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Late-Night TV Shows Go Dark As Writers Strike For Better Pay

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2 years ago

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NEW YORK — The first Hollywood strike in 15 years began Tuesday when the economic demands of the streaming era spurred unionized TV and film writers to picket outside major studios for better compensation, a work slowdown that has already forced most late-night shows to air reruns.

Members of the Writers Guild of America chanted outside the Manhattan headquarters where NBCUniversal was promoting their Peacock streaming service to advertisers, “No contracts, no content!”

After failing to agree on a new deal with the trade group representing Hollywood studios and production businesses, the union’s 11,500 film and television writers put down their pens and laptops.

The union is demanding greater minimum wages, more writers per program, and shorter exclusive contracts, among other things, all of which it claims have been eroded by the content explosion fueled by streaming.

“There’s too much work and not enough pay,” said demonstrator Sean Crespo, 46, a writer who worked on the former TBS show “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee.”

Depending on how long the strike lasts, the labor conflict could have a cascading effect on TV and film productions, and it comes at a time when streaming services are under increasing pressure from Wall Street to generate profitability.

Late-night television was the first to suffer the effects, just like during the 100-day writers’ strike 2007.

All the top late-night shows, staffed by writers who write monologues and jokes for their hosts, went dark immediately. Reruns were planned for NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” Comedy Central’s “Daily Show,” ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live,” CBS’s “The Late Show,” and NBC’s “Late Night” throughout the week.

NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” which was set to air a fresh episode on Saturday, will likewise go black and instead air reruns.

writers

“This nation owes so much to unions,” Colbert stated. “Unions are why we have weekends; by extension, we have TGI Fridays.”

“Everyone, including myself, hopes both sides can agree.” “However, I believe the writers’ demands are reasonable,” presenter Stephen Colbert stated on Monday’s “Late Show.”

“This nation owes so much to unions,” Colbert stated. “Unions are why we have weekends; by extension, we have TGI Fridays.”

Tony Kushner (“The Fabelmans”) and Danny Strong (“Dopesick”) were among those protesting in New York on Tuesday.

The strike’s influence on scripted shows and films will become apparent. Fall TV schedules could be thrown off if the strike lasts all summer. Meanwhile, those with completed scripts are permitted to continue filming.

Late-night hosts eventually returned to the air during the 2007 strike and improvised through broadcasts. When “Tonight” show host Jay Leno began writing his monologues, he enraged WGA leadership.

One late-night show will remain on the air. The network announced Tuesday that Fox News’ “Gutfeld!” with Greg Gutfeld will continue to run new episodes.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing studios and production groups, said it proposed “generous increases in compensation for writers as well as improvements in streaming residuals.”

The trade group stated that it was willing to increase its offer “but was unwilling to do so because of the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the guild continues to insist upon.”

For months, many people have predicted a government shutdown. Last month, the writers unanimously voted to authorize a strike, with 98% of the membership in favor. Writers claim that income needs to keep up with inflation, that TV writer rooms have shrunk too much, and that the existing formula for calculating residuals must be redesigned.

Streaming has increased the number of series and films produced yearly, providing more opportunities for writers. However, writers claim they earn less than they used to while working under more stressful conditions. According to the WGA, “the companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce.”

writers

Writers claim that income needs to keep up with inflation, that TV writer rooms have shrunk too much.

The union wants writers to be paid more in advance. This is because the advent of streaming has phased out many of the back-end fees that writers have historically profited from, such as syndication and international licensing.

According to the studios ‘ trade association, the main sticking points in reaching an agreement are so-called mini-rooms (the guild is seeking a minimum number of scribes per writer room) and the length of work contracts.

According to the writers’ organization, more flexibility is required for writers when they are contracted for series that are often shorter in duration than the once-standard 20-plus episode broadcast season. They also request stricter regulation over artificial intelligence, which authors believe might provide producers a faster way to complete a WGA writer’s work.

“Understand that our fight is the same fight that will be coming to your professional sector next: it’s the devaluing of human effort, skill, and talent in favor of automation and profits,” writer-director Justine Bateman stated.

Many studios and production companies are cutting back on their spending. The Walt Disney Company is laying off 7,000 people. Warner Bros. Discovery is lowering costs to reduce its debt. Netflix has put a damper on spending growth.

With a strike widely anticipated, writers have scrambled to get screenplays in, and studios have worked to prepare their pipelines to keep churning out content for the foreseeable future. However, the impact on local economies can be significant. Los Angeles lost $2.1 billion in economic production during the previous strike.

“From a business standpoint, we’re assuming the worst,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said last month. “We’ve prepared ourselves. There has been a lot of content produced.”

Overseas series could also help fill the void. “We have a large base of upcoming shows and films from around the world,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during the earnings call in April.

The WGA strike could be just the beginning. Both the Directors Guild of America and the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, have contracts that expire in June. Those bargaining sessions will discuss some of the same issues concerning the streaming business model.

On Tuesday, the actors’ union invited its members to join the writers’ picket lines in solidarity. ___

Aron Ranen and David Bauder contributed to this report.

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SOURCE – (AP)

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Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

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Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Sexual Harassment

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1 day ago

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2024-12-22

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Blake Lively Nude
Blake Lively has launched a legal battle against Justin Baldoni

In an 80-page complaint, Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her after she declined his approaches.Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman has denied Lively’s allegations, calling them “false, outrageous.

Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, charging the actor-director of inappropriate behavior and defamation related to their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. What was once thought to be a public relations campaign to promote the picture turned out to be a complaint.

Lively accuses sexual harassment, including unwanted kissing and sexual comments, throughout the filming. She further claims that Baldoni tried to tarnish her reputation after she declined his approaches.

Baldoni and his production firm, Wayfarer Studios, deny any charges regarding Blake Lively’s nude images or accusations.

Lively’s complaint targets not only director Justin Baldoni, but also key officials in his production firm and people accused of spreading false information about her.

This includes the film’s principal producer, Jamey Heath, Wayfarer co-owner Steve Sarowitz, and a number of others. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, angrily disputes Lively’s charges, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious,” according to Entertainment Weekly.

Baldoni created a toxic workplace

According to Freedman, the actress even neglected to appear on site and made disturbances throughout filming, resulting in the picture’s dismal performance, including “threatening not to show up to set, threatening not to promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release.”

The Gossip Girl star’s complaint claims that Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios “created a toxic workplace, ignored harassment complaints, and failed to protect the cast and crew.”

The dossier also claims that Baldoni recruited a public relations agency to create a revenge campaign before potential allegations were public.

According to the complaint copy received by People, Baldoni included sexually graphic and naked sequences, including those for an underage character, without Blake Lively’s agreement.

This contained a lengthy “virginity loss scene and an orgasm scene” that did not appear in the original work.

Blake Lively Nude

Baldoni allegedly asked intrusive questions regarding Lively’s intimate sexual encounters with her spouse, including questions about Blake Lively nude images, which she considered invasive and refused to address.

According to the lawsuit, while filming, Baldoni improvised physical intimacy with no previous discussion or choreography. This contained kissing sequences and a slow dance sequence.

According to People, one instance detailed in the complaint states that Baldoni “discreetly bit and sucked on Ms. Lively’s lower lip during a scene in which he improvised numerous kisses on each take.” He eventually “insisted” on shooting “over and over again.”
intrusive behaviours

Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath “repeatedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding her child.”

Baldoni and Heath put pressure on Lively to imitate full nudity during a birth scene, despite the fact that there was no prior agreement in the screenplay or contract.

Producer Jamey Heath allegedly showed Lively and her assistant a disturbing video of his wife giving birth without their consent.

Degrading remarks

Baldoni allegedly criticized Lively’s age and weight after giving birth, even phoning her trainer to encourage her to lose weight quickly.

He “often” described ladies in the office as “sexy”. To address the hostile work environment, a list of 30 protections was implemented.
Smear Campaign.

Prior to the film’s release, Baldoni allegedly orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively, afraid she might come out about her experiences.

Lively believes that her legal action would “pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics” and protect others who report mistreatment.

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MGK and Megan Fox Love Hate Relationship

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2 days ago

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2024-12-20

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MGK and Megan Fox Love Hate Relationship
MGK and Megan Fox

MGK and Megan Fox have been in the news for years because of their turbulent relationship. Their four-year romance has been filled with drama, heartache, and passion. The attention is now more focused than ever after their recent breakup caused a stir.

Let’s examine this famous pair’s highs, lows, and potential future developments.

Allegations of a romance between MGK and Megan Fox began in 2020 when they met while filming the movie Midnight in the Switchgrass. What started as a short-lived romance quickly grew more intense, and the two often publicly displayed their love in bold ways.

When they announced their engagement in January 2022, MGK presented them with a unique two-stone ring “symbolic of their souls’ union.”

But this supposedly idyllic partnership wasn’t at all easy. Reports of heated fights, problems with trust, and emotional ups and downs started to surface behind closed doors. The couple’s tremendously passionate yet erratic relationship often made headlines during their time together.

MGK and Megan Fox Breakup

The Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 was a turning point. According to reports, Megan broke up with MGK after finding “upsetting material” on his phone.

This information led to sentiments of betrayal, which have been the main cause of their breakup. According to those close to her, the actress frequently felt disrespected and upset by MGK’s actions.

Megan is expecting the couple’s first child, which heightens the strain. According to sources, co-parenting negotiations are underway as the actress concentrates on her pregnancy. Despite the breakup, Megan is committed to providing a healthy environment for their pregnant child.

Meanwhile, MGK isn’t prepared to give up. Insiders claim that the 34-year-old artist is trying to regain Megan’s affection. He attempts to demonstrate his willingness to change with cryptic social media statements and public apologies.

According to a person close to the couple, MGK is extremely sorry for the problems that caused them to part ways. Megan, though, seems less likely to make amends. According to friends, she is tired of the drama and is concentrating on her own and her kids’ welfare.

Is the separation, however, truly irreversible? Although some say it’s final, others counter that their relationship’s sporadic nature offers room for future reunion.

MGK’s ex-girlfriend

The split’s more strange side story revolves around MGK’s ex-girlfriend Amia Miley’s previous accusations. On a recent podcast, she made startling allegations regarding MGK’s intimate behaviour during their past relationship. Even though it has nothing to do with his recent split from Megan, the article has raised more questions about MGK’s private life.

The musician hasn’t been doing well lately in terms of public opinion. Numerous admirers have characterized his acts as immature and untrustworthy, and they have voiced dismay. On the other hand, Megan has received a ton of support and recognition for her fortitude during this trying period.

Despite the heartache, Megan isn’t dealing with this alone. According to reports, she has received support from her ex-husband, Brian Austin Green, and his fiancée, Sharna Burgess. Sharna, Megan’s soon-to-be stepmother, has been consoling throughout the breakup.

For Megan, this odd bond has turned into a benefit. It demonstrates her capacity to preserve wholesome relationships for the benefit of her children. Megan is devoted to her son’s happiness, having three sons: Noah, Bodhi, and Journey.

It isn’t easy to foresee what will happen to Megan and MGK. Reconciliations have occurred when no one expected them to, and their connection has always been erratic. But according to many close to Megan, this time feels different.

MGK is having a difficult time

Megan appears to be concentrating on her pregnancy and mental health at the moment, and MGK is having a difficult time winning back her trust. One thing is certain: MGK and Megan Fox will continue to be tabloid favourites for the foreseeable future, regardless of whether they can reconcile or go their separate ways.

MGK and Megan Fox’s relationship reminds us that love can occasionally have a price, no matter how intense. Their experience also reminds us of a partnership’s value of open communication, respect, and trust.

It’s simple for spectators and fans to become enmeshed in the drama. Fundamentally, however, this is a very human tale of two individuals attempting to do what is best for themselves and their families while overcoming personal obstacles.

MGK and Megan Fox still haven’t written the next chapter. How this story ends—through co-parenting, reconciliation, or a complete break—will only become clear with time.

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Megan Fox Says She’s Done with Machine Gun Kelly

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5 days ago

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2024-12-18

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Megan fox, Machine gun kelly
Megan Fox says she's is focusing on herself and her family.

Pregnant Megan Fox, despite her pregnancy with Machine Gun Kelly’s child, claims she will never live with the singer again. She stated that she would like things to remain platonic between the two.

Megan announced her pregnancy on November 12, only days before the couple divorced over Thanksgiving. She already has three children, Noah, 11, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7, with her ex-husband Brian Austin Green.

Megan Fox and Kelly have a long history of on-and-off dating, and suspicion immediately circulated that their current breakup was temporary.

However, a source close to Fox said that she is ready to break the cycle as she prepares to give birth to her next child.

According to a source for Us Weekly, Megan Fox is currently focusing on herself and her family. “She’s been working a lot this year, so she’s looking forward to spending time with her kids.”

Showing that she is serious about ending her chapter with Machine Gun Kelly, the insider revealed that the two “haven’t been in contact this last week,” further demonstrating that “things are not looking great between them right now.”

“She hopes that with them taking time apart right now, they will be able to have a healthy co-parenting relationship,” the insider said of Fox’s “table environment” for her baby.

Despite their no-contact condition, the source stated that Fox was “trying to focus on being positive” and looked forward to co-parenting with her ex. “No matter how she feels about MGK, she has a lot of love for him and is excited that they are going to become parents,” they told me.

“MGK is really letting Megan lead the way right now and is giving her space.”

Megan, who has stated that she believes she helped shape the rapper-turned-rocker into the person he is, has been relying on her ex-husband’s fiancée, Sharna Burgess, as she navigates the difficult breakup.

‘Sharna understands how tough it is to be pregnant and has been supporting Megan,’ a source told DailyMail.com last week.

‘She truly cares and feels for her. Breakups are terrible enough on their own, but being pregnant makes them worse.

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Megan Fox Talks About Baby No. 4 and Family

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