Hollywood/New WGA Deal—
A big surprise over the weekend. One that many in Hollywood are cheering. The Writers Guild of America reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Hollywood Studios and streamers. Negotiations began only a few weeks ago. Details are still sketchy, but the agreement reportedly covers four years, rather than the usual three. It’s not a done deal yet. The leadership of both chapters of the Writers Guild (East and West) and the WGA rank-and-file members need to approve the pact. Still, both sides in the negotiations have gone public with praise for the deal.
In an update on the negotiations, a WGA West statement said this: ” Crucially, it protects our health plan and puts it on a sustainable path, with increased company contributions across many areas and long-needed increases to health contribution caps. The new contract also builds on gains from 2023 and helps address free work challenges. ”
The AMPTP, or Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, apparently believes the deal will withstand scrutiny and is looking ahead to its talks with the Directors Guild and the Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA. In a statement on the AMPTP website, producers said: “We look forward to building on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that support long-term industry stability.”
The tentative agreement was reached last Saturday, April 4th. More here.
