As we have seen in the past, nothing happens in Hollywood without unions and those unions can bring Hollywood to its knees when the negotiating gets agitated.
The last time the Screenwriters negotiated a new contract, it ended in a strike of over three months.
This time around, the deal was done and approved hardly before anyone knew it had begun. And it was approved by a landslide margin of 90%! The contract was between the Writers Guilds of America West and East and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
WGA West President Michele Mulroney spoke via statement saying, “in the face of industry contraction and runaway health care cost inflation, writers were able to secure a contract that returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike.”
Along with health benefits; the new deal includes pay hikes and increased income from residuals.
The statement noted, “this deal reflects a collaborative approach that supports both writers and the industry’s long-term stability.”
Next up are the actors and directors.
The Directors Guild begins its contract talks May 11.