Hollywood: screenwriters threaten to strike

In the world where the series takes place, screenwriters, often poorly paid, rebel. On April 17, the screenwriters’ union known as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) held a vote on whether its members should be allowed to strike. And, as Variety and Le Figaro report, the result is clear: with 97.85% of the vote, union leaders now have the right to demand a strike to raise wages starting May 1, the date when the framework contracts binding the screenwriters’ union with the Association of Film and Television Producers expire.

According to the New York Times, the prospect of a strike “It is confirmed day by day“. The media also reports that, in turn, the studios are preparing to disrupt the social movement, if it happens, by pre-ordering scripts and preparing to shoot reality series – which do not need screenwriters. .

Back in the past

The very real threat is reminiscent of the famous writers’ strike of 2007-2008, which disrupted the television world and ended the capitulation of the studios. As the Hollywood Reporter recalls, it lasted a hundred days and the Californian studios lost $2.1 billion, paralyzing the production of the series like never before.

Since then, production of all kinds of shows has grown exponentially, but their writing salaries have stagnated, out of step with the dazzling success experienced by the television world as a whole — including the reign of streaming. Especially platforms. The screenwriters who are essential to the day-to-day creation and production process of the series are simply asking for better working conditions and a salary increase commensurate with the market in which they work.

We remind you that in 2017, the threat of a strike had already spread, but an agreement was finally reached at the last minute. It remains to be seen whether the studios will get scared and end the negotiations. Nothing seems less certain, though…