LOS ANGELES — In an unexpected development, Hollywood writers and major film studios have struck a four-year contract deal following approximately three weeks of discussions.
The Writers Guild of America West announced on social media that its negotiating team gave unanimous support to the preliminary contract with The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization that speaks for the studios. The alliance verified the agreement in its own statement posted online Saturday.
“We look forward to building on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that support long-term industry stability,” the alliance stated.
While specific contract details haven’t been released yet, the agreement is anticipated to address key writer concerns including enhanced healthcare benefits and stronger safeguards against artificial intelligence use. The guild posted on social media that the contract secures writers’ health coverage, expands on 2023 improvements, and “helps address free work challenges.”
This contract spans four years instead of the standard three-year term and requires approval from both the guild’s leadership board and membership to become final.
The swift agreement stands in sharp contrast to the bitter negotiations from three years earlier, when Hollywood writers launched a massive strike that effectively paralyzed much of the entertainment industry.
Writers overwhelmingly supported that previous agreement, which delivered increased pay, longer job security, and artificial intelligence oversight. The existing contract was scheduled to end in May.
Studio executives are simultaneously negotiating fresh contracts with unions representing performers and directors, whose agreements expire at the end of June. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin told The Associated Press in February that he’s observed indications that studios want “to work as partners again.” Hollywood performers also staged a months-long walkout in 2023 seeking improved contract terms.
This writers’ preliminary agreement emerges while the Writers Guild of America West deals with an ongoing walkout by its own staff union that began in February. Over 100 employees in legal, events, and residuals divisions have been striking over alleged unfair labor practices, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Whether the staff union’s weeks-long strike will affect the preliminary studio agreement remains unclear. The union previously announced it was canceling its yearly awards show due to the staff strike.
