Why are the writers on strike?
Writers do not want to be on strike. We have been forced into this position by the multinational corporations that own the studios and networks. Starting on July 16, the Guild’s leadership negotiated in good faith with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to reach a fair and reasonable deal. In response to our efforts, the companies offered rollbacks affecting every gain writers have made since 1960 and proposed a restructuring of the industry that would end our ability to support ourselves and our families.
Don’t writers make enough money?
Most writers are middle class; 46% did not even work last year. Of those who do work, one quarter make less than $37,700 a year and 50% make less than $105,000 a year. Over a five year period of employment and unemployment, a writer's average income is $62,000 per year.
What is the AMPTP?
The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) is a group of large media companies that have interests in all facets of the film, television and theatrical business. The past decade has seen enormous consolidation in the entertainment industry. The acquisitions and mergers of the 1990s have left just a handful of entertainment industry giants. Five companies (GE, Disney, Viacom, News Corp. and Time Warner) now control over 75% of television viewing and motion picture box office. This consolidation has steadily eroded the bargaining power of writers and other members of Hollywood's creative community.
Why do you have to strike? Can’t the writers continue to work and negotiate at the same time?
Writers want to go back to work and will do so as soon as the AMPTP returns to the negotiating table and bargains a fair deal. So far, all of our offers to negotiate have been rejected by the AMPTP.
Why can’t you just agree to the companies’ proposals?
The major studios and networks made $95 billion in revenues last year alone. And they expect that number to increase with the advent of the Internet and digital broadcasting. When it comes to some new media distribution, the conglomerates are proposing to pay writers nothing.. On permanent downloads or “electronic sell-through” they’re offering less than 1/3 of a penny for every dollar they make; the same we make on DVDs. Would YOU accept that offer?
What is “new media” and why is it so important?
Industry experts agree that in the next 2-5 years most American televisions will be connected to the Internet and the shows and movies you watch will be transmitted via an Internet connection. Corporate revenue from video downloading is estimated to be $1 billion for the next three years; proceeds from video streaming will be $3 billion during the next two years.
Writers are asking for Guild coverage of writing for the Internet, basic residuals for Internet content reuse, and the tools to enforce this agreement. These residuals are not a bonus for writers; they are a critical part of compensation. The media conglomerates are refusing to grant the Writers Guild jurisdiction over original writing for the Internet, though nearly ALL writing will likely be transmitted this way in the future.
Aren’t the CEOs saying they don’t know if the Internet will be profitable?
They’re saying that to the writers, while at the same time telling a different story to the media and stockholders. Listen to their own words, and decide for yourself:
- “Content is going to be more and more and more important. We all have PDAs, we all have cell phones with screens, we’ve all experienced the screen in the back of the taxi cab, the screens in the elevator, and we are one of the best companies in the world at feeding those screens.” --Ben Silverman, NBC Entertainment Chairman.
- “Perhaps CSI will be on the network and it will also be on broadband. At some point instead of 27 million people watching it 20 million will watch it and 5 million will watch it on the Internet. But we will get paid for it regardless... We as the network, as the studio, as the producers and production companies, we will get paid no matter where you get it from.” --Les Moonves, President & CEO, CBS.
- “Viacom will double its revenue this year from digital.” --Sumner Redstone, Chairman,Viacom.
How long do you think the strike will last?
Until the conglomerates offer us a fair deal. Writers CANNOT sign the deal they’ve offered so far. It would mean writers can no longer make a decent living from their work. Writers are prepared to strike for as long as it takes.
What about the “below-the-line” workers and the rest of the community that are suffering because of the strike?
We stand in solidarity with our fellow union members and are fighting for their rights along with ours. Fifty-five percent of the health insurance and pension funds for members of IATSE, the Teamsters, and the basic craft unions are paid for by residuals, but currently none of those unions receive residuals on content distributed through new media. As audiences move from traditional outlets to new media, the health and pension benefits of those unions are increasingly at risk. We care about all the members of our community, but if we and the other Hollywood unions accept an unfair deal, it will hurt everyone, including businesses that depend on a thriving entertainment industry. We HATE that others might be suffering because of this strike, but the conglomerates have left us no alternative.
How can I help?
If you'd like to support our members in their fight for a fair contract, here’s what you can do:
- Send letters to the heads of these Companies and urge them to bargain fairly with the Writers Guild.
- Send us an e-mail and voice your support. We will post your message on our support page for our members to read.
- Download these files to show your support: Web Graphic Window Sign (.pdf)
- For more support ideas, go here.