Historically, The WGA Is Overdue For A Strike, With Residuals Again Key Issue Of Upcoming Talks
deadline.comDisputes over residuals that flow from new revenue streams have been at the center of every major film and TV strike in Hollywood’s history.
And as the WGA, SAG-AFTRA and the DGA all preparing for contract talks early in 2023 with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, residuals could again be the flashpoint for the first industry-wide strike in 15 years.
With inflation at over 7% this year, raising minimum pay rates also is expected to be a major issue for all three guilds. The WGA West, for instance, saw significant declines in total earnings for film and TV writers in 2020 and 2021, in part due to smaller episode orders and ubiquitous mini writers rooms, so the usual 3% annual pay hikes may not cut it this time.
The WGA’s current contract expires May 1, and the DGA and SAG-AFTRA contracts both expire June 30, and all three guilds have said they want more streaming residuals and higher minimum pay rates for their members.
Read more on deadline.com