Hollywood writers go on strike as talks break down with studios

As reported by Variety, the WGA had two "main sticking points" in its proposal. First, they wanted to increase the minimum TV staff based on the number of episodes, with one writer per episode up to six episodes, then an additional writer every two episodes after six (up to a maximum of 12 writers per show). They also wanted to guarantee television staff a minimum number of weeks of employment, with at least 10 consecutive weeks and up to 52 weeks (or, in other words, one year).

These points are detailed in a long document posted online by the WGA. Other proposals listed in the document include "full theatrical terms, including better upfront compensation and residuals" for streaming features with a budget of $12 million or more; an increase in weekly rates for writers and television editors or editors, with writer-producers receiving a 25% higher weekly rate; and "to establish an audience-based residual – in addition to the existing fixed residual – to reward programs with larger audiences". The latter, in particular, would require more "transparency regarding program views" than most streaming services currently offer.

Another major issue was the use of AI, with the WGA calling on the AMPTP to "regulate [the] use of artificial intelligence on projects covered by the MBA." Specifically, the WGA proposed that the AI ​​"cannot write or rewrite literary material; cannot be used as source material; and material covered by the MBA cannot be used to train the AI". In many of these cases, the WGA reported that the AMPTP "rejected our proposal [and] refused to make a counter". Regarding AI, the WGA also noted that the organization rejected its proposal before "countering by proposing annual meetings to discuss technological advances".