The agreement in principle to stop the Hollywood screenwriters’ strike delights the Quebec film industry. But beware. The game is far from won.
Published at 12:46 am. Updated at 7:00 a.m.
On Sunday, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that it had reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which includes major studios (Disney, Sony), online streaming platforms (Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video) and all general broadcasters (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in the United States.
This is one of two labor disputes currently involving AMPTP, which has also been leading the actors’ strike since July. This double whammy, crippling production of American television series and films around the world, partly explains why Quebec technicians’ union AQTIS 514 IATSE greeted news of the script pact with “cautious optimism.”
PHOTO CHRIS PIZZELLO, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVE
Demonstration in front of Amazon Studios last July
“We are far from finished, as the agreement must be ratified by all members, but at least every second actor seems to have found common ground,” comments Christian Lemay, president of the Quebec grouping. “I noticed the photo of the writers’ negotiating team in Variety. When they say a picture is worth a thousand words. We see smiles. They seem happy. It’s a good sign. »
At the Quebec Cinema and Television Bureau (BCTQ) we talk about “a step in the right direction.” For Christine Maestracci, president and CEO of the economic development agency, patience will be required until the two disputes are officially resolved. And myself.
Even if there was a solution tomorrow morning, it would take a while. On the plateau side, we’re talking six to eight weeks before any real recovery occurs. As for the visual effects, it should last at least six to eight months.
Christine Maestracci, president and CEO of the Quebec Cinema and Television Bureau
Quebec is badly affected
This double whammy hit Quebec hard. BCTQ estimates that direct spending related to overseas filming will be around $40 million in 2023, which compares to 2021 (470 million) and 2022 (526 million, including the blockbuster Transformers: Rise of the Beasts). , hosted in Montreal) means a free fall. .
In addition, the 2,400 companies that serve foreign and local audiovisual productions in Quebec (studios, canteens, prop makers, costume designers, etc.) have suffered greatly. “Companies have made layoffs,” emphasizes Christine Maestracci.
[Des entreprises] had to take important measures to ensure their survival and be prepared for eventual recovery.
Christine Maestracci, president and CEO of the Quebec Cinema and Television Bureau
According to Andrew Lapierre, vice-president and co-founder of Grandé Studios, which hosts several overseas shoots in Montreal each year, the strike forced many technicians to reorient their careers. “They had too much trouble making ends meet. It’s sad. »
Andrew Lapierre believes the wheel will turn again once the author deal is ratified. “Production offices will reopen, construction of sets will resume… The industry will be restarted.” »
As for the possible resumption of American filming in Montreal and elsewhere, Christine Maestracci and Christian Lemay hope that Quebec will support the audiovisual industry through financial incentives to attract certain productions. Advertising measures must also be increased tenfold.
“First and foremost, the government must believe in the contribution of the audiovisual industry as an economic factor and potential growth,” emphasizes Christine Maestracci. We must work to close the gap that has arisen with other jurisdictions in Canada and elsewhere, which has resulted in Quebec losing its place among the top five most popular filming locations. »
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Christian Lemay, President of the Quebec Association of Image and Sound Technicians (AQTIS 514 IATSE)
The government must intervene. He must participate in the restructuring plan. With the industry essentially down to zero, a restart is to be expected.
Christian Lemay, president of the Quebec Association of Image and Sound Technicians
“Everyone will leave on equal terms. It would be really fun if we used that to position ourselves better,” adds Christian Lemay.
An “inspirational” precedent
The Society of Radio, Television and Cinema Authors (SARTEC) welcomes the apparent resolution of the screenwriters’ conflict, which it has followed closely in recent months.
According to the group’s president, Chantal Cadieux, the announcement of an agreement fundamentally suggests gains on the part of authors in terms of royalties, working conditions, fees and even policies regulating artificial intelligence. “It sets a precedent. It’s inspiring,” she said in an interview.
In Quebec, script discussions are still ongoing with the Association québécoise de la Production Media (AQPM), reports Chantal Cadieux. ” Things are going well. We are getting closer to an agreement. »
Return of the talk shows
In the short term, the resolution of the writers’ dispute is likely to mean the return of late-night talk shows in the United States. Those shows could resume in “two or three weeks,” Variety reports. According to the trade publication, hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers and John Oliver plan to return to air at the same time on Monday, October 2nd or 9th.
PHOTO STEFANI REYNOLDS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVE
Host Jimmy Fallon
The agreement in principle also received the seal of approval from US President Joe Biden. In a statement, the Democratic leader praised the efforts of both camps.
Biden took the opportunity to talk about another major labor dispute rocking the American economy: the strike by auto workers. “I encourage all employers to remember that all employees deserve a fair share of the profits to which their work has contributed,” he stressed.
The story so far
May 2, 2023
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is on strike. The screenwriters are particularly demanding royalties for the exploitation of series and films on Netflix, Disney+ and all streaming platforms.
July 14, 2023
Hollywood actors (SAG-AFTRA) also start a strike. Therefore, they are suspending all filming of American productions not only in the United States but also in Quebec.
September 24, 2023
The WGA announces the conclusion of an agreement in principle after a five-day negotiation bout involving the heads of major studios. The terms of the agreement remain unknown.