As we approach over 140 days of the Writers’ Guild strike, there is renewed optimism for days ahead as the AMPTP meets with the WGA again.
Look for the union label whenever you watch your movies and TV. After months of striking and millions of dollars costing studios with production shutdowns and less-than-stellar box office numbers, Deadline reports that the AMPTP is ready to meet again with the WGA for negotiations. There have been a couple of failed attempts at reaching a new agreement between the movie studios and the writers’ union. Additionally, instead of complying with the terms, the AMPTP had reportedly spent their money hiring the Levinson Group, a PR firm, to help soften their image in the public eye during the fray.
The WGA sent out a note that states,
“The WGA and AMPTP now have a confirmed schedule to bargain this week, starting on Wednesday. You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible. We’ll reach out again when there is something of significance to report. In the meantime, please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines – for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members, and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes.”
This news comes after the recent controversies of several talk shows attempting to return with new episodes without writers. The shows include The Drew Barrymore Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Talk and The Jennifer Hudson Show. Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher faced backlash for their decision to resume production during the strike. Barrymore would ultimately decide to postpone new episodes of her show until the strike subsides. The former E.T.- The Extra-terrestrial star posted on Instagram with the message, “I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over. I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today. We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”