Support the WGA

As the WGA strike continues it seems that by the end of this month that SAG will be joining them as they almost unanimously voted to join the strike. The DGA is also currently voting as to whether or not they will be joining the strike, either way Hollywood is being effectively shut down with or without them. Marvel has recently announced new general release dates for several projects due to lots of productions being put on hold in light of the strike. We will undoubtedly be seeing more productions be put on hold when the actors join the picket lines.

There has even been recent international support for US writers. Just this past week, several protests have been held worldwide in solidarity. This is a great reminder to studios that this strike isn’t going anywhere.

I’ve seen lots of social media posts asking what the general public can do to support the writers at this time and the general consensus seems to be the same. Because of the lack of new scripted content there will be some desperate attempts from streaming and networks to keep audiences by producing cheap reality tv. So what you can do is simple, don’t watch it. Instead re-watch some of your favorite scripted tv shows, whether it be reruns on cable (where all the residuals live) or on streaming. Either way will be better for the writers than indulging in reality tv.

The second thing that you can do is donate to the Entertainment Community Fund or buying WGA merch. This helps writers on the picket lines, as well as making sure that they can still feed themselves as this strike continues.

The third thing is a little more difficult if you don’t live in LA or NYC, but you can join picket lines. The bigger the crowds the better, give the writers a chance to sit down and rest while others hold the line. These writers have to get up very early in order to shut down these productions so if it's possible, joining these writers would be appreciated. The WGA even has a picket schedule up on their website with locations for both East and West picket lines.

Now I am someone who wants to work in the industry, as a writer so this strike means a lot to me. They are fighting for my future, and though I don’t have a giant following I do want to lend whatever media assistance I can to cover this strike. I would love to be on the picket lines everyday with these wonderful people but I too must feed myself and my work schedule doesn’t really allow it. However I highly encourage following the strike from the actual sources. If your social media of choice is TikTok I would recommend following Michael Jamin - he answers industry questions and has been wonderful about giving his followers the details of how the industry works and how we got to the point of the strike. I would also recommend following Adam Conover, as he is on the WGA board and has been giving us great, in person strike coverage.

Writers from the WGA have also been using their voices to tell people their experiences in the industry that have led them to strike as well as covering the details of global influence it's been having.

Please check out my other articles covering the WGA strike if you would like more details as to why it started, and what its effects have been so far. And please, always continue to support writers. They are the backbone of Hollywood and we would have no loveable entertainment without them.