Many shows will have delayed starts due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike. The writer’s strike began in May after six weeks of negotiations failed with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The organization represents Hollywood studios and production companies.
Writers are demanding the following per the Associated Press:
INCREASED PAY
Many writers are saying that they are not making a livable wage. AP reports that the “median weekly writer-producer pay is down 23% over the last decade” Additionally, writers want increases in their pension plan and health fund.
BETTER RESIDUALS
Syndication used to keep the bills paid, but now since most shows will land on a streamer, writers are not seeing the payday they used to. To counteract that, the WGA is seeking more upfront fees.
SECURED STAFFING
Writers want to be able to be staffed for a more extended time. They also mention that most writers’ rooms are understaffed and overworked due to the lack of writers some shows bring on.
FLEXIBLE EXCLUSIVITY DEALS
Since seasons on shows have decreased from 22 episodes from broadcast television, with some seasons only having eight, it reduces the pay for writers as the seasons have fewer episodes. Writers also want more flexibility in working on more shows to compensate for the lack of episodes, but most deals don’t let you work on several networks or shows simultaneously.
SAFEGUARDING USE OF AI
As the use of artificial intelligence increases, writers want assurance that their jobs are safe.
However, it seems studio executives are playing the long game and waiting for workers’ funds to begin to deplete and force them to go back to work.
“The endgame is to allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses,” a studio executive told Deadline. One source added that it is a “a cruel but necessary evil” to use this as a strategy.
While there is no end date to the writer’s strike, take a look at seven shows that you can watch below:
