ATX TV Festival Announces Writers Strike Panel and More Scheduling Updates

The ATX Television Festival is addressing the WGA Writers Strike head-on. The festival announced today that it has added a conversation with some of TV’s leading writers discussing the current WGA Writers Strike.

The panelists will discuss first-hand the issues at stake and the changes they’re fighting for. They will also discuss why the strike is necessary to safeguard the future of not just writers, but all entertainment unions and creatives.  

Panelists will include Zoanne Clack, WGA West; Greg Iwinski, WGA East, Negotiating Committee; Damon Lindelof, WGA West; and Julie Plec, WGA West. The panel will be moderated by Beau Willimon, WGA East.

“ATX TV Festival has always been a place of celebration and community. It is where important conversations are had about the history and future of television in a safe and inclusive environment. We will maintain these tenants as we believe education and conversation between both Industry and Consumers are needed now more than ever,” ATX TV Co-Presidents and Founders, Caitlin McFarland & Emily Gipson said in a statement.

“There wouldn’t be television without writers. They have always been the rock stars of our festival, and though this year will look a little different, it will continue to be a place to showcase their talents and importance. The stories and characters we care so deeply about would not exist without them, and neither would this festival.”

The WGA Writers Strike does mean some other changes to the festival. The ATX TV co-founders have been in discussions with the WGA to ensure they are following strike compliance rules in how they support the needs of both their partners and panelists.

Because of this, they have made changes to the programming and schedule including some additions and cancellations to the festival. 

Studios and Networks have shifted programming representation as needed, focusing on actors, directors, DP, Casting, Costumes, Music, non-writing producers, and more.

Meanwhile, ATX TV has shifted all writing conversations to focus on the importance and craft of writing. There will also be broad topical panels such as “Why Do You Write?” and the festival’s programming track with Hollywood, Health and Society, which focuses on social issues in storytelling such as Climate Change, AI, Criminal Justice, and Aging & Caregiving. 

Additions to this year’s programming include:

• WGA on Strike!
• Beyond the Page 
• Why Do You Write? 
• Queer Stories We Want To See 
• …The End 

Festival cancellations include:

• Late Night with Seth Meyers
• Andor: A Conversation with Tony Gilroy
• Tiny Beautiful Things with Liz Tigelaar and Cheryl Strayed
• Dawson’s Creek 25th Anniversary Screening & Conversation

*ATX has noted that these members of the WGA support and believe in their series and teams, but stand with the WGA at this time and will not be attending. 

ATX TV Festival’s Pitch Competition will continue as planned as its focus is education, mentorship, and preparing a new group of writers for the next steps in their careers. Judges will include writers, showrunners, and producers. 

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Head to the ATX Television Festival’s official site for more information on the event. You can also take a look at our coverage of last year’s festival right here.  

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