It’s been nearly 150 days, and the Writers Guild of America is still on strike. Their goal is to receive better compensation and address other concerning issues, like the advancements of AI. Since the increased use of streaming services since COVID-19, there has been an astronomical decrease in pay for the writers of TV shows and movies.

Many writers can barely live comfortably and the studios are finding reasons to pay them less. Writers used to make a lot more because of the reruns on cable, but streaming services have changed the game. WGA is asking for better upfront pay and for better residual pay: the money they would earn when their work is reused.

The creation of “mini-rooms” has also been a big issue for the writers. They are employed and work together for months only for their project to not be picked up by a studio. During the pandemic, these “mini-rooms” increased astronomically and were done in Zoom meetings. They are only paid a minimum rate and it’s a lot less than what they are used to receiving.

There is also the question of how AI can replace screenwriters and the big company studios like Paramount, Disney, Netflix and Warner Bros. no longer have to hire and pay their employees. AI is still new and no one knows how it will play into everyday lives. Since it’s capable of doing the work without being paid, the workers of WGA are worried.

The bigger question is how will AI change how we view and understand movies? If humans are no longer required for storytelling, how will movies and streaming services evolve?

WGA is not the only one struggling though; streaming services have hurt the production studios as well. They have been laying off thousands of people since the start of the pandemic and even though we are getting back to making more works, it’s nowhere to what it was.

Since the start of this strike in May, many shows and movies have been either delayed or canceled. TV shows being made today do not have as many episodes in a season. You used to see 20-23 episodes per season and now it’s more like 8-10 episodes.

Some of these movies and shows include: Stranger Things, Euphoria, Saturday Night Live, Abbott Elementary, and many more. Late night talk shows have refused to continue to keep running in solidarity for WGA. The shows who have continued have received backlash from the public as a result; Drew Barrymore has received a lot of hate as being a part of WGA but deciding to keep her talk show running.

The WGA and The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have gotten a lot closer to making a deal. They are hoping to negotiate and sign a three-year contract. This negotiation will be the final one as AMPTP has refused to continue after this. After the negative long-term effects from this strike, big producing companies will have to give into the demands of the WGA.

If all goes well, then writers will be given the money and credit they deserve, and producers will start making the shows and movies everyone knows and loves again.