Television and movie writers have restarted talks with studios over a fresh three-year contract on their 101st day of the strike.
The Writers Guild of America negotiating committee said: “Our committee returns to the bargaining table ready to make a fair deal, knowing the unified W.G.A. membership stands behind us and buoyed by the ongoing support of our union allies.”
The negotiation session is scheduled for Friday in Los Angeles.
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The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing entertainment companies, chose not to provide a statement.
Carol Lombardini, President of the alliance, reached out to the Writers Guild, urging a return to formal negotiations.
This appeal followed an informal discussion between the two parties the previous week.
The Writers Guild informed its 11,500 members that studios were open to enhancing their contract offers in specific areas, including safeguarding them against artificial intelligence.
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But it was also noted studios were reluctant to engage on other Writers Guild suggestions, such as success-based residual payments from streaming services.
The guild leaders underscored their commitment to negotiations only when studios were willing to engage across all proposals.
This announcement marks a positive turn in the ongoing dual labor walkout, which has brought Hollywood production to a standstill.
With tens of thousands of actors on strike since mid-July, late-night television shows have ceased airing.
Networks have been compelled to revise their fall lineups to accommodate reality series.
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Last week’s hour-long session between the lead negotiators was the first in-person meeting since the talks collapsed on May 1.
Actors fear not getting their fair share in streaming dominated industry
Screenwriters and actors are concerned about securing their fair share in an industry dominated by streaming.
They argue that the proliferation of streaming services has adversely affected their livelihoods.
The Writers Guild advocates for improved residual pay and safeguards against AI encroachment.
Despite the studios’ rejection of the proposed guardrails, they have acknowledged their failure to address the union’s AI concerns.
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Studios defended their offer by highlighting substantial compensation increases for writers.
The central points of contention revolve around union demands mandating a specific number of writers on TV shows for designated periods, regardless of necessity.
Caught in the middle of the standoff between the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA, which represents actors, are countless crew members and small businesses that support the entertainment industry.
The potential economic impact looms large, with the Milken Institute estimating losses that could surpass the $2 billion experienced during the 2007-2008 writers’ strike.
