- Members of the Writers Guild of America are taking to the streets and striking for better conditions.
- The pickets feature many posters complaining about low wages, the threat of AI, and streaming services.
- Here are the top 20 signs of amazing writers.
The Writers Guild of America strike continues as Hollywood writers demand that entertainment studios give them better wages and working conditions.
As members take to the streets to show their support for the strike that halted production at upcoming big-budget film and television studios, there has been an incredible display of creative banners.
While some writers have used their banners to vent their frustrations, others have taken a lighter approach to picketing.
These 20 signs show why we need writers.
Some signals are ‘writing’ to the point
Some strikers along Colfax Avenue, at the Radford Studios Center, in Studio City, CA, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The strike began last week after WGA leaders reached an impasse in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
—James C. Oliver (@JamesOliverInLA) May 3, 2023
The alliance represents more than 350 studios, networks and streamersincluding Netflix, Disney and Amazon.
People picket Paramount Pictures studios during the Hollywood Writers Strike on May 4, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
David McNew/Getty Images
While writers are on strike for better pay, there are a host of other major issues for the guild, many of which revolve around models and streaming services.
—Nazanin Nour (@NazaninNour) May 4, 2023
One of the guild’s biggest problems is the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence to research, edit, and even write entire scripts.
Studios have suggested flirting with AI services like ChatGPT, prompting creatives like “Avengers” director Joe Russo to call out concerns on technology eventually eliminating writing and other entertainment jobs.
Writer Ilana Pena holds her sign on the picket line on the fourth day of the Writers Guild of America strike in front of Netflix in Hollywood, California on May 5, 2023. – The Hollywood Writers Strike erupted this week over salaries, but the refusal of studios like Netflix and Disney to rule out artificial intelligence replacing human scribes in the future has only fueled anger and fear on the picket lines.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
The more than 10,000 members of the WGA are also on strike against stagnant wages and rising cost of living, which they say is forcing them to work second jobs in retail and food service to make ends meet.
Protesters and members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) picket outside Universal Studios on May 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images
Two of the biggest problems for writers are the declining number of episodes in a TV season (from 20-30 episodes to just a few 8-10 episodes) and waste, which has essentially dried up in the broadcast era. .
Striking writers march with signs on the picket line on the fourth day of the Writers Guild of America strike in front of Netflix in Hollywood, California on May 5, 2023.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
This WGA strike had the highest member support in the organization’s history: over 98% of members who voted agreed to authorize the strike.
—Mason Lieberman (@MasonLieberman) May 4, 2023
With each new strike day, writers get more and more creative with their signs.
—Leah Marilla Thomas (@leahmarilla) May 2, 2023
There are plenty of pickets inspired by “Succession,” the hit HBO drama that wraps up its final season in the coming weeks.
—mah ree nah (@marinarachael) May 3, 2023
And some signs include iconic “Arrested Development” quotes.
—James Marsden Agent (@jessicaaphan) May 7, 2023
—caitie delaney (@caitiedelaney) May 4, 2023
Many signs turned around in the studios, including failed business ventures.
—Kashana (@kashanacauley) May 2, 2023
The strikers near the Walt Disney Studios took direct aim at the brand’s current creative effort, which is facilitating the restart.
—kirby (@KLLGGG) May 4, 2023
Many celebrities have been seen on the picket lines.
Seth Meyers, Tina Fey and Fred Armisen were seen striking in Queens yesterday.
—Tina Fey Rocks (@TinaFeyNet) May 9, 2023
The stars of the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso” came out on strike earlier this week.
—still working9to5 (@9to5documentary) May 8, 2023
—Mandy Patinkin (@PatinkinMandy) May 10, 2023
And “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson made it clear that her hit comedy series wouldn’t be as successful without a talented writing team.
—lexi (@jskellingtons) May 3, 2023
