Writers Guild Pursues Independent Deals with Studios Amidst AMPTP Paralysis
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is taking matters into its own hands as negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) remain at a standstill. The guild recently announced its willingness to strike individual deals with major studios outside the confines of the AMPTP, signaling a shift in strategy.
In a note to its members, the WGA highlighted the lack of progress in formal conversations with the AMPTP, noting that the studios had not issued a new counterproposal since August. Instead, the guild claims the studios publicly released a counterproposal aimed at dividing its members. Referring to the current state of affairs as AMPTP paralysis, the negotiating committee emphasized that the standstill is not a result of the companies’ power but rather a lack of progress within the AMPTP itself.
The guild pointed out that studios are not obligated to negotiate collectively as part of the AMPTP. Although the AMPTP seeks to consolidate Hollywood’s companies under one roof, each studio has its own interests and is a competitor in the industry. The WGA claims to have engaged in constructive conversations with independent studio executives who have shown a willingness to agree to the guild’s terms. According to the guild, these executives have stated that the WGA’s proposals would not significantly impact their company’s bottom line.
The WGA believes that some of the proposals the AMPTP deems deal breakers are open for discussion among certain executives. Legacy studio executives have reportedly expressed a willingness to accommodate the guild’s requests on various issues. The guild sees this as an opportunity for these companies to take control of the negotiating process within the AMPTP or consider making separate deals outside of it. They argue that by doing so, a resolution to the strike could be achievable.
As the AMPTP has yet to respond to the WGA’s recent announcement, speculation about potential individual deals with studios has emerged. One analyst suggested that Netflix should consider being the first to strike such a deal, as they have more to gain and less to lose. It could also position them as the good guys by taking the lead in breaking away from the AMPTP. However, there are concerns that individual deals could divide the union, leaving some writers back on the picket lines while others return to work.
The ongoing writers’ strike has already had significant financial implications. Warner Bros. Discovery recently revealed in a public filing that the strikes could cost the company up to $500 million. Both the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have repeatedly stated that this amount would cover all the demands put forth by both parties.
As the strike enters its 130th day, it seems that all options are now on the table. The WGA has expressed dissatisfaction with the prior AMPTP proposal, citing loopholes and limitations. They are calling for more movement from the studios on issues such as minimum staffing, regulations regarding artificial intelligence (AI), and a residuals system based on success with increased transparency in streaming data.
The road to a resolution remains uncertain, but the WGA’s pursuit of independent deals signifies a new approach in their fight for fair treatment and compensation.
