After a nearly five-month-long strike, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The WGA has recommended its members to end the strike and return to work, with a ratification vote scheduled in October. The details of the agreement, which will be in effect from September 2023 to May 2026, have been released. Two notable aspects are the regulations around the use of generative AI tools and specific rules regarding streaming data and calculating bonuses based on viewership. However, despite the writers’ return, productions may not fully resume normalcy as the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is still on strike.

The agreement between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has brought an end to the nearly five-month-long strike. The WGA has unanimously recommended its members to stop picketing and resume work, with a ratification vote scheduled for October. The agreement, which will be in effect for a three-year period, includes provisions regarding the use of generative AI tools and regulations on streaming data and bonus calculations based on viewership. The 94-page deal has been made available for review. However, the return of writers alone might not restore normalcy to productions since the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is still on strike.

One of the significant aspects of the agreement reached by the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is the introduction of a viewership-based bonus structure for streaming series and films. Additionally, studios will share data on the number of hours streamed for projects such as Netflix’s original series with the Guild. The agreement also addresses the use of generative AI tools, stating that AI-generated material will not be considered source material under the agreement. Writers cannot be compelled to use AI software like ChatGPT, and if any materials given to writers include AI-generated content, they must be informed. Despite the resolution of the writers’ strike, productions will likely not return to normal as long as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, as they represent a significant number of performers in the entertainment industry.

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