Pierre T.
**STRIKE THREATENS SOAP OPERAS, LEADING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF NON-UNION WRITERS**
According to Peace, the ongoing strike by writers and actors guilds in Hollywood is causing significant disruptions across the industry. However, soap operas have managed to stay afloat due to their stockpile of scripted episodes and a unique contract called the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting (Netcode).
Peace, a prominent figure in the soap opera industry, expressed her concern over the situation. She mentioned on her Instagram that although they are reluctant to hand over the production of their beloved characters and storylines to non-union writers, they are also aware that ceasing production could lead to the downfall of soap operas altogether. The serialized and daily nature of these shows makes them particularly vulnerable to cancellation if they run out of scripts.
Actors on soap operas fall under the jurisdiction of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) but work under a separate contract known as Netcode. This contract governs various types of shows, including reality shows, game shows, news programs, and non-primetime shows like soap operas. Unlike their counterparts in other areas of television, actors under Netcode contracts are allowed to continue working on Netcode-affiliated projects without crossing picket lines.
The strike has impacted press junkets and red carpet events in Hollywood, creating a noticeable decline in these activities. However, soap operas have largely remained immune to these disruptions. Nevertheless, as their stockpile of scripts dwindles, more soap operas may resort to hiring non-union writers to sustain their production.
While Peace expressed her hope that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) would soon address the concerns of striking writers, she emphasized the importance of supporting both the show and the striking writers simultaneously.
It should be noted that this article is a paraphrase and a unique interpretation of the original press article, rather than a direct translation. The information provided is sourced from various publications apart from The Verge.
