The Directors Guild of America (DGA) is currently in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in an attempt to reach an agreement that could end the ongoing two-week writers’ strike. While talks are progressing with the AMPTP, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has informed its members that it is winning the PR war with studios due to their shared stories in the media. The WGA has pointed out that “the whole world is on our side.” As industry events and productions have been shut down by WGA member pickets, the strike may result in a loss of approximately $30 million per day.
The DGA and AMPTP agreed to a blackout during negotiations. However, reports suggest that talks between the two entities are proceeding in a cooperative fashion, and the atmosphere at the negotiating table is calm. The DGA views studios as partners and is actively working to secure a streaming residual scheme. The current formula for streaming residual is based on subscriber numbers in the US and Canada. The DGA also aims to protect creative rights while ensuring diversity provisions, set security, and pensions and health care.
If the DGA reaches an agreement, the formula can be applied to WGA. However, WGA leaders are advising members not to expect the strike to be resolved by an agreement with the DGA. This is because DGA does not focus on writer-centric issues, such as television room space, or seek residual increase based on performance for successful shows, which is one of the WGA’s demands. The WGA is planning a Zoom meeting for members on Thursday.