Hollywood Strike Nears End as Writers Reach Tentative Deal

A tentative agreement between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) could end the Hollywood strike, the most significant since 1960. The strike began on May 2, 2023, with writers demanding better pay, job stability, and regulations on AI use in writing. The deal, not yet ratified, reportedly includes minimum wage increases, guarantees on writing phases, and higher streaming residuals. However, the actors' union SAG-AFTRA remains on strike. The walkout has cost the US film industry an estimated $5 billion across California, New Mexico, Georgia, and New York, according to Milken Institute economist Kevin Klowden. The strike disrupted film festivals like the Venice Film Festival, where actors could not promote studio films. Italian cinema may benefit from reduced US competition, with major Italian releases scheduled.