The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative three-year contract agreement with top Hollywood studios and broadcast streamers. The deal includes provisions addressing the use of AI, minimum staffing in television writers’ rooms, and a streaming bonus based on viewership.
Regarding AI technology, the WGA has secured safeguards against AI generating content, or altering original content, or generating sequel material for adaptations. Writers may use AI tools if permitted by their employers, but they cannot be compelled to do so. Companies must disclose the use of AI-generated content during the writing process. The use of WGA writers’ material to train an AI model is prohibited.
Compensation tied to the success of streaming shows was a significant focus for the union. A new residual structure was established to reward writers for projects with a successful streaming viewership. While some streaming transparency was achieved, the WGA is only allowed to share certain streaming data with WGA members in an aggregated form, and not specifically.
Minimum staffing in writers’ rooms was another key issue. The proposed agreement specifies a minimum number of writer-producers for first-season shows, and a different number for subsequent seasons. These changes aim to prevent the use of AI to cut costs on writers.
Although, some writers have returned to work, but the deal is not binding without a final vote by WGA members, which occur between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
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