Our guest this week, Bill Mechanic, tells us what CEOs actually think of writers and the WGA - and answers the question "Does a corporation OWE anything to the public at large?" MUST LISTEN.

Theme Song: “Not Your Fool” written and performed by Alexa Villa; courtesy of Sign From The Universe Entertainment, LLC
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Week Four with guest Bill Mechanic

This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the current Hollywood strike. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike in 2007-2008 brought the entertainment industry to a halt. Now, in 2023, history is repeating itself and Hollywood is once again in the midst of a major labor dispute. Join Billy Ray, Academy Award nominated writer/ director/ showrunner, and Todd Garner, a former studio executive turned producer, as they explore the causes and consequences of the strike.
The duo will chat with writers, producers, and other industry insiders to provide a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the situation. Throughout the strike, Billy and Todd will be bringing you stories and insights from behind the picket lines, uncovering the struggles and experiences of those involved in this pivotal moment in Hollywood history. Tune in to "Deadline Strike Talk" and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the strike, while gaining a deeper understanding of the issues at play. Don't miss out on this exclusive look at the inner workings of Hollywood during this crucial time.

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Entertainment News

In an election year filled with political spin, Billy and Todd chat with MIKE MILLER OF IATSE: the most direct, no-nonsense, spin-averse voice in all Hollywood, to discuss the issues facing his membership - and how he plans to remedy them in negotiations with the AMPTS. There's also a pretty cool story about Central Park! 
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Week Thirty Two with guest Mike Miller of IATSE

Billy and Todd return with the head of Teamsters Local 399 Lindsay Dougherty - and a plea to Hollywood's CEOs not to inflict another two strikes on our town.
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Week Thirty One with guest Lindsay Dougherty

Billy bids a fond farewell to StrikeTalk in a conversation with the person who made StrikeTalk happen, Deadline Co-Editor In Chief, Mike Fleming. They discuss labor in Hollywood, mergers, the epic failures of the AMPTS, and what's to come in 2024.
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Week Thirty Finale with guest Mike Fleming Jr.

In Strike Talk's penultimate episode, Billy Ray and co-host Todd Garner speak with the presidents of SAG-AFTRA and WGA West, Fran Drescher and Meredith Stiehm, about the challenges of negotiating with the AMPTS and their visions for the Hollywood labor movement's future.
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Week Twenty Nine with guests Fran Drescher, Meredith Stiehm, and co-host Todd Garner

Billy is joined by California State Senators Anthony Portantino and Dave Min to discuss the role of state government in supporting the labor movement.
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Week Four with guest Bill Mechanic

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