The Individual & Broad impact of the Writers’ Strike

By Nakiya Barts | August 9, 2023

Many screenwriters have created projects that they are passionate about, but the reality hits hard once they start in the industry. Eventually, screenwriters start feeling unappreciated by CEOs and the higher-ups, who give them less pay while they go on luxurious vacations in their private jets. However, the writers guild, along with the actors guild, have begun to fight back.

For centuries, screenwriters have written stories for television and film, providing entertainment and opportunities for actors across the globe. Now they have put their pens down and are raising their voices against the unfairness of the entertainment industry. As of May 2023, writers in Hollywood and New York have been protesting for better pay, and extra money when their shows are streamed, and because of the use of AI; actors from SAG-AFTRA have also been concerned about AI and joined in the protests in early July. Baltimore children’s author, Krystle Westary, shared her beliefs on the topic, along with the obstacles she has faced as a writer.

“Kudos to the writers for sticking to what they believe in. I hope they will be heard,” said Westary. “One of the obstacles I face is not being able to market my book the way I want to because my full-time job can be very demanding.”

Westary works as a medical coder full-time but feels undervalued as a writer because many kids aren’t very interested in reading. Less than 20% of U.S. teens report reading a book, magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure according to a 2018 study by the American Psychological Association. Despite the decline in reading among youth, she wrote “Kya Lives in the Moment”, which encourages kids to discover more about their history and society, for a young audience. 

“I walk in my own purpose,” said Westary.

 For her, writing is not just about the money but the enjoyment. Like most writers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. In Baltimore, the median writer’s salary is $61,637, but the cost of living in Baltimore is $2,193.08, which is 9% more than the national average. However, spreading stories does so much for the community and younger generations, on a page or the screen.

Many writers from Maryland are also impacted by the writers' strike. Even though many leave for bigger productions in New York or LA, smaller studios in Maryland are also impacted and perform worse.

As for how this will affect others, several TV shows and movies have been delayed, meaning many people will have to wait longer for them to be released. TV shows, such as Abbott Elementary, and movies, such as Deadpool 3, have stopped production and writing in honor of the strike.

Like many, Westary believes that fan bases are built around their favorite shows. She explained that streaming shows during the pandemic, opened room for discussion, allowing people to connect and establish camaraderie.

“[TV shows] gave people and their loved ones something to talk about, even though they couldn’t see each other. Like ‘did you hear about bop bop,’” said Westary.

So, of course, fan bases are going to be disappointed when their shows don’t return in the fall or will be delayed until further notice. This will hurt networks, affecting the money that goes into their pockets and the statistics for those channels and streaming services. Therefore, some are likely to suspend their subscriptions since their shows aren’t returning.

“I heard [CEOs and higher-ups] lost billions from the first strike. It’s crazy that they’re willing to lose it all again,” said Westary.