Words by Tess Becker
Amid the ongoing strikes in Hollywood, studios have released an outline of their offer, highlighting the highest wage increase for writers in 35 years. The outline also offers protections against artificial intelligence and other provisions.
The strike has already lasted longer than the 2007-2008 strike.
“Our priority is to end the strike so that valued members of the creative community can return to what they do best and to end the hardships that so many people and businesses that service the industry are experiencing,” said Carol Lombardini, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the union that represents the studios.
The writers aren’t getting all of their needs met but are seeing a wage increase from $9,888 a week to $11,371 a week for guarantees of up to 9 weeks. The proposal also offers writers a minimum of 10 weeks of employment, a proposal studios initially refused before the strike.
Additionally, the union seemed to cave on the WGA's proposal to implement a viewership-based streaming residuals model.
“For the first time, viewership data in the form of quarterly confidential reports is to be provided to the WGA that will include total SVOD view hours per title. This increased transparency will enable the WGA to develop proposals to restructure the current SVOD residual regime in the future,” AMPTP wrote in the offer.
Previously denied AI protections are being brought up and seemingly accepted, in a win for the writers.
“We have come to the table with an offer that meets the priority concerns the writers have expressed. We are deeply committed to ending the strike and are hopeful that the WGA will work toward the same resolution,” Lombardini said.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
