Representatives for major studios and streamers recently met with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for the first time since the strike on May 2. Although the meeting focused on a “potential negotiation protocol” and a preview of the issues each side intends to address, no agreement was reached. The AMPTP stated that they needed to consult with their member studios before moving forward.
During the meeting, AMPTP president Carol Lombardini mentioned that any language in the Directors Guild of America’s deal that overlaps with writers’ concerns would be what studios and streamers would push for in WGA negotiations. Lombardini also conveyed their willingness to increase their offer on a few writer-specific TV minimums and discuss artificial intelligence (AI), but remained unwilling to engage on the preservation of the writers’ room or success-based residuals. She did not indicate a willingness to address screenwriter issues, Appendix A issues, or many of the other proposals put forward by the WGA.
According to the WGA negotiating committee, WGA West assistant executive director and chief negotiator Ellen Stutzman stated that all “fundamental” issues on the WGA’s priorities list would need to be included in the new contract to ensure that no segment of the membership would be left behind.
Both sides are spending the weekend considering the next acceptable steps. While it is anticipated that negotiations will resume in a week, no formal decision has been made.
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The decision to hold a meeting between the AMPTP and WGA was announced on Tuesday night after Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini reached out to the union. Writers reacted with cautious optimism, acknowledging that the meeting was merely a discussion and not a bargaining session. Former WGA president Howard Rodman stated that this meeting could be a preliminary step towards resolving the strike.
However, in a memo to its members a day before the meeting, the WGA negotiating committee warned that the studios may not be ready to make significant compromises on their priorities yet. They challenged the studios and AMPTP to come prepared with a new playbook and be willing to make a fair deal that addresses the damage caused by the strikes and business practices within the industry.
The AMPTP responded tersely, stating that they approach the meeting as a test of whether they have a willing bargaining partner. They acknowledged the negative impact the strike has had on the industry and emphasized that their goal is to get people back to work.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass called the news of the meeting an “encouraging development” and emphasized the need for a swift resolution to get Los Angeles back on track. She expressed willingness to engage with all stakeholders to help facilitate a resolution.
The ongoing strike by the WGA and the work stoppage called by SAG-AFTRA on July 14 have brought union production on scripted projects in the US to a halt. This has not only complicated promotion for upcoming projects but also led to delays in completed films and TV series. Studios and streamers are facing the challenge of needing more scripts before actors can return to sets.
The AMPTP chose to engage with the writers before the performers’ union SAG-AFTRA, as the strike has had a greater impact on filming, bringing it to a standstill. More updates on the negotiations are expected in the future.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between the studios, streamers, and the WGA did not result in an agreement on the issues. Proposals from both sides were discussed, but major points of contention remain unresolved. The strike continues to affect the industry, causing delays and complications for upcoming projects. Both parties are now considering their next steps and when negotiations may resume. The hope is that a fair deal can be reached to address writers’ concerns and repair the damage caused by the strike.
