1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 9, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Judie Wilke, Assistant City Manager
By: Viviana Garzon, MPA, Administrative Analyst II
SUBJECT: Approval of a Letter to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Respectfully Encouraging a Timely and Mutually Acceptable Agreement with the Writers Guild of America
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a letter from all five City Council Members to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) respectfully encouraging a timely and mutually acceptable agreement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
BACKGROUND
At the April 25, 2023, City Council meeting, Mayor Anthony requested a first step report on sending a letter from all five Council Members to the AMPTP encouraging negotiations in good faith for a fair contract with the WGA.
On Monday, May 1, 2023, after negotiations with AMPTP and WGA concluded without an agreement, the WGA called for a strike to begin on Tuesday. Due to the sensitive nature of the issue and its impact on the media industry in Burbank, staff is foregoing the customary second step in the additional agenda item process and presenting a letter for approval from all five Council members to the AMPTP.
DISCUSSION
The AMPTP and WGA negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement every few years to determine the terms and conditions of employment for writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and digital media industries . The W GA represents more than 20,000 writers and the AMPTP represents over 350 American television and production companies. As the media capital of the world, many of the members of the two organizations work or live in Burbank. The strike by the WGA could have a significant impact on the media industry. When writers strike, television and film production can CITY MANAGER’S
OFFICE
2 come to a halt, and new content may not be produced or released as scheduled. This can result in significant financial losses for production companies, networks, and studios.
During a strike, many TV shows may have to shut down production, which can result in lost revenue and viewership. In the film industry, production schedules may be delayed, and films may not be released on their intended dates. This can also have ripple effects throughout the media industry, as other workers who rely on the production of TV shows and films for their employment may also be affected. The overall impact of a WGA strike would depend on its duration and the extent of its impact on the media industry. As of the writing of this report, the latest information indicated that WGA members would hear a full report from the Negotiating Committee on Wednesday, May 3, 2023
1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
The media industry was severely impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic for over two years and production had finally gotten to a solid standing. The current strike by the WGA is a setback on the industry and can be problematic for the City of Burbank. Staff recommends Council approve the attached letter to encourage AMPTP and WGA to come to a mutually acceptable agreement that benefits both the writers and the producers and provides stability for the media industry going forward.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Draft letter to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
1 https://www.wgacontract2023.org/member-voices/writers-on-the-line-day-one