers to connect with one another and to engage in important industry discussions. The organization hosts a variety of events and initiatives that foster creative collaboration. It goes without saying that the guild is a strong advocate for free speech and creative expression, and has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the intellectual property rights of writers.
Why are the writers going on strike?
The WGA began an indefinite strike over issues including the Minimum Basic Agreement for writers’ salaries, the proliferation of small high-intensity writers’ rooms called “mini-rooms,” and the industry’s approach to AI.
#writersstrike at Warner Bros today! pic.twitter.com/Mxlur02oMK
— Kana Felix (@kanoodle7) May 2, 2023
The WGA is seeking more compensation for writers upfront, who have historically been on the back end of the industry. It is also calling for more flexibility in contracts for writers working on shorter-lived production and more regulation around the use of artificial intelligence, which they believe could be used as a shortcut to finishing a WGA writer’s work.
dispatches from the #WritersStrike in front of the netflix building pic.twitter.com/nQki1nPbpC
— selome hailu (@selomeeeee) May 3, 2023
The strike comes after the WGA voted overwhelmingly last month to authorize a strike, with 98% of membership in support. The union claims that the industry has created a gig economy inside a union workforce. The AMPTP says that it was prepared to improve its offer but was unwilling to do so because of the magnitude of other proposals still on the table.
Who is affected by the strike?
The strike affects over 12,000 unionized writers who work for the major studios and production companies in Hollywood. The WGA is demanding better pay, more writers per show, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other things, arguing that the conditions of work have deteriorated due to the rise of streaming.
During the strike, the WGA would negotiate with the AMPTP on behalf of its members, seeking to secure more favorable terms for compensation and working conditions. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, writers would refuse to work, leading to a halt in production.
Excellence from @adamconover
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@QasimRashid) May 3, 2023
Reject the propaganda that Hollywood can’t afford to pay writers. Accept the facts that the wealthy are exploiting writers — and demand economic justice.#writersstrike
pic.twitter.com/7hPzpLP07c
As writers play a crucial role in the creation of film and television content, the strike would disrupt the production of new material and likely lead to the postponement or cancellation of many projects.
The writers strike picket line outside of Warner Bros. in Los Angeles. https://t.co/2mx1TyHf1T pic.twitter.com/sBeOvNcPBZ
— Variety (@Variety) May 2, 2023
The impact of the strike would be felt across various sectors of the entertainment industry. Major studios and networks would be affected, as they rely heavily on the creative output of writers to develop new content. Independent production companies would also be impacted, as they often work with WGA-affiliated writers and may struggle to find alternative sources of talent.
Late-night TV shows, which rely on writers to produce content, were the first to be affected by the strike. All of the major late-night shows, including NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central’s Daily Show with Trevor Noah, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and NBC’s Late Night Seth Meyers, have cancelled production and put on hold indefinitely. NBC’s Saturday Night Live also went dark and aired reruns instead of a new episode as scheduled.
All are shutting down production today due to a writer’s strike.
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) May 2, 2023
HALLELUJAH 😂😂😂😂😂
Good riddance! pic.twitter.com/X7o8v5syQi
If the strike continues through the summer, fall TV schedules could be disrupted and scripted series and films will take longer to materialize. The studios’ trade association says that the primary sticking points in the negotiations are mini-rooms and the duration of employment contracts.
i don’t think y’all understand. when you binge that favorite show of yours from the early 2000s you can TELL the exact. season. which the writers’ strike happened. friday night lights, heroes, lost, prison break. YOU CAN SEE and FEEL that dip in quality. this is going to get bad https://t.co/DV6lfMKaqm
— victøria h (@filmforvictoria) May 2, 2023
In addition to the immediate economic impact, a strike would have broader cultural implications as well, with prolonged work stoppages of the largest, most-consumed film and television industry in the world leaving audiences from around the world desperate and starving for new content.
Succession and this account would be nothing without the show's incredible writers. Support the strike! https://t.co/HwThq0T6Rf pic.twitter.com/A3D9cuK7pV
— no context succession (@nocontextroyco) May 2, 2023
So the short answer is, everyone. Practically everyone that consumes any form of film or television produced in America will be affected by the strike. Which makes it all the more significant and important to address.
The future of the strike
The Writer's Strike will have far-reaching consequences for Hollywood, affecting everything from the bottom lines of major corporations to the cultural fabric of society itself. While it would represent a significant disruption, it would also demonstrate the power of collective action and the importance of advocating for fair treatment and compensation for creative professionals.
The last Hollywood strike occurred in 2007-2008, lasted 100 days, and cost the Los Angeles economy $2.1 billion.
Scenes from the 2007 writers strike picket lines, including Ray Romano, Andy Samberg, Seth MacFarlane and Jay Leno.
— Variety (@Variety) May 2, 2023
Photographed by Variety's @franklinavenue. pic.twitter.com/uzIgK8Mr0b
As the strike of 2023 continues, it remains to be seen how long it will last and what its ultimate impact on the industry will be. However, this may just be the beginning of a wave of industry professionals joining the movement with contracts for both the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), expiring in June and SAG already encouraging its members to join the strike in solidarity with the writers.