I recently heard about the Hollywood writer’s strike from my dad. Unless you work in the industry, it’s possible you haven’t heard about it. Many students may never even notice the strike’s impact if it’s resolved soon.
Writers went on strike starting in May for better pay and protection from being replaced by AI. At first, my reaction was dismissive and uninformed – I thought that these writers should just find work someplace else. Go write a book or something. When I remembered that these writers are people who need to provide for themselves and their families my perspective changed. TV writers shouldn’t have to change their profession because of new technology or unfair pay.
From what I’ve seen gathered from social media, my dad, and some research, the biggest problem is residuals. Residuals are compensation paid for the re-airing of a credited writer’s work. Residuals on streaming are a lot lower than in broadcast TV – and it seems like everything is on streaming these days. Although streaming has created more net new jobs for writers, they are getting paid less overall. When shows on streaming services make lots of money, that doesn’t necessarily mean the writers are making lots of money. Which is unfair. Simply put, writers aren’t getting paid enough.
Selfishly, I want the strike to be resolved because I love to watch TV. I don’t want the production of my favorite shows to be interrupted. One of my favorite shows, Abbott Elementary, might have its 3rd season pushed back because of the strike. The release of the 20th season of Grey’s Anatomy has already been postponed.
AI also causes threats to writers. It’s possible that writers could soon be replaced. AI might eventually be able to write the extremely predictable and formulaic sitcoms that I love to bringe. I use ChatGTP all the time. I think AI technology is very helpful and fun to use, but it worries me that it could take someone’s job. It makes me wonder what the workforce will look like when I’m out of college and looking for a job.
Hollywood’s actors joined the strike in July for the same reasons – residuals and AI. The addition of actors will cause even more disruption to the television and film industry. Upcoming projects including Deadpool 3 and Gladiator 2 have already been shut down.
My hope is that the strike ends soon so new shows continue to come out. I also hope that TV writers persist through threats from AI. Maybe the end of this strike will start a new exciting era for television. Only time will tell.
