WGA, AMPTP Resume Negotiations, Hope to End Strike
By Movieguide® Contributor
Negotiations between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed earlier this week with the goal of ending the WGA strike that began in May.
In August, Movieguide® reported, “Negotiations between the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed as representatives from both organizations met with each other for the first time since May.
However, the negotiations didn’t get far.
Movieguide® updated:
In a memo to members on Thursday, WGA leadership noted that there had been “real discussions” with the AMPTP, “but we are not yet where we need to be. As one example, they continue to refuse to regulate the use of our work to train AI to write new content for a motion picture,” per Variety.
“The companies’ counteroffer is neither nothing, nor nearly enough,” said guild leadership. “We will continue to advocate for proposals that fully address our issues rather than accept half measures like those mentioned above and other proposals not listed here.”
Almost one month after the first negotiation, David Faber with CNBC shared on X, “After face-to-face meeting [on Wednesday], writers and producers near agreement to end WGA strike. Met today and hope to finalize deal tomorrow, according to people close to the negotiations, who, while optimistic, warn that without deal tomorrow strike likely continues through year end.”
After face to face meeting today, writers and producers near agreement to end WGA strike. Met today and hope to finalize deal tomorrow, according to people close to the negotiations, who, while optimistic, warn that without deal tomorrow strike likely continues through year end.
— David Faber (@davidfaber) September 21, 2023
The New York Post reported, “The terse statement was a sign of a significant thaw in relations between the two sides, which thus far have been locked in an acrimonious dispute over pay, working conditions and job security that is threatened by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.”
Several industry leaders, including Bob Iger, Disney CEO; David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO; Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO; and Donna Langley, NBCUniversal Studio Group chairman and chief content officer, joined Wednesday’s meeting.
“We need to do everything we can to get people back to work. We really have to focus as an industry, and we are, on trying to get this resolved in a way that’s really fair,” Zaslav stated.
The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Wednesday’s gathering marked a return to the bargaining table for the WGA and the AMPTP, whose negotiations reached a standstill in late August following a separate meeting between top WGA leaders and top studio executives. That conference, on Aug. 22, was followed by the AMPTP publicly releasing an earlier proposal to the writers, and the writers clapping back by claiming the CEOs had greeted them with ‘a lecture about how good their single and only counteroffer was.’”
Movieguide® previously reported on the strikes:
The Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) went on the strike at the beginning of May due to low salaries and concerns over A.I. in the writer’s room. After more than two months, the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) joined the strike, citing similar reasons.
Without writers or actors, nearly every television and movie production have been forced to come to a halt, setting the stage for a barren content future if negotiations are not quickly resolved.
“The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us,” SAG President, Fran Drescher said. “Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
