Hollywood writers overwhelmingly voted to approve a hard-fought new deal with studios, their union said Monday, officially ending one of the industry's longest ever strikes.

"99 percent of WGA members have voted in favour of ratifying" the contract, allowing them to return to work on improved terms, said the Writers Guild of America on social media.

Approval by the union's 11,500-odd members had been widely seen as a near-certainty.

Last month, after 148 days on strike, WGA negotiators reached a deal with the likes of Netflix and Disney, achieving better pay, greater protections from artificial intelligence, minimum staffing levels and more. 
 
Most writers returned to work nearly two weeks ago, in anticipation of the deal being ratified.

Still, film and television productions in Hollywood are yet to resume in earnest, as the far larger Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) representing 160,000 performers remains on strike.

Talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA, which went on strike in July, finally began last week, and were scheduled to resume Monday.

SAG-AFTRA's demands over pay, and limits to the future use of AI, go further than those of the writers.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represented the industry's biggest studios in talks with the WGA, praised the outcome of the writers' vote. 
 
"The AMPTP member companies congratulate the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers," it said in a statement.

"It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work."

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Hollywood writers overwhelmingly voted to approve a hard-fought new deal with studios, their union said Monday, officially ending one of the industry's longest ever strikes.

Hollywood writers overwhelmingly voted to approve a hard-fought new deal with studios, their union said Monday, officially ending one of the industry's longest ever strikes. "99 percent of WGA members have voted in favour of ratifying" the contract, allowing them to return to work on improved terms, said the Writers Guild of America on social media. Approval by the union's 11,500-odd members had been widely seen as a near-certainty. Last month, after 148 days on strike, WGA negotiators reached a deal with the likes of Netflix and Disney, achieving better pay, greater protections from artificial intelligence, minimum staffing levels and more. Most writers returned to work nearly two weeks ago, in anticipation of the deal being ratified. Still, film and television productions in Hollywood are yet to resume in earnest, as the far larger Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) representing 160,000 performers remains on strike. Talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA, which went on strike in July, finally began last week, and were scheduled to resume Monday. SAG-AFTRA's demands over pay, and limits to the future use of AI, go further than those of the writers. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represented the industry's biggest studios in talks with the WGA, praised the outcome of the writers' vote. "The AMPTP member companies congratulate the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers," it said in a statement. "It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work."

Hollywood writers sign off on new deal

Hollywood writers and studios met for a third consecutive day of high-level talks Friday, raising the industry's hopes that an end to the costly 144-day Writers Guild of America strike could finally be near.

Thousands of film and television scribes downed their pens back in early May over demands including better pay for writers, greater rewards for creating hit shows, and protection from artificial intelligence.

They have manned picket lines for months outside offices including Netflix and Disney and -- having been joined by striking actors in mid-July -- bringing the entertainment industry to a costly standstill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/russell-brand-breaks-silence-amid-sexual-assault-allegations-been-an-extraordinary-and-distressing-week-638766">Russell Brand breaks silence amid sexual assault allegations: Been an extraordinary and distressing week</a>

After a lengthy negotiating session Thursday, the WGA wrote to members that talks would continue again the next day, and urged "as many of you as possible to come out to the picket lines" Friday, where the usual protest hours were extended into the early afternoon.

An industry source told AFP the meeting was going ahead.

The heads of Netflix, Disney, Universal and Warner Bros Discovery have personally attended this week's talks, and were expected to return Friday for a third day, according to Deadline.

Analysts say that unusual step could indicate that a deal is close -- or simply a renewed sense of urgency to end a walkout that is preventing work from resuming on a wide array of film and TV projects, leaving studios and networks with looming gaps in their release schedules.

Among their demands, writers say their salaries have not kept up with inflation, and that the rise of streaming has diminished the "residuals" they earn when a show they work on becomes a smash hit.

Studios have offered greater transparency in streaming audience numbers, while stopping short of offering to revise the way residual payments are calculated.

Writers have also demanded curbs on the use of AI, which they fear could be used to partially replace them in generating future films or show scripts, and therefore further undercut their pay.

This remains a key sticking point between the two sides, according to reports in Hollywood trade publications this week.

The Financial Times reported Milken Institute research at the start of September that put the cost of the current Hollywood standstill at $5 billion.

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At 144 days and counting, the WGA strike is already significantly longer than the writers' 2007-08 walkout -- which lasted 100 days and cost the California economy $2.1 billion.

It is approaching the union's longest-ever industrial action, which lasted for&nbsp;154 days in 1988.

Even if the writers agree to a new deal, the actors' strike would continue.

There have been no known contract talks between the studios and the actors' 160,000-strong SAG-AFTRA guild since that strike began.

But the two unions share many similar demands, and insiders say that a WGA deal could help to pave the way for a resolution to the actors' strike.

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Hollywood writers and studios met for a third consecutive day of high-level talks Friday, raising the industry's hopes that an end to the costly 144-day Writers Guild of America strike could finally be near.

Hollywood writers and studios met for a third consecutive day of high-level talks Friday, raising the industry's hopes that an end to the costly 144-day Writers Guild of America strike could finally be near. Thousands of film and television scribes downed their pens back in early May over demands including better pay for writers, greater rewards for creating hit shows, and protection from artificial intelligence. They have manned picket lines for months outside offices including Netflix and Disney and -- having been joined by striking actors in mid-July -- bringing the entertainment industry to a costly standstill. Also read: Russell Brand breaks silence amid sexual assault allegations: Been an extraordinary and distressing week After a lengthy negotiating session Thursday, the WGA wrote to members that talks would continue again the next day, and urged "as many of you as possible to come out to the picket lines" Friday, where the usual protest hours were extended into the early afternoon. An industry source told AFP the meeting was going ahead. The heads of Netflix, Disney, Universal and Warner Bros Discovery have personally attended this week's talks, and were expected to return Friday for a third day, according to Deadline. Analysts say that unusual step could indicate that a deal is close -- or simply a renewed sense of urgency to end a walkout that is preventing work from resuming on a wide array of film and TV projects, leaving studios and networks with looming gaps in their release schedules. Among their demands, writers say their salaries have not kept up with inflation, and that the rise of streaming has diminished the "residuals" they earn when a show they work on becomes a smash hit. Studios have offered greater transparency in streaming audience numbers, while stopping short of offering to revise the way residual payments are calculated. Writers have also demanded curbs on the use of AI, which they fear could be used to partially replace them in generating future films or show scripts, and therefore further undercut their pay. This remains a key sticking point between the two sides, according to reports in Hollywood trade publications this week. The Financial Times reported Milken Institute research at the start of September that put the cost of the current Hollywood standstill at $5 billion. The Great Indian Family review: Good on paper, not so great on screen At 144 days and counting, the WGA strike is already significantly longer than the writers' 2007-08 walkout -- which lasted 100 days and cost the California economy $2.1 billion. It is approaching the union's longest-ever industrial action, which lasted for 154 days in 1988. Even if the writers agree to a new deal, the actors' strike would continue. There have been no known contract talks between the studios and the actors' 160,000-strong SAG-AFTRA guild since that strike began. But the two unions share many similar demands, and insiders say that a WGA deal could help to pave the way for a resolution to the actors' strike. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hopes rise for end to Hollywood writers' strike as talks extend

Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiators met on Friday with representatives of the major studios for the first time in a three-month strike by Hollywood writers to discuss whether contract talks can resume, but the guild said no agreement was reached.

The WGA said in a statement to its members that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which negotiates on behalf of Walt Disney, Netflix, said it needed to consult with member studios before moving forward.

The AMPTP did not immediately issue a public statement on the meeting, and it did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The 11,500 members of the writers' guild walked out May 2, citing an impasse over pay, streaming residuals and other issues such as setting curbs on the use of artificial intelligence.

In its statement following Friday's meeting, the WGA said the AMPTP was willing to increase its offers on a "few writer-specific TV minimums and talk about AI" but did not indicate willingness to engage in screenwriters' issues and other proposals.

"In addition to a comprehensive response from the AMPTP on our proposals in all work areas, we will need to address issues arising from the strike, including a health care benefit extension and additional plan funding, reinstatement of striking writers, and arbitration of disputes arising during the strike," the WGA said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said before the Friday meeting she was encouraged by the reopening of communication, as the Hollywood writers' and actors' dual strikes negatively impact the economy.

Members of the Screen Actors Guild also went on strike on July 14 after being unable to reach an agreement with the studios on a new three-year contract.

The work stoppage is taking a toll on florists, caterers, costume suppliers and other small businesses that support the entertainment industry.

Ahead of Friday's meeting, the writers and studios groups traded pointed statements.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/whoopi-goldberg-says-she-doesnt-want-ai-to-duplicating-her-622442">Actress Whoopi Goldberg says she doesn't want AI to duplicate her ever</a>

The WGA's negotiating committee said it was time for the studios to abandon the tactics they used during the previous writers' strike in 2007-08, including allegedly spreading misinformation about the real impact of the strike.

"We challenge the studios and AMPTP to come to the meeting they called for this Friday with a new playbook," the WGA said in an email. "Be willing to make a fair deal and begin to repair the damage your strikes and your business practices have caused the workers in this industry."

The AMPTP called the WGA rhetoric "unfortunate."

"Tomorrow's discussion with the WGA is to determine whether we have a willing bargaining partner," the AMPTP said in a statement, adding "Our only playbook is getting people back to work."

Previously, the group said it had offered writers generous increases in compensation, and put forward improvements in the residuals paid to writers for making their movies and TV shows available on streaming services.

The twin job actions by writers and actors are rippling broadly through the entertainment industry, halting most work on scripted series for the fall TV season as well as film production.

Fox is expected to announce that television's Emmy Awards will be rescheduled to air in January due to the strikes, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing a person familiar with the plans.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros Discovery warned investors Thursday that uncertainty over the dual strikes could delay film releases and impact its ability to produce and deliver content.

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Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiators met on Friday with representatives of the major studios for the first time in a three-month strike by Hollywood writers to discuss whether contract talks can resume, but the guild said no agreement was reached.

Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiators met on Friday with representatives of the major studios for the first time in a three-month strike by Hollywood writers to discuss whether contract talks can resume, but the guild said no agreement was reached. The WGA said in a statement to its members that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which negotiates on behalf of Walt Disney, Netflix, said it needed to consult with member studios before moving forward. The AMPTP did not immediately issue a public statement on the meeting, and it did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: Beyond Hector Salamanca: Celebrating late Mark Margolis' unforgettable performance in Pi The 11,500 members of the writers' guild walked out May 2, citing an impasse over pay, streaming residuals and other issues such as setting curbs on the use of artificial intelligence. In its statement following Friday's meeting, the WGA said the AMPTP was willing to increase its offers on a "few writer-specific TV minimums and talk about AI" but did not indicate willingness to engage in screenwriters' issues and other proposals. "In addition to a comprehensive response from the AMPTP on our proposals in all work areas, we will need to address issues arising from the strike, including a health care benefit extension and additional plan funding, reinstatement of striking writers, and arbitration of disputes arising during the strike," the WGA said. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said before the Friday meeting she was encouraged by the reopening of communication, as the Hollywood writers' and actors' dual strikes negatively impact the economy. Members of the Screen Actors Guild also went on strike on July 14 after being unable to reach an agreement with the studios on a new three-year contract. The work stoppage is taking a toll on florists, caterers, costume suppliers and other small businesses that support the entertainment industry. Ahead of Friday's meeting, the writers and studios groups traded pointed statements. Also read: Actress Whoopi Goldberg says she doesn't want AI to duplicate her ever The WGA's negotiating committee said it was time for the studios to abandon the tactics they used during the previous writers' strike in 2007-08, including allegedly spreading misinformation about the real impact of the strike. "We challenge the studios and AMPTP to come to the meeting they called for this Friday with a new playbook," the WGA said in an email. "Be willing to make a fair deal and begin to repair the damage your strikes and your business practices have caused the workers in this industry." The AMPTP called the WGA rhetoric "unfortunate." "Tomorrow's discussion with the WGA is to determine whether we have a willing bargaining partner," the AMPTP said in a statement, adding "Our only playbook is getting people back to work." Previously, the group said it had offered writers generous increases in compensation, and put forward improvements in the residuals paid to writers for making their movies and TV shows available on streaming services. The twin job actions by writers and actors are rippling broadly through the entertainment industry, halting most work on scripted series for the fall TV season as well as film production. Fox is expected to announce that television's Emmy Awards will be rescheduled to air in January due to the strikes, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing a person familiar with the plans. Meanwhile, Warner Bros Discovery warned investors Thursday that uncertainty over the dual strikes could delay film releases and impact its ability to produce and deliver content. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No agreement between striking Hollywood writers, studios on resuming talks, WGA says

Unions representing teachers, truck drivers and other workers who will be headed soon to the bargaining table turned out in downtown Los Angeles on Friday to support Hollywood’s striking film and television writers.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) began a work stoppage on May 2 after failing to reach an agreement for higher wages with media companies including Walt Disney Co, Netflix Inc and Warner Bros Discovery Inc.

On Friday, a few hundred members of unions in the tourism and hospitality industries, teachers, logistics workers and public employees rallied in downtown Los Angeles in a show of unity. The participating unions represented more than 200,000 workers with collective bargaining agreements also due to expire in 2023, organizers said.

“It’s going to be a hot labour summer,” Lorena Gonzalez, executive secretary of the California Labor Federation, told the crowd. “It’s your strength in standing together that’s going to ensure the next generation of workers have the ability to live.”

Organizers said the unions had universal demands for livable wages amid rising food, housing and transportation costs.

Writer Danielle Roderick said she hoped the writers would lead a movement of “everybody not taking it.”

“Everybody feels like they are getting eaten alive in some way,” said Roderick, who attended the rally with her husband, also a writer, and two children.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major studios, has said it offered “generous” increases in compensation to writers. No new talks between the two sides are scheduled.

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Unions representing teachers, truck drivers and other workers who will be headed soon to the bargaining table turned out in downtown Los Angeles on Friday to support Hollywood’s striking film and television writers.

Unions representing teachers, truck drivers and other workers who will be headed soon to the bargaining table turned out in downtown Los Angeles on Friday to support Hollywood’s striking film and television writers. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) began a work stoppage on May 2 after failing to reach an agreement for higher wages with media companies including Walt Disney Co, Netflix Inc and Warner Bros Discovery Inc. On Friday, a few hundred members of unions in the tourism and hospitality industries, teachers, logistics workers and public employees rallied in downtown Los Angeles in a show of unity. The participating unions represented more than 200,000 workers with collective bargaining agreements also due to expire in 2023, organizers said. “It’s going to be a hot labour summer,” Lorena Gonzalez, executive secretary of the California Labor Federation, told the crowd. “It’s your strength in standing together that’s going to ensure the next generation of workers have the ability to live.” Organizers said the unions had universal demands for livable wages amid rising food, housing and transportation costs. Writer Danielle Roderick said she hoped the writers would lead a movement of “everybody not taking it.” “Everybody feels like they are getting eaten alive in some way,” said Roderick, who attended the rally with her husband, also a writer, and two children. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major studios, has said it offered “generous” increases in compensation to writers. No new talks between the two sides are scheduled. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Hot labour summer': Los Angeles unions back Hollywood writers