Writer-directors who belong to both the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are in a difficult position amid the ongoing writers strike. The DGA has warned that writer-directors could be replaced on the job if they don't complete their directing work, while the WGA prohibits hyphenates from performing minor script changes, which the union considers a form of writing. The situation has created confusion and anxiety for hyphenates, who are making individual choices based on their own consciences, loyalty to the labor movement, leverage with employers, the state of their careers, and the circumstances of their current project.
The Directors Guild of America has issued new guidance on members' rights and responsibilities when it comes to minor or incidental script changes during the ongoing writers strike. The DGA reminds members of its "no-strike" clause, which states that members "will not call or engage in or assist any strike, slow-down or stoppage of work." However, writer-directors are caught between conflicting union messages, and certain dual members of the WGA and DGA have publicly stated they have individually decided to not perform their (a) through (h) duties.
The Writers Guild of America has issued a set of strike rules to its members, stating that they will be barred from writing, pitching or negotiating for work if a strike is called. The guild also spelled out the rules for showrunners and other “hyphenates.” WGA members who are also producers, performers, or directors would be legally allowed to continue working, provided they do not perform any writing services. The guild is seeking higher minimums, a mandatory staffing level for TV shows, and a better formula for streaming residuals. Last week, 97.85% of the guild’s voting members authorized the leadership to call a strike if a new deal cannot be reached.
