ATX TV Festival announced today that it has added a conversation with some of TV’s leading writers discussing the current WGA Writers Strike. The panelists will discuss first-hand the issues at stake, the changes they’re fighting for; and why the strike is necessary to safeguard the future of not just writers, but all entertainment unions and creatives. Do you want to know more?
Here we go!
WGA ON STRIKE!
With fair pay, streaming residuals, artificial intelligence, the size of writers rooms, and on-set experience all on the table, the writers of the WGA have gone pencils down for the first time in 15 years.
During this panel writers discuss first-hand the issues at stake, the changes they’re fighting for; and why the strike is necessary to safeguard the future of not just writers, but all entertainment unions and creatives.
Panelists:
· Zoanne Clack, WGA West.
· Greg Iwinski, WGA East, Negotiating Committee.
· Damon Lindelof, WGA West.
· Julie Plec, WGA West.
Moderator:
· Beau Willimon, WGA East.
The ATX TV co-founders have been in discussions with the WGA to ensure they are following strike compliance rules in how they support the needs of both their partners and panelists. Due to this, they have made changes to the programming and schedule including both additions and cancellations to the festival.
Studios and Networks have shifted programming representation as needed, focusing on actors, directors, DP, Casting, Costumes, Music, non-writing producers, and more. ATX TV has shifted all writing conversations to focus on the importance and craft of writing as well as broad topical panels such as “Why Do You Write?” and the festival’s programming track with Hollywood, Health and Society, which focuses on social issues in storytelling such as Climate Change, AI, Criminal Justice, and Aging & Caregiving.
ATX TV Festival’s Pitch Competition presented by Canva, and supported by Rooster Teeth and Maxwell, Locke & Ritter, and in partnership with The Black List and Sundance Episodic Labs, will continue as planned as the focus of the Competition is education, mentorship, and preparing a new group of writers for the next steps in their careers. Judges will include writers, showrunners, and producers.
In the words of Caitlin McFarland & Emily Gipson, ATX TV Co-Presidents and Founders, “ATX TV Festival has always been a place of celebration and community. It is where important conversations are had about the history and future of television in a safe and inclusive environment. We will maintain these tenants as we believe education and conversation between both Industry and Consumers are needed now more than ever.
There wouldn’t be television without writers. They have always been the rock stars of our festival, and though this year will look a little different, it will continue to be a place to showcase their talents and importance. The stories and characters we care so deeply about would not exist without them, and neither would this festival.”
Programming Additions in ATX TV Festival:
- WGA on Strike!
- Beyond the Page
- Why Do You Write?
- Queer Stories We Want To See
Programming Cancellations in ATX TV Festival:
Please Note: These members of the WGA support and believe in their series and teams, but stand with the WGA at this time and will not be attending.
- Late Night with Seth Meyers
- Andor: A Conversation with Tony Gilroy
- Tiny Beautiful Things with Liz Tigelaar and Cheryl Strayed
- Dawson’s Creek 25th Anniversary Screening & Conversation
In any case, you can check ATX TV Festival right here. And stay tuned for our coverage of a new festival season!
ATX TV Festival Season 12 will be held in Austin, TX between June 1-4.
