The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced a total strike after negotiations with major Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney and Netflix failed to result in any income for the writers. The market’s shift towards online streaming services has led to a restructuring that has caused financial difficulties for writers, leading to demands for a revision of the compensation system.
The WGA’s position is that the decrease in the number of episodes per season and some revenue has caused financial difficulties for writers. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major production companies, claims to have offered a sufficient increase in income to the WGA. However, the two sides have failed to reach an agreement.
The strike is set to begin on May 2nd, with 1,500 WGA members participating. The potential impact of the strike is significant, with popular late-night talk shows such as “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” potentially being suspended, and the broadcasting of some dramas being halted.
With the scriptwriting for TV programs that will air in the fall season usually beginning around May, there is also a possibility that the release of autumn season works may be delayed. The WGA’s decision to strike is a bold move, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.