Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, Led by ‘Adolescence’ Co-Creator Jack Thorne, Highlights Concerns About Netflix Merger
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) has announced plans to raise concerns regarding the proposed mega merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery during an upcoming meeting with Netflix at the beginning of next year.
WGGB, led by President Jack Thorne, has expressed its position, though it stops short of the actions taken by its American counterpart. General Secretary Ellie Peers stated, “It is only right that the Netflix Warner Bros deal faces regulatory scrutiny.” In contrast, the Writers Guild of America has called for the merger, which has created significant upheaval in Hollywood, to be blocked.
“There will be understandable concern about the impact of the Netflix Warner Bros deal, particularly from our screenwriting members in TV and film,” Peers emphasized. “A mega-merger like this raises red flags about competition, content and the implications for creators working in an increasingly global marketplace, at a time of industry contraction.”
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Peers confirmed that concerns about the proposed merger will be addressed in the WGGB’s regular meeting with Netflix, which is slated for early next year. This topic is expected to be one of several on the agenda. The WGGB holds consistent meetings with broadcasters and Netflix, which are governed by collective bargaining agreements.
This proposal comes nearly 20 months after the WGGB secured a landmark deal with Netflix for live-action scripted content. This agreement marked a first in the industry, establishing minimum script fees that include six months of exploitation on the Netflix platform, alongside non-theatrical and promotional rights. Additionally, writers receive 5.6% of gross receipts if their productions are utilized outside of Netflix.
The WGGB champions the interests of many talented UK writers, and its relationship with Netflix is pivotal. Should the merger proceed, talent relations could undergo significant changes. Compounding the situation, Paramount has recently launched a hostile takeover bid of $30 per share for Warner Bros. Discovery, which values the company at over $20 billion, escalating already intense scrutiny of the ongoing developments.
The Netflix-WBD merger has elicited alarm from various organizations in the UK. The broadcasting union Bectu labeled the proposal “a hugely worrying development for anyone who values competition, and a plurality of voices and stories in entertainment and the media.” Meanwhile, actors’ union Equity has cited the merger as justification for pushing for enhanced protections against artificial intelligence. “While company ownership shifts, Equity contracts… endure,” remarked Cathy Sweet, head of film and TV at the organization.
Netflix considers the UK one of its most vital markets, particularly as it has experienced a wave of successful productions including *Adolescence*, *Baby Reindeer*, and *The Gentlemen*. Thorne, who co-created *Adolescence* with Stephen Graham, assumed the presidency of the WGGB earlier this year. Notably, *Adolescence* received five nominations this morning at the Golden Globes.
