Thousands of writers and actors took part in a solidarity march in Hollywood on Wednesday to show their support for fair contracts amid ongoing labor stoppages that have halted movie and TV production. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May, and the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union joined them on the picket lines in July. While negotiations have taken place between the WGA and Hollywood studios, there have been no talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA as of yet.
The march began outside Netflix headquarters, with the striking writers and actors then making their way to Paramount studios on Melrose Avenue. The rally held at Paramount studios included speeches and music performances, causing the closure of streets surrounding the studio.
The event, organized by SAG-AFTRA, aimed to send a strong message to the studios about the unwavering determination of actors and writers to secure fair contracts. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed gratitude for the large turnout and emphasized the significance of the moment, stating that history was being made. She also criticized top-tier executives for being greedy and self-absorbed, calling for a change in the culture of the industry.
Drescher concluded her speech by encouraging everyone to hold on and not give up, as this was the pivotal moment that would shape the future.
In a recent message to union members, WGA negotiators suggested that breaking ranks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) may lead to easier contract agreements with individual Hollywood studios, especially considering the different business models and interests between traditional studios and streaming companies like Netflix. However, the AMPTP dismissed this suggestion, stating that they were negotiating collectively on behalf of all member companies.
While there have been discussions between WGA negotiators and individual executives from traditional studios, no progress has been made in terms of the AMPTP budging on certain union proposals. The WGA negotiators believe there is potential for a fair deal but outside of the confines of the AMPTP structure.
The AMPTP responded by claiming that the WGA was resistant to compromise and highlighted their offer, which includes the largest pay increase for the WGA in 35 years. The offer also addresses showrunners’ authority in determining writing staff, provides protections against the use of artificial intelligence, and increases residuals for streaming programs. The studios want the WGA and SAG-AFTRA to agree to terms similar to those approved by the Directors Guild of America.
Despite the ongoing disputes, both sides remain eager to reach a resolution.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
