When will writers strike resolve?

[Anonymous]

I support the writers benefitting more money and having their requests granted by the Studios who seem to be just greedy and unfair because they can.

However, it seems to be 100 days of stalemate. I miss my shows They don't seem to be even negotiating after 3 months. How might this end as it doesn't seem feasible to have entertainment be on hold indefinitely? How much longer might the stalemate last and when do you think we will see our shows return?

[Anonymous]

Indefinitely, I think. This season is lost.

Try reading a book.

[Anonymous]

At least 6 months I bet. I saw NBC had some promos for shows with new episodes this fall, like Quantum Leap and Magnum P.I. Not sure if they were already filmed before the strike.

[Anonymous]

I think the studios really thought they could break the strike by waiting them out, but didn't count on the fact that writers AND other unions (including SAG, DGA, and some of the trade unions) would unite behind the idea that capitulating on two main issues -- streaming royalties and AI -- would make their jobs pointless anyway.

If they were just arguing over traditional royalties and maybe some working conditions, I think the whole thing would be over because you just find the number in the middle everyone can agree to and there's some push-pull on other things but a middle ground is reachable.

But the studios haver reached a point where they believer their future as viable businesses can be premised on using streaming platforms to essential hide the value of creative people, and thus pay them paeanuts (if you don't know how successful your show or movies was, it's hard to argue should be paid more -- it's a black box) and this pie-in-the-sky idea that they will be able to just manufacture entertainment using AI, and not even need to pay writers and actors and set dressers and costumers and other creatives anymore at all.

With that premise, writers (and others) rightfully believe they are fighting for their right to exist at all. It's not just "we want x percent of streaming revenues and also a ban on mini-rooms that make it hard for even staffed writers to eek out a living." It's "we would like to be a part of the future of this business, thanks."

I think studios have way overplayed their hand because I think many of the people who run them are soulless idiots who actually think an AI-produced Marvel-like franchise will satisfy audiences forever and no one will miss the involvement of actual human beings. But we'll see.

[Anonymous]

OP here - I def get the Fall season is over for TV shows but really the question as PP noted - how will the strike resolve given that it's more than salary. Seems the bigger question is conceptually how the studios will plan a new system incorporating what they feel is better business saving money and still ensuring writers who want to do their jobs will go on? I hope that it will resolve before end of year or are we looking at Q1 2024 or later? How will people in this industry manage- both writers and studios?!

[Anonymous]

I read an interesting theory the other day that predicted this might be the end of the AMPTP. There are studios out there still making movies because the studios negotiated with SAG/WAG etc separately. A24 for example isn't a part of the AMPTPT so is chugging along. The streamers are what is complicating this, like Netflix is really a very different business model from Disney. At some point when the AMPTP has too diverse needs because their members need different things, then it makes more sense to break up and let producers just negotiate with actors and writers independently. Why should universal accept months of strike and a huge financial hit to help netflix continue to obfuscate streaming metrics, it just doesn't make sense.

[Anonymous]

This strike isn't (only) about greed and money, OP. There are potentially industry changing, existential issues on the table (AI and transparency, to name two). It could go on for quite some time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I read an interesting theory the other day that predicted this might be the end of the AMPTP. There are studios out there still making movies because the studios negotiated with SAG/WAG etc separately. A24 for example isn't a part of the AMPTPT so is chugging along. The streamers are what is complicating this, like Netflix is really a very different business model from Disney. At some point when the AMPTP has too diverse needs because their members need different things, then it makes more sense to break up and let producers just negotiate with actors and writers independently. Why should universal accept months of strike and a huge financial hit to help netflix continue to obfuscate streaming metrics, it just doesn't make sense.

I agree with this! I think there will be movement in late-fall. More shows (like Drew Barrymore) will sidestep soon.

[Anonymous]

TBH I haven’t even noticed and I doubt I am the only one. Plenty to watch on streaming. I think the strike isn’t having that big of effect so there isn’t a reason for them to take any action.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TBH I haven’t even noticed and I doubt I am the only one. Plenty to watch on streaming. I think the strike isn’t having that big of effect so there isn’t a reason for them to take any action.

+1 I'm not interested in any current shows and I have a long list of things to watch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TBH I haven’t even noticed and I doubt I am the only one. Plenty to watch on streaming. I think the strike isn’t having that big of effect so there isn’t a reason for them to take any action.

I think people haven't really noticed because it's primarily been over summer. Back in the old days that's when there were only reruns anyway, and people are traveling and happy to stream Suits or Succession or whatever show they didn't manage to watch the first time around.
Now that the fall season is here and everyone is getting back into the school/work routine, I suspect people will start to notice.
I heard a podcast yesterday with one of the writers who said there are a few fall shows that had already been completely written and handed off to the show-runner right before the strike started. But for most shows, the fall episodes are completely blown out of the water already - they should have started working on them in early summer. And with no short term end in sight, this writer was beginning to think that the entire season is just gone.

I also wonder why the actors/writers haven't called for a consumer boycott. It wouldn't be massively popular, but I do think it might be enough to catch the studio's attention. Maybe they're waiting to see how things play out once the fall season doesn't actually start.

[Anonymous]

The studios didn't count on the public support, tbh.

My sister is in one of the striking industries and has told me so many stories of local restaurants and businesses bringing free food out to those on strike. There are also lots of places that will give out free or very deeply discounted food to those on strike who are struggling.

She said many big-time actors, writers, and directors have publicly and quietly donated funds to help those struggling to make ends meet while on strike.

My sister has picked up side work as a tutor and dog walker through a group formed to put those needing work done in touch with those on strike who need work.

I don't recall the outpouring of public support during the last strike. Probably because social media wasn't as big back then. It was around, but it wasn't as robust as now. My sister wasn't in the industry at that time, so I have no 'personal' reference, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TBH I haven’t even noticed and I doubt I am the only one. Plenty to watch on streaming. I think the strike isn’t having that big of effect so there isn’t a reason for them to take any action.

But those streaming shows are limited. Even Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. will soon run out of new content. Those who write and act in their shows are all part of the same groups on strike.

It has given many of us time to catch up on all the shows we've had in our queues over the past few years, that's for sure.

[Anonymous]

I live in a community that has a lot of film/media/entertainment. The writers strike has been going on since May, and then SAG-AFTRA went on strike. These families are really starting to struggle. One of my friends backed out of a mutual vacation due to the actors strike. Most of these film people are middle to upper middle class and are having to do gig work like painting to stay afloat. I hope they reach resolution soon. I believe that the money doesn't work anymore. But they need to find a way to make it work for most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The studios didn't count on the public support, tbh.

My sister is in one of the striking industries and has told me so many stories of local restaurants and businesses bringing free food out to those on strike. There are also lots of places that will give out free or very deeply discounted food to those on strike who are struggling.

She said many big-time actors, writers, and directors have publicly and quietly donated funds to help those struggling to make ends meet while on strike.

My sister has picked up side work as a tutor and dog walker through a group formed to put those needing work done in touch with those on strike who need work.

I don't recall the outpouring of public support during the last strike. Probably because social media wasn't as big back then. It was around, but it wasn't as robust as now. My sister wasn't in the industry at that time, so I have no 'personal' reference, though.

But is that just in CA?