The Individuals Producing Your Content Are Against Netflix's WB Merger

This week, Netflix confirmed it will acquire Warner Bros. Discovery along with its full portfolio, including HBO Max and the DC Universe. The deal, valued at $82.7 billion, merges two major entertainment companies into one powerhouse.

The announcement has sparked widespread concern across Hollywood. Many trade organizations representing behind-the-scenes professionalsdirectors, writers, producers, sound technicians, makeup artists, and even drivershave voiced strong opposition. Their main worry is that the merger could jeopardize jobs and the diversity of creative output.

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The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been particularly outspoken, asserting that the merger must be blocked. They warn that it could increase consumer costs, reduce employment opportunities, and compromise the quality and variety of content. Representing all writers of scripts and storyboards, the WGA emphasizes that limiting creative voices risks stifling innovation and diversity of perspective.

The Teamsters union, which covers drivers, location scouts, casting assistants, animal handlers, and other essential crew members, criticized the deal as anti-competitive. They urged government authorities to intervene, highlighting that industry consolidation threatens the number of available jobs.

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) expressed serious concerns about the merger but is awaiting additional information. DGA representatives are currently meeting with Netflix to understand its plans for the historic studio.

While the Producers Guild lacks union powers, it has raised its own alarm about the potential loss of legacy studios. The organization emphasized that these studios are more than archivesthey preserve cultural heritage and storytelling traditions.

Theater Industry Also Opposes the Merger

Cinema United, a trade group representing movie theaters, labeled the merger an unprecedented threat to global exhibition. Netflixs history of limited theatrical releases has already altered the traditional cinema model, and theater chains fear that the deal could further restrict their operations, especially while they are still recovering from pandemic-related losses. Despite CEO Ted Sarandos assuring that Warner Bros. films will continue to receive theatrical runs, concerns persist about the long-term impact on cinemas.

From mailing DVDs to dominating streaming, Netflix has reshaped the entertainment landscape. Its acquisition of Warner Bros. could mark another major shift, and if trade unions and industry groups cannot halt the merger, the entire business of filmmaking and theater exhibition may face dramatic changes.

Author: Noah Whitman