Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) held an intense meeting on Thursday, focusing on crucial issues such as artificial intelligence and residual compensation for streaming projects. The negotiations, which lasted all day, saw both parties engaging in joint meetings as well as separate caucuses to address their concerns.
While progress was made on both the artificial intelligence and compensation issues, there is still work to be done. The measure of success for streaming transparency and compensation continues to be a sticking point for both sides, adding to the complexity of the negotiations.
To continue the discussions, the WGA negotiating committee has confirmed that the parties will meet again on Friday. Prominent Hollywood executives are expected to be in attendance, adding weight to the importance of finding a resolution to these ongoing disputes.
The current WGA strike is approaching a milestone, as it nears the lengthiest strike in the union’s history. In 1988, a strike that lasted 154 days put a halt to the industry’s operations. Speculation about progress and a potential deal has been circulating within the industry, but unfortunately, talks concluded on Thursday without a final agreement.
The length of the strike, coupled with the concurrent SAG-AFTRA strike, has tested labor solidarity and industry finances. As the strikes prolong, doubts about the overall sustainability of the industry have started to emerge.
The WGA and AMPTP are battling it out over crucial issues that will shape the future of the entertainment industry. As negotiations continue, both parties will be under immense pressure to find common ground and strike a deal that benefits all parties involved. Hollywood anxiously waits to see if these talks will yield a breakthrough or further prolong the standstill that has impacted the industry for months now.
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