5 Tips on How to Weather the WGA Strike
The WGA strike is in full swing. Happily, morale is high and support from other entertainment unions is strong. Picket lines have already stopped location shoots in N.Y and L.A, late night shows are dark, and production on hit series like Stranger Things and Severance is either shut down or delayed.
Being on strike sucks, but WGA members know this could create essential change in our industry, not only for writers, but for all Hollywood creatives.
That said, the WGA and the AMPTP don’t seem to be anywhere close to resuming labor talks (let alone coming to an agreement). Which means this strike could last for months to come (for reference, the 2007 strike lasted 100 days and others have lasted even longer). Oy.
I want to offer my support to all the incredible guild members out there who are fighting for their rights and offer a few tips on how to make the most of this challenging (yet potentially hopeful) time.
Here are 5 tips to help writers weather the WGA strike:
1. Show your support on the picket lines
The more union members who picket, the louder the message (which hopefully means the quicker the AMPTP will be encouraged to return to the bargaining table) . So if you’re able, grab a sign and get out on the picket lines. It’s not only a great way to show support and connect with your community, it’s a way to funnel any ‘strike related’ frustrations into something actionable. That said, if you do picket, pace yourself. Stay hydrated (it’s hot out there!), don’t chant so hard you blow your voice out, and set yourself a schedule that has built in time to rest and work on your personal creative projects if you have them. A strike is a marathon, not a sprint, take care of yourself so you’re able to be on the lines for as long as it takes. If you’re in Los Angeles here’s a LINK to the picket schedule and locations (with tips for parking!). If you’re unable to picket, there are other ways to show your support. Attend an industry event (even a virtual one), join online forums, and shout out relevant news on social media (#wgastrong).
2. Be financially savvy
I know being ‘financially savvy’ when you’re unable to work is easier said than done. But since no one has any idea how long this strike will last, doing what you can now to manage your finances will help make sure you’re not facing financial strain down the line. (Trust me, morale is high now, but keeping morale up when your bank account is at zero can be really tough.) So do yourself a favor and create a ‘strike budget’. Are there expenses you can cut back on? Can you increase your income with a temporary side hustle? I know writers who are picking up part time gigs as dog walkers, copywriters, even driving Lyft a few nights a week to make sure their bills are covered. Also, if you need financial assistance, the WGA has a list of resources available HERE (under Strike Assistance), and hollywoodstrike.org is also a great hub for resources, mutual aid, and general strike information. If you don’t need financial assistance, consider helping those writers who do by donating to the Entertainment Community Fund. Every little bit helps!
3. Keep the creative juices flowing
You can’t write under contract right now, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop writing altogether. Use this time to spec a new feature (that you won’t send out until post strike, of course), write a new pilot sample, or venture into completely new territory - maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at short stories, non-fiction articles, or a novel. Some writers are even using the strike itself as inspiration and creating some amazing TikTok and Instagram videos based on their picket line experiences. Whatever type of writing you choose to do during this time, it will keep your creativity sharp, could open new doors once the strike ends, and most importantly, keep you sane (most writers I know get downright irritable when they don’t write for a while). Just make sure you don’t do any writing that goes against WGA strike rules.
4. Develop a post-strike plan
Though it might feel like this strike could last forever, it won’t. Develop a ‘post strike plan’ that outlines your goals and strategies for re-entering the workforce. Make a list of producers, execs, and other creatives you want to reconnect with once the dust settles, if you are writing a new spec or sample make sure it will be polished and ready to take out when the WGA and AMPTP reach an equitable agreement (fingers crossed it’s soon). Your reps absolutely cannot get or solicit work for you, but you can talk to them about your general career plans and goals. Having a post-strike plan will not only make sure you’re ready to jump back in and hit the ground running once the strike is over, it can serve as a much needed reminder that an agreement will be reached, and you will be writing, pitching, and back doing what you do best before you know it.
5. Take good care
A strike can feel empowering, but it can also feel stressful. Be sure to take extra care of yourself right now. Stay connected - reach out to your fellow writers and be there for each other. Take breaks when you need them - burnout doesn’t help anyone. If you need a day off from picketing take it. If you need a mini vacation (it is summer after all) or want to spend a Sunday vegging out in front of the TV, do it. Find ways to keep yourself energized and in good spirits, even if it’s just writing something clever on your picket sign (there are some great ones out there), or bring something fun to the picket lines to help boost the mood (I know one writer who brought her dog to the picket lines with a tiny picket sign just to make her fellow union members smile). Also, remember the basics: exercise, meditation (if that’s your thing), healthy foods and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The better you take care of yourself, the more energy and stamina you’ll have to give.
Writers are a resilient community, and this strike has an incredible amount of support from countless unions and individuals. Stay connected, stay creative, and stay strong!
What are you doing to help weather the WGA strike? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.
And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).