Writer’s Guild of America went on strike on May 2. WGA is a media company that represents writers in television, films and radio. Actors and screenwriters had every right to go on strike and protest for pay equality in their workplace.
WGA was on strike for over 100 days. They were protesting for higher wages and equal pay from shows that they wrote for. Most writers don’t get the credit they deserve for writing your favorite shows. They are sincerely underpaid. Today’s report states that the pay for writers has heavily dropped according to them some of the writers work at minimum wage pay level. That means that one of your favorite TV show writers was probably getting paid around $15k a year.
Some shows that have been affected by this strike include “Stranger Things,” which has been put on hold until further notice. Season 4 of “Outer Banks” was also put on hold as well as the well-loved “Euphoria” show on HBO.
As stated before, some actors had also been on strike alongside the writers. These actors include Rosario Dawson, Adam Scott and Joey King. Rosario Dawson has been in “Ahsoka,” “The Mandalorian” series and the movie “Haunted Mansion.” Adam Scott is well known for his role in “Step Brothers.” Joey King is featured in “The Kissing Booth Trilogy”, “Bullet Train,” “The Act and “Conjuring.” These are just a few actors and actresses who have stepped up and protested for equality alongside the writers.
Finally, the WGA has finally changed its contract. They are hearing out the writers and actors. According to WGA, their writers should see an increase in their minimums at least 5% higher than their original pay. Writing teams should also see an increase in health and pension contributions.
WGA’s new contract states that each writer on a writing team for a script will receive pension and health contributions as if they were a single writer, rather than splitting the benefits. WGA also agreed to allow a company to credit a sole director of a project as “produced by” or “presented by” in publicity releases or advertising without separating the writing credit.
This is extremely important to note as we slowly start to see Hollywood finally start to appreciate their writers. Writers and Actors are finally getting acknowledgment in Hollywood. This is a big step for Hollywood.
