Following 148 days of work stoppage, the boards of both the WGA West and WGA East voted unanimously to lift the strike order. This decision came after a tentative agreement was reached on a new minimum basic agreement (MBA) contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP, which was successfully negotiated on September 24, 2023.
Studios and networks are eager to prioritize their film and TV projects, from established franchises like “Star Trek” to new ventures like “Abbott Elementary” and “Wednesday.” The potential prolongation of the strike could have forced the 2023-24 broadcast season to heavily rely on unscripted shows and content imported from streaming platforms and overseas markets.
House of the Dragon
For instance, “House of the Dragon” is gearing up for its second season, targeting a summer 2024 premiere, with plans for an as-yet-unordered third season for the “Game of Thrones” prequel. However, beloved series like “The White Lotus,” “Euphoria,” and “The Last Of Us” will only return in 2024 due to production delays at HBO.
Netflix is also in high gear
Netflix is also in high gear, focusing on scripting the second season of “Wednesday” and the highly anticipated fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” as fans eagerly await the conclusion of the high-school kids’ battle against the horrors from the Upside Down
Production
The impending surge in production presents logistical challenges for executives and industry professionals. Securing soundstage space and shooting locations will be a competitive endeavor, with studios anticipating intense competition for top talent.
The aftermath of the strikes is expected to continue, as SAG-AFTRA strikes remain ongoing. In addition to financial concerns, these strikes will introduce further logistical obstacles, leading to potential delays, rescheduling, and even the possibility of abandoning entire productions. The industry faces a complex and demanding period as it strives to meet the demands of an eager audience while navigating these challenges.