Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries is set to launch two new comedy podcasts, both humorously anchored in nature. Tiny Dinos premiered on May 7, with episodes dropping weekly on Tuesdays; and Walkin’ About on May 15, 2024, with episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays. Both series will be available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
McKay says: “Connor, James and Allan are all very talented comedians, and Lord knows we all can use some laughter these days. But they’re also asking questions that boldly challenge the international corporate power structure like ‘What happens if I start taking regular walks?’ And ‘What would happen if we brought dinosaurs back but they were super tiny?’”
Tiny Dinos comes from the imagination of Connor Ratliff, whose Dead Eyes podcast became a fan favorite with many Hollywood actors and filmmakers, and collaborator James III. In Tiny Dinos, Ratliff takes improv to the...
McKay says: “Connor, James and Allan are all very talented comedians, and Lord knows we all can use some laughter these days. But they’re also asking questions that boldly challenge the international corporate power structure like ‘What happens if I start taking regular walks?’ And ‘What would happen if we brought dinosaurs back but they were super tiny?’”
Tiny Dinos comes from the imagination of Connor Ratliff, whose Dead Eyes podcast became a fan favorite with many Hollywood actors and filmmakers, and collaborator James III. In Tiny Dinos, Ratliff takes improv to the...
- 5/17/2024
- Podnews.net
Dropout has set a new series of live recorded comedy specials titled “Dropout Presents.” The series will launch on June 12 with Hank Green’s “Pissing Out Cancer,” taped at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles
Green is a YouTuber best known for the “Vlogbrothers” channel he runs alongside his brother, John Green, with whom he also produces educational shows such as “Crash Course.” He is also the author of the novels “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” (2018) and “A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor” (2020). Green was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023 and has thoroughly documented his experiences with the illness on the internet.
“There are good parts of cancer,” Green jokes in a trailer for “Dropout Presents.” “I was thinking I was maybe gonna get that Jeremy Allen White situation going on. I got the Mark Zuckerberg situation instead.”
Six more specials will debut on Dropout as part of “Dropout Presents” throughout the year. All were recorded in L.
Green is a YouTuber best known for the “Vlogbrothers” channel he runs alongside his brother, John Green, with whom he also produces educational shows such as “Crash Course.” He is also the author of the novels “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” (2018) and “A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor” (2020). Green was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023 and has thoroughly documented his experiences with the illness on the internet.
“There are good parts of cancer,” Green jokes in a trailer for “Dropout Presents.” “I was thinking I was maybe gonna get that Jeremy Allen White situation going on. I got the Mark Zuckerberg situation instead.”
Six more specials will debut on Dropout as part of “Dropout Presents” throughout the year. All were recorded in L.
- 5/8/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Indie streaming platform Dropout, formerly known as CollegeHumor, is vying for a spotlight at this year’s Primetime Emmys with an ambitious campaign to secure its first major nominations. With a passionate and niche audience, Variety has learned exclusively about Dropout’s top contenders submitted for Emmy love, including the innovative game show “Game Changer” and the unique interview series “Very Important People.”
“Game Changer,” a standout series hosted by Dropout CEO Sam Reich, turns the traditional game show format on its head. Each episode introduces a new game, but the twist is that the three comedian contestants are clueless about the rules until the game begins. The blend of improv comedy and fierce competition has not only captivated audiences but also spawned three successful spinoffs: “Dirty Laundry,” “Make Some Noise” and “Play It by Ear.”
Two of the season’s funniest episodes, “Sam Says 3” (featuring Jacob Wysocki’s epic...
“Game Changer,” a standout series hosted by Dropout CEO Sam Reich, turns the traditional game show format on its head. Each episode introduces a new game, but the twist is that the three comedian contestants are clueless about the rules until the game begins. The blend of improv comedy and fierce competition has not only captivated audiences but also spawned three successful spinoffs: “Dirty Laundry,” “Make Some Noise” and “Play It by Ear.”
Two of the season’s funniest episodes, “Sam Says 3” (featuring Jacob Wysocki’s epic...
- 5/8/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries will soon debut two new comedy podcasts: Tiny Dinos, from Connor Ratliff and James III, and Allan McLeod’s Walkin’ About.
Tiny Dinos premieres May 7, with episodes dropping weekly on Tuesdays, while Walkin’ About debuts on May 15, with episodes released weekly on Wednesdays. Both series will be available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. A trailer for Tiny Dinos can be found above.
Tiny Dinos
“Connor, James and Allan are all very talented comedians, and Lord knows we all can use some laughter these days,” said McKay in a statement to Deadline. “But they’re also asking questions that boldly challenge the international corporate power structure like ‘What happens if I start taking regular walks?’ And ‘What would happen if we brought dinosaurs back but they were super tiny?'”
In Tiny Dinos, Ratliff takes improv to the next...
Tiny Dinos premieres May 7, with episodes dropping weekly on Tuesdays, while Walkin’ About debuts on May 15, with episodes released weekly on Wednesdays. Both series will be available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. A trailer for Tiny Dinos can be found above.
Tiny Dinos
“Connor, James and Allan are all very talented comedians, and Lord knows we all can use some laughter these days,” said McKay in a statement to Deadline. “But they’re also asking questions that boldly challenge the international corporate power structure like ‘What happens if I start taking regular walks?’ And ‘What would happen if we brought dinosaurs back but they were super tiny?'”
In Tiny Dinos, Ratliff takes improv to the next...
- 4/23/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
About nine months months after the writers on MTV’s viral comedy clips show Ridiculousness launched their attempt to unionize, the group has reached a first labor contract with its employer.
The deal covering a group of 11 creative consultants who are unionized with the Writers Guild of America West was signed on Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The new deal provides these staffers with minimum wage rates consistent with the WGA’s minimum basic agreement, residuals in basic cable and other markets and pension and health benefits, with paid parental leave included. The contract also establishes protocols for grievances and arbitration, holiday pay, language on the use of AI and “full season employment guarantees,” per the union.
The deal is retroactive to October 23, 2023, and creative consultants are set to receive payments, health and pension contributions and residuals dating back to that time. The contract does not require a ratification vote to take effect.
The deal covering a group of 11 creative consultants who are unionized with the Writers Guild of America West was signed on Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The new deal provides these staffers with minimum wage rates consistent with the WGA’s minimum basic agreement, residuals in basic cable and other markets and pension and health benefits, with paid parental leave included. The contract also establishes protocols for grievances and arbitration, holiday pay, language on the use of AI and “full season employment guarantees,” per the union.
The deal is retroactive to October 23, 2023, and creative consultants are set to receive payments, health and pension contributions and residuals dating back to that time. The contract does not require a ratification vote to take effect.
- 4/17/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Sierra Katow (The Sex Lives of College Girls) is partnering with Comedy Dynamics on the release of her debut comedy special, Funt, which will become available on platforms worldwide on April 2nd, rolling out in album form on April 5th.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: First Lady Jill Biden will be the featured speaker at Monday’s A Day Of Unreasonable Conversation, a social impact event featuring entertainment industry figures and activists.
Biden will take part in a conversation with Halle Berry to talk about the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Their talk, titled “Writing New Stories About Women’s Health,” will delve into how cultural figures and content can advance conversation’s about the topic.
The first lady is heading to Southern California today for a round of fundraising and an appearance this weekend at the Los Angeles Human Rights Campaign dinner.
Others taking part in the Getty Center event include Paris Hilton, Yvette Nicole Brown, Christine Blasey Ford, Amy Spitalnick and Sitarah Pendleton-Eaglin. The lineup includes Jane Fonda, Cord Jefferson, Yusef Salaam, Charli d’Amelio, Dorian Warren, Maurice Mitchell, Sinead Bovell, Angela Patton, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford,...
Biden will take part in a conversation with Halle Berry to talk about the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Their talk, titled “Writing New Stories About Women’s Health,” will delve into how cultural figures and content can advance conversation’s about the topic.
The first lady is heading to Southern California today for a round of fundraising and an appearance this weekend at the Los Angeles Human Rights Campaign dinner.
Others taking part in the Getty Center event include Paris Hilton, Yvette Nicole Brown, Christine Blasey Ford, Amy Spitalnick and Sitarah Pendleton-Eaglin. The lineup includes Jane Fonda, Cord Jefferson, Yusef Salaam, Charli d’Amelio, Dorian Warren, Maurice Mitchell, Sinead Bovell, Angela Patton, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles will be engaging in A Day of Unreasonable Conversation for a fourth straight year, via a lineup packed with both stars and top political figures.
A Day of Unreasonable Conversation, put on by social impact agency Propper Daley, seeks to bring together people with different life experiences and viewpoints to share their stories with TV industry leaders, who hold the power to shape global conversations through their projects.
Kerry Washington, Jane Fonda, Kesha, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, American Fiction writer Cord Jefferson, WGA board member Adam Conover and Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny will take part in the event, held this year at the Getty Center on March 25. This year’s iteration will also be co-chaired by Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Washington’s production company Simpson Street, with The Hollywood Reporter returning as media partner.
“We have all seen the power that stories have to...
A Day of Unreasonable Conversation, put on by social impact agency Propper Daley, seeks to bring together people with different life experiences and viewpoints to share their stories with TV industry leaders, who hold the power to shape global conversations through their projects.
Kerry Washington, Jane Fonda, Kesha, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, American Fiction writer Cord Jefferson, WGA board member Adam Conover and Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny will take part in the event, held this year at the Getty Center on March 25. This year’s iteration will also be co-chaired by Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Washington’s production company Simpson Street, with The Hollywood Reporter returning as media partner.
“We have all seen the power that stories have to...
- 3/6/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America continues to express its displeasure with the exclusion of some writing categories from the 75th Emmy Awards.
The guild sent out a petition on Tuesday signed by more than 1,400 members, urging the Television Academy to reinstate the “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special” categories in the primetime Emmy Awards telecast.
Along with the petition was a letter signed by several comedians who are eligible for these categories, including Michael Che, Stephen Colbert, Adam Conover, Jimmy Fallon, Sam Jay, Bomani Jones, Colin Jost, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Jon Stewart, and Robin Thede.
In a collective statement, the group of comedians wrote: “As hosts of series eligible for the Emmy Awards’ ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special’ categories, we are profoundly disappointed by the Television Academy’s decision to not present this award during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards...
The guild sent out a petition on Tuesday signed by more than 1,400 members, urging the Television Academy to reinstate the “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special” categories in the primetime Emmy Awards telecast.
Along with the petition was a letter signed by several comedians who are eligible for these categories, including Michael Che, Stephen Colbert, Adam Conover, Jimmy Fallon, Sam Jay, Bomani Jones, Colin Jost, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Jon Stewart, and Robin Thede.
In a collective statement, the group of comedians wrote: “As hosts of series eligible for the Emmy Awards’ ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special’ categories, we are profoundly disappointed by the Television Academy’s decision to not present this award during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards...
- 12/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Kenny DeForest, a popular stand-up comic who made appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Late Late Show with James Corden, HBO’s Crashing and Comedy Central’s Tales From The Trip, died yesterday at a Brooklyn hospital days after a Dec. 8 traffic accident in which his bicycle was struck by a motor vehicle. He was 37.
His death was announced by his friend and fellow comic Ryan Beck, who posted the news on a GoFundMe page that had been set up to assist with medical bills following the accident. According to Beck, DeForest had undergone neurological surgery to remove a piece of his skull and relieve pressure from a brain bleed.
“Kenny died on Wednesday December 13th at Kings County Hospital surrounded by his parents, family, and friends,” Beck wrote. “Kenny’s final moments included some of his favorite songs, stories of his childhood, and memories of his...
His death was announced by his friend and fellow comic Ryan Beck, who posted the news on a GoFundMe page that had been set up to assist with medical bills following the accident. According to Beck, DeForest had undergone neurological surgery to remove a piece of his skull and relieve pressure from a brain bleed.
“Kenny died on Wednesday December 13th at Kings County Hospital surrounded by his parents, family, and friends,” Beck wrote. “Kenny’s final moments included some of his favorite songs, stories of his childhood, and memories of his...
- 12/14/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With the corporate-friendly copyright laws printed on current edition U.S. law books, film distribution and production companies are the default custodians of cinema. That doesn't mean they approach the responsibility of ensuring people can watch what they want, with the attitude it deserves. Quite the opposite; films and TV are devalued as mere "content," can linger in rights-holding limbo away from public exhibition, and in the streaming era, it's easier than ever to just destroy a film, as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has proven.
Now, it's Sony's turn for some anti-consumer activism. Kotaku reports that Sony will, come December 31, be deleting Discovery reality TV programs from PlayStation 4 users' digital libraries. People who have already bought and paid for these Discovery shows will lose access to them; it's like returning an item to the store where you bought it, except you don't get your money back.
Herein...
Now, it's Sony's turn for some anti-consumer activism. Kotaku reports that Sony will, come December 31, be deleting Discovery reality TV programs from PlayStation 4 users' digital libraries. People who have already bought and paid for these Discovery shows will lose access to them; it's like returning an item to the store where you bought it, except you don't get your money back.
Herein...
- 12/2/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Raid the Cage fans, we’ve got a fresh off the press preview for the new Season 1 Episode 9 episode titled Holiday Extravaganza!
Find out everything you need to know about the Holiday Extravaganza episode of Raid the Cage, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Raid the Cage Holiday Extravaganza Season 1 Episode 9 Preview
In the upcoming episode of “Raid the Cage,” set to air on CBS at 9:00 Pm on December 8, 2023, viewers are in for a festive treat with the special edition titled “Holiday Extravaganza.” This episode brings together two teams in a spirited competition where quick thinking and strategic decision-making are the keys to success. The spotlight shines on a captivating face-off between a father-daughter duo and a pair of married college sweethearts, adding a touch of family rivalry to the holiday-themed excitement.
As the game unfolds, Adam Conover guides the contestants through...
Find out everything you need to know about the Holiday Extravaganza episode of Raid the Cage, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Raid the Cage Holiday Extravaganza Season 1 Episode 9 Preview
In the upcoming episode of “Raid the Cage,” set to air on CBS at 9:00 Pm on December 8, 2023, viewers are in for a festive treat with the special edition titled “Holiday Extravaganza.” This episode brings together two teams in a spirited competition where quick thinking and strategic decision-making are the keys to success. The spotlight shines on a captivating face-off between a father-daughter duo and a pair of married college sweethearts, adding a touch of family rivalry to the holiday-themed excitement.
As the game unfolds, Adam Conover guides the contestants through...
- 12/1/2023
- by News
- TV Regular
The TV Academy is being slammed by the Writers Guild of America for apparently making the decision to remove the presentation of the outstanding writing for a variety series/special award from the Primetime Emmys telecast that will take place on Jan. 15, 2024.
In a missive sent on Tuesday to members of the WGA East and West, the guild’s top leadership — including WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm — calls the TV Academy’s move a “regrettable decision” and one “without any justification or defensible reason” which “devalues our profession.”
They go on to note that the guild has raised its objections directly with the TV Academy and is “strongly advocating to have the category remain in the primetime televised program.”
The TV Academy and its 2024 Emmys broadcasting partner Fox are presumably facing pressure to deliver higher telecast ratings by making the show shorter and...
In a missive sent on Tuesday to members of the WGA East and West, the guild’s top leadership — including WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm — calls the TV Academy’s move a “regrettable decision” and one “without any justification or defensible reason” which “devalues our profession.”
They go on to note that the guild has raised its objections directly with the TV Academy and is “strongly advocating to have the category remain in the primetime televised program.”
The TV Academy and its 2024 Emmys broadcasting partner Fox are presumably facing pressure to deliver higher telecast ratings by making the show shorter and...
- 11/28/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America is doubling down on the Television Academy’s plans to cut the number of writing awards given out on the main Emmys telecast.
The guild has urged writers to “express your feelings” about the “regrettable” decision to remove the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special from the main primetime awards.
In a memo to members, the WGA said that the TV Academy made the decision “without any justification or defensible reason.”
It comes after the Emmys unveiled the category breakdown this month. Later that day, the WGA told Deadline that the decision to reduce the number of writing categories on the main telecast from four to three was “misguided given the essential role writers play in the creative process of variety series and generating value for this industry.”
The move means that Outstanding Variety Special (Live) will return to the live telecast as Outstanding...
The guild has urged writers to “express your feelings” about the “regrettable” decision to remove the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special from the main primetime awards.
In a memo to members, the WGA said that the TV Academy made the decision “without any justification or defensible reason.”
It comes after the Emmys unveiled the category breakdown this month. Later that day, the WGA told Deadline that the decision to reduce the number of writing categories on the main telecast from four to three was “misguided given the essential role writers play in the creative process of variety series and generating value for this industry.”
The move means that Outstanding Variety Special (Live) will return to the live telecast as Outstanding...
- 11/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav now admits that striking writers were correct in their demands for sweeping changes in how creatives are compensated in Hollywood.
Zaslav told The New York Times in a lengthy new profile that he has no regrets about the deal struck between studios and the Writers Guild of America for a new three-year contract on Sept. 24.
“They are right about almost everything,” Zaslav said. “So what if we overpay? I’ve never regretted overpaying for great talent or a great asset.”
In the deal, writers received an increase in pay, minimum show staffing requirements and protections against artificial intelligence, among other gains. Yet studios resisted the writers’ demands for months, resulting in a strike that lasted a brutal 148 days and brought the industry to a near halt. In July, Disney chief Bob Iger called the writers’ proposed changes in compensation “unrealistic.”
Zaslav’s suggestion that...
Zaslav told The New York Times in a lengthy new profile that he has no regrets about the deal struck between studios and the Writers Guild of America for a new three-year contract on Sept. 24.
“They are right about almost everything,” Zaslav said. “So what if we overpay? I’ve never regretted overpaying for great talent or a great asset.”
In the deal, writers received an increase in pay, minimum show staffing requirements and protections against artificial intelligence, among other gains. Yet studios resisted the writers’ demands for months, resulting in a strike that lasted a brutal 148 days and brought the industry to a near halt. In July, Disney chief Bob Iger called the writers’ proposed changes in compensation “unrealistic.”
Zaslav’s suggestion that...
- 11/15/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Raid the Cage fans, we’ve got a fresh off the press preview for the new Season 1 Episode 4 episode titled City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers!
Find out everything you need to know about the City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers episode of Raid the Cage, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Raid the Cage City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers Season 1 Episode 4 Preview
Get ready for an exhilarating face-off in the upcoming episode of “Raid the Cage” on CBS, airing at 9:00 Pm on November 3, 2023. In this showdown, it’s the “City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers” as two unique pairs of contestants compete for big winnings. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian, Adam Conover, “Raid the Cage” is a high-stakes game show that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.
The heart of the show is the magnificent “Cage,” a giant glass cube...
Find out everything you need to know about the City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers episode of Raid the Cage, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Raid the Cage City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers Season 1 Episode 4 Preview
Get ready for an exhilarating face-off in the upcoming episode of “Raid the Cage” on CBS, airing at 9:00 Pm on November 3, 2023. In this showdown, it’s the “City Slickers vs. Chicken Farmers” as two unique pairs of contestants compete for big winnings. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian, Adam Conover, “Raid the Cage” is a high-stakes game show that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.
The heart of the show is the magnificent “Cage,” a giant glass cube...
- 10/27/2023
- by News
- TV Regular
A lot can happen in 146 days. When the Writers Guild strike started in May, Drew Barrymore was one of its early folk heroes, when she stepped down as host of the MTV Movie & TV Awards in solidarity. But four months later, Barrymore became one of the strike’s most reviled public figures when she tried to rationalize the decision to bring back her daytime talk show in the midst of a work stoppage. There were many winners and losers to come out of this hot labor summer, and it’s not over yet, as SAG-AFTRA looks to seal its own deal with the AMPTP. But as the WGA prepares to vote on its hard-fought new contract, here are some of the entities that made it to the other side on the rise — or a bit imperiled.
Winners Adam Conover (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Adam Conover
The standup and...
Winners Adam Conover (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Adam Conover
The standup and...
- 9/29/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
If it’s possible to pinpoint an exact moment when the writers strike that was once feared to extend into 2024 reached the beginning of the end, it was on Wednesday, Sept. 20, when the Writers Guild of America negotiators received what they had been demanding for four months: a full counterproposal.
“My first thought was, ‘My God — f—ing finally. Finally they get it,” WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover told TheWrap. “They get what they have to do.”
On that day, the WGA met with four Hollywood CEOs from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) at the latter’s headquarters at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. It had been nearly a month after a previous round of “frosty” talks, as one insider put it, barely got them anywhere and ended with the studios publicly releasing a proposal that left writers angrier than ever.
But WGA negotiators who spoke...
“My first thought was, ‘My God — f—ing finally. Finally they get it,” WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover told TheWrap. “They get what they have to do.”
On that day, the WGA met with four Hollywood CEOs from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) at the latter’s headquarters at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. It had been nearly a month after a previous round of “frosty” talks, as one insider put it, barely got them anywhere and ended with the studios publicly releasing a proposal that left writers angrier than ever.
But WGA negotiators who spoke...
- 9/28/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
“I never had any doubt that we were going to do it,” Adam Conover told TheWrap. The writer behind “Adam Ruins Everything” and “The G Word” has become an unofficial leader, or at least a public face on social media, during the long WGA strike. Now that the guild and the studios have reached a brokered peace, Conover took some time to speak about his feelings after a long and bruising battle.
“I understood how the power dynamics worked every step of the way, even though the CEOs didn’t,” he declared.
Conover admitted to feeling something approximating relief when the AMPTP began to aggressively negotiate in the final stretch of a nearly five-month-long strike. “When they finally started to negotiate, my first thought was, ‘My God, fucking finally, they get it. They get what they have to do.’”
#WGADeal #SAGAFTRAStrike #WGAStrike:
"When they finally started to negotiate, my first thought was,...
“I understood how the power dynamics worked every step of the way, even though the CEOs didn’t,” he declared.
Conover admitted to feeling something approximating relief when the AMPTP began to aggressively negotiate in the final stretch of a nearly five-month-long strike. “When they finally started to negotiate, my first thought was, ‘My God, fucking finally, they get it. They get what they have to do.’”
#WGADeal #SAGAFTRAStrike #WGAStrike:
"When they finally started to negotiate, my first thought was,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The Writers Guild of America West has re-elected Meredith Stiehm as its president and Michele Mulroney as its vice president in an unusual strike-era officer and board of directors election.
Incumbent Betsy Thomas won the seat for secretary-treasurer, beating out Jeffrey Thompson, in the voting period that ended on Tuesday. Other officer candidates included Rich Talarico, who had been running for president, and Isaac Gómez, who had been running for vice president. Voting took place between August 29 and Sept. 19 amid the ongoing writers’ strike, which began more than four months ago.
Candidates who won seats on the union’s board of directors included incumbents Adam Conover, Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Zoe Marshall and Dante W. Harper, as well as fresh candidates Molly Nussbaum, Scott Alexander and Rob Forman.
Three thousand seven hundred eighty-three valid ballots were cast in the election, which was administered by Votenet Solutions. Around 11,000 WGA West members were eligible to vote,...
Incumbent Betsy Thomas won the seat for secretary-treasurer, beating out Jeffrey Thompson, in the voting period that ended on Tuesday. Other officer candidates included Rich Talarico, who had been running for president, and Isaac Gómez, who had been running for vice president. Voting took place between August 29 and Sept. 19 amid the ongoing writers’ strike, which began more than four months ago.
Candidates who won seats on the union’s board of directors included incumbents Adam Conover, Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Zoe Marshall and Dante W. Harper, as well as fresh candidates Molly Nussbaum, Scott Alexander and Rob Forman.
Three thousand seven hundred eighty-three valid ballots were cast in the election, which was administered by Votenet Solutions. Around 11,000 WGA West members were eligible to vote,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Meredith Stiehm has been reelected as president of WGA West, in a strong show of support as the union’s strike continues into its fifth month.
Stiehm took 3,354 votes, easily defeating Rich Talarico, who took just 300 votes.
Two other officers were also reelected: Michele Mulroney, as vice president, and Betsy Thomas, as secretary-treasurer. Five board members were reelected, and three new members were also elected to the board.
Stiehm was the showrunner of “Cold Case” on CBS and “The Bridge” on FX. She was also a key figure in the union’s fight against agency packaging in 2019-21. She alleged that CAA, her former agency, collected almost as much for packaging “Cold Case” as she did for writing the show.
Since the strike began on May 2, Stiehm has described herself as a “wartime president,” and has said that the union is on the path to success.
“It’s been a long hot summer,...
Stiehm took 3,354 votes, easily defeating Rich Talarico, who took just 300 votes.
Two other officers were also reelected: Michele Mulroney, as vice president, and Betsy Thomas, as secretary-treasurer. Five board members were reelected, and three new members were also elected to the board.
Stiehm was the showrunner of “Cold Case” on CBS and “The Bridge” on FX. She was also a key figure in the union’s fight against agency packaging in 2019-21. She alleged that CAA, her former agency, collected almost as much for packaging “Cold Case” as she did for writing the show.
Since the strike began on May 2, Stiehm has described herself as a “wartime president,” and has said that the union is on the path to success.
“It’s been a long hot summer,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
“The Drew Barrymore Show” returned from its summer hiatus Monday and all hell broke loose.
The WGA picketed Barrymore’s daytime talk show, which employed three WGA members prior to the strike. The program joins the ranks of ABC’s “The View,” which also returned. “The Talk,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show” have all announced their intention to return before the strike ends; they can expect the same treatment.
All daytime talk shows are not created equally as far as the WGA is concerned. “Tamron Hall,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and “Sherri” don’t employ WGA writers and should have cleaner comebacks. Of course, they still can’t have actor or writer guests promoting their films or TV shows. (SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14; the WGA strike started May 2.)
While late-night talk shows often have heavily written sketches, monologues, and hosts who are also WGA members,...
The WGA picketed Barrymore’s daytime talk show, which employed three WGA members prior to the strike. The program joins the ranks of ABC’s “The View,” which also returned. “The Talk,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show” have all announced their intention to return before the strike ends; they can expect the same treatment.
All daytime talk shows are not created equally as far as the WGA is concerned. “Tamron Hall,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and “Sherri” don’t employ WGA writers and should have cleaner comebacks. Of course, they still can’t have actor or writer guests promoting their films or TV shows. (SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14; the WGA strike started May 2.)
While late-night talk shows often have heavily written sketches, monologues, and hosts who are also WGA members,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Brian Welk and Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Drew Barrymore is being criticized by fellow actors and writers on social media for her decision to bring back her eponymous daytime talk show amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. “The Drew Barrymore Show” is set to return Sept. 18.
While Barrymore is not violating SAG-AFTRA rules as the host of the show, her show does employ WGA writers. This means new episodes of “The Drew Barrymore Show” will have to utilize either violating WGA members, non-wga writers or no one. A spokesperson for CBS Media Ventures told Variety the show will “not be performing any writing work covered by the WGA strike.”
“Drew Barrymore has always been someone who recognized her privilege and aimed to evolve, so I hope she will reconsider this hasty decision intended to pay her crew because it weakens both unions to openly endorse scabbing,” TV writer Gennefer Gross posted.
TV personality Felicia Day added, “Sooo...
While Barrymore is not violating SAG-AFTRA rules as the host of the show, her show does employ WGA writers. This means new episodes of “The Drew Barrymore Show” will have to utilize either violating WGA members, non-wga writers or no one. A spokesperson for CBS Media Ventures told Variety the show will “not be performing any writing work covered by the WGA strike.”
“Drew Barrymore has always been someone who recognized her privilege and aimed to evolve, so I hope she will reconsider this hasty decision intended to pay her crew because it weakens both unions to openly endorse scabbing,” TV writer Gennefer Gross posted.
TV personality Felicia Day added, “Sooo...
- 9/11/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Everyone Blames Studios for Ditching the Pay TV Bundle. Can a New One Be Built Before Disaster Hits?
If the entertainment business could be summed up in one word these days, it could be “misery.”
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes drag on, with no end in sight. The major streaming services (sans Netflix) continue to be unprofitable, with most studios still targeting 2025 to break even. The pay TV business continues to decline at a rapid pace, with its lynchpin sports and news channels seeking an exit.
That gloomy context is key to why some powerful players in the entertainment ecosystem — the Hollywood labor guilds and one of its largest pay-tv partners — are seeking a new plan.
On Friday morning, Charter Communications held a conference call with Wall Street analysts where it said it was prepared to abandon its video business if it couldn’t come to a “transformative” deal with The Walt Disney Co. to try and salvage the pay TV bundle. The company is...
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes drag on, with no end in sight. The major streaming services (sans Netflix) continue to be unprofitable, with most studios still targeting 2025 to break even. The pay TV business continues to decline at a rapid pace, with its lynchpin sports and news channels seeking an exit.
That gloomy context is key to why some powerful players in the entertainment ecosystem — the Hollywood labor guilds and one of its largest pay-tv partners — are seeking a new plan.
On Friday morning, Charter Communications held a conference call with Wall Street analysts where it said it was prepared to abandon its video business if it couldn’t come to a “transformative” deal with The Walt Disney Co. to try and salvage the pay TV bundle. The company is...
- 9/1/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Laura Blum-Smith, the Writers Guild of America West’s director of research and public policy, considers the strike a result of a tsunami of Hollywood mergers that has handed studios and streamers the power to exploit workers.
“Harmful mergers and attempts to monopolize markets are a recurring theme in the history of media and entertainment, and they are a key part of what led 11,500 writers to go on strike more than 100 days ago against their employers,” Blum-Smith said on Thursday at an event with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice over new merger guidelines unveiled in July.
She pointed to Disney, Amazon and Netflix as companies that “gained power through anticompetitive consolidation and vertical integration,” allowing them to impose “more and more precarious working conditions, increasingly short term employment and lower pay for writers and other workers across the industry.” But she sees revisions to the merger guidelines...
“Harmful mergers and attempts to monopolize markets are a recurring theme in the history of media and entertainment, and they are a key part of what led 11,500 writers to go on strike more than 100 days ago against their employers,” Blum-Smith said on Thursday at an event with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice over new merger guidelines unveiled in July.
She pointed to Disney, Amazon and Netflix as companies that “gained power through anticompetitive consolidation and vertical integration,” allowing them to impose “more and more precarious working conditions, increasingly short term employment and lower pay for writers and other workers across the industry.” But she sees revisions to the merger guidelines...
- 8/10/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Editor’s note: One in a series of stories marking the 100th day of the WGA strike.
On day one of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, scribes put their pencils down and hit the pavement at every major studio in Los Angeles. It was May 2 and many were wearing sweaters. Today, 100 days later, they remain as resolute as they began only a little more suntanned as the country faces one of its warmest summers to date.
Notwithstanding the climate, the writers have been challenged in ways they couldn’t have imagined and yet, they keep showing up on the lines. Deadline spoke to multiple regulars, captains and coordinators from various lots as well as WGA leadership.
“I want to say thank you to every person who has come out to a picket line. We wouldn’t be as strong without you,” Goodman told Deadline on August 1 when a...
On day one of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, scribes put their pencils down and hit the pavement at every major studio in Los Angeles. It was May 2 and many were wearing sweaters. Today, 100 days later, they remain as resolute as they began only a little more suntanned as the country faces one of its warmest summers to date.
Notwithstanding the climate, the writers have been challenged in ways they couldn’t have imagined and yet, they keep showing up on the lines. Deadline spoke to multiple regulars, captains and coordinators from various lots as well as WGA leadership.
“I want to say thank you to every person who has come out to a picket line. We wouldn’t be as strong without you,” Goodman told Deadline on August 1 when a...
- 8/9/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Hit any picket line in Hollywood these days, and there’s a good chance you’ll see signs slamming the lavish paydays for entertainment chiefs like Disney’s Bob Iger and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav. For the striking actors and writers who are holding out for a better deal from the major studios, these bloated compensation packages have become a very effective cudgel. It’s particularly notable when someone like Iger, who is set to earn up to $27 million this year, gripes on CNBC that the two unions aren’t being “realistic” about the struggles the business is facing.
“It’s sort of like someone’s just tossing you an easy layup,” says Adam Conover, a member of the Writers Guild of America negotiating committee. “Well, you’re gonna take it when they do that.”
Conover and the writers and actors who are on strike argue that they...
“It’s sort of like someone’s just tossing you an easy layup,” says Adam Conover, a member of the Writers Guild of America negotiating committee. “Well, you’re gonna take it when they do that.”
Conover and the writers and actors who are on strike argue that they...
- 8/9/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The meeting between the Writers Guild of America and the AMPTP on Friday has provided some small glimpses of what a fresh round of contract negotiations between the two sides might look like, but the timing for when a return to the table might occur depends on how the studios respond to writers holding the line on their demands for status quo change in Hollywood.
According to the WGA’s memo sent to members on Friday night, the only immediate movement signaled by AMPTP President Carol Lombardini was on an increase in TV minimums for certain writer positions and on artificial intelligence. Guild insiders who spoke with TheWrap said they anticipated the latter given that the AMPTP was offering more detailed proposals on AI to SAG-AFTRA during its failed talks in July than they were to the WGA this past spring.
However, the guild also wrote that Lombardini “did not...
According to the WGA’s memo sent to members on Friday night, the only immediate movement signaled by AMPTP President Carol Lombardini was on an increase in TV minimums for certain writer positions and on artificial intelligence. Guild insiders who spoke with TheWrap said they anticipated the latter given that the AMPTP was offering more detailed proposals on AI to SAG-AFTRA during its failed talks in July than they were to the WGA this past spring.
However, the guild also wrote that Lombardini “did not...
- 8/7/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Leaders of the Writers Guild of America expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday about a move to resume bargaining, but said they are still ready to stay on strike over the long haul.
The head of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers called the WGA’s chief negotiator on Tuesday to set up a Friday meeting to discuss how to proceed.
“It’s a meeting to discuss meeting,” said John Rogers, a member of the WGA negotiating committee, who was picketing outside Warner Bros. on Wednesday morning. “We’re trying to urge members to remember that this is a great first step, but not to get your hopes up too much.”
Though there have been some backchannel talks over the last week or so, the phone call was the first formal communication between the AMPTP and the WGA since negotiations broke down on May 1. Carol Lombardini, the CEO of the AMPTP,...
The head of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers called the WGA’s chief negotiator on Tuesday to set up a Friday meeting to discuss how to proceed.
“It’s a meeting to discuss meeting,” said John Rogers, a member of the WGA negotiating committee, who was picketing outside Warner Bros. on Wednesday morning. “We’re trying to urge members to remember that this is a great first step, but not to get your hopes up too much.”
Though there have been some backchannel talks over the last week or so, the phone call was the first formal communication between the AMPTP and the WGA since negotiations broke down on May 1. Carol Lombardini, the CEO of the AMPTP,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: SAG-AFTRA is on strike, but not all members of the union won’t be working.
Since the 160,000 strong SAG -AFTRA officially declared on June 14 that it was joining the Writers Guild on the picket lines, the Fran Drescher-run group has been working on granting waivers to indie productions.
“We put the application process up on the first day of the strike,” said SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland today outside Netflix. “And we’ve already got hundreds of applications … we will be responding to all of them,” he added, noting the project can’t have “any AMPTP fingerprints on them” if they hope to be granted an interim agreement aka waiver.
In fact, with projects like The Chosen already claiming to have been given the greenlight, a preliminary list of approved productions is expected to be made public by SAG-AFTRA later today or tomorrow, I hear.
“We will give as...
Since the 160,000 strong SAG -AFTRA officially declared on June 14 that it was joining the Writers Guild on the picket lines, the Fran Drescher-run group has been working on granting waivers to indie productions.
“We put the application process up on the first day of the strike,” said SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland today outside Netflix. “And we’ve already got hundreds of applications … we will be responding to all of them,” he added, noting the project can’t have “any AMPTP fingerprints on them” if they hope to be granted an interim agreement aka waiver.
In fact, with projects like The Chosen already claiming to have been given the greenlight, a preliminary list of approved productions is expected to be made public by SAG-AFTRA later today or tomorrow, I hear.
“We will give as...
- 7/17/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
In her typically direct style, comedian Leslie Jones didn’t mince words on Saturday when she responded to critics of the actors and writers strike in Hollywood.
In a heartfelt — and expletive-laden — rant posted to her social media accounts the day after members of SAG-AFTRA joined members of the WGA in striking against Hollywood studios, Jones angrily defended her colleagues, called out those who think the strikers are greedy, and urged critics to instead join their fight.
“Everybody needs to be striking against the f—king corporations, because they f—ing all of us,” She said, later adding, “don’t be mad at us because we decided to f—ing fight back. How about you get some fight in you instead.”
If you comment fuck shit on my post I’m gonna block you no questions ask! I’m tired of insensitive pieces of shit with a fucked up opinion.
In a heartfelt — and expletive-laden — rant posted to her social media accounts the day after members of SAG-AFTRA joined members of the WGA in striking against Hollywood studios, Jones angrily defended her colleagues, called out those who think the strikers are greedy, and urged critics to instead join their fight.
“Everybody needs to be striking against the f—king corporations, because they f—ing all of us,” She said, later adding, “don’t be mad at us because we decided to f—ing fight back. How about you get some fight in you instead.”
If you comment fuck shit on my post I’m gonna block you no questions ask! I’m tired of insensitive pieces of shit with a fucked up opinion.
- 7/16/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
This weekend saw Disney’s upcoming film “Haunted Mansion” become the first to stage a premiere without its cast, who were all absent as part of SAG-AFTRA’s strike which began this past Friday.
With stars like Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Lakeith Stanfield, Jamie Lee Curtis and Danny DeVito now among the 160,000 actors union members pulling out from film and TV productions as well as any events promoting those productions, Disney repurposed the premiere as a fan event at the Anaheim resort, with Disneyland cast members dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as famous villains like Maleficent and Cruella De Vil appearing on the red carpet outside the famed theme park ride that inspired the film.
@celebritea.io
#CruellaDeVil at the #HauntedMansion premiere! #Disneyland #celebritea #fabtv #hauntedmansiondisney #disneyparks #disneytiktok #disneyworld #halloween
♬ Grim Grinning Ghosts (Theme from “The Haunted Mansion”) [Instrumental] – Halloween Sound Machine @sparrowsess
Haunted Mansion World Premiere! thank you Disney for having me,...
With stars like Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Lakeith Stanfield, Jamie Lee Curtis and Danny DeVito now among the 160,000 actors union members pulling out from film and TV productions as well as any events promoting those productions, Disney repurposed the premiere as a fan event at the Anaheim resort, with Disneyland cast members dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as famous villains like Maleficent and Cruella De Vil appearing on the red carpet outside the famed theme park ride that inspired the film.
@celebritea.io
#CruellaDeVil at the #HauntedMansion premiere! #Disneyland #celebritea #fabtv #hauntedmansiondisney #disneyparks #disneytiktok #disneyworld #halloween
♬ Grim Grinning Ghosts (Theme from “The Haunted Mansion”) [Instrumental] – Halloween Sound Machine @sparrowsess
Haunted Mansion World Premiere! thank you Disney for having me,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
On the first day of SAG-AFTRA picketing after the union called a strike, a hot topic of conversation was the assertion by an unnamed studio executive that the studios’ endgame in the WGA strike was to “break the WGA” and allow the strike to go on until people lost their homes.
Ron Perlman came out swinging on Friday in direct response, and comedian, SAG-AFTRA member and WGA contract negotiating committee member Adam Conover slammed those comments himself on CNN Saturday, saying the striking writers and actors are going to be the ones starving the studios out.
“I mean first of all, it’s offensive that the CEOs that we’re negotiating against literally said to the press that their goal is to starve us out until we lose our apartments and homes,” Conover told CNN’s Jim Acosta, referring to the unnamed executive’s comments in Deadline last week. “I...
Ron Perlman came out swinging on Friday in direct response, and comedian, SAG-AFTRA member and WGA contract negotiating committee member Adam Conover slammed those comments himself on CNN Saturday, saying the striking writers and actors are going to be the ones starving the studios out.
“I mean first of all, it’s offensive that the CEOs that we’re negotiating against literally said to the press that their goal is to starve us out until we lose our apartments and homes,” Conover told CNN’s Jim Acosta, referring to the unnamed executive’s comments in Deadline last week. “I...
- 7/15/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
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Waves of heat radiate off of the pavement of Riverside Drive in Burbank as a white bus pulls up in front of the Walt Disney Studios to the cheers of hundreds of picketing writers and actors. On board the bus are several members of SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee, who stood behind the guild’s president, Fran Drescher, as she announced the actors union’s first film and TV strike in more than four decades.
As they step off the bus, a chant of “Jig is up!” fills the air, invoking a phrase from Drescher’s impassioned speech Thursday, decrying Hollywood executives like Disney CEO Bob Iger and which has been seen by dozens of SAG-AFTRA members who spoke with TheWrap on Friday at picket lines in both New York and Los Angeles.
Waves of heat radiate off of the pavement of Riverside Drive in Burbank as a white bus pulls up in front of the Walt Disney Studios to the cheers of hundreds of picketing writers and actors. On board the bus are several members of SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee, who stood behind the guild’s president, Fran Drescher, as she announced the actors union’s first film and TV strike in more than four decades.
As they step off the bus, a chant of “Jig is up!” fills the air, invoking a phrase from Drescher’s impassioned speech Thursday, decrying Hollywood executives like Disney CEO Bob Iger and which has been seen by dozens of SAG-AFTRA members who spoke with TheWrap on Friday at picket lines in both New York and Los Angeles.
- 7/15/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster, Loree Seitz, Kayla Cobb and Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Meredith Stiehm will seek a second two-year term as president of WGA West in the fall election, and the other top officials of the guild will also seek reelection.
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
“They’re Scared”: 5,000-Plus Demonstrators Rally in L.A. to Support Writers Strike, Pressure Studios
Over 5,000 writers and supporters descended on the mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday to rally support during the eighth week of the Writers Guild of America labor stoppage.
The “WGA Strong” rally featured spirited and sometimes expletive-filled speeches from the likes of I’m a Virgo writer-director Boots Riley, WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover and Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty, as well as a musical performance from singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc (who pointedly sang, at one point, “I Need a Dollar”). The overall message to writers, who are now 51 days into their first strike in 15 years? Hollywood labor is behind you.
The event also served as something of a flex to the industry. “We are out here today to tell the companies how strong we are,” said WGA negotiating committee member Conover (The G Word), who acted as the rally’s emcee. He added, “Carol [Lombardini, the president of the AMPTP] didn’t plan for how strong we are.
The “WGA Strong” rally featured spirited and sometimes expletive-filled speeches from the likes of I’m a Virgo writer-director Boots Riley, WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover and Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty, as well as a musical performance from singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc (who pointedly sang, at one point, “I Need a Dollar”). The overall message to writers, who are now 51 days into their first strike in 15 years? Hollywood labor is behind you.
The event also served as something of a flex to the industry. “We are out here today to tell the companies how strong we are,” said WGA negotiating committee member Conover (The G Word), who acted as the rally’s emcee. He added, “Carol [Lombardini, the president of the AMPTP] didn’t plan for how strong we are.
- 6/21/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny and Xennia Hamilton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America West is holding officer and board elections in the middle of its ongoing strike, which is now in its 51st day. Incumbent president Meredith Stiehm is seeking reelection and will face off against Rich Talarico – both of whom were selected by the guild’s nominating committee.
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
- 6/21/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Thousands of striking Writers Guild of America members along with other union workers marched in solidarity past the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on Wednesday before staging a rally at the La Brea Tar Pits.
The rally was hosted by WGA board and negotiating committee member Adam Conover, who has become one of the most outspoken voices in the Writers Guild after he called out Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during a CNN interview on the first day of the strike.
“[AMPTP president] Carol Lombardini did not plan for how strong we are. She did not plan for the fact that eight weeks in, we are bringing the same energy as on Day 1,” Conover said. “She did not plan for our picket lines to include members from every union in town! We are marching with janitors, with housekeepers, with teachers, with strippers! We have union strippers! And that because we know have the same fight.
The rally was hosted by WGA board and negotiating committee member Adam Conover, who has become one of the most outspoken voices in the Writers Guild after he called out Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during a CNN interview on the first day of the strike.
“[AMPTP president] Carol Lombardini did not plan for how strong we are. She did not plan for the fact that eight weeks in, we are bringing the same energy as on Day 1,” Conover said. “She did not plan for our picket lines to include members from every union in town! We are marching with janitors, with housekeepers, with teachers, with strippers! We have union strippers! And that because we know have the same fight.
- 6/21/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
There’s a festival feel at the La Brea Tar Pits with live performances from Aloe Blacc and Boots Riley.
Blacc said that he was there to sing for the writers and that he wishes “there was more I could do for you” but that he stands in “solidarity”, while Riley performed an acapella song called Everything after saying “the whole world is looking at us and we can’t let them down” (see clips below).
But while there’s live music, the sense of injustice from the thousand-plus writers attending the WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract was even louder.
Adam Conover, the Wgaw Board and Negotiating Committee Member who organized the event, drew large cheers when he pointed out that the writers were being supported by a slew of other unions, including actors, directors, drivers, janitors and strippers.
“Corporate greed” has been the main message...
Blacc said that he was there to sing for the writers and that he wishes “there was more I could do for you” but that he stands in “solidarity”, while Riley performed an acapella song called Everything after saying “the whole world is looking at us and we can’t let them down” (see clips below).
But while there’s live music, the sense of injustice from the thousand-plus writers attending the WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract was even louder.
Adam Conover, the Wgaw Board and Negotiating Committee Member who organized the event, drew large cheers when he pointed out that the writers were being supported by a slew of other unions, including actors, directors, drivers, janitors and strippers.
“Corporate greed” has been the main message...
- 6/21/2023
- by Katie Campione, Rosy Cordero and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract has kicked off in LA with thousands of members of the guild including Damon Lindelof and Boots Riley taking to the parks and streets.
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Peter White, Katie Campione and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Boots Riley brought the fire. Lindsay Dougherty brought the Teamsters. And top leaders of SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, American Federation of Musicians and other area unions gathered by the hundreds Wednesday to show solidarity with striking writers at the WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract held at the La Brea Tar Pits.
Riley, the auteur behind 2018’s “Sorry to Bother You” and the upcoming Amazon Prime series “I’m a Virgo,” noted that he was once a member of the Teamsters during his days working for Ups.
“We’re not just fighting for us right now. In the last three years there’s been over 2,900 strikes in the U.S.,” Riley told the cheering crowd. “They’re scared of what’s going on,” Riley said of American corporations. “They’re scared of how militant, how ready to fight we’ve become.”
Supporters walk past WGA West headquarters.
Dougherty,...
Riley, the auteur behind 2018’s “Sorry to Bother You” and the upcoming Amazon Prime series “I’m a Virgo,” noted that he was once a member of the Teamsters during his days working for Ups.
“We’re not just fighting for us right now. In the last three years there’s been over 2,900 strikes in the U.S.,” Riley told the cheering crowd. “They’re scared of what’s going on,” Riley said of American corporations. “They’re scared of how militant, how ready to fight we’ve become.”
Supporters walk past WGA West headquarters.
Dougherty,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton, Gene Maddaus, Selome Hailu and Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
After seven years, a Community movie was finally announced, fulfilling the promise of “six seasons and a movie” that was teased and became somewhat of a running joke among fans. However, thanks to an update from Community star Joel McHale, we now know that it will be even longer before the movie reaches our screens.
In an interview with TVLine, McHale confirms that production on the movie, which was scheduled to begin in June, has been delayed by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. McHale does say that it was a “bummer” to have to halt production after waiting so long for the movie, but he goes on to share his support for the writers saying “But at the same time, I’m a thousand billion percent behind the writers. The writers need to be paid.”
The WGA has been on strike since May 2, 2023 after the Alliance of Motion...
In an interview with TVLine, McHale confirms that production on the movie, which was scheduled to begin in June, has been delayed by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. McHale does say that it was a “bummer” to have to halt production after waiting so long for the movie, but he goes on to share his support for the writers saying “But at the same time, I’m a thousand billion percent behind the writers. The writers need to be paid.”
The WGA has been on strike since May 2, 2023 after the Alliance of Motion...
- 6/2/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Subscribe to WrapPRO.
As the Hollywood writers’ strike enters its fourth week, both writers and studios have settled in for what is expected to be a work stoppage that will last for at least two months, if not longer. The entrenched divisions may come down to the preparations both sides have made. It may be the first time in over 15 years that the entertainment industry has had to deal with a formal strike, but other recent events have helped both sides get ready for a long-haul fight.
The Writers Guild of America’s recent successful campaign to eliminate agency packaging fees also helped prepare writers to organize for a bigger battle with their employers. And the studios are running the same playbook they used to get through the pandemic to stock their streaming services with fresh shows and movies.
As the Hollywood writers’ strike enters its fourth week, both writers and studios have settled in for what is expected to be a work stoppage that will last for at least two months, if not longer. The entrenched divisions may come down to the preparations both sides have made. It may be the first time in over 15 years that the entertainment industry has had to deal with a formal strike, but other recent events have helped both sides get ready for a long-haul fight.
The Writers Guild of America’s recent successful campaign to eliminate agency packaging fees also helped prepare writers to organize for a bigger battle with their employers. And the studios are running the same playbook they used to get through the pandemic to stock their streaming services with fresh shows and movies.
- 5/22/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Sean Penn has voiced his support for the Writers Guild of America, whose members are currently engaged in an ongoing battle with Hollywood studios. Speaking at a press conference for his latest film, Black Flies, Penn applauded the writers, and called out exploitative practices embraced by the studios, particularly the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, which he described as “human obscenity.”
“My full support is with the Writers Guild,” Penn said on Friday, per Variety. “There are a lot of new concepts that are being tossed about, including the use of AI. And it just strikes me as human obscenity that there’s been a pushback [from the studios] on that.”
Continuing, Penn made the dynamics of the strike clear. “The first thing we should do in these conversations is change the [name of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers] and title them how they behave, which is the bankers guild. It’s difficult for so many writers and people...
“My full support is with the Writers Guild,” Penn said on Friday, per Variety. “There are a lot of new concepts that are being tossed about, including the use of AI. And it just strikes me as human obscenity that there’s been a pushback [from the studios] on that.”
Continuing, Penn made the dynamics of the strike clear. “The first thing we should do in these conversations is change the [name of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers] and title them how they behave, which is the bankers guild. It’s difficult for so many writers and people...
- 5/19/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Film News
Comparing the changes that artificial intelligence might bring to show business to the advent of talkies, IATSE has launched a commission to study its impact on the entertainment industry and the union’s 168,000 members. AI already has had a disruptive influence on the business and is one of the sticking points that led to the Writers Guild strike.
According to the union, the IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence “will bring together IATSE members and representatives at all levels, as well as external experts to guide the union’s approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.”
Related: Disney CEO Bob Iger Calls AI “Disruptive,” Difficult To Manage From An “IP Perspective”
“As AI continues to evolve and proliferate, it is critical that our union is at the forefront of understanding its impact on our members and industry,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb.
According to the union, the IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence “will bring together IATSE members and representatives at all levels, as well as external experts to guide the union’s approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.”
Related: Disney CEO Bob Iger Calls AI “Disruptive,” Difficult To Manage From An “IP Perspective”
“As AI continues to evolve and proliferate, it is critical that our union is at the forefront of understanding its impact on our members and industry,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb.
- 5/11/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros Discovery’s hour-long earnings call with Wall Street analysts Friday morning included nary a mention of the WGA strike, unlike many other such calls in recent days.
But the company’s CEO told CNBC’s Squawk Box in an appearance prior to the call what he believes will bring the impasse to an end: “A love for the business and a love for working. We all came into this business because we love storytelling. … That’s what’s going to bring us together.”
When co-hosts Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen suggested that studios might be “glad” that the guild is on strike because they will be able to cut costs, Zaslav hastily replied, “We’re not glad.”
The exec said he is eager for a resolution to the strike, which threatens to halt Hollywood’s momentum after the clouds of Covid were just starting to part. “In order to create great storytelling,...
But the company’s CEO told CNBC’s Squawk Box in an appearance prior to the call what he believes will bring the impasse to an end: “A love for the business and a love for working. We all came into this business because we love storytelling. … That’s what’s going to bring us together.”
When co-hosts Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen suggested that studios might be “glad” that the guild is on strike because they will be able to cut costs, Zaslav hastily replied, “We’re not glad.”
The exec said he is eager for a resolution to the strike, which threatens to halt Hollywood’s momentum after the clouds of Covid were just starting to part. “In order to create great storytelling,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with latest: Day 3 of the Writers Guild of America strike against Hollywood studios dealt with a few L.A. rain showers but continued strong turnout at 10 Los Angeles locations as well as at Silvercup Studios and Seret Studios in New York City.
Much of the conversation in L.A. was about Wednesday night’s WGA West meeting at the Shrine Auditorium, where guild leaders discussed the state of the strike and saw support from other Hollywood unions and guilds. It came as a similar meeting held by the WGA East in New York.
Related: WGA’s Patric Verrone: Resolve Of Writers Is Stronger Than During 2007-2008 Strike
Related: WGA’s David Goodman Slams Latest Studio Response, Says Paramount’s Bob Bakish Sounds “Scared”
Another notable theme Thursday: trucks looking to drive onto at least four separate studios were turned away after seeing protesters holding picket signs. One featured...
Much of the conversation in L.A. was about Wednesday night’s WGA West meeting at the Shrine Auditorium, where guild leaders discussed the state of the strike and saw support from other Hollywood unions and guilds. It came as a similar meeting held by the WGA East in New York.
Related: WGA’s Patric Verrone: Resolve Of Writers Is Stronger Than During 2007-2008 Strike
Related: WGA’s David Goodman Slams Latest Studio Response, Says Paramount’s Bob Bakish Sounds “Scared”
Another notable theme Thursday: trucks looking to drive onto at least four separate studios were turned away after seeing protesters holding picket signs. One featured...
- 5/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten, Katie Campione, Rosy Cordero, Scott Shilstone and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Subscribe to WrapPRO now.
If you look at the coverage around the current Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, or the one that took place in 2007-2008, it tends to revolve around television. With TV taking less time to produce more content, a strike of any significant length of time will affect that medium well before the big-budget world of film, where the average length of pre-production can range anywhere from six months to a year.
As the writer John Gregory Dunne once wrote in his essay “Hollywood: Opening Moves,” “From the earliest days of the motion picture industry … the screenwriter has been regarded at best as an anomalous necessity, at worst a curse to be born.” Though audiences starting in Hollywood’s earliest days came to know the names of some prominent screenwriters,...
If you look at the coverage around the current Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, or the one that took place in 2007-2008, it tends to revolve around television. With TV taking less time to produce more content, a strike of any significant length of time will affect that medium well before the big-budget world of film, where the average length of pre-production can range anywhere from six months to a year.
As the writer John Gregory Dunne once wrote in his essay “Hollywood: Opening Moves,” “From the earliest days of the motion picture industry … the screenwriter has been regarded at best as an anomalous necessity, at worst a curse to be born.” Though audiences starting in Hollywood’s earliest days came to know the names of some prominent screenwriters,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
It’s jarring how much the entertainment landscape has changed since the last writers strike: In 2007, Netflix was still primarily a DVD-by-mail business, Amazon Studios and Apple hadn’t yet crossed over from Silicon Valley to Hollywood, and streaming as we know it didn’t exist. Now there’s more content being produced than ever, with the streamers and legacy players like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery spending well into the billions each year.
Once again, a strike is happening during a period of widespread economic uncertainty spurred by inflation, concerns of a recession, and mass layoffs in media and entertainment. But this time around, there’s a twist: the ascension of generative artificial intelligence. If half the internet can be tricked by an AI-created Drake and The Weeknd collab, could that same tech write scripts and enable studios to create more content for less money?
Initially, as ChatGPT emerged...
Once again, a strike is happening during a period of widespread economic uncertainty spurred by inflation, concerns of a recession, and mass layoffs in media and entertainment. But this time around, there’s a twist: the ascension of generative artificial intelligence. If half the internet can be tricked by an AI-created Drake and The Weeknd collab, could that same tech write scripts and enable studios to create more content for less money?
Initially, as ChatGPT emerged...
- 5/3/2023
- by Ashley Cullins and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Sharpie Is Mightier: ‘Pissed Off’ Writers with Clever Signs Make Noise from the WGA Picket Lines
“No pages without fair wages!” “Don’t you want to know how ‘The Last of Us’ ends?” “Please don’t make me have to move back to Ohio!”
The WGA Strike of 2023 is now in full swing, and the writers who formed picket lines Tuesday afternoon across Los Angeles and New York City are mad as hell. Speaking of lines, those clever ones above were just a few of the phrases written on the poster boards of Hollywood’s writers as they protested what they feel to be unfair wages, a devaluing of their work by the studios, networks, and streamers, and an “existential” fight for entertainment writing as a viable profession. If you believe the pen to be mightier, maybe don’t mess with writers.
“To be out here today and see the unity of writers, to fight for our careers, to keep from turning us into gig workers...
The WGA Strike of 2023 is now in full swing, and the writers who formed picket lines Tuesday afternoon across Los Angeles and New York City are mad as hell. Speaking of lines, those clever ones above were just a few of the phrases written on the poster boards of Hollywood’s writers as they protested what they feel to be unfair wages, a devaluing of their work by the studios, networks, and streamers, and an “existential” fight for entertainment writing as a viable profession. If you believe the pen to be mightier, maybe don’t mess with writers.
“To be out here today and see the unity of writers, to fight for our careers, to keep from turning us into gig workers...
- 5/3/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
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