Hollywood writers reach ‘tentative’ deal to end strike over AI and compensation

Published

2 years ago

September 25, 2023

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A “tentative” deal has been reached to end a long-running strike by writers in Hollywood.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced the deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the group which represents studios, streaming services and producers in negotiations.

A statement from the WGA said: “We have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 MBA, which is to say an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contract language.

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.”

Most of the writers’ demands have been met

After 146 days on the picket line, Hollywood’s writers are finally ready to put pen to paper and sign an agreement with the studio bosses who pay their wages.

My understanding from speaking to sources on both sides of the standoff, is that most of the writers’ demands have been met with this deal, including greater royalty payments and assurances about the role of Artificial Intelligence in future TV and filmmaking.

If approved by the Writers Guild of America members, which seems all but guaranteed, it will bring an end to the second longest strike in the union’s history. It is also the broadest industry strike in decades, with more than 100,000 actors joining them on the picket.

Hollywood will not fully bounce back. Until actors return to work, filming on shows like the Last Of Us and Stranger Things, which have been on hold for months now, cannot resume. But talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Saturday Night Live, which don’t rely on actors, could resume filming as soon as this week.

Speaking to people on the picket line, they framed this strike action as about more than just Hollywood. Some said AI was not just “anti-creative” but that it presented an existential threat not just to their craft but to humankind.

This deal will be seen as a major victory in securing protections over their TV and film credits and payments in the wake of AI.

The three-year contract agreement – settled on after five days of renewed talks by negotiators from the WGA and the AMPTP – must be approved by the guild’s board and members before the strike officially ends.

Read more on Hollywood strikes:
How much of a threat is AI?

The terms of the deal were not immediately announced.

The statement added: “To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorised to by the Guild.

“We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing. Instead, if you are able, we encourage you to join the SAG-AFTRA picket lines this week.”

The agreement comes just five days before the strike would have become the longest in the guild’s history, and the longest Hollywood strike in decades.

About 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America walked off the job on 2 May over issues of pay, the size of writing staffs on shows and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of scripts.

In July, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union started its own walkout which is yet to be resolved.

It said in a statement: “SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines.

“While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members.

“We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand.”

Business

Lola’s Cupcakes bakes £30m takeover by Finsbury Food

Published

25 mins ago

August 14, 2025

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Lola’s Cupcakes bakes £30m takeover by Finsbury Food

Lola’s Cupcakes, the bakery chain which has become a familiar presence at commuter rail stations and in major shopping centres, is in advanced talks about a sale valuing it at more than £25m.

Sky News has learnt that Finsbury Food, the speciality bakery business which was listed on the London Stock Exchange until being taken over in 2023, is within days of signing a deal to buy Lola’s.

City sources said on Thursday that Finsbury Food was expected to acquire a 70% stake in the cupcake chain, which trades from scores of outlets and vending machines.

Lola’s Cupcakes was founded in 2006 by Victoria Jossel and Romy Lewis, who opened concessions in Selfridges and Topshop as well as flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

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The brand has grown significantly in recent years, and now has a presence in rail stations such as Waterloo and Kings Cross.

The company employs more than 400 people and has a franchise operation in Japan.

Lola’s is part-owned by Sir Harry Solomon, the Premier Foods founder, and Asher Budwig, who is now the cupcake chain’s managing director.

The deal will be the most prominent acquisition made by Finsbury Food since it delisted from the London market nearly two years ago.

Finsbury is now owned by DBAY Advisors, an investment firm.

A spokesperson for Finsbury Food declined to comment.

Business

UK growth slows as economy feels effect of higher business costs

Published

12 hours ago

August 14, 2025

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UK growth slows as economy feels effect of higher business costs

UK economic growth slowed as US President Donald Trump’s tariffs hit and businesses grappled with higher costs, official figures show.

A measure of everything produced in the economy, gross domestic product (GDP), expanded just 0.3% in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It’s a slowdown from the first three months of the year when businesses rushed to prepare for Mr Trump’s taxes on imports, and GDP rose 0.7%.

Caution from customers and higher costs for employers led to the latest lower growth reading.

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Business

Claire’s to appoint administrators for UK and Ireland business – putting thousands of jobs at risk

Published

1 day ago

August 13, 2025

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Fashion accessories chain Claire’s is set to appoint administrators for its UK and Ireland business – putting around 2,150 jobs at risk.

The move will raise fears over the future of 306 stores, with 278 of those in the UK and 28 in Ireland.

Sky News’ City editor Mark Kleinman reported last week that the US-based Claire’s group had been struggling to find a buyer for its British high street operations.

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Prospective bidders for Claire’s British arm, including the Lakeland owner Hilco Capital, backed away from making offers in recent weeks as the scale of the chain’s challenges became clear, a senior insolvency practitioner said.

Claire’s has now filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath.

Administrators are set to seek a potential rescue deal for the chain, which has seen sales tumble in the face of recent weak consumer demand.

Claire’s UK branches will remain open as usual and store staff will stay in their positions once administrators are appointed, the company said.

Will Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, said: “Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.

“This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”

The development comes after the Claire’s group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week.

It is the second time the group has declared bankruptcy, after first filing for the process in 2018.

Chris Cramer, chief executive of Claire’s, said: “This decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire’s across all markets.

“In the UK, taking this step will allow us to continue to trade the business while we explore the best possible path forward. We are deeply grateful to our employees, partners and our customers during this challenging period.”

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Claire’s attraction has waned, with its high street stores failing to pull in the business they used to.

“While they may still be a beacon for younger girls, families aren’t heading out on so many shopping trips, with footfall in retail centres falling.

“The chain is now faced with stiff competition from TikTok and Insta shops, and by cheap accessories sold by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu.”

Claire’s has been a fixture in British shopping centres and on high streets for decades, and is particularly popular among teenage shoppers.

Founded in 1961, it is reported to trade from 2,750 stores globally.

The company is owned by former creditors Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital following a previous financial restructuring.