What is the Writers Guild of America West doing?

The Writers Guild of America West and the Motion Picture Editors Guild are attempting to unionize workers at Theorist Media, a prominent digital production company behind popular YouTube channels.

What are the goals of the Theorist Media workers?

Theorist workers involved in the unionization drive say their efforts could have beneficial implications for the broader creator economy, with the goal of "helping raise professional standards and bring them in line with the broader entertainment industry."

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Writers Guild Targets YouTube Production Company in Unionization Push

13 Nov

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Summary

Hollywood unions seek to unionize Theorist Media, a top YouTube production company
Unions target over 2 dozen Theorist workers who edit, write, and produce content
Effort aims to "raise professional standards" in the creator economy

Writers Guild Targets YouTube Production Company in Unionization Push

As the media landscape continues to evolve, major Hollywood unions are facing existential questions about their future. In 2025, the Writers Guild of America West and the Motion Picture Editors Guild are making a notable push to unionize Theorist Media, a prominent digital production company behind popular YouTube channels like The Game Theorists and The Food Theorists.

The unions are targeting over 2 dozen Theorist workers who edit, write, and produce content for the company's YouTube channels, as well as those who create thumbnails and handle sound design. This marks the first time either union has sought to organize a company that primarily produces short-form video for platforms like YouTube.