In a historic moment, movie and television directors who are part of a union have given their resounding approval to a new three-year contract with Hollywood studios. An impressive 87 percent of the union’s 16,321 eligible voters voted in favor of the contract. The Directors Guild of America proudly announced the results, highlighting that the agreement encompasses significant improvements in areas such as wages, global streaming residuals, safety, diversity, and creative rights.
This ratification is especially significant as it prevents the worst-case scenario of three major Hollywood unions going on strike simultaneously. Presently, the Writers Guild of America is already in the midst of an eight-week strike, with over 11,000 screenwriters participating and causing disruptions in numerous productions. Unfortunately, no progress has been made in the negotiations between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The two parties remain far apart on the key issues.
Looking ahead, another crucial contract between studios and SAG-AFTRA, the guild representing approximately 160,000 actors, is set to expire next Friday. Negotiations have been taking place since June 7, but details of the progress have been kept under wraps with a media blackout. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the actors have already authorized a strike, with 98 percent of the 65,000 members who voted supporting the decision.
In a statement, Lesli Linka Glatter, the president of the Directors Guild, emphasized that their negotiations were not conducted in isolation. They stand united with writers, actors, and all crew members in their collective efforts to advance the industry.
Interestingly, the directors’ concerns and priorities align with those of actors and writers. These include matters of compensation, streaming residuals, and apprehensions regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The Writers Guild expressed dissatisfaction with the studios’ willingness to only engage in discussions on AI, without considering any safeguards. However, the Directors Guild secured a groundbreaking agreement that solidifies the understanding that AI cannot replace the work done by human members and that AI itself is not regarded as a person.
While there is common ground between the directors and writers, the writers’ demands are more complex and urgent. They perceive the current situation as “existential,” with the studios seemingly determined to undermine the profession of writing. Writers Guild leaders view the directors’ contract as part of a larger strategy to divide and conquer, and they firmly pledge to continue their fight.
Demonstrating their unwavering resolve, the Writers Guild organized the “W.G.A. Strong” rally in central Los Angeles, drawing an estimated crowd of 5,000 individuals. Notably, this included members from SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild, and other entertainment unions, standing together in solidarity.
In summary, the directors’ overwhelming endorsement of the new contract is a significant development in the ongoing labor disputes within the entertainment industry. While it brings optimism for stability and progress, the writers’ ongoing strike and the impending contract negotiations with actors add a layer of uncertainty to the industry’s future. However, the determination and unity displayed across various unions signal a collective effort toward advancing the industry and protecting the rights and interests of all involved parties.
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