A writer’s strike has long been anticipated as the Writers Guild of America has negotiated with studios over contract set to end May 1. WGA has made some requests to factor the streaming economy into compensation packages, such as residual fees, and set standards around artificial intelligence. (Via CNN) According to Deadline, a proposal is in place for the WGA and AMPTP to potentially talk next Thursday. A two-week break was planned for negotiations, and to return for eight days starting April 17. But sources have told Deadline there appears to be a willingness to continue discussions, and some common ground has been found.
One of the sources claims the two parties are closer than expected on several key issues. Despite this, it is still likely that the guild will ask its members for a strike authorization vote.
The second week of these negotiations has been going much better than the first. The first week was described by one source as “arduous,” with the WGA and AMPTP dancing around each other. Studio sources described the WGA’s approach as “stonewalling” and not answering specific proposal questions.
A presentation at the end of this week brought more hope to find common ground. Regardless, one insider has said, “I’m 95% sure there is going to be a strike, everybody assumes it is coming at this point.” (Via Deadline)
Leave a Comment