The Writers’ Guild’s Next Act: Expanding Beyond Traditional Media?
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), the union that has long represented screenwriters, TV, and radio writers, is facing a pivotal moment. The entertainment landscape is rapidly evolving, and the WGA’s future hinges on whether it can adapt to the changing tides. Recent discussions among WGA West board candidates signal a strong push toward embracing new media formats, but is it a viable strategy?
Shrinking Iceberg: The Need to Diversify
The core issue? Traditional film and television work is shrinking. Data shows a significant drop in writing jobs and member earnings. The WGA West is seeing a downturn, with a 24.3% decrease in members reporting earnings in 2024 compared to the pre-strike year of 2022. Television writing jobs in the 2023-24 season plunged 42% from the previous year.
“We are sitting on a shrinking iceberg and must be willing to look beyond our current employers,” as WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney, said in her statement. The future of entertainment writing is undoubtedly shifting.
Did you know? The WGA East has already paved the way, incorporating writers from podcasts, digital news outlets, and nonfiction television firms since 2011.
New Frontiers: Verticals, YouTube, and Beyond
The potential expansion targets are diverse. Vertical content (short-form videos for platforms like TikTok and Instagram), YouTube channels, podcasts, and video games are all on the radar. This is where the future lies for writing!
Adam Conover, an incumbent board member, has focused on the creator economy, seeing the future of television in the expanding landscape of YouTube. This change is vital for the survival of the union, a sentiment that many are starting to share. As an associate professor at Loyola Marymount University and author of The Writers: A History of American Screenwriters and Their Guild, Miranda J. Banks notes that it is essential to evolve to include these new forms, given that writers are seeking employment in all sorts of other places and exploring entertainment writing boundaries.
Obstacles in the Creator Economy
Organizing creators is not easy. The creator workforce is often fragmented and independent. Success is not guaranteed. Furthermore, many creators work alone, often for limited profits. The competition is fierce, and ad revenue can be limited.
Pro tip: Study the strategies of successful creators and the business models of their platforms to understand the industry and how the WGA might adapt.
Verticals and the “Fast Fashion” of Entertainment
Verticals – short-form video platforms – are emerging rapidly. But these platforms often prioritize cost and speed, leading to potentially lower-quality scripts. This can be compared to the fast-fashion trends of Shein and Temu. However, this trend could change as more mainstream players get in the game. TelevisaUnivision, for instance, has revealed a slate of verticals.
ReelShort CEO Joey Jia compared work for verticals versus work for traditional entertainment studios. He expressed that writing for verticals can feel like, “You work for McDonald’s or for a fancy French restaurant in Palo Alto.”
Video Games: A Missed Opportunity?
The WGA West has explored video game writing in the past, but with limited success. In 2021, they shut down a caucus aimed at organizing game writers. Some video game writers, like Nick and Max Folkman, feel that the union could have acted sooner. Another labor group, The Communications Workers of America, is making inroads in the video game industry.
Incumbent board member Rob Forman has led a committee exploring ways to enter the video game industry. This highlights the recognition of a massive opportunity.
Semantic SEO Opportunity: Consider the impact of emerging technologies like AI on writing for video games. Explore how unions can protect writers in the face of these advancements.
FAQ: Addressing the Future of the WGA
Q: What are verticals?
A: Short-form video content designed for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and similar channels.
Q: Why is the WGA considering expansion?
A: To adapt to a changing entertainment landscape and provide more opportunities for its members.
Q: What are the challenges of organizing creators?
A: The creator economy is fragmented, competitive, and often based on individual success.
Q: What is the WGA East doing differently?
A: WGA East has already expanded its purview to include writers from podcasts, digital news outlets, and other new media.
Q: Is the expansion strategy a consensus among the union leaders?
A: Based on recent statements from board members, this trend has become a priority in the union.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future
The WGA’s future depends on its ability to evolve. By embracing new media formats, the union can ensure a sustainable future for its members. As incumbent WGA West board member Molly Nussbaum noted, perhaps it’s time their union sought out new challenges, too.
What are your thoughts on the WGA’s expansion plans? Share your comments below!
