WGA Labels Day 100 of Writers Strike a “Shameful Milestone” for AMPTP, Yet Hope Persists for Agreement

Editor’s note: Get ready for an inside look at the 100th day of the WGA strike! The writers strike has reached a major milestone – Day 100. This is the same point where the last walkout by the Writers Guild of America ended in 2008. It’s a significant moment, one that Chris Keyser and David A. Goodman, co-chairs of the WGA’s negotiating committee, are calling a “milestone of shame” for the AMPTP. And just five days ago, there was a glimmer of hope as both sides attempted to return to the negotiating table. However, the meeting between the WGA and the AMPTP didn’t go as smoothly as expected. But don’t worry, there’s still reason to be optimistic. The WGA is willing to engage with the companies and resume negotiations in good faith. The AMPTP is also open to increasing its offer on certain writer-specific TV minimums and discussing AI. So, there’s a great desire to move forward with official talks, and we might see another invitation to resume discussions soon. While we wait for that invitation, studio executives and the AMPTP are having conversations about the latest state of play. Of course, there are still many issues that need to be resolved, such as writers’ room staffing sizes and success-based residuals. The AMPTP using the DGA deal as a basis for talks hasn’t been well-received by writers either. But the writers have also added a couple of matters to the agenda, including a health care benefit extension and the right for individual WGA members to honor other unions’ picket lines. It’s a complicated situation, but the writers remain resolved and united. Day 100 is a weird milestone, as Rob Forman, a lot coordinator at NBCUniversal, puts it. But regardless of how long it takes, writers and actors are determined to secure a fair contract that reflects the new business model. They want to see the fruits of their labor, especially since the CEOs of the AMPTP companies claim profitability is just around the corner. Michele Mulroney, a VP of the WGAW, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the unity and clarity among writers during the strike. As we mark the 100th day of the strike, FilmmakerFocus will delve into the impact on the movie business, the challenges faced by feature film screenwriters, and the dedicated individuals who have been picketing every day since May. We’ll also rank the different studio picket lines, from the most desirable to the most chaotic. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at the key trends, figures, and topics dominating this historic strike.