The writers’ guild has been on strike since May 2 when its agreement with the AMPTP expired. Writers want an increase in pay,minimum staffing levels in writers’ rooms for TV series,a breaking down of the distinction between a theatrical (in cinema) and streaming release for movies (as it affects the way they are paid) and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
Residual payments from the streamers,triggered when a film or series hits particular targets,and transparency over how that content has performed have also been key sticking points in the negotiations between the producers’ alliance and both the writers’ guild and the 160,000-strong actors’ union,SAG-AFTRA,whose membership has been on strike since July 14.
In a statement issued to members by its negotiating committee on Sunday evening (US time),the writers’ guild explained “though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you,we cannot do that until the last I is dotted”.
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“We can say,with great pride,” the committee added,“that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership”.
There are still several steps ahead before the deal becomes final. The Memorandum of Understanding between the guild and the AMPTP needs to be completed,the negotiating committee must vote to recommend the deal to its governing bodies (there is an east coast and a west coast chapter),which must then decide whether or not to recommend the deal to members.
If they do so,the guild’s full membership will then vote to ratify or reject the deal.