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☆ Streaming broke the career ladder, striking Hollywood writers say
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

How to train and support a new generation of writers is a sticking point in contract negotiations between the WGA, which represents 11,500 film and TV writers, and Hollywood's major studios. Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) and other streaming services began crafting shorter series in "mini rooms" with fewer writers. The WGA, however, is seeking a requirement for at least six TV writers per series, with half of them being employed throughout the production. Now, half of all writers work at minimum salary levels, the WGA said. "I want to be part of fighting for a better future," Smith said while holding a "Writers Guild of America On Strike" sign.

☆ Warner Bros Discovery's surprise loss clouds strong streaming unit show
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] The exterior of the Warner Bros. Warner Bros Discovery reported a per-share loss of 44 cents, while analysts had expected a profit of 1 cent, according to Refinitiv data. Warner Bros Discovery's new streaming service, christened "Max," is set to launch on May 23, combining HBO Max's scripted entertainment with Discovery's reality shows. Warner Bros Discovery reported revenue of $10.70 billion for the first three months of 2023, compared with analysts' estimates of $10.78 billion, according to Refinitiv data. The Warner Bros studio segment missed on its revenue forecasts, as its big March release "Shazam!

[1/2] Workers and supporters of the Writers Guild of America picket outside Sunset Bronson Studios and Netflix Studios, after union negotiators called a strike for film and television writers, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, May 4 (Reuters) - The Hollywood writers' strike that kicked off this week could last well into the summer and likely beyond, top executives close to the discussions told Reuters this week. Moody’s estimates a three-year contract with writers ultimately will cost the media industry $250 million to $350 million per year, a more modest estimate than the guild's projections of about $429 million per year. Television writers say their pay has suffered, as studios squeeze writers into smaller rooms for fewer weeks at minimum pay, despite financing lavishly produced streaming series. Hollywood writers must pay their agents and managers out of their wages -- and, unlike staff writers, can go long periods between gigs.

☆ Movie theaters are most at risk if the writers’ strike drags on, Moody’s says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Vanessa Yurkevich | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Already strained movie theater companies could be hurt most from the Writers Guild of America strike, according to an analysis released Thursday. “New big-budget tent-pole releases tend to fill theaters,” said Moody’s in its new analysis. But in terms of the volume of content produced, television (networks and streamers) has more exposure,” said Moody’s. “Television will bear the brunt of a long strike as the implications of the writers’ strike will play out more noticeably for TV networks, stations, cable channels, and streamers. TV networks, particularly broadcast networks, consistently schedule new prime-time shows to begin in the fall,” the Moody’s analysis said.

[1/3] Writers Guild of America members and supporters picket outside Sunset Bronson Studios and Netflix Studios, after union negotiators called a strike for film and television writers, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, May 4 (Reuters) - The group representing Hollywood studios fired back on Thursday at claims from striking film and television workers that they have been forced into the "gig economy" because of changes brought by the streaming TV era. Roughly 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike on Tuesday, saying that studios had "created a gig economy inside a union workforce." Most TV writers, the group said, are employed on a weekly orepisodic basis, with a guarantee of a specified number of weeks or episodes. Writers say they are working more and making less as studios have shifted their focus to streaming over traditional TV and cable.

☆ Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers are paying a week's worth of TV writer salaries from their own pockets during the strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Sindhu Sundar | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Late-night hosts Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon will pay staff themselves for a week of the strike. NBC is also paying staff for two weeks during this time, a source close to the shows confirmed to Insider. The writers' strike went into effect on May 2 after their contract expired without a new deal. Late-night hosts Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon — whose shows are among those on pause during the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike — have expressed support for their staff, and will personally pay them for a week. Kobos then tweeted on Wednesday that Fallon had joined their meeting that day, expressing affirmation of his support for the staff.

☆ Drew Barrymore steps down from hosting MTV Movie & TV Awards in support of writers’ strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Drew Barrymore is standing in solidarity with striking members of the Writers Guild of America by stepping down as the host of the MTV Movie & TV Awards that is scheduled to air on Sunday. “I have listened to the writers, and in order to truly respect them, I will pivot from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live in solidarity with the strike,” Barrymore said on Thursday in a statement shared with CNN. A source close to the MTV Movie & TV Awards confirmed to CNN that Barrymore will return to host the 2024 edition of the show. The MTV Movie & TV Awards is the latest television event to be affected by the strike. The MTV Movie & TV Awards is still currently scheduled to air live on MTV on Sunday at 8pm in the viewer’s time zone.

☆ TV and film writers are fighting to save their jobs from AI. They won’t be the last
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

A powerful new crop of AI tools, trained on vast troves of data online, can now generate essays, song lyrics and other written work in response to user prompts. While there are clearly limits for how well AI tools can produce compelling creative stories, these tools are only getting more advanced, putting writers like August on guard. But as part of their demands, the WGA is also fighting to protect their livelihoods from AI. Stephanie Elam/CNNWhile film and TV writers in Hollywood may currently be leading the charge, professionals in other industries will almost certainly be paying attention. “Watch this #WGA strike carefully,” Justine Bateman, a writer, director and former actress, wrote in a tweet shortly after the strike kicked off.

☆ Hollywood Writers Strike May Give Studios Chance to Slash Costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Joe Flint | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The union representing movie and television writers went on strike after union’s talks with major networks, streamers and studios ended without a deal. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains what’s at stake. Photo: Aude Guerrucci/ReutersThe Hollywood writers’ strike could give studios and streamers an opportunity to slash costs by exiting undesirable talent contracts if the work stoppage drags on for an extended period, some entertainment executives said. Members of the Writers Guild of America, which represents some 11,500 writers, went on strike this week after failing to reach a new deal Monday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, whose members include Netflix , Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount.

☆ WGA strike: No end in sight as talks break off and both sides brace for long standoff
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

I’m told that there have been no negotiations since the strike commenced and that there are no negotiating sessions currently on the books. Both sides have dug their heels in the sand over a small number of significant issues, and neither side is willing to budge at the moment. Think for a minute: Has the strike impacted your television viewing habits yet? In other words, the standoff will likely have to endure for a lengthy period until it becomes unbearable for either side. And if the guild wants to apply real pressure to the studios, it’s hard to see how it would not push the strike deep into the summer.

Production also was halted in Los Angeles for the rest of the week. REUTERS/Aude GuerrucciThe writers are seeking changes in pay and the formulas used to compensate writers when their work is streamed, among other proposals. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days. Writers say changes from the streaming TV boom have made it difficult for many to earn a living in expensive cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with a third in the 2013-14 season, according to WGA statistics.

LOS ANGELES, May 3 (Reuters) - Hollywood writers have for decades penned sci-fi scripts featuring machines taking over the world. The Writers Guild of America is seeking to restrict the use of artificial intelligence in writing film and television scripts. A spokesperson for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which is negotiating the contract on behalf of the studios, did not comment. The dispute over AI is one of several issues that led Hollywood’s film and TV writers to strike Monday, marking the first work stoppage in 15 years. Screenwriter John August, a member of the WGA negotiating committee, said writers have two concerns regarding AI.

☆ 'Hey Netflix! You broke it — now fix it': On the picket lines with Hollywood writers as they bring signs, slogans, and sunscreen to their fight against the studios for 'as long as it takes'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Reed Alexander | Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

A writers' strike has been underway since overnight Monday. Thousands of Hollywood writers have fanned out across the streets of Los Angeles since early Tuesday afternoon, waving signs and chanting to demonstrate their resolve. Insider spoke with eight WGA members who are picketing or contributing to the work stoppage in other ways. Are you a member of the Writers Guild of America or do you work in the entertainment industry? How is the writers' strike impacting you?

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Thousands of film and television writers will go on strike starting Tuesday, throwing Hollywood into turmoil as the entertainment business grapples with seismic changes triggered by the global streaming TV boom. The rise of streaming has led to declining television ad revenue, as traditional TV audiences shrink and advertisers go elsewhere. The last WGA strike, in 2007 and 2008, cost the California economy an estimated $2.1 billion as productions shut down and out-of-work writers, actors and producers cut back spending. Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics.

☆ Hollywood's writers are striking over pay, a move that will grind production on most TV shows to a halt
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Aditi Bharade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Writers Guild of America will go on strike from Tuesday in protest of low pay. The WGA's press release added that picketing would begin on Tuesday afternoon. Rumors of a writers' strike have been looming amid talks between union negotiators and media and tech companies. In April, Writers Guild of America members voted 98% in favor of striking if no deal was met before their contract expired at 11.59 p.m., Pacific Time, on Monday. A representative for the AMPTP told Insider that negotiations with the Writers Guild of America "concluded without an agreement" on Monday.

"The companies' behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce," said the WGA, which represents roughly 11,500 writers. The rise of streaming has led to declining television ad revenue, as traditional TV audiences shrink and advertisers go elsewhere. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days. Writers say they have suffered in the streaming TV boom with shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Kenneth MaxwellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Hollywood writers to strike, triggering TV shutdowns amid streaming disruption
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Mike Blake | ReutersHollywood film and television writers will go on strike starting Tuesday, throwing Hollywood into turmoil as the entertainment business grapples with seismic changes triggered by the global streaming TV boom. The last WGA strike, in 2007 and 2008, lasted 100 days. Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics. The WGA wants safeguards to prevent studios from using AI to generate new scripts from writers' previous work.

☆ Hollywood writers’ fight previews messy new era
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Jennifer Saba | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

NEW YORK, May 2 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Tinseltown scribes are gearing up for a fight. The Writers Guild of America went on strike Tuesday after contract negotiations with entertainment companies broke down. The union backing TV and film writers walked out after failing to reach a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for better pay. This meant the distribution chain paid twice, and the double dip meant more money for both the network and writers, who got a share. As the last strike brought about the reality TV fad, which required less creativity, artificial intelligence is threatening to replace writers.

☆ What the Hollywood writers' strike could mean for your favorite TV shows, from 'Abbot Elementary' to 'Saturday Night Live'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Sindhu Sundar | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Topical shows relying on actively scripted material, including late night, will be the most immediately affected. The strike — which was authorized by nearly 98% of Writers Guild of America members who voted last month — will most immediately impact shows that rely on active writers' rooms working on current material, including "Saturday Night Live" and late night shows. The moment may be an opportunity for reality TV producers as well as non-union productions. Some celebrities on shows likely to be impacted have addressed the possibility of the impending strike on the late night circuit. Davidson acknowledged a writer's strike might mean his "SNL" episode doesn't happen as planned and said he gained a new perspective working on the production as a prospective host.

The rise of streaming services changed the way audiences consume both television shows and movies, and studios adjusted their business models in an attempt to respond. But they’re unlikely to get meaningful residuals, if any at all, when they create original content for streaming services as contracts stand today. With streaming services poised to become the future of television entertainment, the Guild was fighting in these negotiations for some kind of ongoing compensation from streaming services. The hunger for content by those streaming service also means that it might not take as long for the strike to start to impact production schedules. Streaming services also have a massive stockpile of older content that could keep their customers satisfied, at least temporarily, while they await new shows.

REUTERS/Alyssa PointerLOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Negotiators for Hollywood writers and film and television studios engaged in 11th-hour contract talks on Monday to try and avert a strike that would disrupt TV production across an industry grappling with seismic changes. The Writers Guild of America could call a work stoppage as early as Tuesday if it cannot reach a deal with companies such as Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) and Netflix Inc (NFLX.O). Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics. The WGA wants safeguards to prevent studios from using AI to generate new scripts from writers' previous work.

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Negotiators for Hollywood writers and film and television studios engaged in 11th-hour contract talks on Monday to try and avert a strike that would disrupt TV production across an industry grappling with seismic changes. Writers say they have suffered financially during the streaming TV boom, in part due to shorter seasons and smaller residual payments. Half of TV series writers now work at minimum salary levels, compared with one-third in the 2013-14 season, according to Guild statistics. The WGA wants safeguards to prevent studios from using AI to generate new scripts from writers' previous work. The last WGA strike in 2007 and 2008 lasted 100 days.

☆ Hollywood braces for writers strike with two sides are apart
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —The clock is ticking toward a costly strike that could shut down production on most television shows, pushing back the return of many programs now set for the fall. With less than a day left before the deadline, the two sides appear far apart. Many of the media and tech companies producing shows that use the writers have seen drops in their stock price, prompting deep cost cutting, including layoffs. Handel is one of those who thinks a strike, quite possibly a months-long strike, is likely. “The tune today is profits.”The union represents 11,500 writers for television shows, both for networks and streaming services, as well as many motion pictures.

☆ Factbox: Why are Hollywood writers threatening to strike?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Reuters) - Hollywood writers and the film and television studios are racing to agree to a new contract to replace the one that expires at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time Monday. Why is the Writers Guild of America threatening a strike? The writers argue that they have been negatively impacted by streaming, saying they are working more for less money. They're seeking better compensation for their work on film, television and streaming shows, and residual payments that reward writers when a show becomes a hit. Striking writers are prohibited from doing work on any television or film project.

☆ A writer for FX's 'The Bear' went to the Writers Guild of America Awards with a negative bank account balance and won for Best Comedy Series. He's now applying for jobs at movie theaters as writers pr
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Writers Guild of America members are set to go on strike as their contract expires on May 1. A 28-year-old writer for FX's award-winning series "The Bear" said he's looking for jobs at movie theaters as members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) prepare to go on strike Tuesday to demand better pay from studios. The writers won the Best Comedy Series award that evening, beating "Abbott Elementary" and "Barry." O'Keefe told The New Yorker that his compensation does not add up to much after accounting for representative fees and taxes. A showrunner told Insider that first-time and newer writers could make around $40,000 to 60,000 for ten weeks of work.

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