In recent years, the industry has been rocked by a streaming revolution, the Covid pandemic, racial reckoning, and crippling strikes. Among the hardest hit by these changes are TV writers, who are experiencing significant transformations in their work environment and opportunities.
The Evolution of Writers' Rooms
In the heyday of network television, writers' rooms were bustling creative hubs. These spaces, often staffed with a dozen or more writers, were essential in developing TV shows. Writers not only brainstormed and refined scripts but also provided guidance on set. This setup was invaluable for younger writers learning the ropes and establishing their careers.
However, the landscape has changed dramatically. With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, the number of episodes per season has decreased, leading to smaller writers' rooms. “In most cases the writers' rooms today are very different from 10 or 20 years ago,” says Matthew Belloni, an entertainment lawyer and former editor of The Hollywood Reporter. “Most shows have far fewer episodes… and consequently the number of writers in a writers' room is typically much fewer than it was.”
Impact of the Writers' Strike
The writers' strike of last year, one of the longest in Hollywood history at 148 days, highlighted the challenges facing TV writers. Issues such as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the shrinking size of writers' rooms were central to the dispute. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) fought to preserve the writers' room as a critical element of the creative process, achieving an agreement that required a minimum number of writers for shows intended to run at least 13 episodes.
Despite this, the strike's end did not fully resolve the difficulties writers face. “The writers' room getting smaller and smaller,” says Anton Schettini, a veteran TV writer. “Your time working in a writers' room has certainly shortened.” The new contract did secure pay increases and better conditions for writers, but many still struggle with the increased competition and fewer opportunities.
The Rise of AI and Changing Work Conditions
The advent of AI has introduced another layer of complexity to the industry. The new agreement stipulates that scripts must be written by humans and that studios must disclose if any material has been generated by AI. Despite this, the industry has been slow to fully embrace AI for scriptwriting, with many studios preferring to rely on human creativity. “Once a room is fully up and running… no one is going to look outside for additional AI content,” says an anonymous screenwriter.
Diversity and Inclusion
The recent racial reckoning has also influenced writers' rooms. Many studios now mandate diverse teams, driven by a push for more inclusive representation. However, some writers of color feel that diversity efforts can be superficial, with limited long-term impact. “It feels like I'm competing with a lot of people who look like me to fill the only spot,” one screenwriter notes. This perception of tokenism reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness of diversity initiatives.
Economic Pressures and Future Uncertainty
The economic pressures on studios have led to a consolidation of content and a tightening of budgets. Paramount's recent shutdown of its television studio is a stark example of the cost-cutting measures affecting the industry. Belloni explains, “The pullback in content and the bursting of the TV bubble has led to fewer jobs, more competition and tougher negotiating positions for these writers.”
As studios seek to balance subscriber growth with profitability, the TV writing landscape remains precarious. Writers face increased competition, shorter employment periods, and ongoing challenges as the industry continues to evolve.
In this turbulent environment, TV writers must navigate a landscape marked by rapid change and uncertainty. While the industry adapts to new realities, the future remains uncertain for those who have dedicated their careers to crafting the stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
