The Writers Guild of America (WGA), major studios, and streamers have reached a tentative deal. The new three-year contract will put an end to the 146-day writers strike that has impacted the entertainment industry.
The negotiations took place over the course of five days, with day four involving lawyers from the guild and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television (AMPTP) discussing the fine print of language around complicated and groundbreaking additions to WGA’s Minimum Basic Agreement. Before closing the pact, details of language around the use of generative AI in content production was also brought up.
“This deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA negotiation committee wrote in a letter to members Sunday night.
That said, WGA leadership noted that the strike is not over and that no members of the guild are to return to work until the agreement is official. Members were encouraged to continue standing in solidarity with striking actors on the picket lines.
“SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines,” the acting guild wrote in a statement on Sunday. “While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members.”
Hollywood performers are looking to improve wages, working conditions, and health and pension benefits. Performers on strike also want to discuss the use of AI in future television and film productions. Additionally, the union is seeking more transparency from streaming services about viewership so that can residual payments can be made.
The writers’ walkout began on 2 May and has cost the US economy around US$5 billion. The strike has shut down the production of many popular tv shows including The Last of Us, Stranger Things, The Handmaid’s Tale , Daredevil: Born Again and Severance.
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