EXCLUSIVE: The writers strike is approaching its 100th day, but there is a newfound sense of hope that both the WGA and the studios, represented by the AMPTP, are close to making a breakthrough. Talks are underway to bring both parties back to the negotiating table in an effort to end one of the strikes currently affecting Hollywood. This is a significant step forward since the strike began in May, and insiders are cautiously optimistic that official talks can resume.
“The discussions are centered on creating committees to examine the issues,” one source told FilmmakerFocus. The main topics on the agenda include minimum staffing, duration of employment, a viewership-based streaming residual, and AI. There is hope that a compromise can be reached, especially regarding AI. However, sources caution that the situation is still in its early stages and subject to change.
Studio bosses, including Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Dana Walden, and Alan Bergman, have weighed in on the matter with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The goal of this gathering was to “bring the temperature down” and address both the SAG-AFTRA and WGA labor actions, according to a well-positioned source.
According to sources, the real work is now being done by attorneys who are working towards establishing harmonious labor relations. Lawyers, both internal and external, as well as labor-relations experts and business-affairs chiefs, are working to open the lines of communication and pave the way for both sides to return to negotiations.
“It’s headed in that direction,” said one insider. “It’s on the precipice of happening, and they’re gearing up for it.” There is a strong push, particularly from legacy media companies, to resolve the strike sooner rather than later. August 9th would mark Day 100 of the strike.
However, the negotiations have not yet reached the level of AMPTP president Carol Lombardini and WGA Chief Negotiator Ellen Stutzman.
Chris Keyser, WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair, is believed to be involved in the discussions. Last week, Keyser urged the studios to envision a solution and emphasized that this is a negotiation, not a war. He expressed confidence that the studios will come back to the WGA, either together or separately, as their interests align.
Interestingly, the tone surrounding the topic of returning to the negotiating table has shifted recently. Despite the initial battle lines drawn in May and the studios’ aim to break the WGA by prolonging the strike, many high-ranking WGA members, including Keyser and David Goodman, have expressed their willingness to resume talks as soon as they hear from the AMPTP.
When asked about the progress of talks, Michele Mulroney, VP of WGA West, expressed hope that the studios are starting to see the importance of engaging with the unions on strike. She emphasized the pressure the WGA has been applying and their belief that they will ultimately succeed.
“We remain committed to finding mutually beneficial deals with both unions,” said an AMPTP spokesman when asked about the latest developments. The WGA West had no comment at this time.
The last time the WGA went on strike in 2007-2008, the labor action lasted exactly 100 days. Residuals from “new media” were a major topic of discussion at that time. It is worth noting that AI was not a topic of concern fifteen years ago.
Rosy Cordero contributed to this story.