Topline
Members of the union representing writers for major movies and scripted television shows voted overwhelmingly Monday in favor of going on strike next month, in a potentially historic move that could threaten popular productions for the first time in over 15 years, as writers argue pay increases have been overlooked amid massive investments in streaming services.
Strikers march at the Writer’s Guild of America’s “Diversity Day” at Paramount Pictures studio on … [+]
Key Facts
Some 97.9% of Writers Guild of America members voted in favor of a strike.
The existing contract between the writers and Hollywood studios expires May 1, meaning a strike will begin then if the two sides do not agree to a new deal beforehand.
Scripted late-night shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live will likely cease production immediately if a deal is not reached.
Consumers should not see other forms of scripted programming—often written many months before release—immediately impacted, though effects could start being felt if lengthy negotiations lead to production delays.
Soap operas would likely run out of episodes after about a month of a writers’ strike, while a month-long strike could also delay the start of the fall seasons of TV shows, according to the New York Times.
Impacts on movies likely wouldn’t start until next year if the strike extends for weeks or more, the Times reported.
Contra
Studios are reportedly working to stockpile scripts before the strike and potentially focus more on reality shows should one occur to protect business. Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav said last week his company is “assuming the worst from a business perspective” but still plans “to go guns blazing in terms of our product and our platforms.”
Key Background
Writers negotiate a new contract with studios every three years, but the union is portraying this negotiation as perhaps its most important in history, with lead negotiators reportedly telling union members last week: “The survival of writing as a profession is at stake in this negotiation.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/04/17/hollywood-writers-vote-to-authorize-strike-threatening-tv-and-film-production/