“The Long Run: CEOs and WGA Engage in Marathon Bargaining Session”

CEOs Stay Late in Marathon Bargaining Session With WGA

Four Hollywood CEOs – Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, and Ted Sarandos of Netflix – returned to the bargaining table for a second day of talks with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). As of shortly after 6 p.m., the CEOs were still in the room in Sherman Oaks, engaged in a marathon bargaining session.

Progress Made, Significant Issues Remain

Sources report that both sides were making progress in several areas, although significant issues still remained. While it was not clear if the CEOs would be able to return for a third day of bargaining on Friday, the parties are committed to capitalizing on momentum and working towards a deal. The studios made moves in multiple areas in the hope of breaking the logjam, but it remains unclear if the WGA leaders will see the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)’s latest proposals as sufficient to meet their demands.

Key Issues: Residuals and Staff Size

Two key issues have been at the heart of the negotiations between the WGA and the AMPTP. Firstly, the WGA has proposed a viewership-based residual system, in which a set amount would be increased for every 2.5 million views of a show. The AMPTP, on the other hand, has offered a success-based residual system, in the form of a bonus for streaming shows that reach certain audience thresholds. Secondly, the WGA has demanded a minimum staff size for every TV show, which would increase with the number of episodes in a season. The AMPTP counters that staffing decisions should be left up to the showrunner, rather than determined by a “one size fits all” formula.

Artificial Intelligence as a Point of Discussion

During the negotiations, the two sides also spent time discussing artificial intelligence (AI). The AMPTP has previously stated that the sides were close to an agreement that would allow writers to use AI without impacting their pay or credit. However, the key sticking point has been the WGA‘s demand that AI systems should not be allowed to train on writers’ scripts. If the studios are able to resolve this issue with the writers, it could also address the same concern with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which has concerns over the use of AI to replicate actors’ likenesses and AI training.

Optimism, but Skepticism

There has been optimism that a deal could be at hand, with some predicting that a tentative agreement could even be reached on Thursday. However, the WGA has urged caution, suggesting on Twitter that the rumors are meant to raise hopes and make the WGA look unreasonable if they reject the latest offer. The WGA work stoppage began on May 2, and SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As the negotiations between the WGA and the AMPTP continue, it is clear that progress has been made, although significant hurdles still remain. The key issues of residuals and staff size continue to be points of contention, with both sides offering different proposals. Additionally, the discussions around the use of artificial intelligence highlight the complexities of emerging technologies in the entertainment industry.

It is important for both the WGA and the AMPTP to recognize that reaching a fair and mutually beneficial agreement is in the best interest of all parties involved. The strike has already caused significant disruption to the industry, and it is crucial to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of both writers and studios.

The continued commitment to negotiations and the willingness to make moves in various areas indicate a shared desire to find common ground. However, it is important for both sides to approach the bargaining table with openness and a willingness to compromise.

Ultimately, a successful resolution to the strike will require creative thinking and a recognition of the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. It is an opportunity for both the WGA and the AMPTP to come together and shape the future of the industry in a way that benefits all stakeholders.