Hollywood Studios Make New Offer to Striking Screenwriters
August 14, 2023
Hollywood studios have presented a new offer to striking screenwriters, which includes concessions on key issues such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and access to viewer data. According to Bloomberg News, the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers has agreed to ensure that humans are credited as writers of screenplays, instead of being replaced by AI. Additionally, the companies have committed to sharing data on the number of hours viewed on streaming services.
The offer also includes a significant increase in residual payments to writers when their shows appear on networks other than the one they were originally made for. Sources say that the increase is better-than-20%, indicating a positive step forward in negotiations.
Notably, Netflix Co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos has been a prominent figure in seeking a resolution to the strike, and Walt Disney Co CEO Bob Iger has recently joined him in these efforts. Their involvement suggests a growing determination to reach a deal with the writers.
The strike, which began on May 2, has now surpassed the 100-day mark. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) initiated the strike after negotiations with the major studios reached a stalemate over various issues, including compensation, minimum staffing of writers’ rooms, and residual payments in the streaming era.
In response to the studios’ new offer, the union representing the striking Hollywood writers has announced that it will consider the counterproposal, signaling a potential breakthrough in the negotiations. However, no official statement has been released by either the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers or the Writers Guild of America in response to a request for comment from Reuters.
The strike has caused significant disruptions in the entertainment industry, affecting the production of numerous television shows and films. With both parties now showing signs of willingness to make progress, industry insiders are hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon.
Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill and Cynthia Osterman