PENS DOWN: The Writers Strike
Writers tend to write whether they are paid or not. That’s often the line drawn between professional writers and aspiring writers. Professional writers tend to be people who, along the way, have written hundreds or thousands of pages without getting paid. Perhaps because they wanted to learn by doing or perhaps they were compelled by the muse or perhaps because a producer or other partner has asked them to extend themselves in the name of getting a script finished in hopes of eventually getting it made.
Point is, when the writers went on strike last week, you can bet it wasn’t for frivolous or wholly monetary reasons. Money is certainly a part of it though. Writers are seeking a more equitable distribution of profits from streaming platforms which have reshaped the entertainment landscape. Writers claim their contributions are undervalued considering the enormous financial success of these platforms. Demand for original content has skyrocketed and writers create that content. They write.
Writers are also wary about the introduction of AI in their industry. Nobody can deny the use of AI will expand, but the WGA is putting their foot down now before the new technology gets entrenched with few rules. And the WGA is also pushing back on the use of mini rooms which have evolved to be a way of harvesting valuable ideas from writers without appropriate compensation or credit.
At Almanack we obviously meet a lot of screenwriters. But we also read a lot of scripts from writers we never get to meet. In all cases, we’re acutely aware of how much time and thought and passion and faith goes into what we read. To try to write for a living is to take massive risks with your heart and mind and bank account. Nobody is forced to do it, but if you manage to successfully enter the industry you should be treated not only fairly but well.
The WGA has united writers across the industry, inspiring solidarity among members who are willing to forego work and money and stand together for a common cause. We at Almanack stand, of course, with the WGA and the demands of writers who want their art and craft to be valued.
We’ve asked one of our alum, Tian Jun Gu, to share a few words about the situation. He is a WGAE elected Council member and MBA captain:
“This negotiation is about the survival of the screenwriting middle-class. I’m terrified of striking but I’m even more terrified of a future where our careers turn into some nightmare-ish ride-share gig economy where only those with the means to go long stretches without payment can call themselves professional screenwriters, we’re always on the brink of losing our health insurance, and most–if not all of–our work is automated by AI.
Every production starts with and is affected by a script, so the AMPTP isn’t striking a deal with the Guild so much as they’re investing in the future of our industry. I’m hopeful they will recognize that. Otherwise, I’ll see some of you on the picket line.”