The Writers Guild of America has blacklisted Village Roadshow, prohibiting its members from working with the company after it refused to pay a number of its writers, Variety has confirmed.
“It has come to the Guild’s attention that over the last few months Village Roadshow hasn’t paid writers on numerous projects,” read a statement released to WGA members on Saturday. “Village Roadshow owes writers compensation, interest, and benefit contributions but has refused to pay. As such, the Guild has determined that Village Roadshow is not reliable or financially responsible and requires the posting of a bond to protect writers. Village Roadshow has, to date, refused to do so. As a result, Village Roadshow is on the WGA strike list until further notice.”
The statement encouraged members to seek legal counsel if Village Roadshow owes them money or if they were “recently approached or are currently employed” by the company.
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“It is crucial that Village Roadshow be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions,” the statement continued. “Village Roadshow cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members.”
A rep for Village Roadshow could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday.
This news comes just a week after Variety reported that Village Roadshow had run into financial woes, resulting in a diminished standing with the WGA.
Village Roadshow received a jump start in 2018 when respected industry veteran Steve Mosko took control of the company. The change in leadership came with a cash injection from majority stakeholder Vine Alternative Investments, but after industry-wide contractions following 2023’s dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it seems Village Roadshow is once again struggling.