Seth Rogen is joining the chorus with Snoop Dogg asking why streaming platform profits don’t seem to end up in artists’ hands.
The ongoing Writers Guild of America strike has prompted comments from Snoop Dogg, who suggested music artists might do the same to DSPs. Now Seth Rogen is weighing in to say that maybe top executives shouldn’t have massive compensation packages.
“I’m personally distressed by not having any sense of how successful these shows and movies we make for streaming services are,” Rogen said. “The secretiveness only makes me think that they’re making way more money off of all of us than they want to share with anybody. These executives are making insane salaries that you would only make if you are running an incredibly profitable business.”
“Thank God for these labor unions and their ability to force these gigantic corporations who banded together to drive down the wages of workers to actually do something every once in a while and act fairly and equitably,” Rogen adds.
The WGA called for a strike on May 1 after the group failed to reach an agreement with the AMPTP. Writers are now picketing studios across the country, with production halted on several programs. Snoop Dogg commented on the strike, suggesting music artists should do something similar. “The writers are striking because of streaming; they can’t get paid,” the rapper said.
“I don’t understand how the f*ck you get paid off of that shit,” Snoop says. “Somebody explain to me how you can get a billion streams and not get a million dollars? That’s the main gripe with a lot of us artists is that we do major numbers, but it don’t add up to the money. Like where the f*ck is the money?” That’s exactly what Seth Rogen is asking too, Snoop.
The WGA is also seeking assurances from Hollywood studios against the use of AI to replace Writer’s Rooms.