Writers Guild Saves Kimmel: New President’s Plans
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* Michele Mulroney is the new president of WGA West. She was previously Vice President and has worked as a writer on “Power rangers” (2017) and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011).
* WGA recently achieved a victory: ABC reinstated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after writers protested its suspension.
* Key Issues Facing the WGA:
* AI: Protecting writers’ work from being ripped off by AI models without compensation. Building on gains made in the 2023 strike regarding AI.
* Healthcare Costs: Rising costs are straining the WGA health plan, and Mulroney intends to seek financial support from studios.
* production Shifts: Studios are moving production overseas (e.g., to the U.K.) to take advantage of financial incentives,reducing jobs in Southern California.
* Industry Contraction: A general downturn in the industry following the 2023 strike.
* 2023 Strike: Writers secured AI protections in their contracts after a 148-day strike.
* California Tax credit: The WGA successfully lobbied to increase California’s film and TV tax credit program to $750 million (from $330 million).
* Next Contract Negotiations: Are upcoming, and Mulroney is preparing for them.
* Strike Possibility: mulroney stated it’s too early to speculate about another strike,but members are willing to fight for a fair contract.
* AMPTP response: The Alliance of Motion Picture and television Producers (AMPTP) expressed willingness to work with Mulroney but acknowledged “complex financial challenges” with the health plan.