- Writers Guild of America members are taking to the streets and striking for better conditions.
- Picket lines feature plenty of signs complaining about low pay, the threat of AI, and streaming services.
The Writers Guild of America strike continues as Hollywood writers are demanding entertainment studios give them better pay and working conditions.
While members take to the streets to show support for the strike that's halted production on upcoming big-budget television and movie studios, there's been an incredible display of creative picket signs.
While some writers have used their signs to express their frustrations, others have taken a lighter approach to picketing.
These 20 signs are showing why we need writers.
Some signs are getting 'write' to the point
The strike began last week after WGA leaders reached a stalemate 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 streamers, including Netflix, Disney, and Amazon.
While writers are striking for better pay, there are a slew of other issues important to the guild, many revolving around streaming models and services.
—Nazanin Nour (@NazaninNour) May 4, 2023
One of the guild's biggest issues is the use of new tech like artificial intelligence to research, edit, and even write entire scripts.
Studios have suggested flirting with AI services such as ChatGPT, leading to creatives such as "Avengers" director Joe Russo to call out concerns over the technology eventually eliminating writing and other entertainment jobs.
The WGA's more than 10,000 members are also striking against stagnating wages and rising living costs, which they say are forcing them to work second jobs in retail and food service to make ends meet.
Two of the biggest issues for writers are the decreasing number of episodes in a season of television — from 20-30 episodes to just a handful of 8-10 — and residuals, which have essentially dried up in the age of streaming.
This WGA's strike had the highest support from members in the organization's history: more than 98% of the members who voted agreed to authorize the strike.
—Mason Lieberman (@MasonLieberman) May 4, 2023
With each new day of striking, writers are getting increasingly creative with their signs.
—Leah Marilla Thomas (@leahmarilla) May 2, 2023
There are plenty of pickets inspired by "Succession," the hit HBO drama finishing its last season in the coming weeks.
—mah ree nah (@marinarachael) May 3, 2023
And some signs include iconic "Arrested Development" quotes.
—james marsden’s agent (@jessicaaphan) May 7, 2023
—caitie delaney (@caitiedelaney) May 4, 2023
Lots of signs took a swing at the studios, including failed business ventures.
—Kashana (@kashanacauley) May 2, 2023
Strikers near Walt Disney Studios directly targeted the brand's current reboot-friendly creative endeavor.
—kirby (@KLLGGG) May 4, 2023
Plenty of celebrities have been spotted on the picket lines
Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, and Fred Armisen were spotted striking in Queens yesterday.
—Tina Fey Rocks (@TinaFeyNet) May 9, 2023
Stars from the Apple TV series "Ted Lasso" showed up at a strike earlier this week.
—stillworking9to5 (@9to5documentary) May 8, 2023
—Mandy Patinkin (@PatinkinMandy) May 10, 2023
And "Abbott Elementary" creator and star Quinta Brunson made clear that her hit comedy series wouldn't be nearly as successful without a team of talented writers.
—lexi (@jskellingtons) May 3, 2023