Finally. Someone has agreed to talk about the strike. Or at least, to talk about the possibility of having a conversation. It may seem like a small step, but after months of enduring Universal’s torn-up sidewalks and sweltering heat without any shade, any progress is welcome.
When SAG-AFTRA arrived, everything changed. The studio picket lines transformed into mini-Coachellas, filled with bongo drums, open mic karaoke, and lots of socializing. The energy was electrifying, as if we had tapped into something bigger than just our own struggle. We were amplifying the voices of all those who have been crushed by Corporate America and Big Tech, those who have seen the fruits of their labor sucked up by venture capitalists. This strike is not just about residuals and writers rooms; it’s about fighting for the rights of all workers who are being exploited.
Hollywood is an industry that rewards those who are good at taking credit. But the truth is, the hard work is done by all of us – the crew members, the writers, the actors. It’s not just the “visionary geniuses” who make things happen; it’s the collective effort of everyone involved. It felt like the moguls had forgotten that, and it’s important to remind them of the value we all bring to the table.
If this meeting-to-have-a-meeting is going to be productive, it needs to be about listening. We need everyone to be locked in a room together until they come up with a deal that works for everyone. The industry is changing, and it’s not just Silicon Valley’s fault. Hollywood needs to adapt and find a way to thrive in the face of new challenges. We can’t let AI and tech companies steal our content and cut out the people who actually create it. We need to protect the integrity of our industry and ensure that it continues to provide quality entertainment.
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Maybe the recent box office failures of a comedic feminist paean and a three-hour drama about nuclear annihilation are a sign that audiences are tired of the derivative, remixed monotony that Hollywood has been churning out. Automating the creative process won’t fix anything; it will only lead to more of the same. AI may be good at generating content, but it lacks the originality and spark that human creativity brings.
Regardless of the outcome of this strike, Hollywood will never be the same. It has to change, because the world is changing. We can’t rely on outdated models and practices; we need to embrace innovation and find new ways to create and distribute content. The future of our industry depends on it.
The saddest part of this strike is how little the corporate class understands the importance of the writers room. It’s not just a demand for a raise or a cheap ploy; it’s what makes good TV great. The decline in TV quality as streaming has become more popular is directly linked to the erosion of the writers room. Streamers need to recognize the value of talented writers and invest in creating quality content.
In the end, this strike is about more than just our own livelihoods. It’s about fighting for the rights of all workers and protecting the integrity of our industry. We have the power to shape the future of Hollywood, but only if we stand together and demand change.
