Contract Talks Continue as Writers Guild of America Strike Nears Final Phase
LOS ANGELES—Negotiations between the striking Writers Guild of America (WGA) and studio representatives are set to continue on September 24, bringing the industry one step closer to potentially ending a monthslong strike that has paralyzed the entertainment industry, according to multiple media reports.
The two sides met on Saturday, joined by attorneys who were reviewing the language and finer points of what is expected to be a three-year contract.
After the meeting, the WGA and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) issued a joint statement announcing that they would meet again on Sunday, marking the fifth consecutive day of negotiations.
Representatives from the WGA and AMPTP met on Wednesday for the first time since mid-August and have been meeting daily since then.
The negotiations on Friday included the presence of the “Gang of Four” major studio bosses—Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros/Discovery’s David Zaslav.
According to CNN, Governor Gavin Newsom has also been checking in by phone.
By Saturday afternoon, the four studio heads were no longer in the negotiating room, possibly indicating that major issues had been resolved.
Hollywood actors and writers picketed outside of Disney Studio as strikes continued in Burbank, Calif., on Sept 18, 2023. The Writers Guild of America expects to return to contract negotiations Wednesday with major studios and streaming services. (Jill McLaughlin/The Epoch Times)
The strike, which began on May 2, saw the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union join the picket line in July. However, there have been no known contract talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA since the actors’ strike began.
Both unions are advocating for protections against the use of artificial intelligence and improvements in salary, particularly residuals for successful streaming programs.
Earlier this month, negotiations seemed to be at a standstill. In response, the WGA negotiating team suggested that some traditional Hollywood studios should break ranks with the AMPTP and negotiate directly with the writers’ union. The WGA claimed to have spoken with studio executives who believed a deal could be quickly reached.
“So, while the intransigence of the AMPTP structure is impeding progress, these behind-the-scenes conversations demonstrate there is a fair deal to be made that addresses our issues,” said WGA negotiators. “We have made it clear that we will negotiate with one or more of the major studios, outside the confines of the AMPTP, to establish the new WGA deal.
“There is no requirement that the companies negotiate through the AMPTP. So, if the economic destabilization of their own companies isn’t enough to cause a studio or two or three to either assert their own self-interest inside the AMPTP, or to break away from the broken AMPTP model, perhaps Wall Street will finally make them do it.”
Writers on the picket line on the fourth day of the strike by the Writers Guild of America march past Netflix in Hollywood, Calif., on May 5, 2023. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
However, the AMPTP issued a statement emphasizing that all its members are committed to working within the alliance to reach a deal for all studios.
“The AMPTP member companies are aligned and are negotiating together to reach a resolution,” stated the alliance. “Any suggestion to the contrary is false.
“Every member company of the AMPTP wants a fair deal for writers and actors and an end to the strikes, which are affecting not only our writer and actor colleagues but also thousands of others across the industry. That is why the AMPTP has repeatedly put forward offers that address major priorities of the WGA, including a last round of offers on Aug. 17 and 18.”
The dispute over who should represent the studios seems to have opened the door for the current negotiations.
How has the strike affected television shows and film productions, and what steps have late-night programs taken in response?
Riters. This suggestion was met with mixed responses from different studios, with some expressing a willingness to explore the idea, while others remained hesitant.
The strike has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many television shows and film productions delayed or put on hold. Talk shows and late-night programs have also been affected, with some choosing to halt production until the strike is resolved.
One of the major issues at the heart of the negotiations is the use of artificial intelligence in content creation. The unions are advocating for safeguards to protect the creative input of writers and actors, as well as ensuring fair compensation and credit for their work.
Another key concern is the need for improved salaries and residuals for successful streaming programs. With the rise of streaming platforms, writers and actors are demanding better compensation for their contributions to these highly popular and profitable shows.
Despite the challenges faced during negotiations, there seems to be some progress being made. The continuous meetings between the WGA and AMPTP indicate a commitment from both sides to find a resolution.
The inclusion of major studio heads in the negotiations is also a positive sign. The presence of industry leaders such as Ted Sarandos, Bob Iger, Donna Langley, and David Zaslav demonstrates a willingness to address the concerns raised by the unions and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
The involvement of Governor Gavin Newsom further highlights the significance of these negotiations. With the support and attention of political figures, there is hope for a favorable outcome that addresses the needs of both the unions and the studios.
As negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize open communication and compromise. Finding common ground and reaching a fair and sustainable agreement is in the best interest of the industry as a whole.
The return to contract negotiations between the WGA and major studios is a positive step forward. It provides an opportunity to address the pressing issues that have led to the strike and find solutions that benefit the entire entertainment community.
In conclusion, the contract talks between the WGA and AMPTP are entering their final phase, bringing hope for an end to the monthslong strike. The involvement of industry leaders and political figures, as well as the continuous meetings, demonstrate a commitment to finding a resolution. It is important for all parties to work together to reach a fair and sustainable agreement that addresses the concerns of the unions and ensures the future success of the entertainment industry.
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