We Stand with Writers
What the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike means and how to navigate uncertain times.
The Board of Directors of the WGAw and the Council of the WGAe, acting upon the authority granted to them by their memberships, voted unanimously to call a strike, effective 12:01 am PT on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Script Magazine stands in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America and supports the WGA’s efforts in safeguarding writers and their rights to compensation for their work.
In the WGA proposal document, it states, “WGA proposals would gain writers approximately $429 million per year; AMPTP’s offer is approximately $86 million per year, 48% of which is from the minimums increase.” These proposals made by the WGA include, and are not limited to, minimums including residual bases, streaming residuals for both features and SVOD/television, weekly pay with 50% pay upon commencement, establishing a new Writer-Producer tier with weekly rate 25% above Story Editors and Executive Story Editors, and more. Learn more about the failed negotiations in Deadline’s article and to view the entire proposal document for further insight.
What it means for PreWGA writers applying for TV/film fellowships or taking meetings? To cut to the chase, beware of conducting any business, development meetings, pitching, etc with a signatory struck company. Guild members cannot perform writing services (or option/sell literary material) and for those standing in solidarity with the WGA, it’s safe to follow suit.
What is a “struck company”? Per the WGA, “A “struck company” is a company that was signatory to the 2023 MBA.” A list of struck companies is here.
There is a fantastic Twitter thread provided by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen with great insight and suggestions for those who had intentions of applying for TV/film fellowships, which can be found here.
The WGA website also provides additional information regarding the strike for both members and PreWGA writers, listed here.
Script will do its best to provide updates and information regarding the strike. Until then, we suggest following the WGAWest Twitter account for the most up-to-date information.
Top screenwriting and film publication, founded in 1989, published by Active Interest Media. Twitter: @scriptmag
