Anticipated discussions between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will occur in the next few days, bringing heightened optimism for resolving the three-month-long strike.
The WGA is preparing its response to the most recent proposal by the studios, presented on Friday.
Notably, the AMPTP’s proposals comprehensively address the significant concerns of the guild, sources familiar with the negotiations reveal. This encompassing approach even includes addressing specific issues that were initially deemed non-negotiable.
Particularly noteworthy among these proposals is the studios’ response to the WGA’s call for a minimum number of TV staff. The studio’s counter-proposal grants substantial autonomy to showrunners in determining staff sizes, informed insiders state, with an additional consideration given to the budget size of the production.
Furthermore, the studio’s proposal tackles the WGA’s request for enhanced transparency regarding viewership data on streaming platforms. However, it is essential to note that the studio’s proposition does not connect compensation to this data, a detail initially reported by Bloomberg.
The studios have also offered more comprehensive regulations about using artificial intelligence (AI), aligning more closely with a proposal presented by the WGA during discussions in March. The studios had previously committed to not designating AI as a “writer” under the contract. Nevertheless, the guild seeks assurances that AI will not be leveraged to undercut compensation and credit for writers.
Initiated on May 2, the WGA strike has seen around 11,500 writers urging for improved pay and safeguards to maintain the integrity of the writers’ room against cost-cutting measures, among other concerns.
The AMPTP has signaled its intent to adhere to the agreed-upon economic terms with the Directors Guild of America. These terms encompass a 21% increment in streaming residuals and incremental increases of 5%, 4%, and 3.5% for most minimum compensation standards. Additionally, the AMPTP has agreed to establish higher-tier minimums for writer-producers.
Negotiations recommenced on the 102nd day of the strike, and on Monday, as writers picketed, a sense of cautious hope was expressed regarding the progress of these discussions.
Julie Larson, a WGA captain at the Fox studio, remarked, “There’s a collective sense of optimism. We’re not just looking for a resolution but an outstanding one whenever it materializes. Our negotiators are incredibly dedicated—they won’t relent until they secure a fantastic deal for us.”
Rich Manning, who was participating in the picketing at Sony, cautiously noted, “There’s a glimmer of hope. However, having been through three strikes, I’ve learned not to jump to conclusions too soon. The fact that discussions are happening is positive, of course. Let’s see what they come up with.”
With SAG-AFTRA launching its strike on July 14, the concurrent labor actions have suspended numerous productions across Hollywood and beyond. This has raised concerns about the forthcoming film festivals and the autumn theatrical release calendar. Notably, the intricacies of artificial intelligence have emerged as a contentious point of discussion for both writers and actors, given the rapid technological advancements.
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