Warner Bros. TV suspends high-profile development deals, because studios don’t want to pay anyone
The studio probably wouldn't go to this trouble if it didn't think the strikes were going to continue for a while
Aux News Warner Bros.
In a move that makes it seem like the studios are not planning on ending the strikes and getting back to work any time soon, Warner Bros. Television has decided to suspend its remaining development deals with high-profile producers and showrunners—including Greg Berlanti (The old CW’s Arrowverse), Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso), Mindy Kaling (Never Have I Ever), J.J. Abrams (Lovecraft Country), and more, with Chuck Lorre’s deal apparently having been suspended already. An overall deal like this basically means that the studio pays these writers/producers to come up with projects, and then the studio gets first dibs (or maybe only dibs) on whatever they pitch.
Suspending those deals means exactly what it sounds like: They’re on pause. The studio, in other words, isn’t going to pay for writers to come up with ideas when the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are on strike and nothing is being made anyway. But what it means in this specific context is that the studio would rather keep the strikes going and pay no writers at all than leave these deals with some of the most successful writers and producers in the history of the medium in place—and they’re doing it now, three months into the WGA strike.
That all seems to indicate that Warner Bros. TV, and therefore parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, doesn’t think the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are going to end any time soon. Variety says the studio paused most of its deals like this right away when the WGA strike began, but some remained in place before the actors strike started because some shows were still in production. But now the actors have been on strike for a while as well, so it looks like Warner Bros. TV is just cutting its losses and suspending everything at this point—which is to say that the strikes are apparently working and the studios have no choice but to do things like this. If nothing else, it means the strike isn’t going to end tomorrow, because, otherwise, why go to the trouble of contacting these writers and producers now?
Variety also notes that the studio would apparently be within its rights to kill deals like this outright at this point, citing the ongoing strike as an “act of god” that can’t be resolved (since it’s been more than 90 days, which is the cutoff for that kind of thing in this kind of deal). So it’s at least somewhat to the credit of the various AMPTP studios that they haven’t been doing a ton of that just yet. As it stands now, these deals will probably be unsuspended whenever the WGA strike ends, and any time lost during the pause will be re-added to the length of the deal.
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How dare writers and work staff be paid enough to do more than eat scraps out of a dumpster. These unions are pure communism for working against the mega-wealthy, for sure.
It’s starting to feel like the Hollywood studios might just get back into the garment industry, and give up on making things as ‘unnecessary to their brand synergy,’ or ‘against our corporate ethos’ or something… these executives really seem to feel uncomfortable with doing anything that doesn’t involve yachts or stock buybacks.
They could bring back the Triangle Shirtwaist line while they’re at it.
Look, a small core of plutocrats are supposed to have 99% of the wealth, while everyone else fights for scraps. How else could society possibly function?!
I have it on good authority that if you give enough to the rich people, eventually some will trickle down to the rest of us peasants to fight over. I’m admittedly a little hazy on the details and it definitely hasn’t worked in the past but look just trust me this time it’s fine.
This isn’t poor people vs. rich people. This is rich people vs. richer people.The writers make a sh*t ton of money. The below the line grips and gaffers are the ones who are getting screwed by this.
“If we didn’t incentivize work by forcing everyone to starve, none of the work would ever get done. And if we didn’t take 90% of the value of that work for ourselves, then people wouldn’t be starving and none of the work would ever get done. Basic math!”
Makes you long for the days when Hollywood writers were comprised entirely of alcoholic Lost Generation writers slumming between novels.
Sounds like it is time for “Eat the rich” to make a comeback.
Well, they can always buy production from non WAG and SAG-AFTRA members. I heard the Korean, Europe and India production are profitable (bring more subcriber) for Netflix. What make you think Zaslav won’t do the same thing?
Oh no doubt they could, but I believe that’s a short term solution. Eventually those over there will start wanting the same thing if they realize that their movie or TV series is making bank for studios and streaming networks over here. But I also think in an ironic twist studios and production companies in those countries will be the first to make the demands for both higher purchasing rights but as well as higher pay in residuals.
Yes, these companies will simply abandon the fetid, worn-out North American (or at least US) market. We have nothing to offer! We’re old news!
“What make you think Zaslav won’t do the same thing?”
Yeah, why doesn’t the head of WB simply take some assets that were produced by NETFLIX and broadcast them on Max instead of Netflix?
Hmmmmm, why DOESN’T he??????? I’m sure there’s nothing preventing him from doing exactly that.
The studios are sadly mistaken if they can break the unions by outlasting them. Garbage reality TV and regurgitated theater content will only take the greedy studios so far. 👍
A lot of these studio heads need a swift kick in the dick several times.
citing the ongoing strike as an “act of god” that can’t be resolvedI don’t understand how an inaction of man can be considered an act of god.Also, does anyone else know how to migrate my Twitter-based login to literally anything else?
yeah genuinely don’t understand how contract disputes can quality as an ‘act of god’
It’s the AMPTP heads going full Caligula.
I don’t think it’s possible to migrate your Twitter-based login without some developer modifying Kinja to allow for it.Best you can do is import your cookies whenever you use a browser on a new computer, and never log out.
Also, does anyone else know how to migrate my Twitter-based login to literally anything else?I think you click into edit profile and associate it with a new linked service(I picked gmail) and then you can remove Twitter.
That’s what I did on October 22nd, 2022 and it worked beautifully.
Oh nice! The feature actually exists! Cheers!
You are a godsend.
Was Kinja still allowing you to use Twitter as a log in? I changed mine to a burner Facebook account after Elon changed the API rules, assuming that Kinja wasn’t going to pay, and lo and behold the option to sign in through Twitter disappeared for me a few months later. I’ve been wondering what happened to the users who didn’t change it in time though.
I still had the cookies for my login, but for some reason they were only persistent on my phone. For the longest time I couldn’t access my account on desktop versions because the Twitter API was broken.
To be honest, most writers in Hollywood are garbage (just think of all the shit the produce). This is the perfect time for them to revaluate their life and move into another profession.
While it is absolutely true there aren’t enough good writers to go around (plenty of examples of bad writing if you look) if you are hired as a writer, you absolutely deserve to be paid properly for your work, and not be in fear of being replaced by an AI built on scraping your work, and that is non-negotiable.
Most shite in Hollywood is not the fault of the writers. There’s a world of difference between having a good script and having a good finished product. Numerous other factors are in play; terrible studio notes, tight budgets, short schedules, actors , writers or directors falling short and of course various random chance of actor availability, sickness, locations falling through, weather, etc.
TBH, if you find yourself making bitter comments about Hollywood at 3 in the morning on a pop culture website, and making up words like “revaluate” to do so, perhaps it is *you* that needs to take a long hard look in the mirror. You are not exactly in the position to be doling out any life or “profession” advice.
excellent post-username synergy
9 times out of 10 it’s a failed writer making this kind of bullshit comment. The other 1 time out of 10 it’s a culture war grifter**Who was also, naturally, a failed artist
i touched a nerve, i see. “TBH, if you find yourself making bitter comments about Hollywood at 3 in the morning on a pop culture website” – i’m touring Australia and have jet lag.“and making up words like “revaluate” to do so, perhaps it is *you* that needs to take a long hard look in the mirror”. – you know i meant “reevaluate”, didn’t you? if not, ahh bless. Plus, i have a compact mirror and i look amazing.“You are not exactly in the position to be doling out any life or “profession” advice.” did i mention i’m touring Australia. i’m good, bro. here’s some tips on changing your career:Self-assessment:Reflect on your interests, passions, and values. What activities make you happy and fulfilled? What causes or issues are important to you?Identify your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. What are you naturally good at? What skills do you enjoy using or developing?Consider your personality traits. Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you prefer working independently or in a team?Set clear goals:Define your long-term and short-term career goals. What do you want to achieve in your career in the next 5, 10, or 20 years?Consider your lifestyle goals, such as work-life balance, location preferences, and income expectations.Research:Explore different industries and professions that align with your interests and skills.Talk to people who work in fields you’re considering. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their daily work, challenges, and rewards.Use online resources like job search websites, career assessment tools, and company profiles to gather information.Education and skills development:Determine if your chosen career path requires additional education, training, or certifications.Invest in acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications to make yourself more competitive in your chosen field.Gain experience:Consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience in your desired field.Building a portfolio or resume with relevant experience can make you a more attractive candidate.Networking:Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to connect with professionals in your chosen field.Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, and social networks to expand your professional network.Experiment:Don’t be afraid to try out different jobs or projects to see what you enjoy the most. Sometimes, it’s through experimentation that you discover your true passion.Seek guidance:Talk to a career counselor or coach for personalized advice and guidance.Share your thoughts and concerns with trusted friends and family members who can offer support and insights.Stay adaptable:Remember that career paths can evolve over time. Be open to new opportunities and be willing to adjust your goals as your interests and circumstances change.Evaluate and reassess:Periodically assess your career satisfaction and progress toward your goals. If you’re not content, be prepared to make adjustments or pivot to a different career path.
love and light 🙂
Bad writers don’t deserve to be fucked over by their employers any more than good ones, dude.
Rightoids, whining about Hollywood content since forever. And TV was always notorious for being 99% disposable, formulaic dreck that no filmmaker or movie actor wanted to be associated with until about 10-15 years ago lol.
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thank you for finally being honest.
Why would you stop at the writers? The shit you’re complaining about was directed by directors, produced by producers, and greenlit by studio executives. Maybe those execs are bad at their job for greenlighting shit and should “revaluate” their lives. Maybe the CEOs who are losing more money than the wage increases the unions are asking for are bad at their jobs and should move into another profession.
Found Bill Maher everyone!
Classic CineCraft.Whilst you’re reading, catch me on tour:September 15, 2023, 9 PM, David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NVSeptember 16, 2023, 9 PM, David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NVOctober 7, 2023, 8 PM, The Fabulous Fox St. Louis, MOOctober 8, 2023, 8 PM, Orpheum Theater Omaha, NE November 3, 2023, 9 PM, David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NVNovember 4, 2023, 9 PM, David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
Oooh, Vegas residency, swanky! How’s the buffet there?
sadly i’m only drinking Ballerina tea, atm 🙁
To be honest, most writers in Hollywood are garbage (just think of all the shit the produce). This is the perfect time for them to revaluate their life and move into another profession. You’re angry at dairy farmers for your milkshake being sour. When Secret Invasion’s writer’s room was culled and replaced and it was subjected to six months of reshoots — not a writer, that’s a producer. When Rise of Skywalker got four months of reshoots and suddenly Palpatine returned somehow and Kylo Ren gets a redemption arc where he DOESN’T UTTER A SINGLE LINE OF DIALOGUE in the last 20 minutes of screentime — not a writer, that’s a producer.The writers are angry at the people you should be angry at. You’re angry at the people who are angry at the people you should be angry at. Time for you to finally get angry at the right people.
Oh, would you fuck off?
Seems like you’re a silly person!
i’m a silly billy 🙂
They’re still not adapting your screenplay, bro.
what’s a screenplay?
Frankly this is more an argument against overpaid executives greenlighting all the diarrhea than it is against writers
I wouldn’t necessarily say this means the strike will last forever. WGA members have been saying for ages that this will happen as soon as the act of God clause kicks in. These are development deals, not shit that’s ready to go as soon as the strike ends, which is what the studios will be prioritising. Cancelling the overall deals is a negotiating tactic. The hope is to hit the big names in the pocket. It also saves the studio a bunch of money short term. And some of those overall deals haven’t paid off like they hoped (eg Ryan Murphy’s had a lot fewer hits than Shonda Ryhmes) so this way they get out of them free.
“and they’re doing it now, three months into the WGA strike.” That would be 4 months, as they went on strike May 2nd.
“with Chuck Lorre’s deal apparently having been suspended already.”Well, at least there’s a silver lining to this mess.
I posted a very similar comment before I saw yours. My apologies.
I’d be more worried if I was you that you are thinking like me, lol.
Why are you apologizing for something you can’t control? And why are you apologizing for being first to say something?
I am torn, if the outcome is that JJ Abrams never makes anything else for the rest of his life, that alone almost makes this all worth it.
He was involved with Person of Interest, at least on a peripheral level, and I feel that series is absolutely unimpeachable. Even if the POS Caviezel was the star.
That’s the thing about Abrams. I wanted to make the same snarky remark, but this story is about a development deal, and he’s developed a lot of well-liked shows. His name just being attached doesn’t mean he’s personally involved on a day-to-day level, but it has led to some great TV, and I think it’s weird that people are so quick to overlook that. He’s a shitty writer, and I don’t care for any of the movies he has directed, but respect where respect’s due.On the other hand, there was that story a year or two ago about that big deal he signed with WarnerMedia to create a bunch of shows for HBO Max, including several based on DC characters, and apparently he’s taken in all this money and has produced nothing to show for it. Taken at face value, maybe he’s losing his touch.
The man blew up and laid waste to Star Wars *and* Star Trek. What touch are we talking about here? Leprosy?
The touch that produced projects he *didn’t* write or direct, like Lost, Fringe, Cloverfield, and Person of Interest. I was pretty clear about what I meant in my comment. Did you only read the last sentence or something?
I’d argue that he also started out fairly well on both Star Wars and Star Trek. It was when he was called back to do sequels that he screws up.
Abrams is a good starting idea man. Once the show/movie/franchise is up and running, you need to pass the baton to someone else to keep it going.
Using Star Trek for example, ‘Into Darkness’ was mediocre at best, but then another Director did Star Trek: Beyond (I think it was Justin Lin?) and that was actually fun. Force Awakens was a decent starter. TLJ just kinda did its own thing and apparently didn’t actually want to be a part of a trilogy. JJ being pulled back as a last minute replacement for the third film’s director just led to his worst habits being put center stage in a film that probably should’ve been two separate films.
Not to mention that Star Trek, in particular, had been terminally flatlined and dead for four years as a franchise (and longer than that as a movie franchise) before his first movie resuscitated it. Someone who says he destroyed Star Trek isn’t someone to be taken seriously.
I’m on the side of the writers but if you actually look at the list of names in the culling it seems more like an appropriate and long overdue time to kill deals that should have never been made to begin with.
Chuck Lorre makes exactly what the people you cannot stand love to watch.
Those deals can be financially lucrative assuming that the creator makes a big hit.
The issue is that the creators tend to get those deals after they’ve made a big hit, and frankly put, it’s really hard to be that consistent, especially when you’re no longer financially struggling and looking to make it big.
I love Shonda, but nothing she has done has reached the cultural zeitgeist of Grey’s Anatomy or Scandal (which she created), or How to Get Away With Murder (which she merely produced). Conversely, you have a Ryan Murphy who has arguably spread himself thin, and a Mindy Kaling where, truth-be-told, nothing she’s done has been a megahit on that level.
Arguably the most egregious of these deals was the one for Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Amazon. She got a huge deal after Fleabag (only two seasons) became a hit, but hasn’t produced anything worthwhile for them since.
So, the studios and the platforms are in a bind, because they’re willing to pay already successful people with the expectation of further success, but that can lead to a bit of a success trap because the financial incentive(s) aren’t there if you’re being thrown a bunch of money that you don’t necessarily need to produce anything to earn. Conversely, they aren’t going to hand over the big bucks to untested showrunners or writers, so many of those talented people are either going to be left toiling in relative obscurity, or they’re merely going to be a part of a megahit that gets the creator/producers/stars big future contracts, but not necessarily the writers and showrunners doing much of the legwork.
Warner Bros. Television has decided to suspend its remaining development
deals with high-profile producers and showrunners … with Chuck Lorre’s deal apparently having been suspended already.At least something good has come out of this strike.
Well, with no content being made, presumably the studio heads themselves aren’t doing their jobs, so maybe *they* should take a pay cut too?
That is just crazy talk.
This is the best comment so far.
David Zaslav doesn’t give two flips about scripted entertainment so this is no surprise…
This is what happens when studios get taken over by Wall Street accountant dipshits instead of people from the entertainment business (who, while still concerned with making a buck, at least still had a passion for the ‘show’ part of show business).
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No, this is what happens when there are not writers writing or creating new episodes and/or new shows BECAUSE THERE’S A FUCKING STRIKE.
You get that when people are on strike they ARE NO LONGER BEING PAID, right? That’s what this is.
Jesus Christ, there are so many people here who should’ve been drowned in a puddle as a baby…
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“because studios don’t want to pay anyone”You know you don’t HAVE to respond to everything the AMPTP does in such an ignorant, childish way, right?
You can simply acknowledge that of course studios would be pausing these deals because there’s nothing to write because the writers aren’t working because they’re on strike.
How long to theses execs think that people will pay to stream old movies and tv shows and no new content?
Considering they culled a bunch of older content, I would venture “not long”
“…citing the ongoing strike as an “act of god” that can’t be resolved”You know, it doesn’t help them at all, but I feel like some exec is rock hard at the thought they caused an act of God.
The thing I keep thinking about is how many shows they’re going to decide to scrap or retroactively cancel. At some point they may wonder if audiences still remember certain shows or even care all that much if they return. I don’t think that’s the case with everything but I can see streamers focusing on new content, rather than continuations of shows that have been on hiatus for 6, 12, 18+ months.
Maybe a group of successful actors should start their own studio, like back in 1919, when Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, DW Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks started United Artists so they would have control of the projects they worked on. Promise to pay writers a fair wage, as well as those background actors and stand ins who don’t make the money stars of projects make. Fuck Warner Bros, Netflix and the rest of them. People are going to get really tired of not having new programming in six months or so. It’s not the writers that are garbage. It’s the crap studios and networks want. As little pay out as possible for stupid reality shows, and fifteen FBI, CSI and L&O shows. Viewers of that crap aren’t going to be around forever.