After nearly five months, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially ending the strike that has brought Hollywood film and TV production to a standstill.
The tentative deal was announced on September 24, 2023 after months of contentious negotiations between the two sides. While full details have not been released, the WGA negotiating committee indicated it includes “significant gains” for writers.
Key Issues Addressed in Deal
The deal reportedly addresses several of the WGA’s major demands that led to the strike:
- Streaming Royalties: The agreement includes a boost in residuals that writers receive from streaming platforms, a critical issue as streaming has grown to dominate Hollywood revenue.
- Staffing: The deal introduces a requirement for minimum staffing levels for TV writers’ rooms, improving working conditions.
- AI Protections: New protections were secured regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the creative process.
Impact of the Strike
The strike, which began May 2, has taken a major toll on the entertainment industry. Production was halted on dozens of TV shows and films, costing the California economy billions and leading to thousands of job losses.
Major studios delayed film releases and television networks scrambled to find alternate programming. The fall television season was severely impacted, with several shows unable to return as planned.
What Happens Next?
The tentative deal must now be ratified by the WGA’s 11,000 members. The WGA negotiating committee has recommended approval, so ratification is expected.
If approved, the deal would allow scripted film and TV production to restart after a months-long hiatus. It would provide relief to the industry and allow thousands to return to work.
However, it only resolves one of the two major strikes affecting Hollywood. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) also launched a strike in July, and it remains ongoing. Resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike will be required for Hollywood to fully get back to business as usual.
Still, the tentative WGA deal is a sign of progress and could mark the beginning of the end of an economically devastating period for the entertainment industry. Both sides made compromises to reach an agreement that resolves key issues for writers.
