As the Writer’s Guild of America strike enters its 10th week, the knock-on effects of the protracted strike climate are beginning to be felt throughout the industry. In particular, LA- typically one of the busiest filming locations in the United States- is seeing a profound slowdown in both permits issued and the associated spend that comes with them. Last week we saw the LA City Council vote unanimously in approval of a resolution to support the WGA, urging the studios to come back to the bargaining table with a fair deal. Blake & Wang P.A’s Brandon Blake, our entertainment lawyer and industry expert on the ground, has the full news.
Reduction in Permits
According to data by FilmLA, the city’s permit office, no permits for scripted TV series have been issued for location shoots within LA for yet another week. In the previous week, there were only three, while the two weeks before that also saw no movement. Overall, the permit count for both films and TV projects is down 64% compared to the same period last year, with the bulk of what is being issued within categories not affected by the labor action- namely Reality TV and non-union indie film projects.
The WGA strike began on May 2nd this year, after negotiations with the AMPTP fell through. In particular, the guild’s issues things on compensation, staffing numbers, employment duration, residuals, and the impact of AI on the writing industry. As one of the most iconic cities within the entertainment industry ecosphere, it’s hardly surprising that the knock-on effects of the work stoppage would have a large economic impact on Los Angeles. And now we’ve seen the City Council weigh in on the debate.
Return to the Bargaining Table
Called a ‘fight for the future of Hollywood’ by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, a Hollywood representative to the panel, he reiterated the need to allow workers to earn a living and fair wage from their work. The resolution seeks to offer support not necessarily just to the union’s fight as a concept, but also the working families in LA affected by the drawn-out strike action.
While far from unheard of, it is unusual to see a non-involved party make a statement so heavily on one side of the bargaining table, and the new resolution makes no secret of how strongly it sides with the WGA on the matter, stating the following:
‘WGA writers, like all workers, deserve to be paid what they are worth, and they deserve dignity in their work. It’s past time the studios recognize that, come back to the table, and end this strike now…..writers are facing the most comprehensive assault on their compensation and working conditions in a generation. Media companies have taken advantage of the industry’s transition to global streaming to underpay workers…”
Citing LA’s position as the ‘entertainment capital of the world’, the resolution mentions their ‘vested interest’ in the sustainability of the entertainment industry workforce. It also unequivocally states that the AMPTP should return to the bargaining table to reach a ‘fair deal’ with the workers affected.
Will it have any impact? In itself, likely not, but it is rather interesting to see such an outright statement of position from politicians on the matter. Where to from here? For now, week 10 of the strike. Let’s hope there’s better news to report soon.
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