MCU In Trouble - WGA Writer's Strike EXPLAINED

The MCU is in Trouble, because the WGA strike threatens the entire entertainment industry. In this video we explain why the writers are on strike, and how this affects Marvel, Star Wars, and the Golden Age of Television.

Edited by Randolf Nombrado and Brianna McLarty

#MCU #WGAStrike

Right now there is a theat to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that’s greater than Kang, bigger than Galactus–something that is even more of a danger to marvel than james Gunn’s DCU–and that is the ongoing conflict between the movie studios and the wirters who cerate our most beloved stories.

On May 2nd, 2023 the Writers Guild of America put their pens and keyboards away, opting to go on strike for the sixth time since its founding in 1954. And this one event is going to be the number one force that shapes Marvel and Star wars for YEARS to come.

DOUG: The who, what now?

RYAN: Come on man, The Writers Guild of America. They’re the Hollywood Labor Union that represents professional film, television, radio, and comedy writers across the country. Some of our favorite fandom writers like, Michael Waldron, Jeff Loveness, Jessica Gao, Jac Schaeffer, even Jon Favrau and Dave Filoni are all members of the WGA.

DOUG: OH. Don't get me started, I’m kind of mad about the whole thing.

RYAN: What? Why? I would think a manager of a video store would love writers?

DOUG: Because some shows and movies I was excited about like BLADE, Daredevil Born Again, Andor Season 2, have all paused production because of those writers! Now I’m going to have to wait even longer for those titles to be released.

RYAN: Well, hold on there buddy, I would actually frame it a much different way.

DOUG: Like how?

RYAN: Well, what if I told you that it isn't the WRITERS who WANT to be on strike?

DOUG: Then you would have my attention as I prepare to have my little point of view changed.

RYAN: [clip] Chances are that over the past few weeks, fans have either seen online or heard in the news that many of their favorite television shows or films have been halted mid-filming. Late night fans have probably noticed that all the tonight shows are down. Saturday Night Live is down. The list is long, and grows larger and larger each day, and it might stay that way until a fair contract deal between the WGA and the AMPTP is reached. MEANING that many of our favorite shows and films might have their release dates pushed back.

DOUG: Wait…The who again?

RYAN: The AMPTP is the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. An organization of suits that represent major film and television studios during labor negotiations with all the major Hollywood unions. When contracts are up, the AMPTP negotiates on behalf of studios like Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, Paramount, AMAZON, and others. They are responsible for reaching collective bargaining agreements with these unions on issues such as compensation, working conditions, and benefits.

DOUG: So they’re the people the writers told their demands to for their new contracts?

RYAN: Correct!

DOUG: Oh, so how did it go?

RYAN: Not good, Doug. Not good at all. [clip]

DOUG: What did the writers ask for?

RYAN: Luckily, the WGA has been very clear and concise on their demands, even sending out a list of the guild's official asks, and the responses from the AMPTP. Overall, writers are asking for around 430 million dollars per year to address major issues within the profession such as writer’s room sizes, residual payments on projects, paid development for features, and even the usage of AI in scripts.

[runbaaPly]

I think Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 being such a hit is also a big win for writers. The public often forget, but James Gunn started his professional career as a writer. He only directed his first feature film with Slither in 2006. He is at his core, a writer, actually having more writing credits than he does directorial credits. And with the GotG trilogy being consistent hits, it really shows the value of good writers and the potential they can achieve when the creative environment allows it.

[spinjitzumasterfalcon]

As someone who dreams of becoming an animator in the film industry, I hope that this strike becomes a success

[catgurl]

This is just so insightful letting me know what they striking for. The breakdown of how much money they make is really not as much as I always thought. These writers need to be paid the money they deserve they create some of my favorite shows and movies.

[cliveroberts]

I want better written shows. Give the writers what they want! We need to start putting pressure on the producers.

[IanICee]

Thank you for making a video on this incredibly important topic. These writers NEED to be paid, it's ridiculous that this strike has to happen at all. Next up, directors, then the actors after. The studios better be ready to stop being so greedy and pay out who actually makes the money.

[joshuagarcia]

As an IATSE member striking alongside the teamsters, SAG, and the DGA in solidarity with WGA, thank you for this. None of us want to be out of work worried about where our next check will come and away from our dream job, but we all know how important this strike is and can't allow the AMPTP to continue abusing their power.

[a.s.h.]

God this was a great collab! You asked him THE BEST questions and everything I'd been considering both sides and he responded so thoughtfully to each. I love it, this was a great interview!

[To-B-Continued]

They need to pay the writers, it's that simple. F these shows until the WGA is paid!

[GenericTallGuy]

Ryan is a great interviewer. Adam shed light on lots of things that I wasn’t aware of. I hope the strike is successful. We can’t have just one group of people making all the massive amount of money.

[MDuff-]

Very interesting, Ryan, thank you so much for this instructing video! I hope these things will be resolved quickly but humanly!

[KingOfMadCows]

A pretty important issue is making sure writers get experience. Writers can't just write in isolation, they have to understand the practicalities and limitations of production. They have to know what sets, costumes, locations a show/movie can get, how much time they have for effects, how many stunts can be done, etc. And writers have to be able to adapt when circumstances change like if a stunt actor gets injured, they'd have to rewrite an action scene, if two actors have really great chemistry, they'd add more dialogue between their characters, if they can't shoot at a location because of weather or something that closes the location off, they may need to rewrite a significant section of the script.

The problem with the mini rooms is that the writers won't necessarily be involved in other parts of production. So newer writers don't get the experience they need. It's really screwing over the next generation of writers. But you know who will be allowed on set to learn all the ins and outs of the business? Friends and families of the showrunners and producers.

[Sateuje]

Really appreciate you covering this Ryan & ScreenCrush, it’s very pressing right now to several industries.

[wordssoundsshapesshadows]

I think the misstep the execs are taking is thinking that everyone only cares about money. Artists/writers etc WANT to be able to create. They also need to eat. Loved this conversation. ❤

[JonathanFournier]

This is a great video, Ryan. I've been following the strike pretty closely and already felt I had a good understanding of it, but very useful to have a video like this covering all the basics in layman's terms.

[meepinandmorpin]

This is the kinda stuff that sets ScreenCrush apart from the others 😊 great video, I am glad more people are seeing the importance of this strike and unions! We need MORE unions.

[JBBauersfeld]

Proud SAG-AFTRA member (and movie/tv fan first) here... We stand in solidarity with our writers!

[NamelessGamingNG]

Another reason I always buy Physical media, supports the creators AND can never be taken away ( like Disney removing content from Disney + )

[Chilltownify]

Solidarity with the writers! The greedy studios are 100% to blame!

[dennispovloski]

This was a really great interview. I have a much better understanding of what's going on, and I'm really happy to see all my favorite YouTube channels raising awareness. Thank you!

[charliemiller]

As a teacher's assistant and aspiring writer, I believe the strike is very much needed. The writers aren't asking or demanding any unrealistic changes. The production companies make billions upon billions of dollars while the writers only get pennies, this is not right. If there were no writers, the production companies would be broke so it would be best for the production companies to stop being so greedy with the money and pay the writers fairly and agree to their demands.