A MOMENT FOR THE WRITER’S STRIKE

In May 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on an indefinite nationwide strike after failing to reach a new contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The strike has had a significant impact on the television and film industry, with many TV shows and movies being put on hold, and some even being cancelled.

One of the industries that has been affected by the writers strike is the locations industry. With the production of TV shows and movies being disrupted, the demand for filming locations has been greatly reduced. This has been a challenge for locations professionals and only time will tell how this will affect the industry at large. Many locations professionals have been forced to furlough or lay off their staff in response to the reduced demand for filming locations. Moreover, some locations businesses may be risking closure if the strike is prolonged.

Despite the challenges, there is still a need for filming locations in other parts of the industry, such as commercials or music videos. In addition, some locations professionals are using the downtime to work on developing new business opportunities, such as location sales or the creation of digital sets for virtual production.

The ongoing writers strike is a cautionary reminder of the importance of collective negotiation and the need for fair compensation in the creative industry. With so much of our cultural identity being shaped by the content we consume, it is vital that the people who create this content are treated with the respect and compensation they deserve.

While the impact of the writers strike on the locations industry is significant, it is only one of many industries that have been affected. As the strike continues, it is important for all those involved in the entertainment industry to come together and support each other in the fight for fair and equitable compensation.