WGA and AMPTP Tentative Deal: TV Bounces Back, Movie Future Hangs in Balance

In a recent whirlwind of industry developments, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have agreed tentatively on a deal that will bring writers back to the folds of both daytime and late-night TV talk shows. However, the impact on the motion picture side of things may not be quite so immediate; the fate of unfinished movie productions remains largely dependent on negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, and the resolution of actor scheduling conflicts that have persisted throughout the industry’s Covid-era hiatus.

As we anticipate the consequences of this tentative agreement, an interesting pattern may emerge. With writers poised to return to work prior to contract ratification, the industry may see a shift in priority to TV series over film projects - an echo of the sporadic scheduling complications we saw borne of the pandemic, where actors prioritized one project over another due to time constraints. This scenario certainly rang true for Nicholas Hoult, who was forced to forgo his role in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning -Part One due to commitments to Hulu’s The Great.

As reported by Deadline's Peter White, there's a prominent wave of optimism that the majority of network dramas and comedies will be able to run smoothly into the New Year, bolstered by the successful negotiation of a potential deal. Likewise, if the SAG-AFTRA strike dissipates in the foreseeable future, most motion picture productions are aiming for a 2024 commencement, or restart, date.

The 2024 theatrical release schedule, overshadowed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, has been inconsistent at best. This inconsistency is specifically concerning for movies that haven't yet completed production, such as Marvel Studios/Disney's Deadpool 3, Mission: Impossible 8, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the latter being reliant on extensive voiceover work.

However, the tentative agreement does gift the motion picture industry with some benefits; writers are now able to liaise with directors on unfinished movies that may need a revamp, such as Warner Bros.' Jenna Ortega's Beetlejuice movie and Paramount’s Gladiator sequel from Ridley Scott. Moreover, studios are now in a position to meet with potential hires and issue offers for open writing assignments. But while this draws the possibility of a potential increase in business, some argue that the market will be sluggish as actors remain cautious of how their association with the industry appears during the SAG-AFTRA strike.

While the details of the tentative agreement are not yet public, negotiations are ongoing, and we may soon have insight into the benefits designed for feature writers following a vote on the new deal. In an earlier proposal from AMPTP, considerations were made for writers of SVOD movies, with potential amendments to financial compensation and residual bases.

...And on that note, may I interject with a pinch of playful, industry iron?

We’re staring down the barrel of a situation reminiscent of a high school popularity contest. Who will get the boy? Or in this case, the actor? TV series or the film project? Personally, I'd tell them both to find a new date for the dance.

Let it be known that no matter how grand the screenplay, a story is only as strong as its casting. Scheduling conflicts might be par for the course, but the ongoing game of project Jenga - of stacking and realigning our stars - is well beyond a round of mild amusement.

It’s somewhat reassuring that studios will have more time to assemble their crews and fine-tune their casting choices. We wouldn't want a repeat of the Nicholas Hoult/Mission Impossible reshuffle, would we? Well, I suppose that depends on whether you're Team Mission Impossible or Team The Great.

Still, let's cut to the chase: The impending industry boon hints at a rise in business that may be stymied by actor caution during a precarious SAG-AFTRA strike. Who knew foresight could compete with dollar signs in Hollywood?

So, until we are privy to the specifics of the new deal, I recommend we collectively hold onto our pens, scripts, and SAG-AFTRA cards. Who knows where this rollercoaster of industry ups and downs will take us next? Stay tuned; it seems we've only experienced the first loop of the coaster.