Resolve and unity were the prevailing themes on Wednesday as writers commemorated the somber 100-day milestone of their ongoing strike against Hollywood’s studios and streamers. Joined by the striking performers union, SAG-AFTRA, determined writers gathered on the picket line to celebrate the solidarity between the two unions. As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiating committee co-chair, Chris Keyser, referred to the day as an “anniversary of shame for the AMPTP,” the community stood even stronger together.
Eric Robbins, a lot coordinator at Disney and writer for Star Trek: Discovery, expressed the positive atmosphere on Wednesday, stating that the 100-day mark had “rejuvenated and really invigorated” writers, motivating them to continue their picketing efforts. Robbins acknowledged that the milestone had injected a renewed sense of energy and dedication into the movement, emphasizing that they maintained the same passion and solidarity as they had on the first day.
The so-called “talks about talking” meeting between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Friday yielded no progress towards restarting negotiations. The AMPTP offered the same deal that the Directors Guild of America (DGA) had ratified, but writers expressed frustration with the lack of engagement on core issues, such as minimum writer room size and success-based residuals. Despite the setbacks, the resolve among writers only grew stronger.
Showrunner Damon Lindelof, known for Lost and Watchmen, walked the picket line outside Disney with Justin Britt-Gibson, both recently fired from a Star Wars movie they had been working on. Lindelof expressed his renewed sense of determination, stating that even though there might not be an end in sight, his conviction and unity with others remained unwavering. Britt-Gibson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their efforts would not be in vain and that they were fighting for a better future for all involved in the industry.
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The striking unions, Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA, observed a significant turnout on the 100th day, as individuals who had taken a break due to soaring summer temperatures returned to the picket lines. At Disney, where Grey’s Anatomy star Camilla Luddington joined writers from the ABC medical drama, attendees enjoyed free churros and coffee while expressing hope for an end to the dual union work stoppage.
Ethan Peck, star of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and grandson of Hollywood legend Gregory Peck, shared his frustration with the need for a strike to ensure fair treatment for writers and performers. He emphasized the exploitation occurring in the industry and the urgent need for change. While acknowledging their privileges, Peck highlighted the importance of unions and their role in standing up for workers across various industries.
The picket line at Netflix, while not as busy as earlier in the strike, still buzzed with energy intensified by the 100-day milestone. Protesters chanted slogans and played energetic music, emphasizing their determination to continue the strike for as long as necessary to secure a fair deal.
Throughout the industry, actors expressed their support for the writers’ cause and the necessity of addressing the issues at hand. Former Black Lightning star Cress Williams commended the leaders for finally addressing the long-standing issues and conveyed his gratitude for the unions’ efforts. John Michael Huggins, known for Pitch Perfect, felt a sense of duty to participate in the strike and stressed the importance of unity among artists.
This strike marks the second time the WGA has taken action, with the previous strike lasting 100 days in 2007-2008. The current strike has highlighted key issues, such as success-based residuals from streaming, that the writers and performers deem essential to address. Despite the challenges, members of the industry remain committed to fighting for fair treatment and a better future for all.
