Atlanta film industry’s future on the line as Monday marks deadline for writer’s union deal

WSBTV.com News Staff
·2 min read

The union for television and movie writers could decide to go on strike as they try to work out a deal with production companies for better pay and hours.

The deadline for a deal is approaching, and it could stop work on some of your favorite movies and TV shows while potentially costing Georgia millions.

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On Sunday evening, the Marquee at the Plaza Theatre noted its last night of the Atlanta Film Festival 2023. And looming in the air is the possibility of Sunday being the “last day” of work for screenwriters.

Channel 2′s Veronica Griffin was live at the Plaza Theatre in northeast Atlanta on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m., where she spoke with people attending the film festival.

They are hoping both sides, the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, can work things out and quickly.

Savannah Film Alliance founder Charles Bowen said a writer’s strike hasn’t happened since 2007.

“If I had to put one word on it, it would be catastrophic,” said Bowen.

But if writer’s union and studio production companies can’t come together on a contract agreement by Monday, that could all change. That would put a pause on movies and TV shows.

“I obviously enjoy my entertainment, and I enjoy being every-access whatever I want, whenever I want,” said Patton.

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Linda Burns with the Atlanta Film Festival said everyone was streaming during COVID-19.

“This year, the writers have decided that this is the year where look... after all of the money you made with Covid... I mean, how many people were streaming at home? Everybody was streaming at home,” said Burns.

Just like the rest of us, studios are watching and waiting, too.

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