Writers Strike 2023 Explained: Why the WGA Walked Out, What it Means for TV and Film
Overview
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike as of 12:01 AM on a Tuesday.
This strike involves most Hollywood writers behind popular TV shows and films.
The strike was unanimously voted by the WGA board of directors due to failed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Writers face an "existential crisis" due to changing industry dynamics.
Background
The last major writers' strike occurred in 2007-08, lasting 100 days and bringing the industry to a halt.
Significant changes have occurred since then, primarily driven by the rise of streaming services.
Reasons for the Strike
Compensation Issues: Writers seek better pay, noting that streaming has negatively impacted earnings.
TV writers are typically paid per episode, with streaming series having fewer episodes (8-13) compared to traditional broadcast series (22+ episodes).
Lower residuals for streaming shows compared to broadcast reruns.
The WGA demands standardized screenwriting compensation and increased pension and health fund contributions.
WGA Statement
The WGA criticizes companies for fostering a "gig economy" within a unionized workforce.
The union claims companies are devaluing the writing profession and pushing towards freelance.
Rejections by AMPTP included setting minimum writer staffing levels for shows.
Studios' Counterarguments
AMPTP emphasizes the need for industry stability and profitability.
Studios have faced streaming-related financial losses, leading to layoffs and reduced content spending.
AMPTP offered proposals for increased compensation and better streaming residuals but claimed the WGA's demands were excessive.
Impact on TV Shows and Movies
Immediate Effects
Daytime and late-night talk shows will be the first visible casualties (e.g., "The Kelly Clarkson Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert").
"Saturday Night Live" and daytime soaps will also be affected.
Potential Longer-term Impacts
Most current broadcast shows will complete their seasons, but future scheduling could be impacted if the strike continues.
Streaming services may not feel immediate impact due to longer lead times for production.
Movies slated for 2024 and 2025 releases might experience delays.
Studios might resort to non-WGA content like reality and foreign TV shows to fill programming gaps, as happened during the 2007-08 strike.
Conclusion
The writers' strike highlights the ongoing tension between creative professionals' compensation demands and the financial strategies of entertainment conglomerates in an evolving media landscape.