Streaming changed Hollywood; writers deserve compensation

came after writers had failed to reach a deal with production companies on a new contract. The issue is there are a few key points that they disagree on, including pay, streaming compensation and how the writers rooms are set up.

Ashly Burch, who has been working on Apple TV show “Mere Mortals” spoke of the challenges writers face today amid studios and streamers demand for content.

tum of Solace” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” were not able to have rewrites because there were no writers available.

Last Tuesday, Hollywood writers put down their pens and hoisted placards. They took to the streets in demand of high pay, shorter contracts and having more writers on shows. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), the union that represents screenwriters, has had a three year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). AMPTP is responsible for negotiating contracts between the WGA and big picture companies. The strike

“If you’re beginning staff, like a story editor, it’s not sustainable to live off of this profession anymore,” Burch told The Times.

This is not the first time Hollywood writers have gone on strike; back in 2007 writers went on strike for 100 days. According to Daily Mail, “The strike cost Hollywood 2.1 billion dollars.” The purpose behind it was the way DVD sales and video demand were being handled.

The strike resulted in shows such as “The Office” and “Big Bang Theory,” being cut short while scripts for films like “Quan-

Some celebrities have weighed in on their thoughts on writers being paid more money. Amanda Seyfried, most known for ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Mean Girls’ mentioned her thoughts, “I don’t get what the problem is. Everything changed with streaming and everybody needs to be compensated for their work.”

Streaming has changed the way the world consumes hollywood movies and shows. With access to thousands of titles at your fingertips, streaming allows for the viewing of new and old content, but the creative minds behind the scenes are not being compensated properly.

“I feel like writers should be compensated for their work on the shows because they don’t get recognized for shows as much as actors are,” said Talia Ordonez, a second year psychology major. “Writers work really hard on shows and it is hard to find new stories to make people interested, the writers are the most important part because they are the ones giving the story even though the actors are performing,” Ordonez continued.

Charlene Regalia, a fourth year psychology major said, “I think it is difficult because there is a problem with reruns but I think it is fair for them to get some compensation for their work.”

Makayla Boardman, a second year psychology major, shared her thoughts on why actors should support the writers in the strike, “Without the writers you have no story.”

If we continue to enjoy content days or years after its initial release, all parties involved in the creative process deserve to be compensated and valued. Writers should get paid fairly for their work. If it wasn’t for them, the shows and movies that we love would never be brought to life.