Theatrical times

Strikes are threatening show business in Los Angeles, but the city continues to prosper as a hub of Californian creativity

- LINDSEY GALLOWAY

Under sunny skies and towering palm trees, sunglass-bespectacled screenwriters circle studio sidewalks, carrying "Writer's Strike!" signs scribbled with quips: "I told ChatGPT to write a picket sign and it sucked." "Spoiler alert: you need writers."

Here in Los Angeles, this ongoing strike has parts of the entertainment business and the Californian city stuck in slow gear. In May, the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) authorised a strike after failing to come to a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the organising coalition of Hollywood's studios and streaming services - Universal, Walt Disney Pictures, Amazon Studios and Netflix, among others. At the time of writing, SAG-AFTRA, the corresponding actors' union, is expected to take similar action if a deal can't be worked out around similar concerns in the streaming era.

These disputes are primarily around the issues of streaming residuals, the ever-shrinking size of writing rooms, and the threat of generative AI - artificial intelligence that can create content such as text and images. Such clashes have slowed down traditional production in the entertainment capital of the world, producing ripple effects across the economy and business landscape. This comes after a record number of productions aired in 2021 (559 scripted series according to FX Research), driven in large part by the rapid rise of streaming services.

"The WGA strike has undoubtedly stirred the pot in LA's vibrant business ecosystem," says resident Laura Lynch, who also owns travel blog Go Travel California. "Hollywood, typically abuzz with constant creative ferment, now stands somewhat quieter, caught in a holding pattern." Angelenos, however, are resilient. The city's creative minds have pivoted to working on digital platforms or independent productions, and are also sparking new networking hubs across LA.