By now, you have probably heard about Hollywood writers striking, but you might not know why. On May 2nd, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) labor union began striking due to unfair pay and treatment in Hollywood. Many prominent writers and actors such as Quinta Brunson, Chris Pine, Drew Barrymore, and Pete Davidson have expressed their support for the strike or are actively taking part in it.
Unfortunately, much of the major media coverage of the strike has been focused on what shows and movies will be delayed or affected by the strike, likely as a means to turn the public against the strikers. Several shows have already announced that they would be resuming production once the WGA’s terms are met, such as Stranger Things, Abbott Elementary, Yellowjackets, and several late-night shows. Naturally, many fans were alarmed, but it is important to know why writers are striking and why it’s important that shows and movies are delaying production in respect.
The main focus of the strike is to raise the wages of writers in Hollywood as the WGA expressed concerns about major cuts in incomes within the past decade. Writers are the backbone of all your favorite shows and movies, and it’s inexcusable that they would be compensated far less than the actors and producers working on the same productions. Without writers, these actors and producers would have nothing to work with–no one to spend hours upon hours writing and perfecting scripts with direction and comedic, heartfelt, and heart-wrenching dialogue.
This brings us to the guild’s next concern: the rise of AI. There has been a lot of talk recently about the advancements of artificial intelligence and how it could be used to replace real people, such as AI-generated movies, shows, and music. The problem with this is that AI-generated art in any form loses emotional depth and originality. AI pulls from preexisting sources to create new things, but they’re usually off in some way that makes it noticeable to have not been made by a human person. AI-generated writing also lacks the emotion and care put in by human writers who write from their own experiences or the archives of their imagination. Furthermore, the WGA isn’t demanding the removal of AI technology in Hollywood as a whole; simply that AI does not replace human writers and is only used as a tool to help or supplement.
Moreover, the Writers Guild is asking for more concrete terms in their contracts, such as how many writers would be working on a project for a specific time, as well as money for their pensions and healthcare. The latter request was outright rejected by the opposition, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), though hopefully if the strike goes on long enough, they will reconsider.
This is not the first time the WGA has struck–the last strike occurred from 2007 to 2008, and there were several throughout the decades before. The terms regarding payment are similar, but what’s new is the existence of streaming platforms. The billion-dollar companies bring a more complicated element to the strike, though the strikers are undeterred.
Many actors and directors have expressed their support for WGA members, so viewers must do, too. As mentioned before, the writers are the people behind the many shows and movies we love to watch. It may take a little more patience to wait for some shows to resume production, but I think it’s worth it to get some quality writing and treatment for writers.
Written by Alec Conwell
Check out more of our coverage of the writer's strike below!
Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman was published by DC Comics. Since their release, The Sandman has captured the hearts and minds of dreamers everywhere, and in August of 2022, Netflix released season one of the comics’ TV show adaptation. Similar to many others who watched the series, I became obsessed quickly after watching.
If you’re looking for something new to watch, and you’re a fan of fantasy, interesting and diverse characters, and a bit of violence, The Sandman is my top recommendation. Season one has eleven episodes, though the eleventh was added after the original season dropped as an extra. While the first ten episodes are a more linear narrative taken from the first two volumes of the comics, the eleventh episode combines two short stories from the third volume. The series follows our main character, the Sandman, Dream of the Endless, played by Tom Sturridge. Dream, who also uses the name Morpheus, is a personification and embodiment of dreams. He is the ruler of the Dreaming, the place everyone goes when they fall asleep, and the creator of dreams and nightmares. When a human magic user tries to trap Dream’s sister Death to bring his dead son back to life, the spell goes awry and traps Dream instead, and the world suffers the consequences of Dream’s prolonged capture. The first season follows Dream as he escapes and has to bring order to his realm and retrieve his lost tools of office: three powerful artifacts that contain parts of Dream’s ancient powers.
The wildly creative fantasy world presented in The Sandman is enamoring and brilliantly adapted from the comics. The series was in Netflix’s top 10 for several weeks and received an abundance of positive reviews regarding its performances, production, and faithfulness to the original comic series. The cast is a wonderful and talented group who all hold a respect and love for the comics, which comes through in their performances. Much of the criticism the show received was due to its diversity, the very thing that also drew so many viewers like myself to enjoy the show, as The Sandman has several Black and queer characters in prominent roles.
The show quickly drew me in with its fantastical elements and beautiful cast, but the story itself is very heartfelt and well-written. Though the focus is on a billion-year-old being with powers beyond one’s comprehension, his arc is incredibly human. It is a story about family, friendship, and what it means to change and having to accept those changes. In need of more content, I quickly acquired the comic series and read them ravenously, so if you enjoy the show and/or want a new comic series to read, I cannot recommend them enough.
The Sandman was renewed by Netflix to continue the story, but show creators and actors alike are refraining from calling it a second season; we fans are unsure at the moment as to what this means for the structure of the next round of stories. However, The Sandman’s possible second season is currently in the works and will begin filming this summer. The series is set to continue with the fourth volume of the comics, Season of Mists, before skipping to volume 7, Brief Lives. The volumes in between contain short stories and less focus on Dream of the Endless as a main character, so the showrunners are likely trying to keep a more linear narrative.
With its gray skies, persistent rain, and unseasonable chill, April is finally over. Meanwhile, flowers continue to bloom around the city and it’s time to plan for the warm summer days to come. Take a tour through Manhattan, from top to bottom, with this breakdown of the city’s best parks!
FOR CULTURE: Marcus Garvey Park / 125th Street (4/5/6)
Photographed by Luis Ruiz, Courtesy Facebook Art Department.
One of the larger parks above 80th Street, Marcus Garvey Park is a lush garden and community center in the heart of Harlem. Named after Black activist Marcus Garvey, this park is home to over 20 acres of indoor and outdoor facilities, including two pickleball courts, a pool, basketball courts, and a beloved concert bandshell. Last year, Marcus Garvey’s lawns were home to a range of free concert and movie series, from documentaries on soul and jazz to live performances. With any luck, similar programming will be back this summer. For now, Marcus Garvey remains the perfect place to examine new summer blooms, join a step class, or beat the heat with water fountains and sprinklers.
FOR DOG LOVERS: Carl Shurz Park / 86th Street (Q)
Photographed by Frenchies of UES on Instagram.
Known for its connection to the stately Gracie Mansion, aka the mayor’s residence, Carl Shurz Park is a gem of the Upper East Side. Nestled directly against the East River, Carl Shurz Park is the perfect place to dog-watch, with two dog runs and a variety of furry friends trotting along the ‘promenade’. There’s even a dog treat food truck that stops by on occasion. Look for the line of wagging tails and impatient owners to spot it. Besides being ‘one of the most dog-friendly parks’ in Manhattan, Carl Shurz is also home to beautiful views of the Triborough Bridge, waterside benches to laze on, and gorgeous gardens. Grab a ticket for the Roosevelt Island Ferry, just steps away, to make a real day of it.
FOR MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY: Central Park – The Great Lawn and Bow Bridge / 72nd Street (1/2/3)
Photo courtesy of Starr Whitehouse Landscape and Architect Planners
Oh, Central Park. Easily the most iconic park in all the six boroughs, no list of NYC’s parks would be complete without this one. However, spanning nearly 900 acres, there’s also no way you’re going to conquer it all in just one summer. For that reason, I consider the park’s famous Great Lawn and nearby Bow Bridge to be the most-unmissable spots for a sunny day trip. Join the hundreds of sunbathers, frisbee-throwers, artists, and nappers on the Great Lawn. You can even catch the city’s annual free New York City Philharmonic concert–complete with fireworks at the end–of a softball game if you’re lucky. A short walk away at Bow Bridge, you can recreate your rom-com fantasies while tulips bloom and rowers from the Loeb Boathouse pass underneath.
FOR SCENIC GAINS: Hudson River Park / 23rd Street (6)
Photographed by Julienne Schaer.
One of the city’s longest parks, this waterfront strip stretches from 59th Street to Battery Park. Renowned for its runners, joggers, and cyclists, Hudson River Park is one of the city’s best places to get a good workout. Lesser known, however, is that each of the park’s piers is home to its own recreational activities. Pier 45 is home to a large lawn for reading and relaxing, and one can often spot boxing classes on the pier. Pier 62 has a “California-style skatepark,” while Pier 86 is home to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. And who could forget Little Island, NYC’s newest, floating park, complete with an audio architecture tour, public talks and performances, and mere steps away from the wider wonders of Chelsea? Best of all, each inch of Hudson River Park is the perfect place to catch sunset views over the Hudson River–my favorite feature.
FOR READERS: St. Luke in the Fields Gardens / Christopher Street (1)
FOR A HOT GIRL SUMMER: Washington Square Park / West 4th (A/C/E/B/D/F/M)
Photo courtesy of NYC Official Travel Guide
The epicenter of downtown Manhattan, no park below 14th Street is more beloved than WSP. Jump in the iconic fountain (or…don’t…), watch the skateboarders grind, or help yourself to a pre-roll of your choice. Where both protests and late evening parties converge, Washington Square Park is the perfect place to pregame, catch some spontaneous live music, or simply lounge. Enjoy the pink cherry blossoms, towering arch, and feeling of the city coming to life. Don’t forget to pop by in early June for jam-packed Pride festivities. And who knows? Maybe a TikTok podcaster will help you find the summer fling of your dreams.
FOR A SOHO SURPRISE: Liz Christy Garden / Broadway/Lafayette (6/B/D/F/M)
hotographed by Vivienne Gucwa
Located at the corner of Bowery and Houston, this downtown public garden was founded in 1973. As the first–and oldest–community garden in NYC, you can honor the legacy of activists past by enjoying its blossoms and trees. With winding paths, a small turtle pond, and the tallest dawn redwood in Manhattan, this park truly feels like a secret garden. Take a breath after a whirlwind brunch or a gallery excursion by exploring this hidden park, directly off of the Broadway/Lafayette subway stop.
FOR AN EARLY MORNING: Sara D. Roosevelt Park / 2nd Avenue (Q)
Photo courtesy of 14 Second Avenue
Tucked in between the boundaries of the Lower East Side and Chinatown proper, this park makes a perfect early-morning stroll. Grab a pastry from Ka Wah or Chiu Hong Bakery and enjoy the ping-pong matches, tai chi lessons, and birds chirping overhead. One of the few escapes from the tightly-packed buildings of the LES, this park was made to be enjoyed. There are also two pickleball courts, a volleyball court, and several basketball courts. Plus Law & Order is, almost, always filming there. Bonus points if you see Mariska Hargitay before 10 am.
FOR PERFECT PICTURES: City Hall Park / Chambers Street (2/3/A/C/E/R/W)
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Located firmly within the boundaries of the Financial District, also known as Fi-Di, this park is tragically overlooked. Home to the majestic Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain, this park is surrounded by some of NYC’s oldest and finest architecture. It’s one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Oddly well-maintained, with buildings dating back to 1812, this park is lush and green, and a perfect spot to observe finance bros and government workers in their natural habitat. Make sure to stop by in the afternoon when the ties get loosened and golden hour hits.
FOR REAL ADVENTURE: Governor’s Island / Governors Island Ferry
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Ok, so this one isn’t technically a park. That being said, it’s 100% a part of Manhattan, and one of the best places to be when summer hits the city. Governor's Island is a can't-miss green space, a chock full of special events, farmer’s markets, and overpriced, yet delicious, food stalls. Wrangle three of your closest friends into a surrey, or pedal around on bikes. Enjoy the lavender field, lounge in a hammock grove, or simply sip a cold one and look out over the Hudson Bay. The ferry ride is free before noon on weekends, and only $4 roundtrip if you sleep in. Plus, the views are totally worth it.
Written by Hannah Siegel
You reached the end! Make an account to get updated when new articles and interviews drop.
