It seems that after 145 days the end of the great scriptwriters’ strike in Hollywood is in sight. According to American media, the deal between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents film studios and streaming services, is almost complete.
The strike began in early May after negotiations on a new contract between the screenwriters’ union and AMPTP broke down. The talks were at a standstill for months. In recent days, representatives of both unions have been negotiating with each other again. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom joined the talks. The economic damage in California as a result of the strike is now estimated at 5 billion dollars (4.7 billion euros).
There was also a conversation on Saturday and it was said to have gone well. According to entertainment site The Wrap An agreement on a new contract is expected to be reached by Sunday evening.
Screenwriters are demanding, among other things, better wages, higher fees for repeat broadcasts and clear rules for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in making films and series.
In addition to this strike, there was also the strike by actors’ union SAG-AFTRA in July. Due to the two simultaneous strikes, the American entertainment industry when it comes to films and series is currently largely at a standstill. Not only do the actors no longer act, but they also no longer show up to promote productions that have already been completed.
A new contract between the screenwriters and their employers will be valid for three years.
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