Rumors are flying around the ongoing writers’ strike that started May 2nd and the latest rumblings aren’t putting the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in a flattering light.
“The endgame is to allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses,” said one anonymous studio executive according to Deadline.
Whether this is a long-term plan or studios venting frustrations with a lengthy strike, both sides seem ready to die on this hill. Negotiations have halted and neither union members nor studios are willing to give an inch on terms.
However, studios have a deep pocket advantage and if they do choose could keep the strike going until they get their way. Some are prepared to hold out past October thinking writers would run through their savings and accept any deal at that point.
The fall season for most networks has mostly reality-based series or reruns scheduled and little to no original content being released which further saves studios money as they’re paying for licensing agreements instead of fronting the entire production cost.
But still, it’s not a good spot for anyone to be in, especially long term. Closing down communication is a breeding ground for stewing hostility, which is no one’s alley when forming a compromise. Collaboration is key to creativity and working together to create quality entertainment for audiences, same goes for fair contract negotiations.
“These anonymous people are not speaking on behalf of the AMPTP or member companies, who are committed to reaching a deal and getting our industry back to work,” stated a spokesperson for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
As the Screen Actors Guild prepares to begin its own strike, this will further complicate studios’ alleged plan to starve out the artists. Both unions striking at once will hit productions harder and bring all scripted filming to a halt. SAG-AFTRA is planning to continue contract negotiation attempts in the upcoming weeks.