Hollywood writers in deal to end US studio strike

Screenwriters in the United States have announced that they have reached a tentative agreement with studio executives, potentially bringing an end to a strike that has persisted for nearly five months.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) described the deal as “exceptional” and stated that it includes significant gains and protections for writers. However, the final decision rests with WGA members.

This strike revolves around Hollywood writers’ concerns over compensation and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. It has disrupted numerous productions, including popular shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Last of Us.”

Notably, this strike is one of the longest in Hollywood’s recent history and has brought a halt to most film and TV production. Actors are also involved in a separate labor dispute.

The strike, which commenced on May 2, is estimated to have cost the US economy approximately $5 billion, according to economist Kevin Klowden from the Milken Institute.

In addition to issues related to pay, writers are worried about the potential for AI to replace their creative contributions. Negotiations also faltered over concerns about staffing levels and the royalties that writers receive for successful streaming series, which are often significantly lower than what they would earn from traditional broadcast TV shows.

Historically, writers received additional payments when their shows were rerun on broadcast networks. However, the advent of streaming disrupted this model, leading to the current compensation structure, which attempts to compensate for lost broadcast residuals.

To end the strike and return to work, the WGA leadership and union members must agree on a three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

While the guild’s message indicated that the strike was not being immediately called off, it noted that “we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing.” This means that late-night talk show staff could potentially return to work soon, with broadcasts resuming as early as October.

However, the union’s negotiating committee urged patience regarding the details of the agreement, stating that they needed to finalize contract language before sharing all the specifics with their members.

Strength and resilience

The strike has impacted various sectors of the entertainment industry, including caterers, costume suppliers, carpenters, and camera operators.

In recent days, top executives from Netflix, Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros Discovery personally participated in the negotiations, injecting new momentum into the discussions. Since mid-July, actors have also been on strike, represented by the 160,000-strong SAG-AFTRA performers’ union.

SAG-AFTRA congratulated the striking writers on their successful outcome and commended their remarkable endurance, resilience, and unity throughout the 146-day strike.

The statement from SAG-AFTRA emphasized that their members have been standing alongside the writers on the picket lines. The actors’ union continues its strike in the TV/Theatrical contract and calls on studio and streaming platform CEOs, as well as the AMPTP, to return to negotiations and reach a fair agreement that aligns with their members’ needs and demands.

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal role that writers play in California’s entertainment industry. He welcomed the agreement between the two sides, recognizing its potential to revitalize a significant portion of California’s economy.

Hollywood reacts

The news of a deal being reached was met with warm receptions from writers and other figures in Hollywood.

Larry Wilmore, a US comedian, writer, and chat show host, expressed his sentiments with a simple “Finally!!!”

Alex Zaragoza, a writer on the Amazon Freevee series “Primo,” reflected on the challenging journey of the strike, describing it as necessary, invigorating, and tough. She thanked the strike captains for their dedication and support during the 146 days of the strike.

Caroline Renard, a writer for Disney’s “Secrets Of Sulphur Springs,” celebrated the agreement and expressed relief after the strenuous effort put into the strike.

Actors also joined in expressing their support for the development. Michael Chiklis, known for “The Shield,” described the news as phenomenal and urged for the resolution to be followed through to bring everyone back to work.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, an actress in “Abbott Elementary,” congratulated the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on reaching a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) after 146 days on the picket lines. She reiterated Sag-Aftra’s commitment to achieving favorable terms for their members when they return to the negotiating table.

James Norton, star of “Happy Valley,” acknowledged the impact of both the writers’ and actors’ strikes on various industry workers. He emphasized that many crew members were also suffering due to the strike, highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals across different departments, such as caterers, grips, and sparks, in support of the strike’s objectives.