WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike 2023: Today's Best Links - Wednesday, August 16th

Post by: Rick Ellis 16 August, 2023

Here is a round-up of the best news coverage of the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike from Wednesday, August 16th, 2023. Links will be added and updated throughout the day:

* Strike Impact Hits Earnings As Executives Size Up War Chests (The Hollywood Reporter)
While hoping and planning for a resolution in September, Hollywood studios, streamers and affiliated businesses have begun forecasting lower revenue, content spend and, in some cases, a lower outlook for the year. Because while some may be able to stem the tide of a production shutdown in the short term, the financial danger increases as the strike goes on further into the fall and the release schedule suffers.

* MPTF To Host Food Drive; Nears $1M In Financial Assistance Payouts During Strikes (Deadline)
The Motion Picture & Television Fund will host a food drive on August 24 to help out industry members effected by the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Volunteers are being provided by IATSE and Teamsters Local 399, with donations from the Matthew 25: Ministries.

* Ken Ziffren on Writers Strike: Tuesday’s Meeting “Did Not Move the Ball Forward” (The Hollywood Reporter)
Ken Ziffren, a veteran entertainment attorney who’s served as Los Angeles’ film czar since 2014, is casting skepticism as to whether negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have progressed.

* Playwrights Say Financial Cushion From TV and Film Work Has Diminished: “The Rug Is Being Pulled Out” (The Hollywood Reporter)
For many playwrights, film and television work has historically served as a supplement to their income from the theater world. But in recent years, writers say, studios have begun to poke holes in that safety net, leaving some stage scribes as frustrated and angry as their screenwriting colleagues.

* TV Staff Minimum Remains Key Sticking Point, But Some In WGA Privately Grumble: 'Nobody Asked for This' (Variety)
The WGA places a premium on solidarity. But within the guild, there’s been some private dissent over the proposal, with some showrunners telling Variety that they think it is the "wrong fight" and should not be the reason that the strike is prolonged.