Unveiling the Secrets of Writers' Deals with Studios: Insights on Streaming Data, Residuals, AI Protection, and Beyond

Summary

Following extensive negotiations spanning nearly five months, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has successfully reached a preliminary accord with studios and streamers, effectively addressing critical concerns pertaining to equitable remuneration, residual compensation, and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of writing.

The revised content:

The revised three-year contract incorporates limitations on the utilization of AI in writing, a residual bonus based on viewership for streaming, and mandatory staffing minimums in writers' rooms as a safeguard against AI usage. Moreover, studios will be obligated to disclose whether AI-generated content was employed during the writing phase.

The members will have the opportunity to vote for the approval of the contract from October 2 to October 9.

The tentative agreement between the Writers Guild of America and the studios has been unveiled. Initially, the WGA went on strike on May 2 to demand fair wages, residual compensation, and restrictions on the use of AI. After extensive negotiations, the WGA has finally reached a tentative deal with studios and streamers. However, the actors' guild, SAG-AFTRA, is still on strike.

Now that the WGA strike has ended after 148 days, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed the specifics of the proposed resolution. The three-year contract with studios and streamers includes regulations on the utilization of AI in writing, a streaming residual bonus based on viewership, and minimum staffing requirements in writers' rooms. Regarding AI, the WGA now has protections against AI being used as source material, and studios must disclose if they are incorporating AI-generated content into the writing process. Additionally, the WGA will see an increase in minimum pay.

The WGA Deal Details Explained

The WGA successfully addressed the issue of streaming residuals, which had been a major point of contention during the strike negotiations. Under the new agreement, writers will receive rewards for shows that have a high number of viewers on streaming platforms. Specifically, the contract states that writers will be rewarded for programs that are viewed by 20% or more of the service's domestic subscribers within 90 days of release, or within the first 90 days of subsequent exhibition years. Additionally, the deal requires studios to be transparent about their viewing numbers, a departure from past practices where platforms like Netflix and other streaming giants kept such information confidential.

In another effort to protect writers, the WGA requested a minimum staff count of six in a writers' room, with an additional person added for every two episodes until reaching a maximum of 12. This request aimed to prevent studios from replacing writers with artificial intelligence (AI). While the WGA did not secure their full request, the studios did agree to a minimum of three staff members for shows with development rooms lasting 20 weeks or longer.

The contract ratification vote will be held from October 2 to October 9. Although the WGA strike resolution is not yet final, there are positive signs for the guild. For months, the strike's conclusion seemed far-fetched due to inadequate residual payments and unyielding studios. However, with a compromise reached, the WGA will soon resume work on the productions that were put on hold during the strike.