The 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has now passed the one-month mark, with complexities emerging around the concept of supporting the strike, the recent actions of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the impact on some of the industry’s most beloved productions.
Conceptions of Strike Support: There are ongoing debates about what it truly means to “support” the strike. Strike captain Caroline Renard expressed disappointment in the lack of engagement from wealthier industry figures who haven’t been held to the same standards as lower-level writers participating in the strike. Amy Pascal, for example, publicly voiced her support for the strike, though her comments about the situation have been criticized for obscuring the role of producers in resolving the issue.
Inter-Guild Solidarity and the DGA’s Recent Deal: The DGA recently reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which includes stipulations on wages, work hours, residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence. While the DGA agreement has been celebrated as “historic” by its negotiation committee, it has also raised concerns among writers that the strike might endure for an extended period. The WGA, however, has reiterated their determination to hold out for the contract they believe they deserve, appreciating the solidarity shown by sister guilds but asserting their independent strength.
The Impact on Productions: The strike has noticeably impacted television shows, including popular series like “Succession” and “I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson.” Comments from “Succession” star Jeremy Strong and writer Lucy Prebble emphasize the importance of writers and critique the idea that AI could ever replace human creativity.
The DGA Agreement’s Highlights: The DGA’s new three-year collective bargaining agreement provides wage increases and cuts workday hours for assistant directors. It also bans live ammunition on sets, introduces a pilot program for safety supervisors, and addresses the use of artificial intelligence, stipulating that AI cannot replace duties performed by members. Additionally, the agreement introduces changes in the payment of residuals for global streaming video on demand based on the number of international subscribers.
As the WGA strike continues, all eyes will remain on the negotiating table, anticipating what the next steps might be and how they will shape the future of the industry. The DGA’s recent agreement could serve as a benchmark, but the WGA has made clear that it won’t settle for less than what its members deserve.
A.I. in Screen Trade 