Hollywood has moved past a lengthy stalemate and returned to production after a months-long negotiation cycle. Following weeks of talks, members of the Writers Guild of America ratified a new contract as studios and streaming platforms confirmed a comprehensive agreement. The voting window opened on Monday and ran through the week, and the union along with its studio partners publicly endorsed the deal. In California, writers began easing back into long-delayed shifts soon after the boards overseeing the agreement gave it the green light. The pact enjoys broad backing from WGA locals on both coasts, signaling a stable, three-year horizon for the industry as a whole.
The agreement highlights a clear set of gains and clarifications that reflect a coordinated and effective mobilization by writers. A shared purpose runs through a concise seven-page summary that outlines the major wins and supports the aims of those who organized the industry action.
Payments, governance and artificial intelligence
The contract lays out a phased wage increase: five percent in year one, four percent in year two, and three and a half percent in year three. Studios will also begin providing more precise data about how audiences engage with streaming content, closing several months of information gaps that left writers uncertain about audience behavior and reach.
Writers will receive new incentives tied to the performance of their programs, including additional compensation when a show captures a significant share of national viewership during its early release window. The deal also tackles licensing concerns by boosting international distribution revenues for certain titles. For example, a show previously paid under a fixed streaming fee will see adjusted compensation for international display rights as demand expands, aligning payment with global interest.
In terms of staffing and production, the agreement sets clear requirements for writer involvement in ongoing and future projects. For projects under development, there will be a minimum writer presence. When a program is produced by a team of three or more writers, at least three writer-producers must participate and carry a guaranteed minimum commitment. For shows already greenlit but not yet at full-season writing coverage, guarantees rise to ensure three writers for shorter runs and up to six writers for longer, multi-season arcs, depending on the total episode count.
Artificial intelligence remains a central topic. The pact bars the use of AI to rewrite existing material but allows writers to use AI as a tool for brainstorming or drafting under the writers’ own direction. Studios must disclose when material is generated entirely or partly by AI, though writers retain the option to reject such input. These terms are designed to safeguard the creative process while embracing new technologies and productivity tools that can support writers without compromising control over their work.
Meredith Stiehm, president of the Western region of the WGA, characterized the agreement as a meaningful victory in discussions with a leading publication. She emphasized the contract’s substantial value to the industry, highlighting broader acceptance of fair compensation and transparent collaboration. The leadership of the union views the settlement as a turning point that can steer producers, platforms, and talent toward more stable, sustainable collaboration in the coming years. The ongoing ratification process and the subsequent implementation steps are expected to shape bargaining dynamics across the entertainment landscape, reinforcing a path toward enduring partnerships and creative integrity.