By Luca Napora
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement that would end the ongoing writers strike. The WGA represents over 11,000 screenwriters, while the AMPTP bargains on behalf of studios. This agreement promises to end the 146-day strike that has contributed to a shutdown of television and film production.
While the exact details of the deal have yet to be released, The New York Times reported that the deal includes “increases in compensation for streaming content, concessions from studios on minimum staffing for television shows and guarantees that artificial intelligence technology will not encroach on writers’ credits and compensation.”
Members of the Writers Guild will vote on whether to accept the deal in the coming days. While leaders of the WGA praised the deal as exceptional, they also told their members to continue striking until the deal is formalized. President Biden released a statement on the agreement, stating that “its formation is a testament to the power of collective bargaining. There simply is no substitute for employers and employees coming together to negotiate in good faith toward an agreement that makes a business stronger and secures the pay, benefits, and dignity that workers deserve.”
While many may be excited by the promise of Hollywood ending its standstill, an agreement has yet to be reached between the AMPTP and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union representing 160,000 television and movie actors. The only productions that could return before a deal is finalized are those without actors, such as late night television shows hosted by Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.
Notwithstanding, leaders of the WGA are rejoicing in this agreement as a gratifying culmination of the months of toil and dedication.