The writers’ strike that has brought Hollywood to a standstill may finally be nearing an end. Screenwriters eagerly await the details of the tentative deal reached between their union and studio executives, which could mark the beginning of the end for the historic shutdown. While actors remain on strike for now, the momentum created by this agreement may pave the way for a resolution for them as well. The possibility of full production resuming is an exciting prospect for the industry, which has been at a standstill since May.
The Writers Guild of America’s governing boards are set to vote on the contract, with writer approval following soon after. If all goes well, shows like ”The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” could be back on the air within days.
While the details of the agreement are still being finalized, the WGA has assured its members that it is an ”exceptional” deal, offering significant gains and protections for writers in all sectors of the membership.
The strike, which began on May 2, stemmed from issues of pay, staff size, and the use of artificial intelligence in scripts. After months of picketing and hardships, writers are relieved to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s been a long, hard-fought victory,” said John August, a writer and member of the negotiating committee. “But it’s nice to be near the end.”
Zayd Dohrn, another writer and guild member, acknowledged that lives will be changing once again as work resumes. However, he believes that people in the industry are used to being ready to go at a moment’s notice.
While writers are being advised not to return to work just yet, picketing will be suspended. The union has encouraged writers to show solidarity with the actors by joining their picket lines.
The three-year contract agreement was reached after five days of intense negotiations involving the WGA and representatives from major production companies. High-profile executives like Bob Iger from Disney and Ted Sarandos from Netflix were directly involved in the talks.
The news of the tentative deal has already had a positive impact on media and entertainment companies, with shares in major studios and streaming services experiencing a boost.
This agreement comes just in time, as the strike was on the verge of becoming the longest in the guild’s history and the longest Hollywood strike in over 70 years. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has expressed its interest in closely examining the writers’ deal, as they have been facing similar issues.
While the writers’ deal was achieved without the intervention of federal mediators, this strike has highlighted the power of collective bargaining and the importance of employers and employees coming together for the benefit of the industry.
Hollywood can now hope for a return to normalcy, with late-night talk shows, “Saturday Night Live,” and numerous scripted shows and films resuming production. The industry has been eagerly awaiting the return of popular shows like “Stranger Things,” “The Last of Us,” and “Abbot Elementary,” as well as highly anticipated films like “Deadpool 3” and “Superman: Legacy.”
This strike has been a pivotal moment in Hollywood, showcasing the strength of creative labor and their ability to stand up to executives in an industry undergoing significant technological changes. The unity between screenwriters and actors during this strike has been unprecedented, as they joined forces for the first time since 1960.
As writers prepare to vote on the contract and potentially end the strike, their victory is a testament to the power of unity and collective action. President Joe Biden has also applauded the agreement, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining in securing fair pay, benefits, and dignity for workers.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have also expressed their congratulations and hope for a swift return to normalcy in the industry.
