In the midst of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) CFO, Gunnar Wiedenfels, has found himself under fire for his recent comments during the company’s Q2 earnings results call.
The CFO seemingly boasted that the strikes have saved the studio a significant sum, somewhere in the “low $100 million range.” These remarks have triggered outrage among members of the creative community who are campaigning for fair wages and better working conditions.
While the strikes continue to impact the entertainment industry, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav, did attempt to strike a more conciliatory tone. In contrast to the CFO’s comments, Zaslav emphasized the critical role that the creative community plays in the studio’s success. He acknowledged the necessity of the entire creative workforce, including writers, directors, editors, producers, actors, and below-the-line crew, to bring stories to life on screens big and small.
“Our job is to enable and empower them to do their best work,” Zaslav stated, expressing hope that all sides would return to the negotiating table soon and that a resolution could be reached where writers and actors feel fairly compensated and valued for their contributions.
Despite Zaslav’s attempt to address concerns, reactions from the creative community have been scathing. Various writers, actors, and crew members expressed their frustration at Wiedenfels’ apparent insensitivity to their plight. Several individuals took to picketing at Netflix and other studios to voice their discontent.
Mythic Quest writer, actress, and comedian, Naomi Ekperigin, commented to TheWrap, “That’s like half of what you spent on The Flash movie that nobody saw. That really gets you out of the hole you put yourself into when you made the merger,” alluding to the recent Warner Bros. Discovery merger.”
Actress Bella Cruz, who was also picketing at Netflix, called Wiedenfels’ comments “mind-blowing, hurtful, unfortunate, and greedy,” emphasizing that the creative community’s demands for fair compensation are reasonable and necessary.
The situation remains complex, and the continuation of the strikes has started to affect studio release schedules. Sony Pictures has already delayed some of its major releases to 2024, and other studios may follow suit if the strikes persist.
As the entertainment industry grapples with the ongoing labor disputes, the creative community continues to fight for their rights and the recognition of their contributions to the storytelling process. Studio executives face mounting pressure to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of writers, actors, and crew members, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all involved in the world of entertainment. The WGA and AMPTP are scheduled to meet tomorrow, 95 days after the writers walked.
