Showrunners and producers are beginning to feel the heat from the WGA strike, as studios and networks try to enforce their contracts and non-writing obligations.
Disney-owned ABC Signature’s legal department sent a letter to the striking writer-producers, stating that they must perform non-writing duties as per their contractual obligations despite the ongoing writers’ strike.
“We specifically want to reiterate to you as a showrunner or other writer-producer that you are not exempt from performing your duties as a showrunner and/or producer on our series as a result of the WGA strike. Your personal services deal with [the] The studio requires that you perform your show runner and/or production duties even if the WGA attempts to fine you for performing such services during the strike,” said the assistant chief executive for Disney-owned ABC Signature. attorney Bob McPhail wrote in a letter received by listeners and first hollywood reporter,
MacPhail said: “Your duties as a showrunner and/or producer are not excused, suspended or terminated unless notified to you in writing by the studio.”
HBO/HBO Max sent an FAQ document to its showrunners and executive producers on May 2.
“If you are a WGA member, HBO/HBO Max respects your membership in the WGA, and we will do nothing to put you at risk of WGA rules,” A letter obtained by Deadline this week from the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned division said showrunners and executive producers. “However, we recognize that certain services, such as participating in the cast process and/or contributing to non-writing production, and post-production work are clear examples of non-WGA essential services that must be continued during this time.” “
The letter continued: “Under the National Labor Relations Act, the WGA is not permitted to interfere with an employer’s right to designate employees to perform certain supervisory functions. If you fail to provide the contracted services due to the strike, HBO/HBO Max is under no obligation to continue to pay you. Furthermore, if a strike disrupts production, even if you offer to continue working, HBO/HBO Max is under no obligation to continue to pay your wages, nor those of the cast and crew.
Meanwhile, at NBC Universal, “standard suspension letters are going out,” according to an insider. “Listening is all the studios are communicating in some way today, but it’s a case-by-case case.”
