WGA Writers’ Strike concludes as writers can finally return to work, marking a historic resolution that promises a brighter future for the industry
Credit: Google | Strike end
In a historic decision, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has officially ended its 148-day strike, paving the way for writers to return to work. The unanimous vote to lift the strike order came after extensive negotiations and represents a significant milestone in the entertainment industry.
#BREAKING 🇺🇸
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The 2023 Writers Strike ends at 12:01 am PT Wednesday as members vote to lift the strike order, allowing work to resume. #WGA #StrikeIsOver #WriterStrike #tognews #todayonglobenews #todayonglobe pic.twitter.com/lcXduIWODC
On October 9th, members will cast their ratification votes on the new three-year contract that was tentatively agreed upon with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This deal is expected to receive strong support from strike-weary members and is considered exceptional, boasting substantial gains and protections for writers across various domains.
One of the standout features of this agreement is its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process. AI-generated material will not be considered source material under this contract, safeguarding writers’ credits and rights. While the use of AI is optional for writers, companies cannot mandate its use. Additionally, companies must transparently disclose whether AI has been involved in generating any materials provided to writers.
The new contract also introduces significant enhancements in compensation, including substantial residual payment increases for overseas streaming. For instance, Netflix’s foreign residuals will witness a remarkable 76% surge, with one-hour episodes earning $32,830 over three years, up from $18,684.
Furthermore, writers will now receive a bonus from streaming services based on a percentage of active subscribers, incentivizing the creation of hit programs. Minimum staffing requirements for television shows have also been addressed. First-season shows running for 20 weeks or longer are required to hire at least three writer-producers for their writers’ rooms. Subsequent seasons will have staffing tied to the number of episodes produced.
This tentative contract represents enhancements valued at an estimated $233 million annually, reflecting a compromise between the initial guild proposal of $429 million and the studios’ counteroffer of $86 million. The deal also includes safeguards to prevent AI technology from encroaching on writers’ compensation and credits.
While this development allows writers to return to work, other labor disputes in Hollywood continue, with actors and behind-the-scenes workers still on strike. Talks between the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, and the studios remain unresolved.
As the entertainment industry emerges from the shadows of the strike, this historic agreement promises a more secure and creative future for writers, setting a precedent for the evolving landscape of AI in entertainment content creation.
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