In a groundbreaking achievement, the Writer’s Guild of America has successfully fought for its rights and got a fair contract with production studios after a 148 day strike.
The strike began on May 2 after negotiations between WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. AMPTP is the body which represents the major streaming services and television studios such as Netflix, Disney and NBC Universal. Issues that led to the strike included weekly employment and pay rates, according to a statement from the WGA.
During the strike, the guild was joined by actors from the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in July.
According to the WGA, the union and production studio representatives have reached an amicable agreement that is satisfactory for both parties. As such, a number of shows at major studios have resumed production of content.
As a prominent production studio and streaming service, Netflix employs a large number of WGA union writers to make original content. When the writers went on strike, production on a number of upcoming projects was put on hold.
While release dates have not been finalized, here are a number of upcoming shows that we have to look forward to:
“Stranger Things” SEASON 5
The highly anticipated fifth and final season of the pop culture phenomenon and smash hit “Stranger Things” has resumed production. While a large portion of the show has been completed, the show’s finale has yet to be written. Obviously with a production like this, Netflix wants to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. If Netflix is smart, this finale should please fans and honor the incredible cast and production team responsible for bringing this show to life.
“Wednesday” SEASON 2
With “Stranger Things” ending, Netflix is sure to be looking for its next big hit. With main star Jenna Ortega becoming an internet sensation, the cast of “Wednesday” is looking perfect to fill the void. Based on the classic television show and Gothic-inspired dark comedy “The Addams Family” (1964), the show focuses on Wednesday Addams and her time at a boarding school. Ortega has been praised for her groundbreaking performance in the show’s first season. The actor revealed in a Wired autocomplete interview that she learned to play the cello for the role. Only time will tell if “Wednesday” will succeed in its lofty ambitions.
“The Dragon Prince” SEASON 6
“The Dragon Prince” was created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond and produced by Wonderstorm. This beautifully animated show features a “Lord of the Rings” style high-fantasy adventure. This show has been well-received due its diversity, inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and rich world building. “The Dragon Prince” follows a group of friends and adventurers that seek to end a centuries spanning war between humans and the magical creatures of Xadia. As the series progresses, a collection of dragons, elves and humans attempt to spread peace and rebuild a war-torn world. The show has been renewed up to Season 7, so audiences still have time to enjoy what is to come from this revolutionary production.
