The Writers and Actors Strike: A Follow-Up

After 148 days, the WGA, Writer’s Guild of America,  has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to end their 148-day strike. Within their discussions, the writers managed to place stricter laws on AI use in the creative process of screenwriting, as well as update rules on residual payments from streaming services. With the writers now back in the studios, production on scripts for shows such as HBO’s Euphoria, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus have all been prioritized for their newest seasons. 

“Now that the writer’s strike is done, I hope that the actors can reach a resolution, too.” Rileigh Yeager, 10, said. “I hope that they got what they were striking for and hope some of the movies I was looking forward to start production again.”

In contrast, SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, has been striking since July 14, 2023, and has not reached an agreement yet. Through their strikes, the actors are also demanding higher pay in the form of residual payments from streaming services and more vital management of the use of artificial intelligence in films and television. With more strict laws, though, the agreement is harder to come to, leading to a harder decision-making process between the studios and the actors. 

SAG-AFTRA is set to resume negotiations on October 2.