Hollywood Writers Strike Tentatively Ends as Focus Shifts to Actors Strike

It seems that the Hollywood Writers Strike is over for now as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative deal with AMPTP, which represents the big Hollywood studios. However, Hollywood is still dealing with the actors' strike led by SAG-AFTRA.

The deal between both sides was announced last Sunday, which was 146 days after the writers' strike began. It came after five days of straight negotiations between writers and the Hollywood studios. The WGA is calling the deal a "victory."

"What remains now is for our staff to make sure everything we have agreed to is codified in final contract language. And 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 union told its members.

According to the BBC, several shows that were in production were put on hold when the strike began last May 2, 2023. These include big titles such as "Stranger Things" and "The Last of Us." Many other films and TV shows also halted production during the strike, particularly late-night talk shows and variety shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show," "Late Night," and more.

The Hollywood writers' strike stemmed from pay issues as writers feared the impact of artificial intelligence, as well as studios issuing demands such as the elimination of writers' rooms. Streaming has also had a big impact on the payment writers receive, with streaming platforms like Netflix paying writers much less in residuals due to streaming rather than airing shows on cable or network TV.

The deal itself is yet to be ratified by the union's membership of more than 11,500 writers. However, this should end one of the longest strikes in Hollywood history.

Reactions to WGA Agreement With AMPTP Ending Hollywood Writers Strike

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of the first people to welcome the deal being reached by both sides.

"California's entertainment industry would not be what is today without our world class writers," he said in a statement, adding that the writers have been "expressing real concerns over the stress and anxiety workers are feeling." He also stated that he is grateful that both sides have reached an agreement, and it would help a major part of the state's economy "back to work."

Meanwhile, many guild members celebrated the deal on X (formerly Twitter) and tweeted out congratulations to the negotiators for making it happen.

SAG-AFTRA Takes Center Stage as Actors Strike Continues

While writers are celebrating, SAG-AFTRA is continuing its fight against AMPTP as the focus shifts to their cause now that the writers have completed their negotiations.

"Since the day the WGA strike began, SAG-AFTRA members have stood alongside the writers on the picket lines. We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand," read the actors union's statement.

Actors have been on strike for over 70 days now and reminded AMPTP that they have always been willing to get back on the negotiating table.

Much like the WGA strike, the actors' strike also crippled Hollywood as actors, from extras to big-name A-listers, all refused to work amid concerns regarding pay in the age of AI and streaming.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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