The Writers Guild Of America (WGA) will commence contract renewal talks with studio and streamers negotiating body Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) on March 20.
A statement by AMPTP read, “The AMPTP is fully committed to reaching a fair and reasonable deal that brings strength and stability to the industry.” WGA West sources reportedly confirmed the date.
The Guild negotiates its minimum basic agreements with AMPTP every three years and the current contract expires on May 1.
There has been widespread talk in Hollywood of industrial action this summer should the parties fail to agree terms, however WGA West board member Adam Conover recently posted a video on YouTube urging caution over rumours.
“[A]nyone who claims to know what the Guild is going to do this cycle doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” Conover said. “That’s because our Guild, which is democratic, is the reason. We are the Guild – all of us – and it’s we, the membership, who decide how to proceed.”
Member meetings have started this month. The Guild will determine its specific demands in the coming weeks and they are expected to include revised terms ruling residuals payments.
Contract renewal talks involving the DGA and SAG-AFTRA will take place this summer ahead of their contract expirations on June 30.
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