The Long Lasting Strike of the Hollywood Writers and Actors

By Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor • September 13, 2023

The Hollywood writers of the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and actors of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have now been on strike for more than 100 days.

For the past three months, writers and actors of Hollywood have been fighting to gain contracts to protect their jobs. With the recent rise in the popularity of AI, actors’ and writers’ careers have been put at risk of replacement by AI. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA have been fighting continuously to come to an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Studios seem to have little to no interest in working things out with WGA or SAG-AFTRA for a few months. The AMPTP believes that in the fall, starting in October, writers and actors will have been on strike long enough to be running out of money. Industries have no care to give attention to the writers and actors. Some go as far as calling this approach “cruel” or “evil.” Studios feel that when it comes to that point, they will have the power to control the terms of any agreement that actors and writers would be willing to make.

Since the writers and actors first went on strike, AMPTP has had no interest in talking with WGA or SAG-AFTRA to come to an agreement. In fact, studios are in no rush to get them back. With no writers and actors in the studios, very few projects will need funding. This is allowing studios and industries to save a lot of money.

The WGA made a statement saying that AMPTP made attempts to work around the strike of the writers. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA have no intention of backing down. They believe that this is how a deal will be made.

A studio executive states, “It is a waiting game.” As both sides continue to stand their ground, no deals seem to be in the near future for resolving this industry’s issue. Time is running out as making a deal in the next couple of weeks could save the winter season in Hollywood. If no deal is made quickly, Hollywood productions may remain halted for many months even after the strike comes to an end. The consequences for the writers and the actors could be very severe as they will have to make it through the winter without work pay.

About the Contributors

Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor

Hey guys! I’m Martina Brajanovska, and I’m finally a senior! It’s been a long journey getting here, but I’m very excited that we made it. The past four years have all blended into one giant reel of memories that I have made along the way; many that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve made and lost friends along the way, gained skills and cried tears (many tears), but I would not take back a single second. As this final year begins, my anticipation grows and stress is settling in. Writing for The Ubiquity has given me the opportunity to freely express my thoughts on topics that intrigue me. I am sad to see my time as a staff writer and copy editor come to an end this year, but excited to begin a new chapter in my life.

Judy Lee, Staff Writer

Hello everyone! I’m Judy, a senior at Quartz Hill. I joined journalism during eleventh grade and decided to join again because I enjoyed it last year. I’ve been a part of the Quartz Hill Cheer team for four years. I am so excited and not so patiently waiting for all the events and games. One fact about me: I have played the violin for over eight years. I was the concertmaster of the West Coast Classical Orchestra last year. I am aiming for that position again this year when I audition soon. Playing as first chair last year was fantastic, so I hope to experience it again! The first few months of senior year will be busy because of college applications and other things, but I hope it’s fun and worthwhile. I’m glad to be returning to journalism and writing for The Ubiquity!