The 92nd Academy Awards: A Historic Night for 'Parasite'
2020 · Los Angeles, United States
The 92nd Academy Awards take place in Los Angeles, California, with 'Parasite' becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture.
The Writers Guild of America Strike of 2007-2008
On November 5, 2007, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing writers in the film, television, and radio industries, initiated a strike that had significant repercussions across the entertainment industry in the United States. This strike, which lasted until February 12, 2008, was primarily driven by disputes over compensation related to new media and digital distribution.
Background
The WGA strike was rooted in the rapid evolution of digital media and the internet, which were beginning to transform how audiences consumed entertainment. Writers sought to secure a fair share of revenue from the burgeoning digital distribution channels, including DVDs, online streaming, and downloads. The existing contracts did not adequately address these new forms of media, leading to tensions between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Key Issues
Residuals for New Media: Writers demanded a share of the profits from digital distribution, arguing that their work was being monetized in new ways without fair compensation.
DVD Residuals: The WGA sought to increase the residuals from DVD sales, which had become a significant revenue stream for studios.
Jurisdiction over Reality TV and Animation: The guild aimed to expand its jurisdiction to cover writers in reality television and animation, sectors that were not fully unionized at the time.
Impact on the Industry
The strike had a profound impact on television and film production:
Television: Many scripted television shows were forced to halt production, leading to shortened seasons and delayed premieres. Late-night talk shows, heavily reliant on writers, went into reruns or adapted their formats to continue airing.
Film: The strike disrupted the development of new film projects, as screenwriting came to a standstill. Some films in production faced delays or script issues due to the lack of available writers.
Economic Consequences: The strike had significant economic implications, with estimates suggesting losses of over $2 billion to the California economy. Thousands of industry workers, from crew members to support staff, were affected by the halt in production.
Resolution and Aftermath
The strike concluded on February 12, 2008, after 100 days, with the WGA securing a new contract that included:
- A formula for writers to receive residuals from digital distribution.
- Improved terms for DVD residuals.
- Provisions for jurisdiction over content created for new media platforms.
The resolution of the strike marked a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry, setting a precedent for how writers would be compensated in the digital age. It underscored the importance of adapting labor agreements to keep pace with technological advancements and changing consumption habits.
Broader Significance
The 2007-2008 WGA strike highlighted the growing influence of digital media and foreshadowed future labor disputes in the entertainment industry. It emphasized the need for creative professionals to secure fair compensation in an ever-evolving media landscape, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about intellectual property rights and revenue sharing in the digital era.