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Gilroy, a veteran writer, producer, and director, was around for the last writers’ strike as well. The strike in 2007-2008 lasted 100 days, while this strike is on day 72. According to Gilroy, the guild took a lesser deal than they should have last time, making it even more vital that the WGA members dig their heels in this time around.
“I think this is the existential battle I thought we were having in 2007,” Gilroy told Deadline. “To my great disappointment we settled that strike prematurely. I think those problems were deferred. I think there are structural problems that need to be met.”
Those structural problems Gilroy mentioned include guaranteed time for staff writing jobs and fair pay scales for work on streaming titles. Streaming, along with artificial intelligence, has been one of the most talked-about issues throughout the strike.
“I think SAG and the Writers Guild are trying to preserve our industry,” Gilroy said. “In such a strange way, we’ve become the creators and the interpreters, the creative community are becoming the protectors of this industry, this huge industry that people love. And the caretakers on the other side, I think they’re being recklessly careless.”
“I think in the end this time the guilds will prevail,” he added. “They have to.”
Potential Actors’ Strike
SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have been in talks on a new deal for quite a while, but some of the same issues plaguing the WGA are causing hangups, AI being one of them. Guild members have already voted to authorize a strike. If a deal isn’t met by Wednesday at midnight, SAG-AFTRA will join the WGA on strike.
Many projects have had to shut down in the wake of the writers’ strike, as no writer can come in to work on any scripts or give any feedback. Some, however, have persisted. Most everything still going forward with production will likely have to halt if the actors strike.
Members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have shown solidarity with one another in this situation, as many believe this to be a pivotal point in the future of entertainment. If they are able to hold strong together, there is an opportunity for significant change to be made in the ways film and television are made.
