All Work And No Pay: Do Creatives Really Get The Short End Of The Stick?
Her World Singapore|September 2023
People in creative industries often experience being lowballed by employers, mainly because it's hard to put a value on their time and work. With the rise of Al, are livelihoods even further at stake? It's not all bad news, some experts say.
SASHA GONZALES
All Work And No Pay: Do Creatives Really Get The Short End Of The Stick?

In May, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) embarked on a strike to demand better pay and working conditions for its members, made up of writers and actors. Among their central demands and concerns: increasing the number of writers staffed to shows, tightening regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on creative projects, and higher compensation and increased job security - particularly since streaming services have exploded, and the only ones who seem to be reaping the profits are the shows' producers and network CEOs.

Months later, the strike is still ongoing, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. With more than 150,000 WGA members having walked off the job, many hit TV shows, including Stranger Things, Euphoria and Saturday Night Live, have paused production.

Such strikes aren't new - the creative field has long been seen as a breeding ground for exploitation. Writers, actors, artists, and other creatives are more likely than other professions to be unfairly compensated for their work. According to employment website Indeed.com, the average monthly salary for writers in Singapore is $3,184, and for actors, $3,589. Compare that to lawyers and data scientists, whose average monthly salaries are $7,924 and $7,527, respectively.

Creatives tend to be exploited in other ways too. For instance, songwriters for movies or shows on streaming platforms may not be given the copyright to their music, effectively denying them from receiving any future royalties. Creatives like illustrators, writers, musicians and photographers are sometimes even asked to contribute their ideas and labour for free, for "exposure".

Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

HER WORLD SINGAPORE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
Her World Singapore

What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?

The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 2024
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
Her World Singapore

Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty

The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
My Super Power Is Saying No
Her World Singapore

My Super Power Is Saying No

It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
New York State Of Mind
Her World Singapore

New York State Of Mind

Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Building Safer Workplaces
Her World Singapore

Building Safer Workplaces

As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.

time-read
10 dak  |
October 2024
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Her World Singapore

What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?

Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 2024
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
Her World Singapore

A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis

A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
It's Cool To Get Cold
Her World Singapore

It's Cool To Get Cold

Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Her World Singapore

Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?

Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Her World Singapore

PASSION FOR A CAUSE

Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024