Chapter 1: Martin's Insights on the WGA Strike

In a recent entry on his blog, aptly named Not a Blog, George R.R. Martin shared his thoughts on the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. He pinpointed what he believes to be the most critical issue facing writers today. Here are some notable excerpts from his post.

For the initial fourteen years of my career, my focus was solely on prose—crafting novels and contributing numerous stories to publications such as ANALOG, ASIMOV'S, and various other science fiction magazines. While I appreciated television, it was not until 1985, when CBS sought to revive THE TWILIGHT ZONE, that I considered writing for the screen. Executive producer Phil DeGuere extended an invitation for me to pen an episode. In those times, starting as a freelance scriptwriter was typical. I took a chance, and to my surprise, Phil and his team were impressed with my work. Soon after delivering my script, I received an offer to join their staff. Before I realized it, I found myself heading to Los Angeles with a six-week contract as a Staff Writer, earning the minimum salary set by the Guild, with scripts against it. (In the 1980s, being a Staff Writer was the entry-level position in the industry, clearly indicated by the fact that it was the only role with "writer" in its title.)

My understanding of television production upon landing in Burbank was, frankly, quite limited—so much so that I can't even conjure up a fitting analogy. Yet, I learned quickly. Under the guidance of Phil and the remarkable team he gathered for TZ, including Jim Crocker, Rockne S. O'Bannon, the brilliant Alan Brennert, Michael Cassutt, and a host of talented freelancers, I absorbed invaluable lessons not just about script dialogue and structure but also about the production process itself. Phil plunged me into the deep end from the start. During my season and a half on TZ, I wrote five scripts and was actively involved in every aspect of their production. I didn't simply write my script and move on; I participated in casting sessions, collaborated with directors, and attended table reads. My first produced script, "The Last Defender of Camelot," allowed me to be on set every day. I observed stuntmen rehearsing the climactic sword fight (which, as it turned out, took place in the lobby of the ST ELSEWHERE set) and witnessed firsthand when a misstep led to a stuntman sustaining a serious injury—a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise. Alongside Phil, Jim, and our line producer Harvey Frand, I attended daily dailies and later engaged in post-production, where I learned from the editors' craft.

No film school could match the education I received about television production during my tenure on THE TWILIGHT ZONE.

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None of these opportunities would have been available to me without the knowledge I gained on TWILIGHT ZONE as a Staff Writer and Story Editor. Although I was among the most junior of writers—perhaps a somewhat known figure in the realm of science fiction—I was utterly inexperienced in television, practically invisible against a green screen. This reality, in my view, underscores the essential aspect of what the Guild is advocating for: the right for aspiring writers, particularly young and prose authors, to pursue a clear career trajectory.

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The emergence of mini-rooms is a significant concern, and the AMPTP's refusal to compensate writers for their time spent on productions—as an integral part of their jobs, rather than as casual observers—is not only unjust but also shortsighted. If the Story Editors of today are denied production experience, how can studios expect the Showrunners of 2033 to emerge?

The WGA must secure a victory on this front, regardless of how long it takes.

Martin's article has garnered considerable attention, being featured in outlets like Forbes, Variety, IndieWire, and Deadline. Additionally, the production of the Game of Thrones spinoff series, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, has been halted for the duration of the strike.

To view a list of impacted TV productions, click here.

For the complete article by Martin, read here.

In this video, George R.R. Martin criticizes the writers of Game of Thrones, expressing his disappointment in their handling of the series.

George R.R. Martin addresses various complaints regarding the House of the Dragon series, providing insights into the challenges faced by the writers.