The ongoing battle between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Hollywood studios has taken another twist, with the latest studio response drawing criticism from WGA President David Goodman. In a statement released on Monday, Goodman criticized Paramount CEO Bob Bakish for sounding “scared” in his response to the WGA’s demands.
Goodman’s criticism comes in response to a letter sent by Bakish to the WGA, in which he expressed concern about the potential impact of the WGA’s proposed changes to the Hollywood talent agency landscape. Bakish argued that the WGA’s proposed changes could result in a “substantial reduction” in the amount of work available for writers.
In his statement, Goodman dismissed Bakish’s concerns as unfounded, accusing the Paramount CEO of being “scared” and arguing that the WGA’s proposed changes would actually benefit writers in the long run. Goodman also took issue with Bakish’s suggestion that the WGA’s proposed changes were designed to benefit talent agencies at the expense of writers.
“The WGA’s proposals are designed to restore balance and transparency to the Hollywood talent agency landscape, and to ensure that writers are treated fairly and given the representation they deserve,” Goodman said in his statement. “Bob Bakish’s suggestion that the WGA’s proposals are designed to benefit talent agencies at the expense of writers is simply not true.”
Goodman’s criticism of Bakish’s response is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between the WGA and Hollywood studios. The WGA has been pushing for significant changes to the talent agency landscape, arguing that the current system puts writers at a disadvantage and results in conflicts of interest.
The WGA’s proposals have been met with resistance from Hollywood studios and talent agencies, who argue that the changes would disrupt the current system and lead to a reduction in work for writers. The WGA has responded by implementing a code of conduct that requires talent agencies to sign on to the proposed changes or risk losing the ability to represent WGA members.
As the battle continues, it remains to be seen how Hollywood studios and talent agencies will respond to the WGA’s proposals. However, with the support of its members and leaders like David Goodman, the WGA seems determined to fight for change and ensure that writers are given the representation they deserve in Hollywood.
