EXPLAINED: Writers Guild of America Strike

[@MEETMagazine]

They pay us less than 2%. Your shows can't be made without our scripts! Pay us!

[@EchoGirl]

2%? How did they not get better contracts after the last writer's strike? unless it's the streaming stuff screwing everyone over

[@mitchellbanks2614]

The thing about AI written stories is the fact that the AI will only ever be able to come up with what’s already been done. It can’t be inspired, it can’t come up with something entirely new, it can’t simulate creativity. It can try to copy creativity but in the long run the audience will see just how much of a hollow ghost AI writing actually is compared to actual writers with actual creativity and life experience.

[@eatmorenachos]

Damn right.

[@timmy-wj2hc]

You make too many assumptions without any evidence, only time will tell.

[@roxyshow123]

AI can write dialogue, look at grammerly. What it cannot do, is write great dialogue.

[@EchoGirl]

Or they'll hire a bunch of interns/desperate recently graduated students with a writing/Eng degree to 'rewrite' a script that's already produced to make it seem more human lol

[@ruaraidh74]

lol none of you know how AI works and it's great

[@jesse_cole]

Bateman: "I'm not interested in directing a f**ing movie that a robot writes." Greedy studios: "No problem. We can hire AI to do _your_ job too!" And we're screwed.

[@ruaraidh74]

How are we screwed? I never wanted Hollywood actors and directors to get paid 7+ figures. Who needs em?

[@eatmorenachos]

There's no way some movie executive is worth $250 million. Shave off some of that and give it to people who actually DO the work.

[@Galeigh]

The Law has already stepped in on AI Art by declaring that anything the ai puts out cannot be copyrighted (meaning no profiting from it) and even modified AI art can only copyright the modfied parts of the piece. This ruling does a LOT of heavy lifting to protect the jobs of artists, and we need something to the same effect for writers. Best way to nip AI automation in the bud is to make sure companies cannot profit from it.

[@orlock20]

AI is not for the studios. Anybody can ask AI to write them a story that they want to read. Studios will be irrelevant the same way labels are irrelevant to the modern music listener..

[@Galeigh]

@@orlock20 AI is a tool, not a creator and should be treated as such.

[@mbuonaguro102]

100% the writers are the most important aspect of film

[@ericpmoss]

Yeah, screw those execs in Hollywood -- 8 of them made $800 Million last year, and they whine that "budgets are stretched".

[@isaaclopez-eb6yg]

Writers should receive more respect and I agree that they should cun into executive salaries to pay the writers more. Often times it's we don't have enough money to pay our workers but executives no matter the loses to the company they get paid millions of dollars.

[@witchy90210]

This is an example of what corporate greed will eventually turn into. They will remove an important job to save money, and then they will lose a lot more money. Then they will blame the people who they removed/replaced

[@superdupper01]

It appears the more important you are, like; writers, teachers, firefighters, parents and several others necessary but not highly paid the less you get paid and the more they want to squeeze you.

[@donovanfoto3263]

I saw this 12 years ago, in San Diego. I worked for a parking company. They had a UNION that worked FOR THEM. The union rep said, "Minimum wage and paying 100% of your benefit package out of pocket is a REALLY good deal.". I am not 100% behind unions. It depends on what is on the table. I support the PEOPLE. The company instituted automated pay and exits. I see AI as NOT A GOOD THING. That was more than 10 years ago. Things are catching up for everyone else. Four years ago I told a girl at a fast food place, (her job for the day was to get people using the kiosk), if I use the kiosk, you have NO JOB. COVID hit and everyone is using 'apps' to order. They don't need half their staff. They can't hire anyone because they don't want to pay anything. AI wins for corporate America.

[@Adrian-zr3sl]

Netflix revenue on 2023 were $31.6 billion and profits $4.5 billion actually

[@emm8357]

I watched Seth Meyers give his support after A Closer Look and was grateful that he spoke up. I always watch his Closer Look segment online at breakfast (it comes out overnight for me in the U.K.) and while I’ll miss it for as long as the strike lasts, I support the striking workers.

[@auroraRealms]

Just like all industries, the problem is Executive Pay. There is every excuse in the book, but the fact remains the same. The executives at the top are paying themselves astronomically more then they are worth.

[@lawrenceiverson1924]

This is obvious BC In every other part of the world their pay is MUCH less .

[@whatthehess3691]

Great points Cenk and Ana! I work in the industry in Post Production and along with VFX, we are the only departments that do not have a union to represent us. I have been off of work for 2 months leading up to this strike because the studios saw a strike coming and chose not to pick up any pilots or scripts. All that said, I am still in support of this strike and the Unions I am unable to participate in as of right now. EDIT: The Animators are also not unionized yet.

[@swistedfilms]

The last writer's strike created absolute chaos in some very popular shows, as did the one before that. Here's hoping for a quick resolution and a fair contract.

[@mattbebe2555]

Destroyed Heroes and Lost

[@swistedfilms]

@Matt Bebe exactly. I didn't know about Lost because I didn't watch it, but that explains a lot. I'm still mad about Heroes though.

[@scottheathco7323]

the people who wrote batgirl and gotham nights should never be paid to write again

[@moreanimals6889]

Does anyone else remember the SNL sketch from the 90's where Will Farrell and (I think) Sherri O'Terri did a sketch where they were hosts on a morning talk show but suddenly the teleprompter goes out? They end up having a live meltdown because they don't know how to function without the teleprompter. HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mchlle94]

If you can't pay the people who create your CORE PRODUCT, then wtf are you doing

[@derekmeza2882]

Basic tv has been dying since 2013

[@Jonathan-ic9ef]

Colbert also stayed on during the last writer's strike. In fact, to fill time during the strike, Colbert, Stewart, and Conan decided to do this little crossover in which they all get into an argument over which one of them is responsible for Mike Huckabee's bump in the polls for the 2008 Republican Primary. This multi-episode spat eventually culminated with each of them crashing the other's show over the course of the same night until finally Stewart and Colbert crash Conan's show, resulting in a big goofy fight between all three of them. Good times.

[@brandonyoung-kemkes1128]

So writers are unionized? Why can’t baristas and people in the food industry?

[@paranoid9678]

because us companys say it bad a thing ................. just imagine being part of a union that can get you more money the horror !!!

[@himeshmothi1605]

Automation killed the workforce, robots, and technology cost hundreds of millions jobs... Now why must we worry about a few thousand writers? The cost of progressing is a human cost....no one cared about the factory worker who lost his job to a automated assembly line... Personally i actually suport the writers....but the reality is they dont deserve special treatment ....if ai can wite better, then by all means use ai...

[@No_More_Eyes545]

Executives: I'm sorry guys, there's just not enough money anymore to pay what you guys are asking for. Writers: Well instead of making 250 million dollars a year, can't you just make 249 million dollars? Executives: * Bender laugh*

[@creativechef25]

If the individuals at the top make more than $1-$3Milllion/year, this includes actors, directors, executives, producers, etc. shouldn't be asking for more money. The actors already get more money from advertisements, endorsements, etc. It's the same thing with professional athletes that think they're "worth it" and they "deserve" the amount of money they believe they're getting. Hell, most of these guys have more money in the stock market and won't be taking it out anytime soon. Bottom line: it's all about a fair, living wage to be able to live comfortably within the city they work in.

[@SylvesterCarl]

"B" action movies---- same thing different setting, different crazy fighting skill, SAME basic plot. Have we already seen AI movies?

[@ginagina5452]

I've seen a soap opera that was AI generated. It was good, but the lines the AI generated actor's spoke didn't make any sense. It was jumbled words that had all the emotions, but no real meaning or plot to the story. That was about five years ago, so I guess the AI stories have advanced since then.

[@danielflores7724]

Ana's Eyes are hypnotizing 💥💫

[@EclecticArtist62]

The entire studios should go on strike and demand that executives receive less so that all the workers from the crew to the writers are paid a fair wage

[@SpcT0rres]

The issue is, streaming services aren't profitable and are in fact in a race to the bottom.

[@theunhappygamer1744]

naw they are very profitable. They are a 80 billion dollar industry last year and they are projected to be a 115 billion dollar industry by 2026.

[@jvhee]

250 MILLION DOLLARS IN ONE YEAR? So when are we going to eat the rich FFS

[@way2jaded1]

OMG, we might get a sequel to "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog!". I really hope it's a long strike! The last time this happened we got really good stuff from the top writers and actors as they went independent unrestrained by the Hollywood bureaucracy!

[@samsadeniz]

Streaming services also produce shows abroad. Foreign made shows won't be affected by the American strike.

[@orlock20]

Yeah, but Netflix and Hulu are the only streaming services not backed by a U.S. studio.

[@Mashfan1962]

Stop paying the actors,directors, producers a lot of money for the easy work and pay the writers more money for the hard work very simple not ROCKET SCIENCE 😂

[@tomcarson985]

People should also know that DGA(Directors Guild of America) contract is up on June 30th. Also SAG-AFTRA(Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) contract is also up on June 30th. Both those could also strike if no deal is reached then

[@philliphessel6788]

If memory serves, I’ve seen before Directors Guild striking in solidarity with Writers Guild.

[@ekrenz5268]

Hope they win, more strikes need to happen for how much American workers are under appreciated and under paid.

[@southernlanie]

Okay. A few points. 1) Streaming services have been a way cheaper alternative. People got tired of paying nearly a hundred dollars a month for cable. 2) The average income is around 69K a year. I guess by California standards that might not be enough, but what I keep thinking are how many homeless people are in CA, but these people complain they want more money. BTW, I make $48,000 a year.

[@WinterSo1dier]

Something had to come to a head here. Actors demanding $23.5 million for a single movie appearance (in a movie with 8 stars of this stature) and they wonder why there’s no profitability. “The movie has to make $2 billion to even turn a profit.” Is a statement that should have highlighted this. Yet everyone is focused on the streaming services and studios.

[@darkmatter345]

Good point - they could demand 10-15 million, and the rest goes to writers

[@epbrown01]

My question - the writers need more money and David Zaslav makes $250M/year. From a business perspective, wouldn't it make more sense to replace Mr. Zaslav with an AI and keep the writers? You save a quarter billion dollars in a single stroke, and his job is much more in line with what computers are good at.

[@opalviking]

Why do the robots get to write and paint and sing and act but the humans get to sweat and toil and stress and struggle? “your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.”

[@sayuas4293]

ChatGPT would probably write better scripts than Hollywood

[@Eric-oi5yj]

I agree 100%. With the garbage they’ve been putting out for decades and remakes of movies that are abysmal. Let them strike. And replace them with AI

[@darkrose1260]

I bet they'll push the nostalgia button hard.

[@metallixro]

Writers are the most important part of a show and at the same time the part that fails most often!

[@charleshuguley9323]

True. The acceptance of poor scripts by the viewing public is at fault. Maybe it is getting what it wants.

[@metallixro]

@@charleshuguley9323 Nah we definitely not getting what we want but we settle for what we get :)

[@oldsesalt8496]

I'm dubious about the ability for AI to create content. They have no soul, how could they create a show with a soul?

[@lalah9481]

So long as CEOs make billions and the workers who create those billions aren’t paid a fair wage-less than a fraction of executive pay; there will be strikes and unrest.

[@falconpunch6792]

which CEO. all the companies they are hired by are currently insolvent.

[@christophergarrett7082]

If these companies can pay there executives millions of dollars each year and the same with actors. They can afford to pay writers equal pay for there work.

[@charleshuguley9323]

Absolutely. I can't speak for other viewers, but for me the script is the most important feature of a program or film. Writers should receive an equitable share of the profits.

[@SkylarTheWriter]

I appreciate y'all covering this. Genuinely. That said, y'all should have a WGA writer on to talk through some of this. Because writers BEEN KNEW that there needed to be a change to residuals, because the money is still there. Plus there are so many details and nuances too important to gloss over.

[@razman4240]

I’m all for unions, but we have tons of remakes, comic book movies that a 12 YO could imagine, mass produced streaming, etc. There are some amazingly done shows that were written well and those writers deserve more, but not all of them. If a show gets low ratings, gets cancelled, doesn’t even get picked up, etc, there should be no increase. Let’s be honest though, the actors are not going to take less, nor are the executives. Cenk is right, AI is already taking over.

[@user-fy7ru4ii1i]

Netflix used to be $5 per month.

[@Iansco1]

​@Hans Krieger define woke.

[@vertderferk]

I have been reading the comments and I am confused about some of the negativity. How insular are some people? Executives making bank on the backs of workers, while complaining they "they" make too much money???

[@OuroKroniifanboy]

Yes but they doing on the wrong time when they're canceling multiple TV show because they're not making the view plus we're not living in the 2007. No offense but the companies can easily replace them by AI or writers from other countries like South korean.

[@theunhappygamer1744]

@@OuroKroniifanboy well no, despite everything you have heard AI isn't advanced enough to replace the writers.

[@FaithAnn90]

People are selfish and don't seem to care about writers making a decent wage. I agree that these comments seem overly negative. Why is it controversial for a worker to earn a decent wage while an executive makes millions?? The corporate overlords love how much we all fight each other so we don't focus on them. No wonder people lose to corporations and the rich in this country; we can't even stand up for the average citizen.

[@tallib]

The writers actually landed on a lot of agreements with the studios re: residuals. But you’re right, that’s the old model, so that’s why the studios gave way on that. The sticking points were the writers’ proposals for how to deal with the new system. Mainly about how many writers on a show and making sure they’re employed for a sufficient number of weeks. Basically, the studios agreed to raising the minimum, but refused to discuss anything that would prevent studios from just cutting the workforce so they would essentially be paying the same out of pocket as the previous contract. Without those protections, the studios could hire fewer writers for only slightly more money (barely keeping up with inflation) for fewer weeks and expect them to do 2-3x the work to make up for the smaller workforce and shorter terms of employment.

[@lenurban]

I just can't see how a computer can write a rv series better than a human.

[@garyhocker7876]

Excellent take on the current state of affairs. I especially like the point that nothing stops when executives get fired, or replaced, but lose your writers and everything comes to a screeching halt.

[@unholycheeseburger]

Not just A.I.. Think of the McDonalds restaurants going much more automated? They are even trying to cut out their lowest paid workers. It's sad.

[@claudecarrington3481]

I'm happy tyt good 👍 reporting😊😊😊

[@michaelbowman5764]

when AI and robots take over We need to insure UBI, a universal basic income. that is the trade off They get cheap to free labor and We have our basic survival need met. People would still work but not to survive instead to gain more, above and beyond survival. This has to be the compromise to move forward with AI and robots labor.

[@metalneck1979]

Jon Stewart wasn’t the only late night show that stayed in production during the last strike. Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert also did shows during the last strike. Hopefully they’ll actually get some WGA writers to come on and discuss instead of Cenk doing his usual mansplaining routine like he knows everything.

[@BsTheLadynred]

I just feel bad for Pete for not being able to host SNL this week.

[@berniethekiwidragon4382]

7:04 $250 million... for what?

[@SeauxNOLALady]

Don’t popular actors make large sums in their parts in streaming services’ films and shows? The writers are the literal foundation of any other aspect of the film industry? What good is having great special effects, locations, directors, actors and so on…if there is no script? No other aspect of the film production process is more important than the script.

[@davidechegoyen2318]

It's funny that Cenk says we should label which shows are made by AI and let people decide for themselves whether or not to watch them, when we never even won the right to have labels on our food indicating which have GMO products in them.

[@piccalillipit9211]

GMO's are literally illegal full stop in the EU - thank God.

[@jessetorres8738]

Audience question: What was the last show you watched that reached at least 8 Seasons/100 Episodes? For me, it was CW's The 100.

[@swistedfilms]

The Clone Wars. But plot twist: I'm only watching it because it's now on Disney+ as I've not had cable TV for years. It was the last writer's strike that turned me off to watching TV altogether. The second season of "Heroes" was interrupted by the strike and the show went to hell.

[@rememberruff]

Chicago PD

[@vintageman9353]

Supernatural

[@algill5079]

The last strike ruined shows like Scrubs and heroes and a bunch of black shows. Also it gave rise to reality tv. Do we really want another Flavor of Love??

[@tmofog]

I've been reading a weekly sports column by a well known writer for a number of years. Each week, he ends every column with a clever sports related haiku that he wrote. A subscriber had a chatGPT compose a haiku that even the writer of the column ADMITTED was far better than any that he has come up with. He published it in the column as well and I agree. Scary!

[@yt.personal.identification]

I would expect a large number of those writers to have started looking into AI as an aid to their work. Someone needs to give the AI the premise and detail.

[@nickscarla-tl9xp]

AI replacing script writers? We’ll get ready for a shit ton of movies about robots putting humans in cages 😂

[@susankay497]

🤣🙃🤣

[@scottheathco7323]

hollywood went woke and got broke these writers want a minimum wage of 10,000 dollars a week they picked the worst moment for a strike

[@LJ_nowandalways]

Talented writers living in poverty is not cool, despite what conservatives like yourself like to encourage and promote.

[@scottheathco7323]

@@LJ_nowandalways no one talented wrote the mandalorian or gotham nights or the last shazam movie..they need to go hungry

[@ToyJesusLovesTequilla]

I’m pretty sure the view needs writers so they can stick to their corporate talking points and sound more clever and knowledgeable than they really are about the subjects they talk about.

[@Carolynj]

Writers have traditionally been regarded as less than the on screen talent. Without them, they have nothing. So, the top people win again.

[@Janootz]

Ultimately, the problem is that the current streaming environment is unsustainable. This is why 20th Century Fox got out of the game when they could. No one wants to admit that the future of TV is just different versions of KZbin.

[@jaye8872]

The writers need to get paid

[@orlock20]

The average age of a viewer that watches network TV is in their late 50s and getting older plus fewer people in the U.S. are going to the movies. Not only that, American production is competing with foreign production which have had their own hits. They are becoming less relevant each year.

[@oskarskalski2982]

The writers need to start to make original and high-quality content.

[@untizio7125]

@@oskarskalski2982 you know that actually is producers fault, writers in big production like Hollywood are more like executives they hold no real decision making power.

[@waahaa2348]

Remember people, if you don't support the writers, we're going to get another Kim kardashian show.

[@Echo81Rumple83]

DEAR GOD NOOOOOO!!!!

[@susankay497]

Has everyone forgotten about books and libraries?

[@PriestessKikyo1]

I really miss the old days when a season had like 25 episodes! Now sometimes its like 8 to 13, sometimes even six! It's horrible.

[@Henbot]

Prefer less episodes because less time to spend and lots of the twenty episodes could be filler or trash

[@sharper68]

That is on the owners and what they are willing to put out, not writers who write what they are told to.

[@piccalillipit9211]

*HOW MUCH DO THEY EARN...???* $5K a week for the week that the show is ON and most shows are only on for just over half the year. And the nature of the work means they are essentially forced to live in the most expensive cities in the USA. The average late night writer earns $160k to $200k but has to live in the expensive parts of LA or NY where parking your car can cost you $75 a day - so of that $5k $1.6k could be taken up with parking...!!!

[@BrianKanner]

You're missing something HUGE! The corporations are actually very welcoming of the strike and they will prolong it as much as possible... When the public becomes impatient, they will have their excuse to turn to AI and if/when the writers return, they will be even more worse off.

[@sharper68]

They have to stand up for themselves or they are screwed anyway. The fact is it is not just about public impatient's but also hurts the owner class's bottom line.

[@dustinschroller4884]

Simple solution: Write content that reflects the heartbeat of most Americans instead of serving to the interests of the minority of anti-Americans.

[@brotalnia]

I'm with the robots. It would be really funny if studios start using AI while the writers are striking, and then decide they like the AI scripts more than the human written scripts.

[@MrBeast-1]

People don't care about those shows - I think writers are becoming less important with KZbin and creator made content.

[@NewEnglandInSeattle]

Zazlov made $250 million for himself while putting thousands of people out of work.

[@DaRhinestoneKing]

Could it also be the quality of writing has gone down? Most movies and TV shows today has the worst writing lol.

[@coldstream11]

Could it be what? Your statement doesn’t make any sense.

[@Echo81Rumple83]

i wouldn't know really; i don't watch TV and movies these days except Daily Show, Colbert and Last Week Tonight, mainly because everyone who work there ARE respected for their craft.

[@JERSEYBOYPLAY2HARD]

You do know the higher ups make the decision

[@scottybabb6223]

And this is probably one of the reasons why Tyler Perry doesn't have his movie studio in California.

[@jacobhholt]

Priority and Value.

[@shivasive]

Because John Stewart is a real one. I can't believe the view needs writers. THAT is bizarre.

[@claudecarrington3481]

Remember u on MSN show

[@garajplaz3513]

These writers have screwed me over every 10 years. I’m now looking forward to a year of little to no work. Thanks guys.

[@jordanlml]

Guess you should probably pull up your bootstraps and help them get what they want faster bucko

[@lawrenceiverson1924]

Seeing as it's the executives who decide who gets how much and from where .. It's not surprising that executives don't get pay cuts LOL!!!!

[@specialpatrolgroup92]

Post GRRM Game of Thrones should prove how important writers are. The special effects workers, the costume designers, the stunt people did great work right to the end, but with bad writing it's like building a castle on the sand. A fat, bloated, but somehow also incredibly rushed, castle built on sand, that makes people sad whenever they visit it.

[@LJ_nowandalways]

The pen is mightier than the corporate bank account!

[@charleshuguley9323]

But is the pen mightier than the program?

[@LJ_nowandalways]

@@charleshuguley9323 AI is stupid if haven't figured that out.

[@ginagina5452]

😂😂😂

[@funkymonkey65]

There goes this week's SNL with Pete Davidson, just his luck

[@brenthart211]

Just looked up the "minimum salary" for a writers guild member. It's $296,000 per year. If 1/3 of guild members are making that as a minimum, they're not struggling too much. I support unions, but damn.

[@sharper68]

Think of how much money their effort generates and 296k is a tiny fraction of what the owners who pay them collect while doing NOTHING creative at all.

[@brenthart211]

@@sharper68 I don't disagree, but the framing of the video was that 50% of writers are now making "the minimum". If the minimum is 300k, they're doing alright. Should the writers get more? If the producers are not sharing equally, then yes. But 300k is nothing to sneeze at.

[@sharper68]

@@brenthart211 They are not sharing equally is the point. This is like complaining athletes make millions when the owners make a 100 million and never play a game. The amount of money in the industry and the kind of money it generates justifies paying the people who actually create the content they sell at higher wages than what is typically paid in other jobs. All people who do the jobs should be paid, the owner class is doing just fine and I am not going to cry when they have to pay the people who do the work an amount consummate with the revenue they generate It seems we only question the wages of working people, the owner class is oddly free to make as much as possible with no comment.

[@Dan-qx8sn]

The writers strikes always tend to be ahead of the game. Downside of too much content means less money to go around. Before streaming was even a thing, tv programs started to get shorter so they would have more time for commercials. Too much content, never enough time to watch everything

[@RealAnimeBadGuy]

Art is something we really have down, there is nothing wrong with using AI to enhance your writing and artwork it's a tool not a slave.

[@philliphessel6788]

When AI turns out work that’s not dreck, but comparable to what you could get from a human artist, here’s the key question: Do want all the other benefits that come from a human? The human is a customer for other goods and services, and also as a person has relationships in which the _pleasure in doing the work_ (not only the product per se) is part of the contribution to the happiness of others. This big part of the normal human experience is _not_ among the values expressed in a capitalist’s monetary bottom line. Without regulation, the system is a cold machine that ruthlessly dehumanizes its gears of flesh.

[@jeremyd5850]

So movie studios wanted this strike to void a lot of contract out. Especially Netflix. They want to get out of dumb talent and producer deals. It’s gonna get very ugly with DGA, SAG strike

[@susankay497]

what? Like Harry Loves Meghan (or whatever it's called)?

[@jasondavis2995]

Rick and Morty made an episode about this.

[@arlenebozich]

I think we should just automate producing and let the writers, actors, and tech & design split the profit. Producing is the only part of the film/tv/theatre that you can automate and it’s the largest portion of the budget spend currently.

[@arlenebozich]

Also, for how the writing/acting/design/tech should be paid in a post residual world: I worked in print management sales and we’d charge cents on the print with a base number of prints built into the cost each month. Arts workers should get cents on the view after that base ‘views per month’ is surpassed.

[@MeltonECartes]

Skynet has begun...

[@JustinVodden]

Replace the executives with AI

[@michaelmcgee8543]

Yes.

[@michaelmcgee8543]

Those should be paid.

[@kickieriksson1451]

Cenk, you need to read before you speak. 😉 what you said regarding residuals, is EXACTLY what the writers are saying! That's kind of the point of the strike.