Hollywood Writers Strike: Timeline to the 100-Day Mark
Topline
The Hollywood writers strike has reached 100 days, involving labor disputes primarily with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Key events have led to this significant milestone without a resolution in sight.
Key Facts and Timeline
- March 7: Writers Guild of America (WGA) demands include increased compensation, better residuals, staffing requirements, and AI job protections.
- March 20: Negotiations between WGA and AMPTP begin and subsequently stall.
- May 2: Work stoppage starts, affecting shows like Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and others.
- May 5: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO calls for fair compensation to resolve the strike.
- May 11: Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik and Drew Barrymore leave their respective shows in support of the strike.
- June 5: Nearly 98% of SAG-AFTRA members vote to strike if no deal by June 30.
- June 23: Directors Guild of America secures a new contract with wage increases and AI protections.
- July 11: Reports suggest studios plan to wait out the strike until union members face financial pressures.
- July 13: SAG-AFTRA authorizes its strike, pausing several films and shows.
- July 24: Influencers warned against working with blacklisted studios during the strike.
- August 4: WGA and studios fail to reach a deal in negotiations.
- August 9: The strike reaches 100 days.
Big Number
- $3 billion: Estimated economic impact on California due to the unresolved strike.
Crucial Quote
"With SAG by our side, we're more powerful than ever," said Chris Keyser, WGA co-chair. "There is no mercy here; there is only a revolution that comes out of our power."
Contra
- The AMPTP remains committed to resolving the strike, offering improved compensation and streaming residuals. They claim to have proposed protective AI measures for actors' digital likeness.
Key Background
- This strike is one of the longest in Hollywood history, surpassing 1981's 96-day strike.
- The 1988 strike lasted 154 days and cost the industry $500 million.
- Current strikes are influenced by modern streaming models, reducing season lengths and altering writers' pay.
- Concerns over AI technology potentially replacing actors and writers have been voiced by SAG-AFTRA.
Further Reading