The Daily

How Streaming Hurt Hollywood Writers

45 snips
May 5, 2023
In a thought-provoking discussion, John Koblin, a media reporter for The New York Times, delves into the striking realities faced by Hollywood writers amidst the rise of streaming services. He unveils how this tech-driven shift has disrupted traditional compensation models, leading to financial instability for writers. Koblin explores the precarious job market emerging from streaming's dominance and the dramatic changes in storytelling opportunities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for fair pay and the ongoing struggle for writers' rights in a rapidly evolving industry.
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ANECDOTE

House of Cards' Impact

  • Netflix's House of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey, premiered in 2013, marking a turning point for streaming.
  • Its success proved that online television could work, changing how writers work and the industry overall.
INSIGHT

Shorter Seasons, Less Stability

  • Streaming led to shorter seasons (8-10 episodes) compared to the 20+ episodes of network shows.
  • This shift resulted in shorter work periods for writers (around 10 weeks) and increased job instability.
ANECDOTE

Mike Schur's Career Path

  • Mike Schur, co-creator of Parks and Recreation, highlighted how the old system fostered writers' holistic development.
  • In contrast, today's writers primarily focus on writing, lacking exposure to other crucial production aspects.
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