Former President Barack Obama began a Netflix livestream event on Thursday for his new documentary, “Working: What We Do All Day,” with a more aggressive statement of support for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) than he initially suggested. Said in solidarity with the Guild of America (WGA). The ongoing Writers’ Strike.
Before the start of the panel, which aired on LinkedIn at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, moderator Ira Glass revealed that Obama had prepared remarks regarding the WGA’s work stoppage, which is currently in its fourth week. Is.
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“Part of what this show ‘Working’ is about is how constant some things about the work experience are. People trying to find satisfying work, people trying to pay the bills,” Obama said. “Unfortunately one thing that remains constant is the struggle for people to make sure that they are being treated fairly by their employers and that they are getting their fair share of the pie. I think what we’ve seen throughout American history is that unions and labor organizations have had to demand from their employers, who are controlling any industry, to make sure they’re treated fairly. goes and entertainment is no exception. My hope is that in a time of great technological change, where you’ve got big mega corporations doing really well, that they take into account the creative people who are actually making products that consumers appreciate and that are being exported around The world is done.
“I know there are a lot of studios and streamers that feel a little bit pissed off and that there has been a little bit too much product and they’re looking at their bottom line and they’re experiencing shareholder pressure, etc.,” he said. to continue . “But the fact is, writers wouldn’t be around if they weren’t making important stories. My hope is that as someone who’s really supportive of the Writers Guild and as someone who just loves storytelling and believes in its craft, I am hoping they will be compensated and the importance of what they do will be reflected in whatever settlement is reached. I am very supportive of the writers and the strike and I hope they You will get a fair share of the fruits of your labour.
Obama made his first statement about the writers’ strike on May 16. long instagram post which promoted the launch of “Working” on May 17, writing in the fourth paragraph of the caption: “This series is also about making sure we respect everyone’s line of work – because we all deserve to be valued.” deserve and be treated with respect. This includes the friends I have made in this series and everyone else who is fighting for fair compensation and the new protections that reflect the changing workplaces – including the members of the WGA who Still on strike.
Also participating in the panel were documentary directors Carolyn Suh and Randy Williams, Luke Starcher and Karthik Laxman.
Barack and former First Lady Michelle Obama executive produce “Working: What We Do All Day” for Netflix through their Higher Ground Productions banner, which is under an agreement with Netflix.
Suh also executive produces with Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Priya Swaminathan, Nicole Stott, Jonathan Silberberg, Tonya Davis, Davis Guggenheim and Laurene Powell Jobs. Amelia Brown serves as co-executive producer:
The series was inspired by Studs Terkel’s 1974 book “Working”, which revolutionized the conversation about work by asking ordinary people what they did all day.
Mark Malkin contributed to this story.
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