Writers Guild of America Approves New Contract with Studios, Ending Turmoil in Hollywood
In a major development for Hollywood, the Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with major studios. This comes after a five-month strike that had plunged the film and television industry into turmoil. The WGA announced that 99% of the approximately 8,500 votes supported the deal, which includes pay raises, protections related to the use of artificial intelligence, and other significant gains.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, Together we were able to accomplish what many said was impossible only six months ago. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents media companies such as Walt Disney and Netflix, also acknowledged the contract’s importance and the benefits it offers to writers. The AMPTP stated, It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work.
The strike was initiated on May 2 by the writers, leading to the shutdown of numerous film and TV sets and causing delays in the fall broadcast season. However, negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP resulted in a tentative agreement on September 27, bringing an end to the strike. Since then, late-night talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and Real Time with Bill Maher have resumed airing new episodes, and the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live is set to return this weekend.
While writers have returned to work, the industry is still grappling with another strike. Actors belonging to the SAG-AFTRA union have been on strike since July, seeking pay increases, protections regarding artificial intelligence, and improvements in working conditions. Negotiators for SAG-AFTRA continued talks with studios on Monday in an effort to reach a fair contract.
The dual strikes have had a significant impact on California’s economy, causing an estimated loss of nearly $6 billion in output according to the Milken Institute. Additionally, many crew members have faced financial difficulties during this period.
With the approval of the new contract by the Writers Guild of America, attention now shifts towards resolving the strike by SAG-AFTRA actors. WGA East President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen highlighted the urgency, stating, Now it’s time for the AMPTP to put the rest of the town back to work by negotiating a fair contract with our SAG-AFTRA siblings.
Overall, the approval of the new contract brings much-needed stability to Hollywood and paves the way for a return to normalcy in the entertainment industry.
