The Hollywood writers’ strike is a frequent occurrence in the movie and entertainment industry. It is predicated on financial disagreements and working conditions between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) members and their employers. However, this strike is not just a Hollywood issue; it affects various TV shows’ productions and even web-based media.
Thus, the WGA strikes caused massive havoc across the entertainment industry. The WGA usually calls for a strike. In turn, it creates a lot of chaos and negatively affects the industry's economy.
BBC | Essentially, it is the WGA who calls for the writers' strike.
What Are the Causes of the Writers’ Strike?
Initial start dates, working conditions, and compensation are primarily the leading cause of the Hollywood writers’ strikes. Writers often demand better wages and compensation, better health benefits, better work conditions, and better recognition or credit from their employers.
Plus, these writers ask for better pensions and higher residuals for their performances on reruns and some other uses of their content.
Effects of the Writers’ Strike
Writers’ strikes hurt various areas of the industry. Be it television shows, movies, or web-based media. It can harm the economy and lead to massive job losses, not just for the writers. Similarly, the impact may also affect upcoming projects and ultimately hurt revenue.
NBC | One of the leading causes of the Writers' Strike is the pre-set working conditions between the WGA and the employers.
The 2007-2008 Writers’ Strike
There are several WGA strikes in the history of the entertainment industry. However, one of the most historic writers’ strikes was in 2007-2008. It lasted for 100 days and affected several television shows’ production. These include hits like "Grey’s Anatomy," "The Office" and "The Big Bang Theory." Thus, the strike also resulted in an estimated $2.5 billion loss and the loss of 37,700 jobs.
Monetizing Content
Monetizing content is the result of ongoing negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and their employers. The producers and studio heads are trying to optimize their profits. And find better ways to monetize their products to reduce the impacts of writers’ strikes.
Essentially, this can lead to huge losses on the writers’ part. Also, with the emerging streaming service providers and online entertainment platforms, the need for better compensation and better health benefits grows.
ABC | One of the most historic Writers’ Strike is the 2007 - 2008 strike.
Outcomes of the Strike
The strike outcome primarily depends on how well the employees and the employers negotiate to meet each other’s demands. It is usually a long and tricky process. Something that may take many weeks before a resolution is reached - or even months! The 2007-2008 writers’ strike was resolved through negotiations. Eventually, it led to writers getting what they wanted.
Thus, with commerce losing increasing interest in online entertainment platforms, the need for well-compensated writers increases. Hollywood has always been known for its glamorous lifestyle. But all is not eternally rosy.
With the annual strike history, it is essential to educate oneself on vital subjects like this. Knowing how writers’ strikes can impact the entertainment industry is an excellent step in making informed opinions.