An Open Letter to the AMPTP
Dear AMPTP and top studio executives,
We know you don't know us, and why would you? We're not industry-known writers, even though we count ourselves a part of the community. We are not members of the WGA or any other union. We are just a small group of word nerds who love screenwriting and are doing what we can to break into the Hollywood machine. However, what is going on with the film and TV industry, the strikes, the unrest around labor, it all concerns us. Whatever the outcome is, it will affect our future and the lives of millions of others. Hell, let's throw in the whole world, as the art and stories we create or don't create affects them as well.
The intention of this letter is not to place blame or accuse any one person of greed or an abuse of power. All we want to know is why.
So, why?
Why have the negotiations stalled? Why give the DGA somewhat decent protections from AI but not the same for SAG-AFTRA and none for the WGA? Why not allow a minimum writing staff that works through the entirety of a series if the outcome is better stories and more retained viewers? Why not close the wage gap so artists can make a livable wage? Why can't we update the contracts to reflect the change in the industry so we can build a career, not a hobby?
Bob Iger said on CNBC's Squawk Box, "The asks are unrealistic," but it stopped there without giving us a why. If that's the case, there has to be a logical mathematical reason. If these things are unrealistic and unsustainable, tell us why they can't be done.
If the asks of unions and guilds don't add up in the ledger, let us see the books. We, writers, are capable of understanding more than words. 2 and 2 make tree, right?
It's been reported that the industry is in decline, and there has been a lot of loss. However, as stated in an article from CNBC.com by Jennifer Liu, some of you collectively made over $2.25 billion over the last five years, with one of you making up almost a quarter of that amount. I'm not naming names, but if you look into it, it'll probably be an easy Discovery. We know you want it, but we don't need AI to see the math isn't adding up.
If we're in a crisis in our industry, why are people jet-setting across the globe and cruising the ocean on a recently minted million-dollar yacht or sitting courtside at an NBA game? While a massive majority of the folks under your employ, not just writers, who work on hit shows and movies that rake in billions are scraping to get by, and instead of sitting in a writing room or working on a set, they've joined the ranks of Uber Eats.
Meanwhile, it seems the hope is for AI to deliver the same quality of production and writing as WGA writers and other guild members. However, it's unclear how well that's even working for potential commercials that advertise either soda or beer.
To be fair, you have given one why in a statement you put out on July 21st, in which you claim, "The Union (being SAG-AFTRA) is proposing that performers share in the rewards of a successful show, without bearing any of the risk." True, you are taking on the financial risk, but aren't artists taking on a similar risk as well? We are quite literally taking on the risk of our livelihood when we work on a project. We risk doing years' worth of hard work that doesn't pay or the next job if a show or movie fails, as discussed in recent Scriptnotes and No Film School podcasts.
We deserve more.
More answers, we mean, but that other thing as well. You know, a fair contract.
The point we're getting at is that if what the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are asking for is not feasible, nothing should be holding you back from sharing the math. You don't have anything to hide, right?
Maybe by sharing the whys, we can work this whole thing out, and y'all can get back in the room with the negotiating teams and make a deal.
We all want this to resolve quickly. None of us want to be on the picket lines with the blazing heat and sore feet. We want to go back to doing what we love. And I'm sure you want your trees to go back to growing lush with green. We just hope when you trim a little off the top for yourselves, you leave enough of a share for us to be shaded in the future.
Sincerely,
The FADE IN: to FADE OUT. team
Twich Collins, Founder and CEO
Kelsey Opel, Founder and CMO
Fred Trujillo, Founder and COO
Robert Brandsma, Contributor
Jerrod D. Brito, Contributor
Fayth Krauss, Contributor
