The Writers Guild of America plans to resume negotiations with Hollywood studios on Wednesday, the WGA announced Monday.
The WGA, which represents 11,500 screenwriters, encouraged its members to continue picketing even as talks open back up.
“You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible,” the union said.
Since the strike began on May 2, production has been shut down across the TV and film industry. The impact has been substantial, with Warner Bros Discovery Inc (NASDAQ:WBD) warning investors last week that the strike could cost the company $300 million to $500 million in earnings.
Meanwhile, Drew Barrymore and comedian Bill Maher each drew immense backlash for announcing the return of their respective shows despite the WGA strike. Both ultimately reversed their decisions.
The WGA is asking for standardized compensation along with residuals for streaming and theatrical releases, among other benefits. Importantly, it is also calling for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation.
SAG-AFTRA, which represents roughly 160,000 actors, presenters, dancers and other media professionals, is also striking the AMPTP but has not indicated yet when they would resume negotiations.
That could change depending on how things progress with the WGA negotiations.
“SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating team remains ready at a moment’s notice to go back to the bargaining table to secure a righteous deal,” the labor union said in a statement last month. “Unfortunately, as we’ve seen from the recent news out of the WGA negotiations, it appears the AMPTP is still unwilling to make the concessions necessary to make a fair deal that would bring the strikes to a close.”
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