Ten years ago, the Writers Guild of America lost a 100-day strike resulting in the loss of 25% of primetime scripted TV programming and nearly $400 million in losses with some reports saying losses were up to $2.1 billion, according to the letter by the WGA.
Since then a lot has changed. Filming in Los Angeles has reached a five-year low. Meanwhile, thousands of aspiring actors, producers, stylists, and executives in Atlanta, Georgia depend upon Georgia’s film industry. But what will happen if the writers Guild of America decides to go on strike?
The WGA argues several major TV shows and movies will be affected.
“This will include all writing on live-action feature films and television series made by Time Warner production entities. Time Warner employs approximately 1,000 Guild writers annually. In television, WGA members write and produce 725 episodes of television for more than 50 Time Warner-owner scripted series each year. WGA members are the creators of Time Warner’s top television brands including ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Westworld.’”
According to a new report by The Wrap, television shows such as late-night shows, daytime soap operas, fall TV series, streaming series and feature films will be most likely affected, if the Writers Guild of America decides to go on strike. For example, if the strike prolongs for an extended period studios will be “unable to order routine script rewrites and polishes.” Also, new TV series such as that are expected to be released this fall could be sent into production without rewrites.
“If a strike were to drag on, networks and producers may scale back the number of episodes for the season as they did in 2007-08.”
Overall, it would all depend on how long the strike lasts. George’s film industry may not be affected as many of the shows already in production. However, future TV shows and movies may put Atlantis film industry at a standstill, if a strike does occur.