Writers’ strike could affect Georgia’s economy

ATLANTA — It’s day 12 of the nationwide writers’ strike.

It all started after negotiations between writers and entertainment companies failed on May 1.

On May 2, writers across the country refused to work.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

That included many writers in Georgia.

“Got my start working at TNT and TBS as a production assistant. I worked my way up to Associate Producer doing a lot of live production,” Sean Bartley said.

Bartley said it was during that time that he learned the most about the business he loves.

He produced a TV Show called ‘Connect the Series’ and a short film titled ‘Inner Turmoil’.

Bartley said his ultimate dream is to become a writer for a large production.

“I decided to move out to LA, because it’s always been a dream of mine. To really get into the entertainment world or the scripted narrative world and be a sponge and learn as much as I can, to get into a writers’ room,” Bartley said.

But he said getting that big opportunity is on pause.

That’s because, on May 2, tens of thousands of members of the Writers Guild of America agreed to stop working after its negotiations with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, Paramount, and Sony failed to reach an agreement.

“We’re not asking for a lot. We’re asking for less than 2% of what’s being made, which isn’t a lot, Kaypri with WGA-East said.

Kaypri is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

TRENDING STORIES:

Kaypri said so many writers are working hard for these TV shows and movies, but can barely pay their bills.

“For example, if you have a show where people see a lot of it, they watch it constantly and it’s a big hit. The writers aren’t getting a piece of that,” Kaypri said.

She said this strike is having an economic impact in Georgia.

That’s because a lot of productions are shutting down.

“It’s all the below-the-line workers. The wardrobe, the makeup, costume, production design, it’s not just the writers and actors and the directors. It’s a lot of people,” Kaypri said. “So it’s affecting people, especially in Atlanta, which is such a heavy production town. You take the production out, that’s majority of the economy here.”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Kaypri said the impact goes beyond current writers as well.

It affects future writers.

There won’t be any internships and this strike may discourage future writers.

Bartley said as of now, he’s not giving up on his dream.

“There’s definitely a pause put on trying to look for work and possibly getting into a room, but at the same time, you have to stay and remain a student of the craft. Still, write your scripts,” he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

©2022 Cox Media Group