An Apple Exec Foolishly Confirms “It’s All About the Money” When It Comes to the WGA Strike

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Huge Hollywood companies are afraid to pay you what you’re worth. 

An anonymous Apple executive’s interview, which went viral, has caused a stir on the internet. Conducted by Rick Ellis of AllYourScreens, the interview delves into Apple’s approach to managing their TV business.

The interview commenced with a question about the ongoing WGA strike. Although the executive acknowledged that they are not directly involved in the strike, they proceeded to outline Apple’s position within the industry.

“While I, like many non-C-suite managers, sympathize with the arguments presented by writers, I believe that the current situation with limited writers’ rooms has had a significant impact on the future of our industry. We genuinely need to find a way to train aspiring writers,” stated the anonymous Apple executive. “Having said that, the primary driving force behind these matters is money. Every streaming platform is seeking cost savings wherever they can find them. Does this affect writers’ earnings? Undoubtedly. However, it’s not personal. It’s not a matter of undervaluing writers’ contributions. When we are trying to adhere to budgets, we have to make cuts wherever possible. Unfortunately, this includes writers and other supporting staff.”

The executive concluded their statement by emphasizing, “This brings me back to my point about the strike. If writers want better compensation, more time, or any other improvements, they need to negotiate these terms effectively in their contract.”

It’s all about the money. 

Since the strike began on May 1st, writers have been talking about making sure screenwriting doesn’t become a gig job. The worry is that the rising costs of living in Los Angeles are pricing out people whose voices are needed in Hollywood. In addition to that, the current climate for writers in the industry is creating an unstable environment for the next generation. 

I’ve often feared executives just do not care about these worries. Especially when their pay is getting drastically higher every year, with many in the tens of millions. When asked about executive pay and writer demands, the anonymous Apple executive confirmed most of my suspicions. 

They said, “It’s a fine PR move, but it doesn’t move the dial in negotiations. Media companies don’t see the world that way. You could cut the CEO pay in half, but that doesn’t mean the money will end up in the pockets of writers. This isn’t a situation where streaming companies don’t appreciate the value of writing in the content ecosystem. We do. But we will pay the absolute minimum we can.”

“I’ve noticed that some people online are quick to attribute blame to streaming platforms for the current situation. However, this is how businesses operate in general. When a company relocates its manufacturing to Mexico or outsources customer service to Costa Rica, it’s not a personal decision. It’s not because the executives hold animosity towards their employees or undervalue their contributions. It simply comes down to a basic profit and loss calculation. And that’s precisely the case here,” explained the Apple executive. “Streaming platforms, like any other business, aim to pay the minimum amount possible for all aspects, including writers. I don’t mean to come across as insensitive, but writers tend to be intelligent and passionate about their work. However, they can also sometimes perceive themselves as the sole focal point. I understand that this strike carries personal significance for them, and I empathize with their perspective. Yet, for the studios, it ultimately boils down to numbers. They strive to determine the absolute minimum they can pay for everything.”

Let me make it clear that I don’t intend to preach or deliver a sermon. I acknowledge that commerce holds great significance for large corporations, but the essence of Hollywood lies in the convergence of art and commerce. Merely producing movies and TV shows solely for financial gains or to meet spreadsheet targets is not a compelling reason to be a part of this industry.

I often find myself pondering why these entities even ventured into the realm of streaming. In Hollywood, it can take years of dedicated effort and a wealth of talent for creatives to sustain themselves. Placing them in a restrictive framework and expecting immediate profitability was never a sound business strategy.

It appears that you might want to consider engaging with your unions or exploring the possibility of unionization, as that seems to be a concern for the industry.

The Apple executive openly addressed the discussions among writers regarding the striking companies losing more money annually than what the writers are requesting. From the executive’s perspective, this concern stems from the fear that workers worldwide will start demanding fair compensation for their contributions.

Their statement emphasized the complexities of the situation, stating that it’s not a straightforward matter. To illustrate their point, they presented a hypothetical scenario: Suppose every union demand was agreed upon, resulting in a yearly cost of $40 million. However, it’s important to note that this is not a one-time expense but an ongoing annual cost. By establishing a higher minimum cost, future negotiations and expenses would continue to escalate. Additionally, such a contract would serve as a benchmark for writers in other regions and might encourage industries in certain countries to unionize for better financial gain. The focus is not solely on the direct costs associated with the WGA deal but also on the broader implications and fallout costs throughout the company.

Their hope lies in the collective efforts of unions to ensure that the portion of the rewards allocated for the work created is sufficient to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of individuals involved. They express the desire that those who have been dismissive or negligent face appropriate consequences for their actions.

Please share your thoughts and opinions on this matter.

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