The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has placed Village Roadshow on its strike list, banning members from working with the production company after it failed to pay writers for multiple projects.
In a statement released Saturday, the WGA declared that Village Roadshow "owes writers compensation, interest, and benefit contributions" but has refused to meet these financial obligations. The guild determined the company is no longer financially reliable and demanded a bond posting to protect writers - a requirement Village Roadshow has not fulfilled.
The production company, known for hits like "The Matrix" franchise, "Mad Max: Fury Road," and "The Ocean's" series, has recently faced mounting financial difficulties. In October, Village Roadshow laid off several staff members across business affairs, administration, and film/television departments.
The company's financial troubles appear linked to its majority stakeholder, Vine Alternative Investments, which is reportedly experiencing cash flow problems. Village Roadshow is currently seeking new majority ownership for its library of film and television properties valued at over half a billion dollars.
Adding to the company's challenges is an ongoing arbitration dispute with Warner Bros. over "The Matrix Resurrections" and producer credit issues on several shared properties.
The WGA has advised members who are owed money or have been recently approached for work by Village Roadshow to contact their legal department for guidance. The guild emphasized that the company "cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members" until the payment issues are resolved.
Village Roadshow representatives have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.