Unscripted TV Industry Faces Job Market Challenges Amid Strikes
With the ongoing labor disputes between SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the unscripted television industry is finding itself in an unexpected dilemma. While networks are relying heavily on reality TV to fill the void left by the lack of new scripted episodes, those who work in the genre are struggling to find work in an already depressed job market.
Molly Shock, an elected board member of the Editors Guild and a professional editor for over 30 years, has described the situation as unprecedentedly dry for unscripted TV. Many people in the industry have not worked for three to four months, and some have been without work since December.
This comes as a surprise to many who assumed that the demand for unscripted programming would increase during the labor disputes. Broadcast networks such as CBS, ABC, and Fox are planning to air a significantly higher number of reality and game show programs this fall compared to last year. However, insiders point out that the recent lack of breakout hits in the genre, as well as budget cuts at Warner Bros. Discovery, have led to a tightening job market.
During the previous writers strike in 2007-2008, unscripted jobs were abundant, and reality TV saw its value rise due to its lower production costs. However, this time around, the industry has experienced a general belt-tightening and a lack of new opportunities.
The issue of whether competition shows that usually include actors as hosts, judges, and contestants will be affected by the strikes remains uncertain. Some individuals hope that SAG-AFTRA members will be reluctant to participate in struck shows, thus impacting their production. One unscripted show has already been pushed four months due to the strike.
There is also ongoing debate about whether unscripted producers and writers should be recognized and credited for their contributions. Despite the shaping of stories in reality shows, these individuals do not receive writing credits. This raises questions about the unique nature of the unscripted TV industry and the definition of writing in Hollywood.
While some unscripted shows are covered by union contracts, the majority are not. Many producers would prefer to join a union but prioritize finding work during slumps like the current one. This creates a challenging environment where long work hours, tight budgets, and unrealistic schedules are the norm.
In response to these challenges, some individuals, including Bethenny Frankel from Real Housewives of New York City, have called for unscripted stars to support strikes and advocate for the rights of behind-the-scenes teams as well. The hope is for collective action to improve working conditions and protect the future of the industry.
As the fall season approaches, the fate of the unscripted TV industry remains uncertain. The ongoing labor disputes and the challenges faced by those working in the genre have put the spotlight on the state of unscripted programming like never before. It is a critical moment that will shape the industry’s future and the livelihoods of those involved.