On June 4, the Writers Guild of America announced that they reached a tentative deal on a three-year contract with the Hollywood studios. 11,500 screenwriters joined the writers’ strike, which began on May 2, 2023, claiming a rise in television production that has led to deterioration of working conditions and stagnation in wages.
The growing popularity of streaming has also affected writers, as streaming shows have 8-12 episodes per season, whereas traditional television seasons feature over 20 episodes. Writers are also fighting for better residual pay, which has been affected by streaming, as well. Writers also voiced concerns over the future use of AI, and how that may threaten their jobs.
As the strike began, Seth Meyers said that the strike would not only affect the writers, but would extend to production support, including drivers, caterers, costume cleaners, and set carpenters. During the 2007 writers’ strike, which lasted 100 days, the LA economy lost an estimated $2.1 billion.
