Yes. While there are some non-union writers, studios essentially work only with union writers, and most of the established writers belong to unions. The top-rung talent in American cinema and television is split into the Screen Actors Guild, the Director's Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America.

And what are the writers striking about? More money?

Well, in essence, of course. At least a more equitable share of profits, anyway. Every three years, the WGA negotiates a basic contract with the AMTMP called the Minimum Basic Agreement. The WGA, unhappy with the terms of the new MBA, voted to call for a strike.

There are several important factors in the WGA demands. Writers want a more significant cut of DVD residuals, union jurisdiction over animation and reality show writers. Most importantly, however, the issue is that of 'new media' -- writers claim the need to be compensated for media being distributed over digital technology, like the Internet.

External Link: Blog: The Artful Writer

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