Writers’ Strike

told her union to not cross the picket line and that those who do will be immediately expelled from the union.

According to the Los Angeles Times, “We cannot afford a strike.” Post-pandemic inflation and politics have been very destructive to the film industry. The Los Angeles Times and multiple other news sources are in a panic, stating how a strike would make the industry lose billions of dollars.

As reported by NBC News, Hollywood lost $2.1 billion as a result of the strike in 2007. The strike in 2007 lasted 100 days, but the financial impact to Hollywood studios was not significant compared to how much money they have.

On May 15, writers from the East Coast hit Radio City Hall, where Netflix rented space to discuss the fall schedule. Ironically, there is no fall schedule because of the strike.

The guild rented a rat inflatable named Scabby, a longtime symbol of labor protests. Also, the rat represents all the CEOs in Hollywood not paying their writers.

On Sunday, May 21, I picketed at Boston University with my father, Jorge Zamacona, who is a writer and producer, my uncle, Brad Winters, who is also a writer, and my younger cousin Luke. Warner Brothers CEO David Zaslaz, who made $39 million last year, gave a commencement speech at graduation.

Once we got to Boston, we signed in with the picket captain and chose our signs. We were briefed and told to not stand on the brick pavement, which was BU property. We had support from most civilians. Even the moto cops revved and waved.

During Zaslav’s arrival, his driver and bodyguard opened his sport coat, displaying a gun to the picket line in a very arrogant manner.

Outside the VIP entrance, writers, actors, and supporters picketed for hours until his exit. Inside the arena, Boston University students chanted, “Pay your writers,” and they booed most of his speech. Scabby was present during the picket. A plane with a banner that said, “ZASLAV, PAY YOUR WRITERS” flew over Boston, as well.

I held a sign in solidarity with the writers and against Zaslav. I also held up a guild sign. The signs

On 57th Street and Fifth Avenue