On March 7, members of The Writers Guild of America (WGA) voted just short of 99% in favor of a list of new demands from The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – which represents Amazon/MGM, Apple, Disney/ABC/Fox, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony, Warner Bros., Discovery (HBO) and more. The demands are in pursuit of higher pay, adjusted residuals, new staffing requirements and protections from artificial intelligence (A.I.), amongst other concerns. 

Six months later, no agreement has been reached and the WGA is currently on strike, joined now by The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), marking the first joint strike between actors and writers in 63 years and the first joint walkout since 1980. With seemingly no end in sight, many actors, writers, unions, laborers and fans alike are left wondering what this strike could mean for the future of the entertainment industry.

The WGA is looking to address concerns within three main categories: compensation and residuals; pension plans and health funds; and professional standards and protection in the employment of writers. Their list of demands within these three categories is as follows:

Compensation and Residuals

• “Increase minimum compensation significantly to address the devaluation of writing in all areas of television, new media and feature”
• “Standardize compensation and residual terms for features whether released theatrically or on streaming”
• “Address the abuses of mini-rooms”
• “Ensure appropriate television series writing compensation throughout entire process of pre-production, production and post-production”
• “Expand span protections to cover all television writers”
• “Apply MBA minimums to comedy-variety programs made for new media”
• “Increase residuals for under-compensated reuse markets”
• “Restrict uncompensated use of excerpts”

Pension Plan and Health Fund

• “Increase contributions to Pension Plan and Health Fund”

Professional Standards and Protection in the Employment of Writers

• “For feature contracts in which compensation falls below a specified threshold, require weekly payment of compensation and a minimum of two steps”
• “Strengthen regulation of options and exclusivity in television writer employment contracts”
• “Regulate use of material produced using artificial intelligence or similar technologies”
• “Enact measures to combat discrimination and harassment and to promote pay equity”
• “Revise and expand all arbitrator lists”

On March 20, negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP began but eventually stalled. Demands were not properly addressed before the set deadline of May 1, which provoked the WGA members to withhold labor starting May 2 after a nearly-98% vote in favor of a strike. As a direct result, many prominent late-night shows such as “The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” were shut down, along with “Saturday Night Live,” “Real Time with Bill Maher” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” 

As the strike continues, the list of projects that have halted production includes “Stranger Things” (Season Five), “Euphoria” (Season Three), “The Last of Us” (Season Two), “Abbott Elementary” (Season Three), “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Season Six and Finale), “Severance” (Season Two), “Big Mouth” (Season Eight and Finale), “Cobra Kai” (Season Six), “The Penguin (Season One Debut), “Dune Part 2”, Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” Marvel Studios’ fourth and untitled Spider-Man film, “Kraven the Hunter,” “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Deadpool 3,” among many others.

On June 5, SAG-AFTRA voted with nearly a 98% majority to strike if a deal could not be reached with the AMPTP by the end of the month, which would place them on the picket line alongside the WGA. SAG-AFTRA published a document detailing their positions, in which they explained they had already compromised during negotiations. However, according to this document, the AMPTP was not willing to meet the following demands:

• “Performers need minimum earnings to simply keep up with inflation”
• “Performers need the protection of our images and performances to prevent replacement of human performances by artificial intelligence technology”
• “Performers need qualified hair and makeup professionals as well as equipment to safely and effectively style a variety of hair textures/styles and skin tones”
• “Performers need compensation to reflect the value we bring to the streamers who profit from our labor”
• “All performers need support from our employers to keep our health and retirement funds sustainable”
• “Principal performers need to be able to work during hiatus and not be held captive by employers”
• “Principal performers need to be reimbursed for relocation expenses when they’re employed away from home”

According to the document, the AMPTP was only willing to agree to what SAG-AFTRA refers to as “simple basic issues of fairness and respect,” such as:

• “Access to reproductive healthcare and gender affirming care for performers working away from home in states that restrict medical access”
• “A consultation process to guard against racist and sexist “wiggings” and “paintdowns” of stunt performers”
• “Safety for performers working with animals on set”

In turn, SAG-AFTRA officially began their strike on July 13, which severely impacted the promotion of director Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and director Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” Actors were unable to make media appearances pertaining to the release of either film, and the cast of “Oppenheimer” walked out of the premier of their own movie when the strike was announced. In spite of the clear negative impact on the two films, both Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwg expressed their support for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.

On Aug. 4, representatives of the WGA met with studios but to no avail, reporting that the AMPTP was not open to engaging in screenwriters’ issues. Now, over three months into the strike, a growing list of delays and cancellations is the least of the problems. The result of 171,500 actors and writers on strike in Hollywood is a hit to local economies all across the U.S. including a $3 billion blow to California. Consequently, 1.7 million out-of-state industry workers have been negatively impacted.

Though neither the WGA nor SAG-AFTRA could reach an agreement, The Directors Guild of America (DGA) agreed to a new contract with the AMPTP on June 23, shortly before SAG-AFTRA went on strike. The agreement between the AMPTP and DGA secured wage increases, better residuals and some protections from AI for directors. DGA released a statement on their website the following month, affirming their support for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA during their respective strikes.

For the strike to end, an agreement must be reached by the AMPTP with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. It is difficult to predict when this will happen, but, for now, an agreement seems unlikely in the near future. 

For those who celebrate Halloween, deciding on  a costume can feel like  a monumental task. Luckily and just in time, Google released a review of the United State’s most-searched costume ideas in 2022; in its FrightGeist list, here are the most popular, interesting and pop-culturally relevant costume ideas to consider this Halloween.

Witch

Coming in at No. 1 on the FrightGeist list, the witch is a Halloween classic. There are seemingly an infinite amount of ways to dress up as a witch, and in this case, the more accessories, the better. There are also tons of popular witchy characters to draw inspiration from, such as Sabrina Spellman from the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (2018-2020), Elphaba from “Wicked” (2003) and the titular character from “Maleficent” (2014).

“Stranger Things”

Following the summer release of season four of Netflix’s “Strangers Things,” eccentric social-outcast Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn, took the Internet by storm as one of the show’s most beloved characters. This year, Google’s FrightGeist reports “Stranger Things” as the fourth most popular costume idea — no doubt at least partially influenced by Eddie Munson’s unique sense of style and attitude in the show. With such an iconic cast, dressing up as any one of the show’s characters is surely a fun way to impress friends this Halloween.

Fairy

Fairies, like witches, are more versatile than other costume ideas. Traditional European mythology describes fairies as spiritual, supernatural beings that draw magic from the natural elements. In some depictions, they are helpful, protective creatures, and in others, they are mischievous and sinister. On the FrightGeist list, fairies ranked in at spot five — probably due in part to the September release of the popular Netflix show ‘Fate: The Winx Saga.” For a low effort look, throw on a pair of colorful wings, a matching dress and some lip gloss or eyeshadow. To enhance the costume, try incorporating flower- or plant-based accessories, glitter face paint and nature-themed, cottage core clothing.

Vampire

Vampire was the 12th most-searched costume idea this year, and for good reason. Compiling a vampiric look is a low-effort, high-reward experience with no shortage of themes to base the costume concept around. Vampire costumes typically center around gothic, black and red garments, pale or undead-like face paint and fake blood, but more modern depictions can include black leather outfits and clean, dark makeup. In all, there are decades worth of iconic vampires to emulate this Halloween, whether from “Dracula” (1931), “The Lost Boys” (1987), “Twilight” (2008) or “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014). 

The Sanderson Sisters

In light of the recent release of “Hocus Pocus 2,” many groups are choosing to dress up the Sanderson Sisters this Halloween. The antagonistic trio of witches, Winifred, Mary and Sarah, are dark magic users and are known for their hag-like appearance and satirically comedic attitudes throughout the films. With the sequel film released only a few weeks ago, “Hocus Pocus” secured a 14th place ranking on the FrightGeist list. The first film’s iconic zombie, Billy Butcherson, is also a popular costume choice.

Angel and Devil

Angel and devil costumes are a favorite for couples and best-friend pairs. Although there might not be a lot of variety in traditional depictions of these  conflicting characters, they remain classics in the world of Halloween costumes. To add flare to the look, consider adding accessories, over-the-top makeup and mythological reference or context. On the FrightGeist list, angel ranked 18th and devil ranked 27th among this year’s most popular costume ideas.

Zombie

Dressing up as a zombie is a great way to show off one’s make-up or art skills since most of the magic of this costume concept is in the undead details. Plus, with how easily recognizable it is, a zombie-esque spin can “spookify” any character. Unsurprisingly, zombies just barely missed the top 20 of the nation’s most-searched costume ideas this year. With “The Walking Dead” (2010-2022) consistently ranked among the most popular shows of the past few decades, zombies have garnered plenty of recent media attention and respect as a horror staple.

Superhero or villain

Superheroes and villains are among the most recognizable and popular Halloween costumes for all ages. Although costumes of this genre tend to be expensive or require a lot of effort, it is surely worth it to some people to spend a night as their favorite comic book character. Overall, superheroes and villains are consistently brought into mainstream media as new movies of this genre are released or remade every year. Recent movies “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022), “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021) from Marvel Studios and “Black Adam” (2022), “The Batman” (2022) and “The Suicide Squad” (2021) from DC Films have superheroes and villains on many fans’ minds this Halloween. This year, Spider-man secured 2nd place on the FrightGeist list, followed by Harley Quinn in 10th, Batman in 19th and the general term “superhero” in 23rd place.

Sheet Ghost

As an honorable mention, the sheet ghost costume is a last-minute go-to for those with a sense of humor. In all, the only thing needed for this look is a white sheet with eye holes cut out — glasses or a hat can be added to increase comedic value. A popular portrayal of this costume was in the horror-comedy “Beetlejuice” (1988) when ghosts Barbara and Adam unsuccessfully attempt to scare Lydia away. The general term “ghost” ranked 25th place in the FrightGeist list.

All photos are sourced from Unsplash or Flickr and are intended for non-commercial use with proper attribution, which is protected under the Unsplash License and Creative Commons.

Social media has created a culture of frenzy around new media being released, and some TV shows get a lot of social media hype. Because of that hype, many people end up looking forward to shows before they have even seen them. For shows that have already been or are currently being released, the hype has a possibility to create disappointment if a show does not live up to its online persona. This social media culture fosters the idea of overrated TV shows. Some concerns of overrated-ness are valid while other shows deserve their respective audience of dedicated social media posters. Below is a list of four shows commonly considered to be overrated, but should they be?

“Game of Thrones”

After its premiere in 2011, “Game of Thrones” was the constant talk of the internet. Each new episode drew in millions of viewers, with Twitter following along with trending hashtags.

But besides being in the loop about one of the most-talked about TV shows, is “Game of Thrones” worth watching? I think so. 

The beginning seasons are arguably superior with their twisting storylines, loved and hated characters and brilliant acting. However, by the time you get to the later, lower quality seasons, you are already so enthralled that the declining quality is easy to overlook. It truly is a good show – its storyline is one that will most likely go unrivaled for a long time coming.  Even if you only watch it because of the hype, there will be something in it for you – plus the in-depth analysis conversations with your friends are always fun.

“Friends”

With a run time of 10 years, “Friends” gained fans during and after its airing. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t watched at least one episode of the show or at least knows one of the famous taglines.

While its following continues to grow and its old fans still hold strong, is “Friends” really worth watching, over 15 years after its finale? I would say it depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed all of “Friends” during one of my summer binges, but for those who want their entertainment to be something intricate, this show isn’t the one. 

That being said, it is a perfect show for those who want a little bit of mindless humor that they are able to just sit and absorb, something we all need from time to time. Not to mention that, after watching “Friends,” you will finally understand all of the T-shirt references. 

“Stranger Things”

“Stranger Things,” a smash hit Netflix show after its 2016 debut, is one that garnered a substantial amount of hype for its first and sequential seasons. This show is one that is trying to prove Netflix’s ability to maintain a good TV show, which has proven successful. 

Even when separated from the positive social culture surrounding the show, it is still more than worth watching. With wonderful actors, many of them young and up-and-coming, along with a unique storyline and a blast from the past, “Stranger Things” is charming in its own right. 

For fans of the supernatural, it seems almost a no-brainer that this show is one that would be most enjoyable. For those a little skeptical of science fiction, it’s a good entry point with its quirky humor and simply stunning cinematography. “Stranger Things” is really a show that feels enjoyable to most everyone and with its fourth season in the works, now is a perfect time to catch up before it inevitably takes over the Twitter trends during its release. 

“The Walking Dead”

As TV’s biggest zombie show, “The Walking Dead” has been going strong for 10 years. Although it feels as if the hype surrounding the show has somewhat died down, many are still following the adventures of the ensemble crew. 

Personally, I think this show started out extremely strong but has failed to withstand against time and growing pressure for each season to be better than the last. The first seasons are excellent as the base of the story is one that everyone has considered at least once: a zombie apocalypse. The characters in the beginning of the show are wonderful and their relationships are fun to follow through the seasons.

That being said, I believe what has the ability to hook many viewers, including myself, is the introduction of new characters, especially those villainous in nature. Due to its copious amount of episodes, I would only recommend this show with a warning that some seasons fall flat. Overall it is an enjoyable show, especially if you enjoy dystopian stories.

The show’s much-anticipated second season picks up a year after the events of the first. On the surface, the town of Hawkins, Ind. seems to be back to normal. Behind the scenes, however, the main characters are dealing with everything that has happened. Will (Noah Schnapp) is still haunted by his time in the Upside-Down, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) is searching for Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) is working to forgive herself for Barbara’s (Shannon Purser) death and navigate her relationships with Steve (Joe Keery) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton). They have to put all of these problems aside when a new danger appears, threatening Will and the town’s existence.

One of the show’s best assets has always been the acting, especially of the younger characters. The four central boys Will, Mike, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), as well as Eleven, are joined by a few new faces this time around. Sadie Sink is great as tomboyish Max, who gets caught in a love triangle between Dustin and Lucas. Priah Ferguson steals the show in her few scenes as Lucas’s younger sister, Erica. The teenagers are equally great in their roles, showing a grit that few young adults have. Nancy’s transformation from princess to warrior was great to watch last season, and the show continues that arc quite nicely. The adults are typically great, too. Possible exceptions are Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). Otherwise, they are really the supporting cast.   

In a lot of ways, “Stranger Things” lives up to expectations. Beyond the great ‘80s references, most of which are often lost on this generation, the show provides commentary on PTSD, journalistic integrity and freedom of information in a way that’s subtle enough not to detract from the main plot. The highlights of the season were learning more about Eleven’s past and the final episode, which is pure fan service. But as a fan, I didn’t mind.

The downsides were few and far between. The increased violence may cause the show to lose appeal for some viewers (I’m personally not a fan of slasher, but it didn’t go too far into that realm), and at about 50 minutes per episode, it is kind of a time commitment. Overall, though, season two didn’t disappoint, and I would definitely watch a third. I would also recommend “Beyond Stranger Things,” which gives great insight into the minds of the cast and producers as well as discussions of important scenes. Don’t watch until after you’ve finished the season. This companion series is full of spoilers.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Cover photo courtesy of engadget.