BNR – A positive step towards resolving the protracted labour dispute with Hollywood writers is expected in the near future. Striking writers are poised to provide their response this week to the latest contract proposal put forth by major studios.
WGA Evaluates Studio Proposal
Reliable sources indicated that the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) negotiating team spent the weekend thoroughly evaluating the proposition presented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The AMPTP represents industry giants such as Walt Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery, and other prominent studios and streaming platforms.
Reinvigorating the negotiations, the parties may reconvene at the negotiation table during the current week. The discussions had previously been suspended for about one hundred days.
Writers Rebuke Utilisation of AI
Sources also disclosed that one area of contention, the utilisation of artificial intelligence, witnessed a potential concession from the studios. The proposal includes an agreement to credit human writers for their contributions to scripts.
Additionally, reports from anonymous insiders have indicated that the companies might agree to share viewer data access. By doing so, they will enable writers to assess the popularity of their respective series.
The Writers’ Guild of America has not issued a response to inquiries for comment, the AMPTP has also refrained to make any statements.
In an effort to avoid disruptions in the negotiation process, the WGA’s negotiating committee said they will conduct negotiations privately.
The strike has centred around issues of compensation, minimum staffing protocols for writers’ rooms, residual remunerations, and other pertinent matters. WGA was later joined by members of the Screen Actors Guild, effectively bringing much of the film and television production.
Studio executives were keen on swiftly resolving the labour unrest. They have expressed their aspirations for a speedy conclusion to the negotiations during recent corporate earnings calls.
