The Writers Strike Has Forced MTV to Pre-Tape Its Movie Awards
Right now that Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes to achieve better remuneration and equity structures TV and film writers across Hollywood. As part of an effort to raise awareness their cause, writers are on strike at various studio lots on both the east and west coasts. Although the strike only started a few days ago, their efforts seem to be working as the upcoming MTV Movie Awards have been quite hampered by the strike.
Per meeting, MTV has decided to forego the traditional live broadcast of the annual awards ceremony in favor of a pre-taped event. The WGA had reportedly planned to use pickets for the awards ceremony, which would have meant picketing members where red carpets or interviews were being filmed and drawing attention to the strike. (MTV is a subsidiary of Paramount, which also owns it star trek, Nickelodeon and CBS). “[This] nonetheless allows us to produce a memorable night of exclusive sneak peaks, irreverent categories for our audience to expect, and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best films and TV shows of the past year.”
Normally, the MTV Movie Awards are not very special. But this year’s screening is also the first awards show to be broadcast post-strike, meaning their response to the WGA could be a taste of what’s to come, depending on how long the strike lasts. Celebrities previously advertised as contestants are said to be reconsidering their looks (if they haven’t already backed out) and Would-be host Drew Barrymore said she would not host in solidarity with the striking writers. “I will refrain from attending the live MTV Movie & TV Awards event in solidarity with the strike,” she wrote in a statement. “Until a resolution is reached I choose to wait but I will be watching from home and I hope you will join me.”
Discussing Barrymore’s last-minute withdrawal and the shaky state of the awards show, Gillmer told Variety that the focus remains on “delivering for the fans. […] We have backups to our backups, and we plan on keeping as many of the show’s signature elements intact.” However, by his own admission, he has no idea how things like awards ceremony sequences will play out: Some accepted speeches are pre-taped, and there are other contingencies , if a star decides not to appear. But the messy nature of it will likely be felt in some way by audiences, and it further underscores how messy things get when companies don’t just give Writers Guild what they ask for.
The MTV Movie Awards will air on Sunday evening, May 6th.
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