‘Sympathizer’ Showrunners Expelled from WGA Over Strike Rule Violations

los Angeles, CA – The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has expelled The Sympathizer showrunners Don McKellar adn Park Chan-wook, alongside writer David Cipriano, for alleged violations of WGA strike rules during the 2023 labor dispute. The decision, announced today, marks the conclusion of the WGA’s internal proceedings related to the strike.

The expulsions stem from accusations that mckellar and Park continued writing during the strike, a period when WGA members were prohibited from working for companies not adhering to the Guild’s demands.The WGA’s Strike Rules compliance Committee recommended the expulsions to the Board, which subsequently approved the action.Cipriano faced separate disciplinary measures.

The Sympathizer, a seven-episode HBO series based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, debuted on April 14, 2024, after facing delays due to the strike. The show garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for Robert Downey Jr., who played five different roles in the series. McKellar and Park received writing credits for all seven episodes.The WGA confirmed that no further disciplinary actions related to the 2023 strike are anticipated. According to the WGA constitution, readmission for expelled members requires a vote by the Board, perhaps including fines and other conditions.

Impact on Careers:

While McKellar and Park have demonstrated the ability to collaborate on international projects – their upcoming black comedy No Other Choice is slated to premiere at the Venice Film Festival – the expulsion substantially limits their opportunities within the U.S. entertainment industry. They are now barred from working for major studios and streaming services,including Disney,HBO,and Netflix,all signatories to the WGA’s collective bargaining agreement.

This action follows earlier disciplinary measures announced in April, where the WGA publicly named six members accused of unauthorized work during the strike and one member for violating the Guild’s constitution.

Evergreen Insights: The Power of Collective Bargaining & Strike Rule enforcement

The WGA’s firm stance on enforcing strike rules underscores the critical importance of collective bargaining in the entertainment industry. Strikes are a powerful, but disruptive, tool for unions to achieve better working conditions, fair compensation, and protections against evolving industry challenges – like the rise of streaming and the use of artificial intelligence in writing.

Maintaining the integrity of a strike requires strict adherence to it’s rules. Violations, even by high-profile figures, can undermine the collective effort and weaken the union’s negotiating position. The WGA’s actions in this case signal a commitment to upholding those principles, even when facing difficult decisions regarding established members.

The consequences for McKellar and Park serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with crossing picket lines or engaging in unauthorized work during a labor dispute. The entertainment industry, built on creative collaboration, relies on a strong union framework to ensure fair treatment and sustainable careers for its writers.

what specific actions by Park Chan-wook led to his expulsion from the WGA?

WGA Expels Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar for Participating in Production During 2023 Strike

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) took decisive action in early 2024, expelling acclaimed filmmakers Park Chan-wook (known for Oldboy, The Handmaiden) and Don McKellar (Last Night, The Red Green Show) for violating guild strike rules during the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike. This move underscores the WGA’s firm stance on solidarity and adherence to its regulations, even for high-profile industry figures. The expulsions sent ripples through the entertainment industry, sparking debate about the boundaries of strike participation and the consequences of crossing the picket line.

Understanding the 2023 WGA Strike & Strike Rules

The 2023 WGA strike, lasting from May 2nd to September 27th, centered around crucial issues impacting writers, including:

Compensation: Increased residuals from streaming services, a major point of contention.

Staffing Minimums: Guaranteeing a minimum number of writers per writers’ room.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Regulations surrounding the use of AI in scriptwriting, protecting writers’ jobs and creative control.

Writing scripts

Revising scripts

Pitching ideas

Providing notes on scripts

Park chan-wook’s expulsion stemmed from his involvement in the Amazon Studios series The Sympathizer. While the series was initially greenlit before the strike, production continued during the work stoppage. The WGA alleged that Park Chan-wook, as a director and executive producer, continued to engage in writing-related activities on the project, specifically providing script notes and directing revisions, effectively performing work that should have been done by striking WGA members.

The core of the issue wasn’t necessarily direct scriptwriting, but rather utilizing his position to influence the script in a way that circumvented the strike’s intent. This case highlighted the gray areas within the strike rules, particularly regarding the roles of directors and producers in the creative process.

Don McKellar’s case involved his work on the CBC series Strays. The WGA steadfast that McKellar, despite being a WGA member, continued to perform writing services for the show during the strike. Details surrounding the specific nature of his contributions were less publicly detailed than Park Chan-wook’s case,but the WGA maintained that his actions constituted a breach of strike rules.

The CBC,a Canadian broadcaster,was not directly targeted by the WGA strike,however,the WGA rules apply to members working on projects intended for distribution in the US market. Strays* was co-produced with an American company, bringing it under the WGA’s jurisdiction.

The Expulsion Process and Appeals

The WGA’s disciplinary process for strike violations is multi-layered:

1. Initial Examination: The WGA investigates allegations of strike violations.
2. Notice of Charges: If evidence supports the allegations, the member receives a notice of charges.
3. Hearing: A hearing is held before a WGA disciplinary committee.
4. Decision: the committee issues a decision, which can range from a warning to expulsion.
5. Appeal: members have the right to appeal the decision to the WGA’s Board of Directors.

Both Park Chan-wook and