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In the midst of the persistent writing strike in Hollywood, Apple has decided to temporarily suspend several deals with producers for its Apple TV+ streaming service. This move comes as a response to the far-reaching impact that the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes have had on TV productions across various broadcasters and streaming platforms.
As pickets and strikes orchestrated by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America continue, the entertainment industry is witnessing a significant slowdown in production. Apple, along with several other studios, has opted to pause both overall deals and first-look agreements in solidarity with the industry.
Reportedly, a select few deals have been affected by Apple’s latest move, including those involving powerhouse names like Natalie Portman’s MountainA and Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries, according to Deadline.
These suspensions were implemented on Wednesday, marking the 136th day of the WGA strike and the 63rd day of SAG-AFTRA’s industrial action. It’s important to note that not all companies and talent associated with Apple TV+ will be equally affected. Those with projects in active production or on the cusp of release are likely to receive preferential treatment.
For instance, the deal with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese is expected to proceed, given the imperative to promote the highly anticipated “Killers of the Flower Moon”. Furthermore, non-writing producers, such as Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone, the creative force behind “Masters of the Air,” may continue their projects unaffected.
Apple has chosen not to disclose which specific deals are impacted by this suspension at this time.