Snoop Dogg has blamed “f**ked up” streaming models for the ongoing WGA strike. Showing his solidarity to TV and film writers who go on a strike over compensation, the rapper claims that they “can’t get paid” because streamers don’t make money like theaters do.
The hip-hop artist/actor weighed on the Writers Guild of America strike during a panel on Wednesday, May 3 with Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive music editor, and Gamma’s Larry Jackson, his co-panelist and business partner. Claiming that musical artists are also affected by the streaming models, he said, “[Artists] need to figure it out the same way the writers are figuring it out.”
“The writers are striking because [of] streaming, they can’t get paid. Because when it’s on the platform, it’s not like in the box office,” the 51-year-old, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., said. “I don’t understand how the f**k you get paid off of that s**t.”
“Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars?” he demanded. “That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers… but it don’t add up to the money. Like, where the f**k is the money?”
Since Tuesday, May 2 at 12:01 A.M. PST, a minute after its contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expired, the WGA’s 11,500 screenwriter members are refusing to work after the Hollywood studios failed to agree on a new three-year contract. They additionally demand pay increases and other benefits.
The strike immediately affected late-night TV shows, which have since gone dark. Showing their support, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers are reportedly using their own money to help pay their crews while their shows are on production hiatus.
Sources recently claimed that NBC is paying staff members on the shows through the end of next week. Meanwhile, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” host and the “Late Night with Seth Meyers” host will pay for the employees’ salary for the third week.
Staffers were allegedly informed on Wednesday morning, May 3 during production calls, with the hosts taking part personally to discuss the matter with their staff. It’s also said that healthcare for the shows’ employees will be paid through September.
[VIA]
