WGA strike

WGA Strike Ends After 10 Months of Negotiations

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WGA Strike Ends After 10 Months of Negotiations

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) recently announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to end the longest and most contentious strike in Hollywood history. The strike, which began on February 1, 2023, affected thousands of writers, actors, crew members, other industry workers, and millions of viewers and fans, who faced a severe shortage of original scripted content across film, TV, and streaming platforms.

The main issues that sparked the strike were the WGA’s demands for higher residuals, minimums, and pension and health contributions for writers working on streaming services, which have grown exponentially in the past decade and now dominate the entertainment landscape. The WGA also sought to limit the practice of packaging, in which talent agencies bundle writers, directors, and stars together and collect fees from studios, bypassing the traditional commission system and creating conflicts of interest. The WGA argued that packaging deprived writers of fair representation and compensation, while the AMPTP and the agencies claimed that it was a vital and beneficial part of the industry.

The negotiations, which a federal mediator mediated since October, were marked by several breakdowns and ultimatums, as both sides accused each other of bad faith and misinformation. The strike also triggered a wave of solidarity actions, lawsuits, counter-lawsuits, and public statements from various guilds, unions, celebrities, politicians, and activists who either supported or criticized the WGA’s stance. The strike also coincided with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which added to the industry’s and the public’s economic and health challenges.

The tentative agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the WGA’s members and the AMPTP’s board, includes significant gains for the writers, such as a 25% increase in streaming residuals, a 3% increase in minimums, a 1.5% increase in pension and health contributions, and a phased-out elimination of packaging fees by 2026. The agreement also includes provisions for diversity, inclusion, anti-harassment policies, improved working conditions, and creative rights for writers.

The WGA’s leadership hailed the agreement as a historic victory for the writers and the industry’s future. At the same time, the AMPTP’s representatives expressed relief and gratitude for reaching a mutually beneficial resolution. Both sides acknowledged the hardship and sacrifice endured by the writers and the industry during the strike and expressed hope for a swift and smooth recovery and resumption of production. The agreement is expected to be ratified by the end of the month, and the writers are expected to return to work by early January.

The post WGA Strike Ends After 10 Months of Negotiations first appeared on The Source.

The post WGA Strike Ends After 10 Months of Negotiations appeared first on The Source.

WGA Reaches Historic Deal To End Writers’ Strike

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The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached an agreement on a deal to end the 146-day strike that has stalled the entertainment industry. The decision comes after five consecutive days of negotiations.

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA’s negotiating committee told members in an email on Sunday night, as noted by Variety. “To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then.”

Read More: Lil Wayne Shows His Support For Writers’ Strike By Treating Them To A Burger Truck

WGA Members Picket Outside Of NBC Studios

BURBANK, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Writers Guild of America members and supporters picket in front of NBC studios as hope grows that a draft copy of a proposed deal with Hollywood studios being completed today could lead to an end to the three-month old Hollywood writers strike within days, on February 8, 2008 in Burbank, California. The writers have been on strike since November 5 over the issue of compensation for content offered over the Internet. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

The WGA added that they’re holding off on announcing details of the contract agreement until both parties have signed everything and made it official. “Though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you, we cannot do that until the last ‘i’ is dotted,” the message further stated. “To do so would complicate our ability to finish the job. So, as you have been patient with us before, we ask you to be patient again – one last time.”

The end of the WGA strike, which began on May 2, doesn’t necessarily mean the end of SAG-AFTRA’s strike, although it will likely help to hasten it along. In a statement reacting to news of the new deal, the union leaders wrote: “SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines. While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members.” Be on the lookout for further updates on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Ice-T Voices Support For Actors & Writers Amid Strike

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Bill Maher Faces WGA Backlash For Announcing Return Of “Real Time”

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The WGA has criticized Bill Maher for the decision to resume production on his talk show Real Time without a writing staff. “Bill Maher’s decision to go back on the air while his Guild is on strike is disappointing. If he goes forward with his plan, he needs to honor more than ‘the spirit of the strike.’ Bill Maher is obligated as a WGA member to follow the strike rules and not perform any writing services,” the WGA wrote in a statement. Real Time is aired on HBO and produced by Bill Maher Productions. Both are struck companies as they have not negotiated a waiver with the WGA. By doing this, Maher, as both a producer and a WGA member, becomes a scab. As a result, the WGA has confirmed they will be picketing his show.

Maher’s reasoning for bringing back the show is to “help” the other people who have been affected by the WGA strike. “Writers are not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns. Despite some assistance from me, much of the staff is struggling mightily,” Maher told TMZ. Furthermore, Maher said he would be showing solidarity. Reportedly, he will do away with any and all segments that required his writer’s room. In doing so, he noted that the show “would not be as good as usual”. However, the sincerity of his concern is questionable. His production company could have negotiated with the WGA and agreed to their demands.

Read More: Will Smith backs the ongoing strikes

Maher Latest To Cross The Picket

However, Maher is just the latest figure to cross the picket line. Drew Barrymore has received a wave of backlash this week after she announced that her talk show would also be resuming production. Similarly to Maher, Barrymore attempted to justify her decision by stating that she would be abiding by the spirit of the strike.

“I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind. We launched live in a global pandemic. Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time. I want to be there to provide what writers do so well. That is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience. I hope for a resolve for everyone as soon as possible. We have navigated difficult times since we first came on air. And so I take a step forward to start season 4 once again with an astute humility,” Barrymore said of her decision.

Read More: Snoop Dogg supports the ongoing strikes

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Snoop Dogg And Dr. Dre’s Hollywood Bowl Shows Have Been Canceled To ‘Stand In Solidarity’ With The WGA Strike

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Snoop Dogg May 2023
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In June, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre revealed they were postponing their Hollywood Bowl concerts in solidarity with the WGA Strike. They had previously been scheduled for June 27 and June 28. Now the shows have been canceled altogether.

“We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing strike and the uncertainty of when this will be over, we need to cancel the Hollywood Bowl show,” Snoop’s Instagram post from Tuesday, July 25, reads. “We continue to stand in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters in the WGA and SAG/AFTRA during this difficult time and remain hopeful that the AMPTP will come back to the negotiating table with a REAL proposal and we can all get back to work.”

At a Variety conference in May, Snoop said artists “need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out. The writers are striking because [of] streaming; they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office.

“I don’t understand how the f*ck you get paid off of that sh*t,” he continued. “Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars? … That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers, … but it don’t add up to the money. Like, where the f*ck is the money?”

SAG-AFTRA Strike Action Set To Begin July 14

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SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors and radio personalities has officially begun strike action. The initial strike date of July 1 was postponed until July 13 to give more time to negotiate a new contract. However, the AMPTP, which represents film and television studios, did not put forward an equitable deal. The SAG-AFTRA executive board will meet later on July 13 to formally approve strike action. Picketing will begin July 14.

It’s the first time since 1986 that SAG’s actors have voted to strike. However, there was a strike by commercial actors in 2000. Furthermore, with the WGA strike ongoing, this marks a historic moment. For the first time since 1960, both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA will be on strike at the same time. Fun fact about that 1960 SAG strike – it was led by then-SAG President Ronald Reagan. Reagan, who would become President of the United States in 1981, would become infamous for his anti-union sentiment. This was best seen during the 1981 Air Traffic Controllers Strike.

Hollywood Set To Shut Down

Without writers or actors, there is very little that Hollywood can do right now. Per SAG President Fran Drescher, “[AMPTP’s response] to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting & disrespectful of our contributions to this industry. The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics & on others completely stonewalled us.” Meanwhile, the AMPTP continues its war on the striking workers. Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, called the demands of the WGA and SAG “not realistic” while appearing on CNBC. For context, Iger makes a minimum of $25 million a year. The current calculation puts the demands of the WGA and SAG at a cost of around 0.02% of the revenue of the AMPTP. Iger’s comments also come after Disney, a company that made over $80 billion last year, made “cost-saving” layoffs at ESPN and National Geographic.

Furthermore, the AMPTP has been accused by striking workers of planting anti-union propaganda articles at outlets such as Deadline. While outlets such as Deadline are parroting the AMPTP talking point that studio bosses are willing to waiting the WGA out (essentially let the writers go broke and then have them beg for mercy), this is untrue. Per TV writer David Slack in the Twitter thread linked above, “What happens is they run out of product. No new shows in streaming to drive and sustain subscribers, no new shows in broadcast and ad-supported to bring in ad revenue. No shows, no money, no money, bad earnings report. Bad earnings report, bye-bye stock price. Bye-bye CEO. After 70+ days with no writers to create their product for them, the pipeline is running dry. Their stock price isn’t tanking yet. But if they don’t make a deal with us, it will. And they know it.”

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“Squid Game” Made Netflix $1 Billion More Valuable, Its Creator Got Next To Nothing

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Squid Game, the smash-hit satire about the exploitation of poverty in South Korea as viewed through the lens of a death game, reportedly raised Netflix’s internal value by $900 million. Meanwhile, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show’s creator, saw a one-time lump sum for the show. However, he accepted it as he had been trying to sell for a decade. Signing away his rights to the property and any potential residuals made him enough to get by on, but not rich. Now, his show about the exploitation of financial desperation has been turned into a reality show based on exploiting financial desperation.

An investigation by the LA Times found that this is a common trend with Korean creatives. “K-Content” has been an area that Netflix has been aggressively expanding into in recent years. However, Netflix does not have a bargaining agreement with the Korea Television and Radio Writers Association. This means that Korean writers working with Netflix are not eligible for residuals. Instead, they receive a lump sum fee ($30,000 – $150,000) at the start of production. This is all they will have to live on during the 2-3 years it can take to create the show they’ve been paid for.

Hollywood Has Reached Its Creative Breaking Point, Squid Game Is Just The Latest Example

Squid Games creator Hwang Dong-hyuk
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – SEPTEMBER 16: Squid Game’s director Hwang Dong-hyuk attends the Emmys celebration press conference on September 16, 2022 in Seoul,South Korea. The South Korean phenomenon survival drama “Squid Game” has become the first non-English TV series to win best actor and director in a drama series at the prestigious Primetime Emmy Awards. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

The WGA, the union that represents Hollywood’s writers, is in its eighth week of strike action. SAG-AFTRA, the primary union for actors, could join them if their contract is allowed to expire on June 30. While the DGA, the directors guild, settled with studios on a new deal. However, the people who actually make Hollywood what it is, are tired of being exploited. Residuals are a big part of the demands held by the WGA and SAG. Before the advent of streaming, writing or acting in a show or movie earned you a monthly check based on that property being rebroadcast. Streaming all but killed that. Similarly, with the property owners now simply removing shows and films from their services, that passive income can simply disappear.

The exploitation of international creatives is just the tip of a looming iceberg. Hollywood has been skirting around it for years. But every time they do, it gets a little bigger, a little more dangerous. These current strikes are the scrapes along the side of the Titanic. No amount of AI can fix that. No amount of one-time contracts with desperate creatives can stop the industry from sinking. Every time a story like this breaks, the whole system sinks a little deeper. And yet, the band continues to play on, pretending that the icy depths aren’t lapping at their feet.

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Kim Kardashian Receives Backlash For Tweeting From The Set Of AHS Amid WGA Strike

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Many social media users were not happy when Kim Kardashian recently Tweeted from the set of American Horror Story. Various users responded to the seemingly innocent Tweet, condemning Kim for working amid the WGA strike. “I’m on the set of AHS and we have some time between shows. What are you all up to????” she asked followers. It appears as though Kim has not gotten the response that she expected. “Not crossing picket lines is what I’m up to,” one user comments.

Several others also replied to the Tweet, claiming to be out of work amid the strike. Others called her out for failing to “show solidarity with [her] brothers and sisters in the WGA.” Several users questioned why Kim isn’t supporting the strike, while some welcomed her to join picket lines. Kim has yet to respond to the backlash. The 2023 WGA strike began last month, and sees various workers seeking improved wages, better job stability, and more.

Read More: Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Come Together To Co-Parent Son Saint’s Basketball Game

Strikers Aren’t Happy

It was announced in April that Kardashian would be joining the cast of American Horror Story. She reportedly plays a major role in the series’ twelfth season, titled “Delicate.” She’ll be joined onscreen by AHS veterans Emma Roberts and Zachary Quinto, as well as some new faces like Cara Delevingne. Earlier this month, Quinto shared his thoughts on Kim’s acting chops at the premiere of his film He Went That Way at the Tribeca Film Festival.

“I did a cameo on this season of American Horror Story and I got to meet her,” Quinto told People, “She was so lovely and warm.” He went on to say that he believes Kim doesn’t need his advice, claiming to be impressed by “her spirit and her openness.” “She seemed really in her element,” he revealed. He went on to say that he looks forward to watching the upcoming season of AHS, as he’s sure Kim is going to nail her performance.

Read More: Kim Kardashian Reveals Biggest Turn-On, Throws North West An All-Pink 10th Birthday Party

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50 Cent Slams WGA Strike

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The Writer’s Guild of America has been on strike since May 2. The WGA, which represents film and television writers, authorized strike action after their current contract expired. Furthermore, the WGA overwhelmingly voted to strike after studios refused to adequately meet their demands on a new contract. These demands include the regulation of AI, better pay, more access to set, and the restructuring of residuals.

Hollywood and the East Coast TV networks have been devastated by the strike action. Most late-night shows have been suspended, as has the production on multiple Hollywood blockbusters. However, the strike has received overwhelming support from the industry, with a myriad of famous faces joining the daily pickets on both coasts. However, not everyone is a fan. Rapper 50 Cent made his feelings very clear in a recent interview.

50 Cent Thinks WGA Strike Will Hurt Workers

50 Cent and his son Sire attend the premiere of "BMF" Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Sire Jackson attend the BMF Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere Event on January 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for STARZ)

Cent sounded off about the strike in a recent interview with Vulture. “I hope it doesn’t last. What it did to me immediately was it made me focus on the non-scripted side of production. I sold three unscripted projects as soon as people started hearing about the possibility of a strike. The last time, it lasted for about a hundred days, a little over three months. If it extends to that point now, I don’t know. I don’t see it as a positive thing for the writers that I know that have established overall deals. You see so many people reducing staff and expenses that it would be an opportunity to pull out of those deals. Courtney’s in that position. I believe those projects will get dropped.”

For the record, Kemp has fully supported the strike, picketing in New York on multiple occasions. Furthermore, Kemp told Deadline, “We are striking to protect writing as a profession, and for a fair share of the profits we create.” Furthermore, it’s ironic that 50 would decry the strike and then immediately do the exact thing the striking writers are striking about. “Striking will hurt the workers” before immediately turning around and profiting from the strike is not exactly a strong leg to stand on. At the time of writing, the WGA has been on strike for 38 days. Furthermore, SAG-AFTRA and the DGA are both preparing to strike in the coming weeks if a deal is not reached with the writers.

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Snoop Dogg And Dr. Dre Have Postponed Their Hollywood Bowl Shows ‘In Solidarity’ With The WGA Strike

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snoop dogg dr dre
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Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre fans might have to wait a little longer for their joint Hollywood Bowl shows that were supposed to take place this month. The two rappers are throwing their full support behind the Writers Guild Of America strike that is currently taking place — and have postponed the concerts until October.

For those unfamiliar, television and film writers are currently striking for better pay and other demands from the major studios, streaming platforms, and other large production companies.

“Due to the ongoing WGA strike and the DGA and SAG/AFTRA negotiations, we have decided to postpone the shows scheduled for June 27 and June 28 at the Hollywood Bowl. We stand in solidarity with the unions and are hopeful that the AMPTP will negotiate fair deals as soon as possible and everybody can get back to work,” Snoop Dogg announced in an Instagram post.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the duo also sent out food trucks to the striking writers who were at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

Before the announcement, Snoop had been a fierce advocate for the writers.

“[Artists] need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out. The writers are striking because [of] streaming; they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office,” Snoop said at a previous Variety conference.

“I don’t understand how the f*ck you get paid off of that sh*t,” he added. “Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars? … That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers, … but it don’t add up to the money. Like, where the f*ck is the money?”

Check out Snoop Dogg’s postponement announcement here.

Lil Wayne Shows His Support For Writers’ Strike By Treating Them To A Burger Truck

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The WGA writers’ strike has taken the entertainment world by storm as writers demand more fair working conditions, better pay, and a better relationship with streaming platforms. Moreover, Drey Barrymore is one of many figures boycotting Hollywood events in order to make their support felt on a large scale. While it’s been a rough month for the guild, they continue to make powerful statements both online and through their physical presence to put pressure for a greater goal. What’s more is that their efforts transcended beyond the film and TV industry. For example, Lil Wayne is the latest rap icon to stand by the writers on strike, sending them a Fatburger food truck to feed those on the picket line.

Furthermore, Weezy graced them with the truck on Thursday afternoon (May 25) for lunch. At the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, actor Greg Berlanti had already provided breakfast. “Thank you, Lil Wayne, for sending a @Fatburger truck to the picket lines today,” TV writer Gennefer Gross wrote on Twitter. “AND for having a turkey burger so I can keep this #StrikeBodSummer going! #WritersStrike #WGAStrong.”

Read More: Lil Wayne Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

Lil Wayne Does His Part To Support The Writers’ Strike

Previously, Snoop Dogg also shared his support of the WGA strike and spoke on the negative effects of streaming platforms on the industry. “[Artists] need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out,” the California rap legend asserted. “The writers are striking because [of] streaming; they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office.

“I don’t understand how the f**k you get paid off of that s**t,” Snoop Dogg continued. “Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars? That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers. But it don’t add up to the money. Like, where the f**k is the money?” Hopefully the industry does what it must to support the writers who are its backbone. We’d guess that this won’t be the last (nor the biggest) way in which these entertainment industries support each other. For more news and the latest updates on Lil Wayne, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Lil Wayne Beefs: Biggest Feuds Of His Career

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