Chapter 1: The Streaming Dilemma

The rise of Netflix, once celebrated for its groundbreaking innovations that provided a platform for diverse voices, has seen a significant decline in market value. This shift has sparked troubling discussions regarding the treatment of writers and the quality of content produced to satisfy an ever-hungry audience.

Recently, I engaged in a conversation with a colleague who had secured a project with Netflix. Despite his excitement, he expressed concerns about the lack of budget to hire a writing team. “Writing is demanding and can be quite tedious,” he admitted. “Though I have TV experience, I’m not the most skilled writer.”

Netflix's response was alarmingly pragmatic, revealing a potentially exploitative trend in the new landscape of content creation. They proposed that he could forgo hiring a writing team by compensating individual writers with a one-time script fee. The responsibility for developing the script — traditionally handled by a paid team — was now condensed into that single payment.

This approach has significant drawbacks. It eliminates the essential process of collaborative revisions, often referred to as ‘tabling’, where a team of writers refines scripts together. Instead, Netflix suggested compensating writers for just one day of work to enhance multiple scripts, compelling them to review and provide feedback on their own time, without payment.

This issue transcends mere financial constraints. It challenges the core of the creative process, undermining the importance of writers in shaping narratives. The model transforms what should be a collaborative and iterative experience into a transactional, one-off event. A script, under this framework, becomes a static product, rather than a dynamic entity that evolves over time.

The result? Many shows likely never made it to your screens or into popular discussions. Netflix remains indifferent; their primary objective is to produce content — any content — to keep subscribers engaged week after week. This relentless drive for output has strained their relationship with writers, contributing to a loss of billions in market value and an unwillingness to engage in productive dialogue.

The Netflix model exemplifies a broader industry trend towards incessant content generation, reflecting a concerning disregard for storytelling artistry and the writing profession. It also exposes an unsustainable business model that not only disrespects writers but also jeopardizes the quality of the content produced.

This situation culminated in a recent writers’ strike, which resonated throughout the industry. It served as a rallying point for the often-invisible backbone of the entertainment world — the writers. Their demands for fair compensation, respect for their craft, and acknowledgment of their pivotal role in storytelling became a clarion call.

This unfolding narrative imparts crucial lessons for Netflix and all streaming platforms, as well as the television sector as a whole. In the rush to produce content, the industry must not overlook the indispensable quality that writers contribute. Their talents, creativity, and unique perspectives are what truly elevate a show. Recognizing and compensating their work fairly is not just an ethical necessity; it’s a strategic move that can foster the creation of memorable content that resonates with audiences.

As the industry navigates the aftermath of the strike and ongoing negotiations, one truth stands out: fostering sustainable and respectful relationships between streaming platforms and their creative talent is vital for the future of the industry. It is to be hoped that Netflix and similar companies take heed, recognizing that a well-crafted script is invaluable.

Chapter 2: The Ripple Effects of the Writers' Strike

This video discusses how the streaming industry's approach has contributed to the recent writers' strike, highlighting the struggles and frustrations faced by those in the profession.

This video covers the impact of the Writers Guild strike on Netflix's production schedule, particularly the halt of the series 'Perfect Couple'.