Writers create the stories that we love and cherish. Everyone has a favorite movie or TV show. and behind each one is a writer. But writers in Hollywood are facing a fight that has been building for a generation.
They're not getting the compensation they deserve in film and television.
This struggle is at the heart of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, a labor dispute that has been making headlines throughout the year.
Many people have emailed in and asked how they can join the movement. Up front, I want to be clear: This is not a writers' only fight.
At the WGA meeting last night, almost every labor union in Hollywood was present, and they came together with the common goal of getting paid fairly.
Reasons Behind the Current WGA Strike
You can see our specific demands here, but in general, the writers want a bigger piece of the profits they help make for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). How much more? Two-percent. Yes, that's it.
The studios are seeing around twenty billion dollars in profits a year and keeping it to themselves.
The rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu has also led to a dramatic shift in the film and television landscape. While streaming services have created new opportunities for writers, they have also led to shorter seasons, smaller rooms, and lower pay. And there aren't residuals.
Artifical intelligence is something we talk about a lot here. The WGA asked the AMPTP to regulate the use of AI on MBA-covered projects. We want some core things: AI can’t write or rewrite literary material, can’t be used as source material, and MBA-covered material can’t be used to train AI.
The response we got? A completely rejected proposal, and they countered by offering annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology.
They rejected many proposals.
It's clear that the AMPTP doesn't want writing to be a sustainable career anymore. Being a writer used to allow you to have a middle-class lifestyle in Los Angeles. But as opportunities shrink along with pay, that's pretty hard to maintain.
Top Ways to Support the WGA Strike
Okay, you've heard our cry, and now you're wondering, "How can I get on the front lines to help the fight?"
Educate Yourself and Others
One of the best ways to support the WGA strike is to educate yourself and others about the issues at stake.
By understanding the reasons behind the strike and the challenges faced by writers, you can engage in informed conversations and help raise awareness about the importance of fair compensation and working conditions for writers.
Check out the strike rules to understand more.
Share and Engage on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for amplifying the voices of those involved in the WGA strike. By sharing articles, videos, and updates on the strike, you can help spread the word and encourage others to support the cause.
Follow theWGA West and East on Twitter and on Instagram.
Engaging in conversations and discussions on social media platforms can also help to foster a sense of community and solidarity among supporters of the strike.
You can stay up to date by following the WGA's page.
Attend Rallies and Events
All are welcome on the picket lines. Come down, sign in, grab a sign, and join in the movement. We have a picketing schedule that you can follow. We'd love to see you out there.
Attending rallies, picket lines, and other events organized by the WGA and its supporters is another way to show your support for the strike.
These events provide an opportunity for writers, industry professionals, and fans to come together and demonstrate their commitment to the cause. By participating in these events, you can help create a visible and powerful show of support that can influence the outcome of the strike.
How the WGA Strike Can Bring Positive Change in the Industry
As I said at the top, it's not just writers. The WGA is the first to strike, but the DGA and SAG-AFTRA each have contract negotiations coming up and could easily find themselves on the picket line.
The WGA strike has the potential to bring about meaningful change in the entertainment industry by highlighting the importance of fair compensation and working conditions for writers.
Furthermore, the strike can serve as a catalyst for broader conversations about the value of creative work and the need for fair compensation models in the digital age. By standing together and demanding change, writers and their supporters can help to shape a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry that truly values the contributions of all its members.
Come Picket With Us!
Are you ready to stand with writers and support the WGA strike? There are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Whether you choose to educate yourself and others, attend rallies and events, or boycott non-WGA productions, your support can make a real impact.
So, join the fight for fair compensation!
We'll see you at the picket lines.
