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The less glamorous side of writing for television shows and movies is coming to the surface during the strike by the Writers Guild of America. The union says the pay for many of its 20,000 professional writers is low and remains stagnant, even while the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers continues to reap new profits from streaming and other platforms. Production on most daily shows has ground to a halt, and the strike potentially threatens work on Reservation Dogs, Dark Winds, and other shows popular with Native audiences. We’ll hear from Native writers about what the strike means for audiences.
GUESTS
Sierra Teller Ornelas (Diné), screenwriter
Vera Starbard (Tlingit and Dena’ina), writer
Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou and Sicangu Lakota), writer and performer
The Association of Motion Picture and Television Professionals declined to appear on NAC, but instead provided this document that details their position on the ongoing contract negotiations.
Break 1 music: The Phaser Is Broken (song) Khu.éex’ (artist) Heen (album)
Break 2 music: Beautiful Flower (song) Cree Confederation (artist) Kihtawasoh Wapakwani (album)
Yes. Keep sharing the beauty of indigenous creativity. I stand in solidarity with the indigenous writers!!!
Sad this is happening. But the good times might be over and the landscape is changing yet again. Best thing to do is to find a back up career in case you need it!