It all started when the Writers Guild of America decided to put their pens down on May 2nd this year, and they have yet to pick them up since.
Screenwriters started the strike over a disagreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The current writer’s strike is the most extended one we have endured since the writer’s strike of 1988.
A little history lesson: a fight over residual payments for one-hour-long shows and more creative rights. The strike continued from March 7, 1988, to August 7, 1988.
The next strike was in 2007 and lasted 100 days. The writers fought for compensation for TV and movies that were distributed digitally.
Why This Writers Guild of America Strike is Unique
This strike is vastly different this time, with writers wanting residuals for streaming programs and concerns about AI technology replacing talented writers.
The writers want fair compensation for their work. Both unions are fighting major studios for better treatment.
The Hollywood actors joined the picket lines in July. They are concerned about working conditions and the potential use of AI technology.
Negotiations have been futile, and there seems to be no end in sight for this strike.
These days, there is more at stake for the writers, with technology changing and evolving, foreshadowing a possible overhaul of the industry.
Fran Drescher, president of the actor’s union, has presented an interesting idea. The strike in 1960 resulted in agreements that have been in place ever since.
The business doesn’t remotely resemble the issues writers and actors are dealing with now.
Drescher pointed out that since the overall business model has changed, the contract must change to match the current needs of everyone in the industry.
Drescher also said that if the studios honored the people who make the business possible, there would be more longevity in the industry and fewer disagreements and strikes.
Writers and Actors Should Be Compensated
Labor unions help create a better work environment and promote equality. The writers are truly valuable to the industry; without them, we wouldn’t have our late-night TV, soaps, series, and films that equal a staggering amount of fresh entertainment.
Comedy requires a lot of creative writing, and if the strike isn’t settled soon, the consequences will be far-reaching. Too much reality TV gets old fast, and we need the writers to create fresh, engaging content.
Not to mention, AI is dangerous to the writer’s livelihood. For example, many actors like Drew Barrymore supported the writer’s strike early on. She backed out of hosting the MTV Movie Awards as a result.
If you look at the Writer’s Demands, they are not at all unreasonable. Entertainment has changed drastically enough that the contract needs to be modified.
The four-month mark of the strike has been hit, and some predict the strike will last into the winter.
That means we may still have no new late-night comedy shows, scab writers on soap operas, and shows won’t return in time for the fall season.
Since Hollywood actors are also on strike, movies have shut down production, and actors can’t promote their shows or movies during this time.
It has been said that this time around, writers and actors should not settle for less than a transformational deal.
