A writers’ strike that could have mirrored the 2007-08 stoppage that had an indelible impact on the TV (as well as film) industry has been averted, as the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday morning, following seven weeks of talks.
Per our sister site Deadline, the three-year TV and film collective bargaining agreement, among other things, will offer better protections to the writers of short-order TV shows — an increasingly common phenomenon that had resulted in decreased paydays for basically working just as many hours.
The WGA’s health plan will also get a boost per the new agreement, which now goes to the WGA West and East’s respective councils for approval, before ratification by guild members.
The AMPTP also agreed to update to a logo not from the 1960s. (Kidding! #4amHumor.)
The WGA strike of 2007-08… well, it was a thing, kids. With no new scripts being churned out for three full months, numerous series saw their seasons trimmed or slashed, some shows (24, Chuck e.g.) had their premieres postponed, and a handful of already low-rated programs (The 4400, NBC’s Bionic Woman reboot… Cavemen) died on the vine. Meanwhile, a few shows (namely daytime soaps) brought in “scab” writers to keep the scripts flowing.
Are you relieved to hear we wont have to endure that again?
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