WGA's street presence grows amid prolonged hollywood strike talks
23.09.2023 posted by Admin
In response to the call from guild leaders for a strong presence on the streets, the picket lines for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on the West Coast saw a significant increase in participants last Friday. This surge in activity coincided with the third consecutive day of negotiations between labor and management representatives, as they aimed to resolve a strike that had lasted for over four months.
In Hollywood, both Netflix and Paramount experienced sizable gatherings of WGA and SAG-AFTRA picketers by 9 a.m. Rumors had been circulating widely on social media and private online channels, suggesting that a potential agreement might be in the works. Meanwhile, in West Los Angeles, a usual crowd gathered outside Fox Studios.
Veteran WGA members advised caution against overly optimistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Amy Berg, a showrunner and WGA strike captain, emphasized the lengthy and intricate nature of the contract bargaining process, particularly in this strike where detailed protections were essential. She expressed a willingness to continue the strike if it meant securing necessary safeguards.
Screenwriter Billy Ray, known for hosting the "Strike Talk" podcast, noted that the studios shouldn't underestimate the resolve of writers during a prolonged strike. He pointed out that many writers were already facing challenging circumstances before the strike, making the idea of being on strike a less significant step down.
While writers held varying opinions on the strike and union tactics, there was a prevailing sense that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike was part of a broader labor movement in the United States, reflecting issues related to corporate influence, labor power, and individual worth.
As the day progressed, the number of protestors outside Paramount grew, mirroring the initial turnout on the first day of the strike. The atmosphere was positive and even playful, with picketers showcasing hand puppets and marionettes.
WGA members, including those with prior strike experience, maintained a sense of guarded optimism. They recognized that reports about the negotiations should be taken with a grain of salt, and they remained motivated to continue the strike.
Some writers emphasized the importance of securing protections for AI and data transparency, highlighting their significance in the business landscape. Additionally, concerns over writers' room minimums were discussed, with an emphasis on providing options for different creative approaches.
Despite the ongoing strike, writers were optimistic about eventually reaching an agreement, although they acknowledged that the underlying issues in various industries might remain unresolved for an extended period.
For some, like writer Jane Anderson, the strike was about securing a better future for younger writers who faced greater challenges. The onset of the SAG-AFTRA strike provided a boost of energy during the past two months.
Overall, the involvement of senior studio leaders was seen as a positive development. However, writers stressed that negotiations needed to address the core issues that led to the strike in the first place.
As the strike continued into historic territory, some believed that the pressure was mounting on the studios and streaming platforms, not the guild members. They urged a resolution before the strike's duration set an unwanted precedent. Despite the tensions, writers recognized their unique value as skilled labor in the entertainment industry. Their words, from "Fade in" to "Fade out," held a unique power in the creative process.
In Hollywood, both Netflix and Paramount experienced sizable gatherings of WGA and SAG-AFTRA picketers by 9 a.m. Rumors had been circulating widely on social media and private online channels, suggesting that a potential agreement might be in the works. Meanwhile, in West Los Angeles, a usual crowd gathered outside Fox Studios.
Veteran WGA members advised caution against overly optimistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Amy Berg, a showrunner and WGA strike captain, emphasized the lengthy and intricate nature of the contract bargaining process, particularly in this strike where detailed protections were essential. She expressed a willingness to continue the strike if it meant securing necessary safeguards.
Screenwriter Billy Ray, known for hosting the "Strike Talk" podcast, noted that the studios shouldn't underestimate the resolve of writers during a prolonged strike. He pointed out that many writers were already facing challenging circumstances before the strike, making the idea of being on strike a less significant step down.
While writers held varying opinions on the strike and union tactics, there was a prevailing sense that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike was part of a broader labor movement in the United States, reflecting issues related to corporate influence, labor power, and individual worth.
As the day progressed, the number of protestors outside Paramount grew, mirroring the initial turnout on the first day of the strike. The atmosphere was positive and even playful, with picketers showcasing hand puppets and marionettes.
WGA members, including those with prior strike experience, maintained a sense of guarded optimism. They recognized that reports about the negotiations should be taken with a grain of salt, and they remained motivated to continue the strike.
Some writers emphasized the importance of securing protections for AI and data transparency, highlighting their significance in the business landscape. Additionally, concerns over writers' room minimums were discussed, with an emphasis on providing options for different creative approaches.
Despite the ongoing strike, writers were optimistic about eventually reaching an agreement, although they acknowledged that the underlying issues in various industries might remain unresolved for an extended period.
For some, like writer Jane Anderson, the strike was about securing a better future for younger writers who faced greater challenges. The onset of the SAG-AFTRA strike provided a boost of energy during the past two months.
Overall, the involvement of senior studio leaders was seen as a positive development. However, writers stressed that negotiations needed to address the core issues that led to the strike in the first place.
As the strike continued into historic territory, some believed that the pressure was mounting on the studios and streaming platforms, not the guild members. They urged a resolution before the strike's duration set an unwanted precedent. Despite the tensions, writers recognized their unique value as skilled labor in the entertainment industry. Their words, from "Fade in" to "Fade out," held a unique power in the creative process.