Summary:
- The WGA has been negotiating with the Alliance Motion Picture, Television Producers, but there is talk of negotiating with individual studios.
- Several shows, like Drew Barrymore's talk show, are returning without WGA writers, either with improvements or non-union replacement writers.
- Fran Drescher and Jolie Richards win the SAG election, indicating a unity among the membership.
- The upcoming solidarity rally aims to keep people engaged in the ongoing strikes and negotiations.
- As contracts expire and negotiations continue, Hollywood faces a hot labor year.
Entertainment attorney and journalist Jonathan Handel joins the picket line to speak on the ongoing Hollywood strikes and negotiations. Handel addresses the possibility of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) negotiating with individual studios and the return of shows without WGA writers, like Drew Barrymore's talk show and Jennifer Hudson's show. He also discusses the recent SAG election results and the upcoming solidarity rally.
Entertainment Attorney Jonathan Handel weighs in on Hollywood Strikes
Entertainment attorney and freelance journalist Jonathan Handel joined the Pickett lines to give his perspective on the current state of Hollywood strikes. The interview covered the negotiations between WGA and AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA, and their different agreements.
Picking individual studios
The WGA may move on from the main studio head and go to individual studios instead of negotiating with AMPTP, the Alliance Motion Picture, Television Producers. The Association of Talent Agents wasn't successful in discussing the issue with WGA in their negotiations. This move can result in divided networking, and it's a sensitive issue.
Non-union writers
Some shows, such as Drew Barrymore's show, Jennifer Hudson show, and the Talk, have returned without WGA writers while they may be using non-union writers.
Different contracts for SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA contracts include TVs, theatrical, soap operas, and game shows. Their agreement doesn't expire until next year, so there is no stepping on SAG-AFTRA's toes. As for the Writers Guild, they have been picketing Drew's show in New York and protests may increase. It's a difficult, touchy situation.
SAG Presidential elections and national board
Frances Dresher won with 81% of the vote from the SAG presidential elections and national board. The unity slate between the two main factions in SAG includes Fran, Jolie, and all the others. There is no great dissatisfaction among the members. The actors are used to holding out; they don't work that much, which is why people should expect a big solidarity rally.
Solidarity Rally tomorrow
Since the strike has been going for a long time, people need to be engaged. That's why there will be a big solidarity rally tomorrow. However, it's unlikely to see a deal until next year because of the time it takes to do these deals and get them ratified. Additional contracts will expire soon, which will affect the situation.
Hot labor year
The IA crew and teamsters have contracts that expire in spring and mid-summer. The strike may last longer, resulting in a hot labor year.
As negotiations continue and contracts expire, Hollywood faces a hot labor year. Only time will tell what the outcome of these strikes and negotiations will be.