Hollywood screenwriters made good on their threat and went on strike starting Tuesday. It is the first strike of its kind in 15 years, a crisis that threatens to hit the production of hundreds of films and television series in Hollywood.
The writers want about $600 million in salary increases and other benefits, such as royalties. The main point of contention between the parties is the requirement to keep a minimum number of writers on staff for a specific time, whether they are needed or not, says Sal Gentile, producer of Late Night with Seth Meyers.