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Hollywood is a landscape of both dreams and drama, not just on the screen, but behind the scenes as well. The recent strike by screenwriters, which has become the longest in several decades, might be drawing to a close.
End in Sight for Prolonged Writers' Strike?
Screenwriters, under the banner of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), have communicated a potential end to the strike that has dominated Hollywood for nearly five months.
A letter distributed to WGA members and cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP) reads, "We have reached an agreement in principle on a new (minimum basic agreement) 2023, i.e. an agreement in principle on all points of the agreement, subject to the final wording of the contract." The WGA proudly pronounced the agreement as "exceptional" with substantial advances and protections for writers in every capacity.
However, the specifics of this tentative agreement remain undisclosed, with the Guild stating that details are still in the works. But it's clear, members will have the ultimate say on the outcome. Yet, for those eager to return to their writing tables and scripts, the WGA cautions patience.
The letter asserted, "No one should return to work until the Guild has expressly authorized it. We are still on strike until then. But as of today, we are suspending the WGA picket lines."
Impact and Implications of the Strike
The enormous impact of this strike on Hollywood, as well as the U.S.
economy, cannot be understated. Shows like The Last of Us, Billions, Stranger Things, and several daytime and late-night series have not aired due to this ongoing dispute. The economic toll, as stated by Milken Institute economist Kevin Klowden, is a staggering $5 billion.
Beyond monetary concerns, at the heart of the dispute were multiple issues. Writers have voiced concerns about the looming shadow of artificial intelligence, which threatens to overshadow their unique talents. Additionally, discussions faltered around the headcount, and the compensation writers obtain for shows streamed online.
Writers believe that streaming residuals pale in comparison to traditional TV broadcasting earnings. It's worth noting that writers aren't the only ones at loggerheads with the industry bigwigs; actors are on strike too, albeit over a different set of grievances, as noted by the BBC.