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Hollywood Writers Vote To Strike
We're almost at the end of this TV season, so you probably won't notice much over the next few months if script writers in the U.S. vote to go out on strike Monday. But next fall, when there's nothing but reruns, odd filler and reality programs, it will become very evident.
As mentioned in previous threads, it's still unclear whether, if they go for an elongated walkout, U.S. networks will turn to Canadian or European shows to fill the gap. (Could "Transplant" be an option as it was during the COVID shutdown?)
There's a huge difference between this potential work stoppage and the last one - streaming rights have become a huge issue. When they last laid down their pens 15 years ago, that didn't even really exist.
So while any strike could be devastating for TV and online access as we know it, others may get an unexpected boost that, sadly, likely won't last long once things are back to normal. Those answers are in the future, and ironically, only the writers will be able to say how this story ends. For now, the one thing we will know for certain in the next two weeks is the result of the vote.
If the decision is to strike, I wonder who will write their picket signs if they're not allowed to compose anything?
Hollywood's writers prep strike script
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By the way, even if there isn't a strike, you may be seeing less of your favourite shows next season anyway. It turns out networks are cutting the number of shows being shot, telling actors they may be in fewer specific episodes and in one case, even getting performers to agree to pay cuts in order to keep their programs on the air.
Actors On Dick Wolf NBC Series Reduce Episodes, ‘Bob ❤️ Abishola’ Cast Take Pay Cuts Amid Broadcast Budget Tightening
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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Monday's here and no surprise, they voted in favour of strike action. The deadline is May 1st, although it could be extended if there's progress. If there is a strike, TV shows for next season could be delayed or not made altogether.
And boy, have things changed since the last walkout in 2007. Streaming is a new area of contention. And now, the writers are apparently ready to agree that ChatGPT could be used to improve some scripts - but, according to Variety, only if the live scribes get credit.
"The proposal would allow a writer to use ChatGPT to help write a script without having to share writing credit or divide residuals. Or, a studio executive could hand the writer an AI-generated script to rewrite or polish and the writer would still be considered the first writer on the project."
TV and film writers authorize strike over pay, other issues
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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I was reminded by an article I read that you wouldn't have to wait for next season to see the immediate effect of a writers' strike in May. The very first place you'd notice it is in late night, where the monologues that all the hosts do at the top of their shows would likely be gone. Whether those shows would still be able to go on without the comedy shtick at the beginning is an open question.
The few remaining soap operas would also see the curtain fall for the duration of any walkout. There may be a few episodes in the can, buy they'd quickly run out. Because they're continuing storylines, the networks may have to go back to previously seen episodes from the past to keep an on-air presence. Or they could just be shut down, leaving a big gap in a network's daily schedule.
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Thread Starter- Peter the K
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I can't speak for other soaps but Days of our Lives has about 8 months of episodes in the can.
Now I know why.
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What shows would stop first if Hollywood writers strike? Here's what the WGA says
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Thread Starter- betaylored
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The Writers Guild gets specific about the rules if it becomes unruly and the write stuff gets strikingly suspended.
Last edited by betaylored (April 25, 2023 10:19 pm)
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Peter the K wrote:
I can't speak for other soaps but Days of our Lives has about 8 months of episodes in the can.
Now I know why.
Other soaps may not be so lucky. The linked articles take forever to get to the point, but the bottom line is that CBS' The Young & The Restless can go with first run episodes until around the first week in June. The Bold & The Beautiful may be out of new shows by May 22nd, And then those soaps will have to go into the rerun spin cycle.
Peter The K is correct about Days Of Our Lives. They have enough first run episodes to last until at least next December.
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