When the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike on May 2nd, writers channeled their creativity into picket signs that reflected their anger over issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and fair pay. Now, as the strike reaches its 100th day on August 9th, many writers have turned to new creative outlets that abide by the WGA’s rules of not working on projects backed by the studios and streamers of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Some writers find it challenging to write without external deadlines or after spending time on the picket line, while others are content to make up for lost time with their families.
Zack Bornstein, known for his work on “Shrinking,” prioritizes the strike but also uses the extra time to pitch a book, perform stand-up comedy, go to the dentist, and conduct research for a biopic he always wanted to write. Other writers like Caroline Dries, who worked on “The Vampire Diaries,” invested their energy into turning their 2-year-old child into a YouTube star. However, they quickly realized that directing a toddler was as challenging as directing a film.
Kevin Falls, a writer for “This Is Us,” had already started writing an eight-episode streamer during the pandemic and plans to finish it during the strike. He is hard on his own work and acknowledges that having a writing staff would be helpful. Stephen Falk, the creator of “You’re the Worst,” struggled to find motivation to write after losing his job due to the strike. Eventually, he started outlining a feature film, even though he dislikes outlining when it’s a requirement from studios and networks. Despite the frustrations, the lack of constraints offers him some creative freedom.
Sera Gamble, known for her work on “You,” has used the strike as an opportunity to write a book of poems, emphasizing the importance of reserving time to write simply for personal pleasure. Similarly, Linda Ge, a writer for “Vampire Academy,” initially found it exhausting to balance picketing and writing. However, after adjusting to her new routine, reading about prolific Hollywood filmmakers, and hearing from friends, she resumed writing for an hour each morning before picketing.
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Jonathan Groff is working on an autobiographical idea with Jon Pollack, set in a suburban New Jersey high school in the late ’70s. Groff has been reading books about that era and rock history to research for the project. He also helps secure items for the WGA garage sale. Marc Guggenheim, a writer for “Legends of Tomorrow,” struggles with staying creative and productive during the strike. He finds that having deadlines helps, so he is currently focused on edits for his next novel and various comic book projects.
Katori Hall, the creator of “P-Valley,” returned to her roots in the theater during the strike. She revived an old play, “The Blood Quilt,” and held a reading at Lincoln Center. This experience was life-affirming during a stressful time. Joe Henderson, known for his work on “Lucifer,” took a break from writing for the first month of the strike. However, he eventually turned to writing comics, which he had always planned to do. Writing has become a source of salvation for him during these challenging times.
Steven Kane, a writer for “Jack Ryan,” previously wrote one-act plays during the 2007-08 strike and found success with a production that ran for six months in Los Angeles. This time, with guidance from Geoff Johns, he wrote his first graphic novel. Kane appreciates the freedom and versatility of writing comics, as there are no budget limitations or concerns about locations or CGI. He even considers the possibility of turning his graphic novel into a TV show in the future.
Angela Kang, known for her work on “Silk: Spider Society” and “The Walking Dead,” acknowledges the lengthy process to find a new creative outlet during the strike. However, she eventually discovered her passion for writing and storytelling through comic books. She believes in the power of storytelling to take her mind off things she cannot control and considers it a form of self-care.
In conclusion, as the WGA strike continues without a clear end in sight, many writers have found alternative creative outlets to channel their energy and maintain their creativity. From writing books and performing stand-up comedy to writing plays and comics, these writers are exploring new avenues while remaining committed to their cause. The strike may have disrupted their work on film and TV projects, but it has also sparked a wave of creativity that they hope to carry with them even after the strike ends.
