Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar Face WGA Contempt Charges for Breaching Strike Rules

‘Oldboy’ Director Park Chan-wook,Screenwriter McKellar Face WGA Discipline over Strike Violations

LOS ANGELES,CA – Acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook,known for his visually striking films like “Oldboy” and “the Handmaiden,” and Canadian screenwriter/director Callum McKellar (“Last Night”) are among three Writers Guild of America (WGA) members publicly disciplined for alleged violations during the 2023 writers’ strike. The WGA revealed the names Friday, following a period where some disciplinary actions remained confidential.

Park received a public censure and a lifetime ban from serving as a strike captain. McKellar faced the same penalties. A third writer, Adam Cipriano, was also publicly censured and barred from future strike captain roles.

The WGA had previously announced disciplinary action against seven writers, with four having been identified after appealing their cases. This latest declaration completes the public accounting of those sanctions.

The guild’s leadership announced the decision to make the disciplines public in a memo to its membership, emphasizing the need for accountability.

WGA Membership Weighs In on Past Disciplinary Cases

This action follows a series of membership votes in May regarding other writers facing discipline. Members narrowly upheld the expulsions of Roma Roth and Edward Drake, and approved the suspension of julie Bush. However, the membership overturned a public censure against Tim Doyle, who faced criticism for an ill-received joke made in a private facebook group.

The WGA has not disclosed the specific nature of the violations committed by Park, McKellar, and Cipriano. the guild acknowledged the extensive work of its Strike Rules Compliance Committee, which investigated numerous allegations, and the trial committees that heard testimony and made recommendations to the board.

“All of these members volunteered their time for the delicate but necessary task of holding writers accountable to fulfill their obligations to their fellow members under the Strike Rules, working Rules and WGAW Constitution,” the WGA stated.

The Broader Context: WGA Strike Rules and Enforcement

The 2023 WGA strike,lasting nearly five months,brought Hollywood to a standstill as writers fought for improved compensation,streaming residuals,and protections against the use of artificial intelligence.Maintaining solidarity during a strike of this magnitude requires strict adherence to rules prohibiting work that undermines the collective bargaining effort.

Strike rules typically prohibit members from writing, revising, pitching, or performing any writing services for struck companies. Violations can range from minor infractions to serious breaches that threaten the strike’s effectiveness.

why This Matters Long-Term

The WGA’s consistent enforcement of its strike rules, even against high-profile members, underscores the guild’s commitment to protecting its members’ interests and maintaining the integrity of future collective bargaining efforts.Publicizing these disciplinary actions serves as a clear deterrent, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and adherence to guild regulations.

The case also highlights the complexities of navigating ethical boundaries within the entertainment industry, particularly during periods of labor unrest. As the industry continues to evolve, the WGA’s role in safeguarding writers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices will remain crucial.

Park Chan-wook’s upcoming film, “No Other Choice,” is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival later this month. McKellar shares a screenplay credit on the project alongside Park and other writers.

What specific actions by Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar lead the WGA to file contempt charges?

The Allegations: WGA vs. Directors

renowned directors Park Chan-wook ( Oldboy, decision to Leave) and Don McKellar (Last Night, Hungry Ghosts) are currently facing contempt charges filed by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for allegedly violating the rules of the 2023-2024 writers’ strike. The WGA claims both directors continued to perform writing services during the strike, directly contravening the guild’s regulations designed to pressure the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for a fair contract. This marks a meaningful escalation in the WGA’s enforcement of strike rules, targeting high-profile figures within the directing community. The core issue revolves around the definition of “writing services” and weather pre-production work crossed that line.

Details of the Charges: What Did They allegedly Do?

The WGA’s complaint, filed with the National Labor relations Board (NLRB), outlines specific instances of alleged rule-breaking:

Park Chan-wook: Accusations center around his continued involvement in script revisions and development for an upcoming, currently untitled English-language thriller. The WGA alleges he directly provided notes and feedback that constituted writing, despite the strike prohibiting such activity.

Don McKellar: The charges against McKellar relate to his work on a limited series. The WGA contends he engaged in significant rewriting and polishing of scripts during the strike period, effectively performing the duties of a writer.

These charges aren’t simply about minor adjustments; the WGA argues the directors’ actions were deliberate and substantial enough to undermine the strike’s effectiveness. The WGA strike rules specifically prohibit members from performing writing services for struck companies, and extend to preventing members from directing projects that rely on struck writers’ work.

Potential Consequences: What Happens Next?

The NLRB will investigate the charges and determine if a violation occured. Potential consequences for Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar could be severe:

1. Fines: The directors could face substantial financial penalties levied by the WGA.
2. Suspension or Expulsion: The WGA has the power to suspend or even expel members found to have violated strike rules. This would substantially impact their ability to work on future projects covered by WGA agreements.
3. Damage to Reputation: Publicly facing contempt charges can severely damage a director’s reputation within the industry.
4. Legal Action: The NLRB could pursue further legal action, potentially involving injunctions or other court orders.

The outcome of these cases will set a precedent for how the WGA enforces it’s strike rules in the future, particularly concerning the roles and responsibilities of directors in the writing process. The WGA is signaling a zero-tolerance policy for any perceived attempts to circumvent the strike.

The Broader Context: The 2023-2024 WGA Strike

The 2023-2024 WGA strike,lasting nearly five months,was a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry. Key issues driving the strike included:

Residuals from Streaming: Writers sought a fairer share of revenue generated by streaming platforms.

Minimum Staffing Requirements: The WGA pushed for guaranteed minimum staffing levels in writers’ rooms.

* Regulation of AI: Concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to replace or diminish the role of writers were central to the negotiations.

The strike ultimately led to a new contract agreement between the WGA and the AMPTP, addressing many of the writers’ concerns. Though, the WGA has remained vigilant in ensuring full compliance with the terms of the agreement, leading to these contempt charges. The strike highlighted the growing power imbalance between writers and studios in the age of streaming.

Impact on the Industry: A Shift in power Dynamics?

These charges against prominent directors represent a significant shift in the power dynamics within the entertainment industry. Historically, directors have enjoyed considerable autonomy in the creative process. The WGA’s aggressive enforcement of strike rules suggests a determination to assert greater control over the