Strike of American screenwriters | Cautious optimism in Quebec

The agreement in principle to stop the Hollywood screenwriters’ strike delights the film industry in Quebec. But beware. The game is far from won.

On Sunday, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that it had reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major studios (Disney, Sony), streaming platforms online (Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video) and all general channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in the United States.

This is one of two labor disputes currently involving AMPTP, which has also been managing the actors’ walkout since July. This double strike, which paralyzes the production of American TV series and films across the planet, partly explains why the Quebec technicians’ union, AQTIS 514 IATSE, welcomes the news of the screenwriters’ pact with “cautious optimism”.

“We are far from being finished, because the agreement must be ratified by all the members, but at least one player in two seems to have found common ground,” comments Christian Lemay, president of the Quebec grouping. “I noticed the photo of the authors’ negotiating team in Variety. When they say a picture is worth a thousand words. We see smiles. They seem satisfied. It’s a good sign. »

At the Quebec Cinema and Television Bureau (BCTQ), we are talking about “a step in the right direction”. For Christine Maestracci, president and CEO of the economic development agency, patience will be required until the two disputes are officially resolved. And even.

Quebec heavily affected

This double strike hit Quebec hard. According to BCTQ estimates, direct expenses linked to foreign filming will be around $40 million in 2023, results in free fall compared to 2021 (470 million) and 2022 (526 million, including the blockbuster of Transformers: Rise of the Beastshosted in Montreal).

In addition, the 2,400 companies serving foreign and local audiovisual production in Quebec (studios, canteens, prop makers, costume designers, etc.) have suffered greatly. “Companies have made layoffs,” emphasizes Christine Maestracci.

According to Andrew Lapierre, vice-president and co-founder of Grandé studios, which hosts several foreign shoots in Montreal each year, the strike forced many technicians to redirect their careers. “They had too much difficulty making ends meet. It’s deplorable. »

Andrew Lapierre believes that as soon as the writers’ agreement is ratified, the wheel will start turning again. “The production offices will reopen, the construction of sets will resume… The industry will restart. »

Speaking of the possible restart of American filming in Montreal and elsewhere, Christine Maestracci and Christian Lemay hope that Quebec will support the audiovisual industry by granting financial incentives to attract certain productions. Promotional efforts must also be increased tenfold.

“First and foremost, the government must believe in the contribution of the audiovisual industry, as an economic vector, as a potential growth,” emphasizes Christine Maestracci. We must work to close the gap that has been created with other jurisdictions, in Canada, but also elsewhere, which has caused Quebec to lose its place within the top 5 destinations of choice for filming. »

“Everyone will leave on an equal footing. It would really be fun if we took advantage of this to position ourselves better,” adds Christian Lemay.

An “inspiring” precedent

The Society of Radio, Television and Cinema Authors (SARTEC) welcomes the apparent resolution of the screenwriters’ conflict, which it has followed closely in recent months.

According to the president of the group, Chantal Cadieux, the announcement of an agreement in principle suggests gains on the authors’ side in terms of royalties, working conditions, fees and even guidelines to regulate artificial intelligence. “It sets a precedent. It’s inspiring,” she said in an interview.

In Quebec, screenwriters’ talks with the Association québécoise de la production media (AQPM) are still underway, reports Chantal Cadieux. ” It is going well. We are moving towards an agreement. »

Return of talk shows

In the short term, the resolution of the writers’ dispute should mark the return of late-night talk shows in the United States. These broadcasts could resume in “two or three weeks”, reports Variety. According to the trade publication, hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers and John Oliver plan to return to the air at the same time, Monday October 2 or October 9.

The agreement in principle also received the seal of approval from United States President Joe Biden. In a statement, the Democratic leader praised the efforts of both camps.

Biden took the opportunity to discuss another major labor conflict that is shaking the American economy: that of striking employees in the automobile sector. “I encourage all employers to keep in mind that all workers deserve a fair share of the profits to which their work has contributed,” he stressed.