The writer’s strike has massively impacted film and television, delaying projects and halting certain shows as writers have left their stations and have instead been out on the picketing lines. One such production is that of the Colleen Hoover novel adaption, It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, with the latter also acting as director.
The WGA strike continues as the guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have yet to agree on terms. It isn’t just the writers, though, as the actors guild — SAG-AFTRA, may also go on strike soon, given that a recent survey of its members showed that 97.91 percent are in favor of going on strike if they cannot get a fair deal with the AMPTP in their ongoing negotiations. If the SAG-AFRA members were to go on strike the delays to television, film, and theatre production would be even greater than they already are, in context, SAG hasn’t gone on strike since 1980.
Several productions from channels and streaming services have been shut down, which will likely bring around massive delays to shows. Over at Netflix, writers have stepped away from their laptops on shows such as Emily in Paris, Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, and even Zero Day, which stars Robert De Niro in his first television role. It isn’t just television shows that have been impacted but also films, and now the adaption of the best-selling novel, It Ends With Us, has also had to put on the breaks.
The film was first paused on June 5, when WGA picketers formed their line at their filming location in New Jersey while a boat scene was taking place at the Liberty Harbor Marina, according to Deadline. Due to the fact that the film is being co-financed by Wayfarer Studios, many believe that the picketing, in this case, is unwarranted as it is following WGA guidelines.
Because the WGA called off the picketing for a few days due to poor air quality, filming continued for It Ends With Us from last Wednesday to Friday. This week though, picketing resumed, and many of the film’s IATSE (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) crew were unhappy as they crossed the picket line when asked if they would work under any circumstances, which led to production being halted once again.
Production has noted that they will be taking it day by day as to whether or not they will be filming.