Writers Strike Begins: ‘No One Wants This, but It’s Necessary’
variety.comGene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The Writers Guild of America is on strike for the first time in 15 years, as writers will fan out on Tuesday afternoon to walk picket lines outside the major studios in L.A. “No one wants this, but it’s necessary,” said Courtney Perdue, a writer on “Up Here” and “Gossip Girl.” “This business starts on the page.
No pages, no profits.” Talks on a new contract broke down just before 8 p.m. on Monday night, as the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers remained far apart on a host of key issues.
The guild has said that writers are facing an existential crisis brought about by the shift to streaming, with fewer TV episodes and lower residuals. “The future of writing as a profession is at stake,” said Charese Castro Smith, writer of “Encanto.” “My life has been shaped by stories — created by writers.
And it’s my job, and I love it, and I want this to keep being a viable career for future generations.” Late-night shows will be the first to feel the impact, as “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Late Show,” “Tonight” and “Late Night” are all going into reruns.
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