The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) recently presented its proposal to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) as both parties engage in negotiations for a new three-year contract. The AMPTP’s proposal includes banning generative artificial intelligence (AI) written material from being considered “literary material” in the contract. Additionally, the AMPTP is suggesting quarterly reports on streaming view hours per project to the union. Residuals are also a key focus in the proposal, with the AMPTP offering an increase in high-budget streaming video on demand (SVOD) residuals to $87,546 per episode for three exhibition years.
The WGA strike, currently in its 114th day, has now surpassed the union’s previous strike in 2007-2008, which lasted 100 days. Formal discussions between the management and labor began on August 11, three months after the union initiated the strike due to the absence of a new contract. The negotiations have progressed since then but are yet to reach a conclusion. According to an executive, there is more positive momentum in the talks this week compared to last week. The WGA has not released any updates regarding the state of negotiations since August 18, stating that both sides continued to exchange proposals and would meet again the following week.
In terms of the AMPTP’s specific proposal, they want to exclude material produced by generative AI from being classified as “literary material” in the contract. This suggests that the AMPTP does not consider AI-generated content as on par with human-written material and therefore believes it should not be subject to the same contractual terms. This proposal highlights the ongoing debate surrounding AI’s impact on the creative industry and raises questions about the future role of AI in content production.
Furthermore, the AMPTP’s proposal includes the provision of quarterly reports to the WGA detailing streaming view hours per project. This move indicates a desire for transparency and accountability in the streaming industry, which has been rapidly growing in recent years. By requesting this information, the AMPTP aims to provide the WGA with a clearer understanding of the viewership and demand for their members’ work, ultimately assisting in future negotiations and decision-making processes.
One of the key points of contention in the contract negotiations is residuals, which are payments made to writers based on the continued use of their work. The AMPTP’s proposal includes an increase in high-budget SVOD residuals from $72,067 to $87,546 per episode for three exhibition years. This increase reflects the growing importance of streaming platforms and their impact on the entertainment industry. SVOD residuals have become a crucial aspect of writers’ earnings, and the AMPTP’s offer serves as an acknowledgment of this trend.
It is worth noting that the WGA has not yet publicly responded to the AMPTP’s latest proposal. As negotiations continue, the ball is in the WGA’s court to provide a counteroffer or express their concerns regarding the AMPTP’s suggestions. The WGA’s response to the proposal will shape the direction of future negotiations and determine the outcome of the strike.
Outside of the negotiations, Hollywood’s top CEOs recently convened to discuss the ongoing labor dispute. The details of this meeting remain undisclosed, leaving industry observers curious about the potential impact of these discussions on the negotiations. However, it signifies the gravity of the situation and the importance placed on reaching a resolution.
In conclusion, the AMPTP has outlined its proposal to the WGA amid negotiations for a new three-year contract. The proposal addresses various aspects, including the exclusion of AI-generated content from being classified as “literary material,” the provision of quarterly reports on streaming view hours, and an increase in high-budget SVOD residuals. As negotiations unfold, the response from the WGA and their subsequent actions will determine the outcome of the strike and shape the future of the entertainment industry.