 by Dorothy Snarker |
Will work for food or a fair contract, preferably bothFADE IN: EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY A scruffy bunch of sunlight-averse, caffeine-addicted, ironing-impaired television and film writers parade back and forth with purpose. They carry placards and chant slogans. Among them are a few famous faces. GROUP What do we want? Fair contract! When do we want it? Now!
CLOSE ON the dark, reflective sunglasses of a network executive as he pulls into the studio lot in a car that costs more than the average American family’s house, passing the rag-tag writers with nary a glance in their direction. The writers shout, snidely, in his direction and some make accompanying FCC fine–worthy gestures. WRITER Hey, buddy, download this! I’ve got your new media profits right here!
CUT TO: INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT A couple sits on the couch in front of the TV and flips through the channels, only to find repeat after repeat. They stop on what appears to be a new show. ANNOUNCER Welcome back to “Who Wants to Marry A Rottweiler?” Our couple has just returned from the dog park ... WOMAN That’s it, I give up! I can’t take the strike anymore. Man, I can’t believe it’s come to this ... Susan, honey, pass me a book.
FADE TO BLACK. The End. In case today’s dramatic reenactment didn’t clue you in, the Writers Guild of America went on strike Monday. That means that television and film wordsmiths across the country have put their pencils down and turned off their laptops in protest until they get a new contract. While the specifics are complicated, the negotiations essentially boil down to giving the writers a bigger piece of the profits pie. And one of the most contentious slices of that deal is how to divide new media profits, i.e., internet downloads and online streaming. Right now, writers get nothing each time a show is watched or downloaded on the web. Yes, you read that right, nothing.
Now, I could be biased since I am both a writer and a guild member (though not of the Writers Guild of America — wrong kind of writer, wrong kind of guild), but I support the striking workers 110 percent. I happen to believe that the ability to put words to paper (or on screen; this is the digital age, after all) is one of humankind's greatest evolutionary advancements. Well, that and the opposable thumb. But, like I said, I could be biased.
But even if you’re not a big union backer or a written-word enthusiast, the writers strike could hit you where you live — maybe it already has. If you turned on the TV yesterday, you noticed that all the late night talk shows were in repeats (The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Late Show With David Letterman, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, et al.). No writers, no witty words. Even daytime talker Ellen DeGeneres shut down production in solidarity Monday, even though her writing staff is largely exempt from the WGA strike rules. Stewart, a WGA supporter, broke down the issue last week on the air. And it only gets worse. Cashmere Mafia became the first scheduling casualty of the nascent strike when ABC pushed its premiere back from Nov. 27 to TBA. This means we’ll have to wait indefinitely to see Bonnie Somerville and Lourdes Benedicto do this. That sound you hear is a million lesbians sobbing as they unprogram their DVRs.
While most currently airing scripted shows have a backlog of finished episodes that should last them through Christmas, things start to get really ugly in the new year. If an agreement isn’t reached before the new episodes run out, expect repeats — lots and lots and lots of repeats. Expect more reality shows to start clogging the airwaves as well. Remember when they joked on 30 Rock about the network airing a show called “Are You Smarter Than a Dog?” Yeah, not so funny anymore. See how many episodes your favorite show has left here and then start making a list of all the books you never got around to reading. Looks like you might have some free time coming up.
Still, if there is such a thing as a silver lining in a strike, it is that you get to see a little of the best in people as well. Several well-known actors, writers and showrunners are lending their voices to the cause. 30 Rock writer-producer-creator Tina Fey was among a list of more than 100 showrunners who promised to refrain from writing while their scribes are out. Other writer-producers supporting the strikers include Shonda Rimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice), Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls, The Return of Jezebel James) and showrunners for CSI, House, Bones, Heroes, The Office, Ugly Betty, Bionic Woman, Gossip Girl, Battlestar Galactica and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Chanting along on the picket lines Monday were The New Adventures of Old Christine stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Wanda Sykes, Saturday Night Live cast members Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers, CSI sleuth Marg Helgenberger and Ugly Betty herself America Ferrera.
Fans even got in on the action as readers of the Joss Whedon fan site Whedonesque.com delivered pizzas to striking writers, including former Buffy scribe Jane Espenson. They even had a special sign. God, I love Buffy geeks.
So, whose side are you on in the writers strike? And if this strike becomes a long, boring fresh-episode-free nightmare, how do you plan to weather the drought? Submitted by on November 6, 2007 - 1:00pm. |
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Union.
I come from a long line of union members from way back...starting when unions were all about issues such as not losting life or limb while on the job.
While the writers issues are not quite that extreme...I often wondered who was getting a piece of the advertising pie every time I watched a show online and there was a commercial before the show actually started.
So I support the writers during their strike even if that means my shows are delayed or repeated...because too often in Hollywood writers are aged out of their jobs so they deserve their fair share before the years get lean.
I will just turn to Netflix to fill my viewing time and catch a few movies that I missed when first out in the theater. I can be patient for a good cause.
support the writers!
i just heard that in an effort to avoid the strike, the WGA agreed to remove from the negotiating table a rather huge part of their demands (something to do with dvd sales; i'm not exactly sure...), but the producers just said, nope, no deal and walked out on the negotiations.
it never ceases to amaze me how greedy TPTB can be...
Writers Strike...
I'm on the writers side
I'm a radio-tv-film student and I've been hearing about this strike for a while now (around 6 months) I didn't actually think the networks and the studios would be dumb enough to deny better contracts. Without the writers there are no shows or movies. Yes, someone else from the production team can make an adaptation but that extra spark that makes a good writer won't be there. If this continues, there will be reruns everywhere and the audience doesn't like reruns therefore, there will be a decrease on ratings which will be a living hell for the networks, I think they should really pay attention to this. Writers are awesome! a creative team is always needed, why not giving them what they deserve?
"i don't suffer from insanity...i enjoy every minute of it"
Netflix is my friend...
Support Writers
While I don't always simply think that a strike is the best or only answer, in this case I COMPLETELY agree with the writers. With the future of the their work becoming more and more widely consumed via DVD's and the internet I think they should get more money for our usage of those goods. This is the one major sticking point for their contract and I don't feel that it is unreasonable in any way.
I will either watch reruns, movies, or catch up on chores that need to be done. But you won't find me complaining and I will wait patiently as I think the writers need to stay out on strike until the Producers give in.
Without a doubt...
I come down on the side of the writers. They got screwed with home viewing media (the writer's guild accepted a formula in which a writer would receive a small (.3%) percentage of the first million of reportable gross (and .36% after) of each tape sold as a residual which makes a HUGE difference in a $4 billion industry) and I completely understand why they want to avoid that in the future. The other two unions' (Screen Actors Guild & Directors Guild of America) contracts expire in July'08 and obviously have a vested interest in what happens with the WGA.
I love that many different show creators have come out in support of the WGA and I fully support them, no matter how long it takes until a fair agreement is reached.
Wow! Granted, I do enjoy
I'm so filled with new-found
I'm so filled with new-found love for everyone involved (not TPTB, obviously, but everyone else) that I may cry. Oh Tina Fey! Oh Marg Helgenberger! Oh showrunners of all my favourite shows! Oh Whedonesque! This is sad but beautiful, people. Beautiful.
Now pay the writers!
I'd Rather See Them Go After DVD Profits
Writer's Rule!!
I have to say that I am also biased. In December of this year, I will officially graduate with a Screenwriting degree from CSUN. As a future member of the guild, I have to offer my support and praise to everyone on the picket lines. I must also say that without the writers there is no television, no movies, no fun-filled family entertainment for all of us to enjoy. The writers have always taken the short end of the stick when it comes to payment for services. Writing is, by far, the hardest job in Hollywood. So to pass the time I will plunge head first into my goal of watching 365 films I've never seen... before the year ends. Wish me luck; I'm only on 123.
Strike!
Things you can do to support the writers (via The Gilded Moose):
-Avoid going to movies during the strike. Shit sucks out there right now anyway.-Avoid watching tivo'd television. I'm sure they track that somehow.
-Do not buy any hollywood content off itunes or any similar platform during the strike.
-Do not purchase DVDs or VHS's during the strike (beta is okay, just for old times sake)
-If you live in LA or NY, honk or shout when you see striking writers in front of studios.
-Send an email of support to all of the major media companies. You'd be surprised how effective this can be.
- Look shamefully upon anyone entering a movie theater. You probably do this anyway but now, do it more forcefully.
-Do not sleep with Rupert Murdoch during the strike. Just kidding... we're not Nazi's.
A Shot at Love with Rupert Murdoch?
Support the Scribes
I was wondering...
... when I'd hear about this on AfterEllen.com!
From what I've heard so far, I'm with the writers. I admire people that can put words to paper and make them tell a story =)
I have to admit, though, that I didn't quite believe this at first. I didn't even know they could do that. After I started believing it, I read a lot of stuff on it, but I still don't understand most of the consequences.
Where I come from, people strike for anything, and pretty much whenever they need a vacation. Subway workers, public school teachers, it doesn't matter if it's going to create chaos. At least once a month there's some sort of strike. So I'm new to the whole "strike with an actual purpose" thing. And I have to say it's refreshing to see people that know what they're doing. I'm enjoying following this so far.
On the other hand, like any TV-loving person, I'm not happy about the side effects and I selfishly hope this ends soon. I'm especially unhappy about the possibility of more reality TV. What if they make us watch A Shot at Love 3, 4 and 5? I barely have enough brain cells left as it is! :P
Well, I'm still with the writers, even if it means having to wait a little. I think I have enough books and movies and DVDs to last me a few month. But I still have questions! What's this about shows getting canceled? What happens if it takes so long that there's not enough time to write and air this season before it's time to start a new one? And what happens to the AE vlogs and recaps if there are no new shows to recap and vlog about?
I find it funny ...
that royalties get paid to everyone *except* writers. I am, of course, on the writer's side. Without writers, TV as we know is dead; we all know this. They all know this. And of COURSE actors are supporting the writers. Without the writers, actors are out of job. Wouldn't we all love to see Ellen Pompeo battle America Ferrera in Celebrity death-match - the reality game!
Now - EVERYONE - go buy tickets to the theatre! Support playwrights!
Naming is a difficult and time-consuming process; it concerns essences, and it means power. But on wild nights who can call you home? Only the one who knows your name.
[From Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, by Jeanette Winterson]
Oh God, that's right. Caty
What kind of theatre is she
What kind of theatre is she taking you to? Because, that makes a difference in it's worthiness.
And there definitely is crap theatre out there. BUT - look at it this way, the more people who go to see it, the more revenue the theatre gets, the better actors/sets/lights/plays they can afford.
Naming is a difficult and time-consuming process; it concerns essences, and it means power. But on wild nights who can call you home? Only the one who knows your name.
[From Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, by Jeanette Winterson]
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Do you ever go see stuff at
Do you ever go see stuff at Pitt or Carnegie Mellon? Sometimes college theatre can be more exciting than professional theatre, just because they don't have the restraints of money (as much), audience, and running a business, as it were.
Naming is a difficult and time-consuming process; it concerns essences, and it means power. But on wild nights who can call you home? Only the one who knows your name.
[From Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, by Jeanette Winterson]
CMU
mixed feelings
All For The Strike
The writers deserve their fair share. No writer; no show. I certainly respect all involved and all who are willing to fight for what's theirs. And of course, just when you thought you couldn't hold Tina Fey et al in higher esteem, they step up to the plate and prove once again, why they deserve your respect and support.
They need to stand their ground and I'm certainly hoping that it's resolved before that ledge on the 15th floor starts looking appealing to us all *smiles*. No new eps of CSI Miami!! Why that's just ... well... just... downright..... unthinkable! Oh the thought... I need air...
This is nuts
Shows wouldn't be what they are without the writers (obviously) and the fact they are getting screwed out of this new emerging and future market is just crazy. Life would be so much better if people would stop being so greedy and actually give what people deserve.
Luckily I only watch 2 shows a year and both wont be on until april so I hope everything is resolved by then :-(
How can the big hollywood companies complain about internet piracy when they are practicing their own type of piracy?
Whedonesque... that was awesome!
Even if we ain't got hats or badges..
...We're a union, just by sayin' so! (Newies, anybody? Nobody.)
As a rule, I support unions. And it's BS that the writers aren't getting anything for the internet downloads. (and, allgood2, to my knowledge they are also going after DVD residuals. It's not getting as much press).
I worry that the people really getting hurt might be the crews who will be out of work when the shows shut down. I'm not saying that WGA shouldn't strike, it just seems that before the network and cable executives break down, others working in the industry are going to feel the negative effects.
I did!
I got it!
Nothing can break us
No one can make us
Give our rights away
Arise and seize the day!
Naming is a difficult and time-consuming process; it concerns essences, and it means power. But on wild nights who can call you home? Only the one who knows your name.
[From Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, by Jeanette Winterson]
Brownie Points!
I'm glad that at least one person didn't read that and think "what the hell is she talking about?" I was afraid most people had forgotten that little disney gem.
labor organizing and song-and-dance numbers. What more could you want?
eta--your avatar is quite appropriate for the conversation. solidarity forever and all that.
DVD Residuals Taken Off Table?
haha
I got it too. I was actually complaining today in the picket line that this strike isn't enough like Newsies. I want to have a crutch and beat some scabs, while dancing.
ROTFL
this line: "I want to have a crutch and beat some scabs, while dancing."
priceless.
Warm and Fuzzy
Awww...the two sites I visit religiously have linked to each other. (AfterEllen/Whedonesque)
About the Strike...should I or should I not refrain from buying TV on DVD for Christmas?
try not to buy or download any TV/Films
please refrain - do not buy TV on DVD just yet.
on Sunday, the WGA did take DVD residuals off the table to try and stop the strike, but when the Producers wouldn't agree even then and also demanded they take the downloads off too - the WGA said - Aboslutely not - and DVDs + downloads went back on the table for the WGA to fight for.
so hold off - perhaps if the strike can be resolved soon, then the writers can benefit from you buying those DVDs as they should have been all along.
I Love AfterEllen, but it is hilarious that
Content on Logo
AfterEllen.com is owned by Logo, but we don't have anything to do with their programming decisions (just as Logo as nothing to do with what we write about on AfterEllen.com, beyond asking me not to post naked pictures, which I wouldn't anyway).
:)I don't know how or how much Logo pays its writers for programming, but I do know they generally only stream the first episode of a show for free (the rest of the episodes you have to watch on their channel or pay to download from iTunes), and the other show-related "extras" are usually behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The bulk of the video streamed on the site is music videos and short films, for which the creators are definitely paid. Logo didn't get those Lizzy the Lezzy episodes for free, for example, and the lesbian writer/creator who made them got paid for a series that she wasn't getting paid for when it was only running on MySpace. They've also paid to acquire tons of short films that their writers/creators probably wouldn't be able to sell anywhere else (since there's not a huge market for short films).
Doesn't mean Logo may not be just as guilty as all the other networks in terms of underpaying writers, I don't know; I think it's just important to acknowledge the good as well as the bad.
Either way, I support the writer's strike for all the reasons people have mentioned above. Even if it does mean we're going to be overloaded with more bad reality TV for awhile (ugh!).
Exactly the point!
Didn't want to hurt the wrong people
Okay, I just didn't want to hurt the wrong people.
I'm not a writer and it seems crazy to me, just as a consumer, to take DVDs off the table. I just went to Best Buy a couple days ago and saw a lot of old shows keep making their way to DVD...shows that were probably making $0 for the past 5 years 'cause they're not even in reruns. I have no idea who gets the profit from those now but it seems like DVDs would be a long term money maker.
I don't download TV shows anyway. I tried to watch a few eps I missed on NBC's site but it doesn't work for whatever reason...and I have a fairly new computer.
I am all for writers getting
I am all for writers getting their fair share but really...can we please stop pretending 90% of the stuff you see on tv or in the movies couldn't be written by a monkey!
And not buying a dvd that's in the store right now seems ridiculous. If it's in a store the revenues of that dvd are already in the pocket of the company. The only one loosing out on that, are the store owners!
"call me old fashioned but I prefer feminism that leaves a little something to the imagination!"
90%?
I don't know... maybe. But I really like the writers of the shows that I like. I like Heroes and it's intricate storylines. I like Battlestar Galactica...again for the stories. The comedy and wit of Chuck, 30 Rock and the Office. That stuff can't be written by a monkey.
Obviously this strike isn't gonna matter to people who aren't fans of well written TV. And that's fine. There's a lot of stuff I don't like...because it sucks...so I just don't watch it. (Mainly I'm talking about reality shows.)
I don't think showing support for something you like is ridiculous. The point is showing solidarity with the writers because I think the studios and networks assumed that the fans would blame the stoppage of their fav TV shows on the writers.
Besides, I could really give a fig if Best Buy loses money anyway. I can just buy them later. Consumers do have power.
Hey, I was just responding
Hey, I was just responding to people suddenly praising all writers into heaven.
Surely the point is fairness? Not that they should get their share because writers are so great but because it is their right!
Of course I am a fan of great writing and that's why I am sticking with no more than 10% of what is shown actually being great writing.:)
And I am all for showing support! Which to me is not the same as over the top praise or pointless actions like depriving people not connected to the case of income. Once a dvd is in your local shop it makes no damn difference when you will buy it (to the writers or the studios). Even if they win most likely they will make some kind of deal as to income already lost to the writers.
Yes, consumers have power but that power is even bigger if combined with knowledge. And when used to the point.
"call me old fashioned but I prefer feminism that leaves a little something to the imagination!"
Boycotts
Profits from DVD sales is one of things that the writers are trying to negotiate. Consumers are at the end of that chain of transactions...if the store doesn't sell them, the store doesn't restock them. That's how all boycotts of goods work. You don't buy the goods until the company that produces them changes. By your logic, no boycotts work or have a point. If that were the case, then companies wouldn't care if people boycott.
It's not as if I'm not going to buy presents for people that I was initially going to get DVDs for. I'll just buy something else. So the store isn't hurt either way.
By my logic the only boycot
By my logic the only boycot that works and is "fair" is one that hits the pockets of the one you are trying to get at! And even that depends on the situation.( Sure did not change Castros mind or the Danish governments). ;)
Like I said, I doubt very much the writers will manage to get a deal out of this that will give them all back all revenues they unfairly did not get. Most likely they will broker a deal on these lost revenues.
But that is just my opinion. :)
"call me old fashioned but I prefer feminism that leaves a little something to the imagination!"
I support the writers strike!!
TRUST me, writers do not make money---most writers write because they need to create. Same with designers. If you don't want more garbage reality TV (which has forced me deep into Netflix-land to watch old Buffies and Xenas to avoid the junk they are dumping on us ----dancing with the stars???? HELP ME!) ...Then people should be willing to pay for creativity and ideas.
Oh---and if you want to support lesbian fiction----recommend, don't lend, your books. I can't tell you how many times people have said to me, I lent the book you wrote to a bunch of my friends....they really liked it!-----and I have to say----HEY THANKS!!! ;)
--Mari
Mari SanGiovanni
Author of: Greetings From Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer...
www.GreetingsFromJamaica.com
Union
While I don't know all the issues that this strike is based on, from what I've read about it I support the Writer's Guild of America. Also having worked in a union job for five years which I spent the last seven months of on strike also plays a big factor in which side I'm on. If this goes on long enough that we end up in the middle of 'repeat-land' then I guess I'll just be reading a lot more books and spending more time doing other fun stuff. Here's to hoping that it doesn't last long as I've been there and it wasn't fun.
New Media
I had no idea until this strike came up that the writers did not receive a royalty for sales of new media. I didn't even know about the issue with DVD sales. I've taken to downloading shows instead of watching them live because I don't like to be chained to a tv schedule. I'll definitely stop that practice unless a resolution found.
Although I'm in full support of the strike...
(I mean, the amount they get compared to the amount they should get is simply ridiculous), it pains me to think that Cashmere Mafia won't be gracing our screens until AFTER January 1, probably even longer with the estimated length of the strike.
At least this gives me a good excuse to go to the bookstore and splurge a little.
look for the union label
The worst part of this for me, will be living without Stewart and Colbert every night. Especially as the elections draw near.
It seems that the WGA has a lot of support at the moment, from viewers and the public alike, and they seem strong - united in their fight. I worry that if the strike drags on, the writers will feel pressured to settle, and give in to the greedy fucks at the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
So if I were the type to try and rally people, or appeal to their sense of fairness, I might urge them to harass the AMPTP at: 15503 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436. Or at 818.995.3600. And specifically ask for Nicholas Counter, President Of the AMPTP. Like, everyday.
ya know, IF I were the rabble rousing type……
this is really amazing.
I'm a guild member and it really warms my heart to see everyone here being so supportive. I've been seeing things all over the internet like "the writers are just greedy," etc. Thank you all! And if you want to show your support, writing or calling the AMPTP is a great idea!!
<3
solidarity!!!
i am a union supporter through and through, and i am happy to see so many standing up for the writers.
looks like i will be able to get through this 1000 page history of the spanish civil war after all!! :)
p.s. i found this great comment on whedonesque.com, lifted from livejournal:
"Isn't it kind of hypocritical that on one hand the studios and networks say that unauthorized downloading or copying of content is "stealing," because you're taking something of value -- but on the other hand, they say the writers don't deserve residuals, because the content is valueless?
Or now they're even saying that downloads are "promotional" -- in which case they should be paying hackers to copy DVDs and redistribute content on the Net."
-Big Ted, a commenter on What's Alan Watching?
very very good point.
I support the writers. It
Just as a principle, I support the union. Ther deserve what is only fair, and they deserve a cut of the huge money that entertainment creates.
lesbian without borders
I can't be the only one
Who does not support this.
I know it's like sacrilege, especially on a site like this, but I am not a supporter of unions. I think they were useful back in the day, maybe, but as a rule, nowdays everything I hear about unions is bad.
Is it unfair that they aren't paid royalties? Of course it is. That doesn't mean unions and a strike are the way to fix it.