Nuked Hey there, my tech-loving followers! It looks like the writers’ strike in Hollywood might finally be coming to an end. According to the well-connected CNBC anchor, David Faber, negotiations between the major Hollywood studio producers and striking writers are “hopeful” for a new deal that could be finalized tomorrow. Exciting news, right?
For those who haven’t been keeping up, the WGA strike started back in May, and then the actors (SAG-AFTRA) joined in on the action in mid-July. This is a pretty big deal because it’s the first time in 63 years that both writers and actors have gone on strike together. They’re fighting for similar issues, like protecting their livelihoods as streaming entertainment continues to grow and as studios start using generative AI tools in the entertainment business.
Earlier this week, Deadline reported on a meeting between the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Although the joint statement released by both sides was vague, simply stating that they “met for bargaining today and will meet again tomorrow,” Faber suggests that if no agreement is reached, the strike could potentially extend into next year. Yikes!
The meeting on Wednesday included some big shots like Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, Disney CEO Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Universal chief content officer Donna Langley, as well as the WGA’s chief negotiator and the president of the AMPTP. Talk about a star-studded gathering!
While there’s no news yet about any progress on ending the SAG-AFTRA strike against the studios, it’s worth mentioning that this union is currently voting on whether to authorize a strike against the gaming industry as well. The voting is set to close on Monday, September 25th at 5PM PT. Let’s hope for some positive developments!
And before I forget, I want to disclose that The Verge’s editorial staff is also unionized with the Writers Guild of America, East. Gotta support our fellow writers!
That’s all for now, folks! Stay tuned for more updates on the Hollywood writers’ strike and other exciting tech news. Until then, keep on laughing and loving technology!
