WGA Strike info & discussion

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5...qSWiuccILiB1gw

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/bu...ei=5087%0A

long story short, the writers were getting dicked over hard on dvd residuals and are very likely going to strike to try and get their fair share of income on those plus internet sales (for the current and forseeable future.) I personally can't really blame them for wanting their share of the profits, but goddamn did the contract have to expire this year?!? Some of the best tv in YEARS is on now. :(


WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?!

Right now, it means very little. Here's a quote from the NY Times article that pretty much sums it up:

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The walk-out threatens an instant jolt to television talk shows like “Late Night With David Letterman” and “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” which rely on guild writers to churn out monologues and skits. And if the strike drags on, audiences could see the eventual shutdown of soap operas, TV series and movie productions, as they exhaust their bank of ready scripts.

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Once the big shows run through their pile of scripts, and if the strike is in effect, TV will be reduced to shitty reruns and reality TV. :( :( :(

At any rate, feel free to discuss the situation here. I'll leave this topic stickied for a little while.

edit: as of a little while ago, it appears that the strike is official and WGA members will start picketing on monday :(

I've got a friend who was planning on moving out to LA to write next year, this kind of blows that straight to hell. Hopefully he'll keep developing his own scripts and keep 'em under his hat until this thing blows over.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

I've got a friend who was planning on moving out to LA to write next year, this kind of blows that straight to hell. Hopefully he'll keep developing his own scripts and keep 'em under his hat until this thing blows over.

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Don't be too sure about that. I assume he's not in the Guild which means studios have to look at non guild members which means that they will green light things from unknowns. Sadly, it means they may greenlight things that suck, but they do that anyway.

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Originally Posted by Gonzo

Don't be too sure about that. I assume he's not in the Guild which means studios have to look at non guild members which means that they will green light things from unknowns. Sadly, it means they may greenlight things that suck, but they do that anyway.

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Scab work during a strike is fiercely punished. :(

Doing some non-union work over there during a strike gets your ass blacklisted.

Just need a creative pen name.

And a unicorn.

That would help a lot.

Scabs need to watch their asses on this. I don't suggest any writer give any of the studios work until this is all over.

Nothing worse than the union finally settling this and you never being able to work in Hollywood again.

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Originally Posted by Gonzo

Don't be too sure about that. I assume he's not in the Guild which means studios have to look at non guild members which means that they will green light things from unknowns. Sadly, it means they may greenlight things that suck, but they do that anyway.

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Don't you have to be a member of the Writers Guild of America to even be considered for script work? No union is going to let non-union members take jobs from them without legal backlash, or in the very least some kind of career crippling blacklisting.

No Conan makes me a sad panda.

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Originally Posted by Drewbacca

Don't you have to be a member of the Writers Guild of America to even be considered for script work? No union is going to let non-union members take jobs from them without legal backlash, or in the very least some kind of career crippling blacklisting.

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During a strike the studios have no where else to go but to non union people, so it would be easy to be considered. During non strike, it is hard but then again it's easier if you know people. Yes, there would be backlash for crossing the line and selling scripts but that's what pen names are for. Personally, I agree w/the issues of the writers and wouldn't cross that line if given the opportunity.

Maybe the strike will backfire and people will realize there are more entertaining things than american television. Telemundo will be the real winner.

since we'll be seeing a major upsurge in fucking reality tv come january if the strike holds, and nbc is bringing back the fucking american gladiators, I say we start a online petition to get Malibu worked into the show somehow just for the comedy value alone

I've never watched the show, but I heard on the news yesterday that Desperate Housewives is out of scripts and will be starting reruns soon.

my girlfriend's sister is producing the new gladiators

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Originally Posted by cka

I say we start a online petition to get Malibu worked into the show somehow just for the comedy value alone

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QFT

The guy was Motaro in MK Annihilation for goodness sake.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

I've got a friend who was planning on moving out to LA to write next year, this kind of blows that straight to hell. Hopefully he'll keep developing his own scripts and keep 'em under his hat until this thing blows over.

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There's no way this shit will go on for a year.

I hope not anyway.

But hey, new 'Merican Gladiators. Awesome.

I think it's going to be awhile before it's all worked out and the paper work is signed.

The Office

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

There's no way this shit will go on for a year.

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SAG is gonna be in the same situation come summer, and then DGA in the fall. What reason do the producers have to settle this now, then pay for a bunch of scripts they won't be able to do anything with for who knows how long?

It's too bad people are getting fucked out of their money - but maybe the mother fucker that wrote some bullshit like Family Matters doesn't deserve to make any money... ever.

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Originally Posted by The Gas

SAG is gonna be in the same situation come summer, and then DGA in the fall. What reason do the producers have to settle this now, then pay for a bunch of scripts they won't be able to do anything with for who knows how long?

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Because there are more people in the Guild than the movies? I doubt anyone wants to shut down Letterman and Conan for a fucking year.

SAG and DGA represent TV talent too.

hahaha steve carell rules

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Additionally, I've been told that Steve Carell informed NBC he is unable to report to work because he is suffering from “enlarged balls.” Not just enlarged, I'd say, but brass ones. The source on this one adds, "We wish him a happy, slow recovery."

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Eh? So I guess the TV/Film side of the entertainment world saw how well the music side of the entertainment world is doing with it's "screw over the creative tallent as much as possible" tactic...

Oh, wait. The music lables are in horrible dissarray because musicians don't need the "producers" anymore.

Well... There's no way this internet/new media thing will enable writers to get their creative material out! Nope, can't watch a movie with an .mp3 file can you! Best to ignore what's going on over in music land and just keep treating the writers like shit, because without television and movie theaters, nobody will ever be able to see thier work! BWAAA HA HA HA HA!

What the fuck are you talking about?

He's so fucking backwards. I want to take him out back and put him out of his misery in 1080p.

I'd watch that. But only in HD.

Here's a listing of some of the blogs dealing with this -

The main blog covering it -
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/

Simpsons/MASH/Cheers writer Kev Levine -
http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/

Batman:TAS/Superman: TAS creator Paul Dini -
http://kingofbreakfast.livejournal.com/

Jenna Fischer's blog entry on the strike - http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...ogID=326434607

WGA's Youtube page - http://www.youtube.com/wgaamerica

This whole thing has been fascinating to read about.

Hey Jeremy- will this strike affect pro wrestling?

Pro-wrestling has no writers since it's real.

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Originally Posted by Dolemite

Hey Jeremy- will this strike affect pro wrestling?

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From what I've read, it's covered under "sports" writing, so its writers don't have to strike. Reality TV writers also aren't covered by this strike.

The only good thing about this strike is that maybe some soap operas will finally die. Can't believe people still watch them.

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Originally Posted by nixhex311

The only good thing about this strike is that maybe some soap operas will finally die.

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But then they will come back when it is revealed that the strike is only a dream.

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

But then they will come back when it is revealed that the strike is only a dream.

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Amnesia!

"Father McGrath! I thought you were dead!"
"I was!"

how does everybody feel about NBC putting guest hosts on the tonight show since Leno apparently refuses to host while the writers are striking? I think it's a bullshit move on NBCs' part, but I do understand that they still have to keep the show going, Leno or no Leno...

Gotta keep that ad-money rolling in.

Thanks for posting those links, Jeremy. The Paul Dini one in particular, good read.

Who is writing for the guest hosts? Those must be some horrible shows. Business as usual at the Tonight Show!

Scab writers, I imagine. Either that, or you're getting a lot of jokes about India.

It's good to see some actor's supporting the writer's though, along with people like Jay Leno. Even if it may be to just save face from the period where the shows are going to suck.

Hopefully public opinion sides heavily with the writers on this, though I don't think the media is going to be terribly helpful on that front.

Outside of people I know writing in Hollywood, I haven't heard shit about this.

Negotiations to resume monday after Thanksgiving

Why does Malibu sound like Steve-O?

No Conan or Letterman sucks...Jay on the other hand needs to hurry up and give Conan his spot.

My weeknights viewing has gone from John Stuart > Colbert > Leno > Conan to shitty reruns of old sketch shows. I really hope this gets resolved soon.

Are Australian writers striking? We should import some Aussie and British shows to fill in. That'd be cool

Unfortunately the vast majority of Australian comedy shows are trash, and the good ones that i'm thinking of probably wouldn't transfer over to the states well as the characters are Australian personality types.

You could try watching an ep or 2 of this: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/summerheightshigh/#video

I'm pretty sure only Aussies would find this funny.

Yeah, not funny.

Yeah, like i said its pretty much an Aussie thing.

it's kinda funny.

I lolled. I'd watch it if they put it on. Jonah is basically the same character as Micheal Scott on the Office with a dirty mouth. It's too bad we'd never get that show in America, at least not on a major network where people would see it. Beyond the language, we'd have tons of idiot moms complaining about the bad examples set for their children.

Something a tad broader:



and a report on this stunt from Aussie TV:

lol.

awesome.

Those clips were funny - here's something Canadian

lol, <3 trailer park boys

Back on topic...

LOL, rad video.

That video is awesome.

The writers are being so "fuck you" about all this.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...s-been-struck/

fingers = crossed

I hope so. I can't fucking stand it. No The Office in the summer was bad enough, now I have to put up with this. No Office until January? Fuck... well I hope they run in to June to make up for lost time.

I was promised 30 Office episodes this year. If I don't get them I will upset.

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Originally Posted by Drewbacca

I hope so. I can't fucking stand it. No The Office in the summer was bad enough, now I have to put up with this. No Office until January?

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Right, because they'll be able to write and shoot episodes that are out as soon as the strike is over.

Expect to be waiting until February.

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Originally Posted by AstroBlue

I'm pretty sure only Aussies would find this funny.

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These videos actually made me LOL! :lol: It may have to do with the fact that the kid reminded me of a student in my fifth period class....well actually he reminded me of A LOT of my students...its borderline scary how stupid kids are these days.

talks broke down this week, tv is finished

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Right, because they'll be able to write and shoot episodes that are out as soon as the strike is over.

Expect to be waiting until February.

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The Office in February is better than no Office in February. They also have 2 or 3 episodes that weren't aired when the strike took effect for some political reason.

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Originally Posted by cka

talks broke down this week, tv is finished

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Well fuck.

Damn, I'll actually have to get friends this Winter. I hate that shit.

Shit. God damn suits.

Least video game writers are still content with sweatshop work conditions.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Least video game writers are still content with sweatshop work conditions.

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Everyone in game development gets hosed on royalties anyway.

Oh really? Neat.

Supposedly that business about a deal being "practically done" was BS the producers leaked so they could make the writers look bad if they turned down the latest rape offer.

Makes sense.

http://www.latenightunderground.com/...rom-cona.shtml

conan looks like a 1980s movie villain with a beard

That was not informative in the least. And his hair seemed sad.

Just wait till next year when the SAG contract expires and we get to repeat the entire process again with the actors.

Isn't the Director's Guild this summer?

SAG is in the summer, but I think DGA is sometime next year too (but that one will go over much more smoothly)

This is the video that I have found the most amusing about the strike so far:

Haha at Richard Belzar.

I can see David Cross has a lot of extra time on his hands.

wow.

that was a violin version of chocolate rain.

awesome.

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Leno and O’Brien Shows to Resume
By BILL CARTER
NBC officially announced today that its two late-night stars, Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, will return to the air on Jan. 2 even if the strike against networks and studios by entertainment writers is not resolved by then.

The two hosts would be forced to perform without writers, and might have to face opposition from the Writers Guild, which has thus far urged the late-night hosts to support the strike by staying off the air. However, the tone of that opposition has softened in recent weeks after the hosts began paying the salaries of the nonwriting staff members of their shows.

CBS’s late night star, David Letterman, is pursuing an interim agreement with writers that would allow him to return on Jan. 2 with his writers. Mr. Letterman is positioned to make such a deal because his production company, WorldWide Pants, owns both his show and the one that follows on CBS, which has as its host Craig Ferguson.

This weekend Mr. Letterman’s representatives said they had been negotiating with the guild for that interim agreement and were hopeful they would be successful, but the deal was not yet settled and at least one representative of a late-night show said the some members of the guild leadership might have concerns about making a separate arrangement with Mr. Letterman.

Other late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on the Comedy Central channel and Jimmy Kimmel on ABC have not yet announced their plans. However, it is expected they all will return some time in early January, even without writers.

The Jan. 2 date would put the amount of time the NBC hosts stayed off the air in support of the strike at about two months. In the previous writers strike in 1988, Johnny Carson, the legendary host of the “Tonight” show, came back onto the air without writers after staying out two months.

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So, Conan is back on, it seems he's spending his free time on the guitar and ROCK BAND:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngPLD...onan-on-guitar



I dont think he meant to be this funny minus his writers, but he is.

Conan doing Sabotage was pretty funny.

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Originally Posted by bbobb

Conan doing Sabotage was pretty funny.

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Oh, I know. His edith Bunker rendition of that made me choke Chef Boyardee out of my mouth...

There is no way Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert will be able to do a good show without writers. Leno just has to bullshit through a monologue, which he's more than capable of, but Daily Show and Colbert Report ARE the writers.

That song he plays on guitar annoys me to no end. :(

Creep? Or Sunshine of Your Love?

The first song he plays. I don't know who sings it or the title of it but it's always bothered me when I heard it.

That's Cream.

I always liked the Rotary Connection cover of that song, btw.

Conan fucking rules

I miss him, good to see he's back :tu:

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Originally Posted by Jetman

So, Conan is back on, it seems he's spending his free time on the guitar and ROCK BAND:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngPLD...onan-on-guitar



I dont think he meant to be this funny minus his writers, but he is.

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Well, he was a writer for the simpsons when it was funny, right? I think he could handle an hour long show w/ guests.

Yes, Conan is a very funny writer. I really don't want to support strike breakers, though.

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STATEMENT FROM CONAN O'BRIEN

Conan O'Brien Statement

"For the past seven weeks of the writers' strike, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of the WGA and their cause. My career in television started as a WGA member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff. Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers while, at the same time, doing everything I could to take care of the 80 non-writing staff members on Late Night.

Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision. Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for fourteen years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible – and no one has to be fired.

So, it is only after a great deal of thought that I have decided to go back on the air on January 2nd. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances. Of course, my show will not be as good. In fact, in moments it may very well be terrible. My sincerest hope is that all of my writers are back soon, working under a contract that provides them everything they deserve."

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Yes, Conan is a very funny writer. I really don't want to support strike breakers, though.

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I'm sorry but Conan and Leno are doing the right thing. Putting 80+ people out of a job is on the same level as shorting the writers :/. It's a difficult thing but you can't support one group, just to screw over 10 other groups.

IIRC, the Dallas Morning News quoted Leno with something similar. The Tonight show employees 19 writers and 160+ non-writing staff.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

I'm sorry but Conan and Leno are doing the right thing. Putting 80+ people out of a job is on the same level as shorting the writers :/. It's a difficult thing but you can't support one group, just to screw over 10 other groups.

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I meant NBC more than Conan himself. I won't hold it against him once his writers are back.