The strike by actors and writers in Hollywood is one of the toughest and most widespread in recent memory. Fear of artificial intelligence and unequal distribution of income with the rise of streaming has strained an already tense situation.
Fortunately for everyone, writers and producers are close to reaching an agreement to end the strike by the Writers Guild of America after meeting face-to-face on Wednesday, as reported by CNBC.
The two parties met and hope to finalize an agreement on Thursday, as reported by the American media. While optimistic, those involved noted that if an agreement is not reached, the strike could last until the end of the year.
On Wednesday night, the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued a joint statement stating that both groups had met to negotiate and would reconvene on Thursday.
WGA members have been on strike for over 100 days (actors joined the picket lines in July), which has disrupted the production of television shows and movies in Hollywood.
Production has halted on several high-budget series and films, including Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” Disney and Marvel’s “Blade” movie, and Paramount’s “Maleficent.”
Closer than ever to ending the strike
It appears to be the closest both parties have come to a solution since the more than 11,000 film and television writers went on strike on May 2nd. The writers argue that their compensation does not match the revenue generated during the streaming era.
In addition to higher compensation, the WGA has been pushing for new rules that require studios to hire a certain number of writers for television series over a specified period.
Writers are also seeking compensation throughout the entire pre-production, production, and post-production process. Currently, writers are expected to provide revisions or new material without receiving compensation.
If they do indeed reach an agreement in Hollywood today, the film industry could save this year-end, one that was expected to be particularly tough. Hopefully, for the writers, actors, and us… the audience.
