Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
The Hollywood writers’ union has reached a “tentative agreement” with major studios that could end their 146-day strike. The Writers Guild of America described the preliminary deal as “exceptional”, although it still needs to be ratified by the 11,500 WGA members before the strike is officially over. Details of the agreement have not been released but it is understood that writers have won some protections against the use of artificial intelligence and some concessions on how royalties are calculated from streamed programmes. It means that studios can now turn their attention to cutting a deal with the actors’ union, which would end all Hollywood walkouts that have shut down most television and film productions since the summer. The strikes have cost California’s economy an estimated $5 billion, with the knock-on impact also felt in the UK where Hollywood productions are a critical part of the film industry.
