After a 90+ day stalemate that began on May 2, 2023, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has finally agreed to return to the negotiation table with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). AMPTP President Carol Lombardini has agreed to meet with WGA leadership this Friday.
Guestimates from Hollywood insiders have wagered that the WGA strike could end as soon as this fall or last well into 2024. Renewed talks by the two parties clearly favor bets placed on the former.
If the strike lasts through Labor Day, it threatens the start of the fall TV season and the all-important ad revenue that studios require to appease investors and remain afloat. On the film side, a continued strike will push back big-budget tentpole films and wreak havoc on awards season.
The Primetime Emmy Awards, originally scheduled for September 18, have been delayed indefinitely. And fall is typically when the Oscar campaign season starts in earnest.
However, following a three-month work stoppage, there's renewed optimism that a deal for Hollywood writers could soon be hashed out and writers can return to work.
Writers are asking for regulations on AI script writing, an increase in residual pay, and increased penalties for late payment, among other items. The discussion this Friday will be, "centered on creating committees to examine the issues," per Deadline.
With many of the high-profile studios that make up the AMPTP in need of revenue to offset large startup costs stemming from the launch of new streaming platforms, a prolonged strike could prove disastrous.
In an email to its 11,000 members, the WGA wrote, "We’ll be back in communication with you sometime after the meeting with further information. As we’ve said before, be wary of rumors. Whenever there is important news to share, you will hear it directly from us."
Conversely, there's been no such peace offering made to the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
While the WGA strike started back in May, the actors didn't follow suit with their own strike until July 14, 2023.