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Podcasts Take Two
On the Lot: Families still go to the movies, will writers actually strike?
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Mar 27, 2017
Listen • 6:42
On the Lot: Families still go to the movies, will writers actually strike?
Beauty and the Beast seems to prove that, with the right film, families will still go to the movies together. And the Writers Guild is poised for a strike vote.
Striking members of the Writers Guild picket in Century City during their last strike in 2007.
Striking members of the Writers Guild picket in Century City during their last walk-out in 2007.
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Beauty and the Beast seems to prove that, with the right film, families will still go to the movies together. And the Writers Guild is poised for a strike vote.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast had a great second weekend. The live-action version of the classic fairy tale is on track to join the half-billion dollar club, as it is also performing well internationally. 

It puts to rest a concern that families don't get together and go to the movies anymore. And this week's second place box office winner accentuates that notion. Power Rangers is aimed at kids, and it drew a lot of them, but also benefited from 20 and 30-somethings who grew up with the TV series.

Meanwhile, a rumbling of labor action from the Writers Guild. The guild's leaders have asked the membership to approve a strike vote, citing poor progress in their contract negotiations with producers. That request to the members doesn't mean there will be a strike, but it does give negotiators the ability to use the threat in their bargaining.  Writers last went out on strike in late 2007, and settled early in 2008. 

Among the issues this time - shoring up the union's health plan, winning better pay for writers who work in digital media, and reversing declines in earnings for both TV and film writers.

The current contract with producers expires May 1. In the past, when a writers strike loomed, producers scrambled to stockpile scripts, and networks loaded up on non-scripted reality shows that don't require writers. Expect a repeat of those precautions if the negotiations drag on through April.