During the transition from HBO Max to Max, the credits for writers and directors were lost. The new Max format grouped all credits under the label of “creators.” However, the guilds representing these creative professionals felt that this form of credit marginalizes and devalues the individual contributions of writers and directors.
Warner Bros. Discovery responded to this criticism by acknowledging that the omission of proper credits was an oversight during the technical transition and apologized for the error. The company stated that it will work to correct the issue as soon as possible to ensure that all talent behind the content on Max is properly recognized.
Although Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service Max has just been launched, it has already been lambasted by prominent Hollywood guilds for its method of crediting directors and writers.
On Wednesday, several individuals noticed that the credits on films had been altered. The previous format, which identified writers, directors, and producers separately, was revised under the new Max method, lumping them together as “creators.” Later that afternoon, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) expressed their disapproval of the newly implemented “creator” credit by issuing a potent joint statement.
Some people noticed a revision to movie credits. Instead of individually listing writers, directors, and producers, the new Max format grouped them all together as “creators.” Later in the afternoon, the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America West issued a strong joint statement, opposing the newly implemented “creator” credit.
After receiving criticism from the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America West, Warner Bros. Discovery issued a statement addressing the issue. The company recognized that the modification to the credits was a technical oversight in the transition from HBO Max to Max, and they have decided to rectify it; however, they did not specify when the restoration of writer and director credits would be made.
A spokesperson for Max stated that they acknowledge that the individuals responsible for producing content for Max should receive proper recognition. They apologized for the mistake that occurred and assured that necessary measures will be taken to rectify it.
Gotiating a new contract. It appears that the “creator” credit is seen as diminishing the significance of the individual efforts made by artists and creatives in the entertainment industry. The joint statement from guilds expressed their condemnation of this move and conveyed that the industry must not undervalue the contributions made by its artists.
Warner Bros. Discovery apologized for the oversight in this technical transition and promised to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, the incident highlights an ongoing tension between the creative guilds and their employers within the industry at a time when lines of communication are already strained.w contract.
The statement made reflects a sentiment that has been expressed during recent negotiations, which is that writers are not considered to be of great importance and are therefore not deserving of fair compensation. The companies that employ these writers have been increasing their profits while simultaneously reducing payment for the writers who create the content that is responsible for these profits. This lack of acknowledgement for the value of writers is what has led to the current situation. Unfortunately, this attitude is indicative of a lack of understanding regarding the importance of writers and their contribution to the success of the entertainment industry.
Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), expressed her disdain for the message conveyed in this statement, stating that it was a severe insult not only to the guild but also to its members. Glatter argued that minimizing the contributions made by individual artists is a troubling trend that must be addressed, and the DGA will fight against such devaluation.
The DGA strongly believes in recognizing the importance of every artist’s work and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their efforts in the entertainment industry. The DGA will not tolerate any behavior that suggests otherwise and will continue to champion the rights and value of its members.