
Deadline Strike Talk
This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the current Hollywood strike. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike in 2007-2008 brought the entertainment industry to a halt. Now, in 2023, history is repeating itself and Hollywood is once again in the midst of a major labor dispute. Join Billy Ray, Academy Award nominated writer/ director/ showrunner, and Todd Garner, a former studio executive turned producer, as they explore the causes and consequences of the strike.The duo will chat with writers, producers, and other industry insiders to provide a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the situation. Throughout the strike, Billy and Todd will be bringing you stories and insights from behind the picket lines, uncovering the struggles and experiences of those involved in this pivotal moment in Hollywood history. Tune in to "Deadline Strike Talk" and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the strike, while gaining a deeper understanding of the issues at play. Don't miss out on this exclusive look at the inner workings of Hollywood during this crucial time.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2024 • 50min
Week Thirty Two with guest Mike Miller of IATSE
In an election year filled with political spin, Billy and Todd chat with MIKE MILLER OF IATSE: the most direct, no-nonsense, spin-averse voice in all Hollywood, to discuss the issues facing his membership - and how he plans to remedy them in negotiations with the AMPTS. There's also a pretty cool story about Central Park! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 12, 2024 • 45min
Week Thirty One with guest Lindsay Dougherty
Billy and Todd return with the head of Teamsters Local 399 Lindsay Dougherty - and a plea to Hollywood's CEOs not to inflict another two strikes on our town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 5, 2024 • 45min
Week Thirty Finale with guest Mike Fleming Jr.
Billy bids a fond farewell to StrikeTalk in a conversation with the person who made StrikeTalk happen, Deadline Co-Editor In Chief, Mike Fleming. They discuss labor in Hollywood, mergers, the epic failures of the AMPTS, and what's to come in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2023 • 47min
Week Twenty Nine with guests Fran Drescher, Meredith Stiehm, and co-host Todd Garner
In Strike Talk's penultimate episode, Billy Ray and co-host Todd Garner speak with the presidents of SAG-AFTRA and WGA West, Fran Drescher and Meredith Stiehm, about the challenges of negotiating with the AMPTS and their visions for the Hollywood labor movement's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 2023 • 37min
Week Twenty Eight with guests Anthony Portantino and Dave Min
California State Senators Anthony Portantino and Dave Min discuss the role of state government in supporting the labor movement. They explore the history and role of unions, the challenges in passing labor-related bills, and the need for a shift in mindset towards overall prosperity. They also discuss balancing sides within business models, Republican economic policy flaws, and Biden's economic approach.

Nov 3, 2023 • 35min
Week Twenty Seven with guests Mandy Walker, Jeffrey Ford, and Adam Merims
Billy sits down with Mandy Walker, Jeff Ford, and Adam Merims -- three vital collaborators from his directing debut, Shattered Glass -- to discuss what has happened to our business since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 2023 • 45min
Week Twenty Six with guests John Ptak and Marc Evans
Billy is joined by John Ptak and Marc Evans to discuss falling in love with the movies, how the business is changing, and the importance of collaboration between writers, producers, and agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20, 2023 • 38min
Week Twenty Five with guest Steve Schmidt
Billy is joined by Steve Schmidt (founder of The Warning newsletter, YouTube channel, and podcast) to investigate the economic roots of America's current state of disruption. Steve and Billy dissect why trust in institutions is at an all time low, the isolating impact of technology, and how the ongoing SAG strike fits into the larger American labor movement.Theme Song: “Not Your Fool” written and performed by Alexa Villa; courtesy of Sign From The Universe Entertainment, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 13, 2023 • 43min
Week Twenty Four with guests Ashley Nicole Black, Clark Gregg, and Robert Wisdom
Billy checks in with actors Ashley Nicole Black, Clark Gregg, and Robert Wisdom to discuss the ongoing SAG strike, solidarity in their union, and the essential next steps for performers to protect their work.Theme Song: “Not Your Fool” written and performed by Alexa Villa; courtesy of Sign From The Universe Entertainment, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 2023 • 49min
Week Twenty Three with guests Alex Winter & Rumman Chowdhury | Strike Talk
Theme Song: “Not Your Fool” written and performed by Alexa Villa; courtesy of Sign From The Universe Entertainment, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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