WGA Writers' Strike
POSTED BY: Raycheetah
UPDATED: Thursday, February 28, 2008 16:10
VIEWED: 18272
PAGE 1 of 1
There is likely gonna be a WGA (Writers' Guild of America) strike, either the end of this month, or, they might postpone their strike to synchronize with the SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) strike which is likely to occur at the end of June. That means that the TV/motion picture industry will likely come to a standstill for the duration of the negotiations, possibly for months.
For those interested in more information, here's a link to a very good, easy-to-understand article about the possible effects, over time, of a writers' strike:
http://origin1.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_7320188
ETA: Well, that link worked... For a while. Apparently, you now need to register to read it. Sorry about that. I'm just gonna post the body of the article, below.
New shows, like Moonlight, Pushing Daisies, and, so forth, would be at particular peril, in the event of a strike and long-term hiatus.
Also, see the very informative discussions of this on the Sci-Fi.com BSG board; the poster (of both the following threads), Mrs. Ron, is the wife of Ron Moore, the fellow behind the current Battlestar Galactica:
http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2289490
and
http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2289791&pid=4315328&st=0&#
entry4315328
The gist of this is that, unless you are a member of the WGA, you will not be able to get your work produced for TV or movies in Hollywood. Scabs, i.e., those who work "across the picket lines" are ill-regarded by the unions, not only the WGA, but, the SAG, and, related "shops," (electricians and costumers, for example) as well. If you write for a program during the strike, for example, when the strike is over, you will not only no longer be able to obtain work (under any active agreement), you will also never be able to get a union membership, in order to get work.
Sure, you can write anything you want, but, membership with the union prohibits absolutely presenting it to a studio for use or consideration during the strike. As for writers in foreign countries who do not hold WGA memberships, there is usually a corresponding and reciprocal agreement with the equivalent organizations in their countries. Again, any foreign scabbing is likely to result in the crippling of a career within the Hollywood entertainment industry, as well as related fields.
So, for several months, no production work will get done on any projects to be filmed. No writers on set to tweak their scripts, no new scripts, no creative production for those media of any kind. The crux of the issue is that the unions feel that the industry (the studios), which works under a universally-binding contract, is trying to cut out most if not all residuals for writers, including preventing the writers from benefiting at all from alternative media, such as online webcasts. There may be other issues, as well.
The industry counters that it has presented reasonable and balanced proposals, which the union has turned down flat as unsatisfactory, and, that the call to strike is a standard operational procedure, when the contract is up.
That's just this layman's inexpert understanding of it. I strongly urge you to visit the links, above, for more details.
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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CHUCK BARNEY: AS SEEN ON TV
Writers' strike will turn off many viewers
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 10/30/2007 03:01:32 AM PDT
Having long seen themselves as second-class citizens in Hollywood , television and movie writers are as mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore. And now they're prepared to deliver a script that no one wants to see.
Unless the Writers Guild of America can quickly resolve its bitter differences with studios and networks, it could order its members to go on strike any time after Halloween -- the day its labor contract expires. Such a gloomy scenario has the potential to leave Tinseltown in chaos and television and movie fans out in the cold.
Come early next year, our TV sets might be spewing forth -- shudder -- mostly reruns, game shows and even more cheap knockoffs of "American Idol." And that new show you just got hooked on? Don't count on it surviving a lengthy hiatus.
Moviegoers, meanwhile, eventually would be left with a much shorter list of new films to peruse.
After taking the weekend and Monday off, WGA negotiators are scheduled to resume talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, or AMPTP, today in Southern California . Meetings thus far have been so unproductive and rancorous that a federal mediator has stepped in to referee.
The most divisive issue is pegged to a long-brewing battle over residual payments for digital media -- downloads of TV shows and movies. The writers want a cut of these new and evolving platforms. Producers, however, prefer to hold off to see how things shake out.
Neither side wants a work stoppage, especially now that the TV networks are bleeding viewers, and so many other entertainment options are available to seduce us. But the writers, who believe they have been given short shrift in past deals, clearly are bracing for a bloody throw-down.
Still, the labor issues don't matter much to those of us who just want to see how "Heroes" plays out or laugh ourselves silly at a Will Ferrell movie. With that in mind, here is a rundown on how a strike could affect audiences:
Late-night laughs dry up: Under a strike scenario, the first to be hit would be fans of late-night TV shows, which are produced on a same-day basis. As funny as they might be, Conan O'Brien and Jon Stewart don't write their own stuff, and they are not about to start.
Networks might choose to put their late-night shows into reruns or air them as interview-heavy programs that eschew comedy sketches. Plan your bedtimes accordingly.
Stay tuned -- for now: If the writers do walk, you won't be left staring at a test pattern just yet because scripted comedies, dramas and daytime soaps are filmed several weeks ahead of time and stockpiled to a point.
But fresh episodes of "The Office," "CSI" and others would only last through February sweeps at the latest. Beyond that, things could get dicey, depending on the length of a walkout. YouTube, anyone?
Lights, camera, inaction: It would take movie fans a bit longer to experience the fallout from the strike because most Hollywood productions planned for the next few months are already in the can.
But if a walkout lingered, the flow of films eventually would slow to a trickle. In that case, expect to see more documentaries on the big screen and possibly even more foreign films than usual.
Jack Bauer to the rescue? Some shows, such as Fox's action-thriller "24," already are pegged for a midseason debut, and thus will have a run of new episodes ready to roll out next year. Other shows in the same category include "Lost," "Law & Order," "Medium" and "Jericho," as well as some new series such as "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles."
Fall's freshman crop could spoil: At least the established TV shows have had time to build a loyal following that theoretically would return to the fold once a strike ends. But what about new shows such as "Pushing Daisies"? If they disappear for any length of time, it could be a case of out of sight, out of mind and a struggle for surviv
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MORE reality TV? Ugh. Kill me now. Even more reasons to subscribe to Netflix and online media distributers. 
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Could always read some good books...
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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It's my understanding Joss will honor the strike which means no Dollhouse etc....
the strike is set for 12.01am Monday Nov 5th.
The teamsters will most likely honor the picket line. the SAG(actors) can't strike until June but will walk the line in support.
A few interesting links;
"Pencils Down Means Pencils Down"
Look over all the writers/shows who signed this--
http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2529
"Heroes of the Writers Strike"
THE SHORT VERSION --
Or, what the heck do those crazy writers want, anyway?
http://www.unitedhollywood.com/2007...rt-version.html
Mark Evanier's pages
http://www.newsfromme.com/
JMS's pages
http://jmsnews.com/home.aspx
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While I would hate for a truncated season of TV, it would give me time to get through the stack of DVD's that's been accumulating on my coffee table for four years now, as well as the countless hours of stuff I've downloaded.
**************************************************
"And it starts with a sentence that might last a lifetime, or it all might just go down in flames. If I let you know me, then why would you want me? Each day I don't is a shame. Each day I don't is a great shame."
Loudon Wainwright III - "Strange Weirdos" off the "Knocked Up" soundtrack
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How long do you reckon this will last? And - a VERY selfish question - will this affect Burn Notice's summer 2008 return?!?!?
Toldja it was selfish. Good for the writers. I honestly never cared about them until Joss made it clear how much they matter and until this strike. Now I can see how much they make or break a show.
------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless
"You gotta love that the first pirated HD DVD is the one about space pirates who broadcast a video that the government wants to keep secret.
Can't stop the signal."
-reavers_ate_my_dvd
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Last time the Writers struck, the strike lasted 5 months... **IF** it were to go that long, we would probably lose a lot of the newer, unestablished shows...
ITA more reality and endless re runs sounds very unappealing... BUT... I sense a potential silver lining here....
time to dig out that spare set of Firefly DVDs.. when all you friends are bitching about nothing being on...loan them a few nights of bliss in the form of the best TV show ever was... could be we will get a bunch of new recruits!!!
Chindi
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Late-night laughs dry up: Under a strike scenario, the first to be hit would be fans of late-night TV shows, which are produced on a same-day basis. As funny as they might be, Conan O'Brien and Jon Stewart don't write their own stuff, and they are not about to start.
Pssst: Check this out.
"The WGA has met with the writers of both The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, according to Michael Winship, president of the WGA East, and “everybody is very clear on what our position is.”
Stewart, who earlier this month extended his contract with Comedy Central to 2010, is not only host The Daily Show, but is one of its writers, as well as executive producer.
“Jon and Stephen [Colbert] are both members of the Writers Guild,” Winship said. “They both write for their shows under the Writers Guild contract. So our position on that is that they could not do any of the work that they normally do as a Writers Guild member in terms of writing and performing material on the show.”"
From http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6494884.html
Looks like he is a writer. But he's on strike. Knew he was too funny not to come up with SOME of his own stuff - his impromptu stuff is brilliant, I mean, those interviews can't be THAT scripted. Y'know?
------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless
"You gotta love that the first pirated HD DVD is the one about space pirates who broadcast a video that the government wants to keep secret.
Can't stop the signal."
-reavers_ate_my_dvd
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...
Hear hear! As much as I enjoy TV and especially the idea of a new series from Joss, there's a lot to be said about reading. Pick up the Serenity comic book, or any of the millions of awesome sci fi books out there. Or any other genre for that matter. (Can you tell I'm a book nerd yet?) There's so much out there....
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I do worry for Pushing Daisies, i've fallen quite hard for this show as it is so sweet,funny and clever. If i lose another great show for whatever reason i will be furious, its happened too many times already!
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depending on how long this strike goes, maybe the networks could use this as an opportunity to "clean out their closets" so to speak. re-air some short-lived shows, possibly air some episodes they promised to air, pushed back 2 or 3 times, and then dumped on the internet......(if you couldn't tell i'm referring specifically to drive here)
Hell fox alone has enough shows that fit in that category they could have a month or 2 of scheduling,
Make Cartoons, Not War
- Sue Blu
Well played, Clerks...
- Leonardo Leonardo(Clerks Cartoon)
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...
-Raycheetah
the studios and networks have treated the writers like dirt for decades, and the writers had little recourse so long as 'reality' TV was so popular (got good ratings and sold lots of advertising).
But now FINALLY scripted TV is back, and the advertisers want to sell their stuff on Lost, Heroes, Ugly Betty, etc...
and finally the writers can make the studios and networks stop and listen to them.
Personally I expect the strike to be pretty short, I think the writers' demands will be met sooner rather than later, because the fact is that their work produces millions of dollars for the studios and networks!
So I will be reading more, and listening to Doctor Who audio plays, and watching DVDs (time to watch Firefly again from the beginning!).
But then I always support the Union!
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Quote:
Originally posted by embers:Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...
-Raycheetah
the studios and networks have treated the writers like dirt for decades, and the writers had little recourse so long as 'reality' TV was so popular (got good ratings and sold lots of advertising).
But now FINALLY scripted TV is back, and the advertisers want to sell their stuff on Lost, Heroes, Ugly Betty, etc...
and finally the writers can make the studios and networks stop and listen to them.
Personally I expect the strike to be pretty short, I think the writers' demands will be met sooner rather than later, because the fact is that their work produces millions of dollars for the studios and networks!
So I will be reading more, and listening to Doctor Who audio plays, and watching DVDs (time to watch Firefly again from the beginning!).
But then I always support the Union!
I agree. The arguments made by the studios for not negotiating a percentage of residuals for the digital/internet display of programs is pretty weak. To paraphrase one writer, "If the studios, as they claim, make nothing off these media, then, why not pay us 2.5% of that nothing?"
I also hope you're right, Embers; 'cause, if this thing DOES run long, I doubt anybody's gonna end up happy. The writers have to eat, make house payments, and, all the rest of the things for which working folk have to pay. They will have to endure what amounts to unemployment for whatever the duration of the strike, and, face significant hardships, as individuals.
The studios may lose up to an estimated 1 billion dollars, if the strike runs as long as the 1988 strike, i.e., 5 months. That means a substantial impact on their collective bottom line, and, could hamper their ability to recover quickly, once this is resolved. Too, there are folks outside the WGA whose livelihood will be affected by a work stoppage, and, that group includes folks who aren't even otherwise involved directly in the talks.
Does anyone know if this will have any effect on stand-up comedians or ad writers? If not, we may see a LOT more stand-up, including ventriloquism ( Jeffdunham.com !), and, advertisements may become the new entertainment on TV.
We'll just have to see... Now, where did I put my library card?
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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I'm not sure about ad writers, I don't think so, but I don't know....
I don't think it does effect most stand up comedians because although they do write their own material, they don't join the union unless they end up writing material for other people....
It definitely effects David Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert because they are credited as writers on their own shows...
here is Jon on the subject:
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What about Craig Ferguson? Nathan is scheduled to appear Thursday night.
I know CF does a VERY impromptu monologue (the best IMHO, if you can stay up that late) and some skits.
http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/
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Quote:JAYNE: Let me do the math here. . .
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
To paraphrase one writer, "If the studios, as they claim, make nothing off these media, then, why not pay us 2.5% of that nothing?"
-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.
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Quote:
Originally posted by ncbrowncoat:
What about Craig Ferguson? Nathan is scheduled to appear Thursday night.
I know CF does a VERY impromptu monologue (the best IMHO, if you can stay up that late) and some skits.
Sounds like from what Embers said though that if he's credited as a writer on his own show, he'll be affected too. Eeep. I hope not.
*checks purse to see if library card is in order*
*checks list of DVD sets she wants to watch long term and makes a note to write her Mom to tell her to dig out some good ones too*
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Quote:
Originally posted by FollowMal:Quote:
Originally posted by ncbrowncoat:
What about Craig Ferguson? Nathan is scheduled to appear Thursday night.
I know CF does a VERY impromptu monologue (the best IMHO, if you can stay up that late) and some skits.
Sounds like from what Embers said though that if he's credited as a writer on his own show, he'll be affected too. Eeep. I hope not.
*checks purse to see if library card is in order*
*checks list of DVD sets she wants to watch long term and makes a note to write her Mom to tell her to dig out some good ones too*
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f336/foll
owmal/Banners/writersstrikesupporticon.jpg
Thanks FM. I hope the strike is settled before Wednesday (the day the show is taped).
*checks stack of DVD's to see if any besides Firefly and Serenity are worth watching over again.*
http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/
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You're welcome NCB.
May I make some suggestions?
BSG ( all the seasons! which I'm sure I'll get disagreement about, lol ) are excellent. The new one, of course. Joss isn't kidding when he says it's good.
SG-1 is still fun to watch and so is SG- Atlantis.
I recently purchased the first season of Quantum Leap, it's fun. :-) Oh I know... Farscape is another show I've been meaning to catch up on.
Also, if you've not tried it, the new show Moonlight is excellent, Angel comparisons not withstanding, it's quickly becoming my favorite new show along with Life.
I watch them on the sites- meaning CBS actually in this case.
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Last min. talks today (sun nov 4th) with ER ex producer & former Wga pres.
fingers crosed
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I'm trying to be optimistic here. Perhaps a strike would mean Craig Ferguson would be forced to switch to an interview-only format.
Instead of a 6 minute anecdote from our Captain, we might get a good 15 minutes or so.
Oh well, a girl can hope, right?
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"Storms getting worse."
"We'll pass through it soon enough."
Vote for Firefly at http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
( Jeffdunham.com !)
Don't you mean Je-fuh-fuh. Dun HAM. Dot com! ?
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Quote:
Originally posted by sab39:Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
( Jeffdunham.com !)
Don't you mean Je-fuh-fuh. Dun HAM. Dot com! ?
Peanut? Is that YOU?!
-Raycheetah =^[.]~=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Hey hey look at all the other people on this thread. Nyeeeeeeeeeowwww!
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Quote:
Originally posted by sab39:
Hey hey look at all the other people on this thread. Nyeeeeeeeeeowwww!
Must be Peanut... Knows how to spell "Nwe... Neyaw..." *waves hand over top of head.*
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Quote:
Originally posted by Stoweaway:
I'm trying to be optimistic here. Perhaps a strike would mean Craig Ferguson would be forced to switch to an interview-only format.
Instead of a 6 minute anecdote from our Captain, we might get a good 15 minutes or so.
Oh well, a girl can hope, right?
Hate to tell you that ALL the late night talkers have cancelled new shows for this week at least. We'll get reruns of Jay, David, Conan and Craig.
Also no Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert.
http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/
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If the strikes goes on for a while, the only good thing I can think of, is eventually we'll run out of reruns to fill the 1-2 hours on Saturdays at gramma's, and my family can finally finish watching the fourth season of Buffy, and maybe even watch the first season of Angel (we've already burned through Wonderfalls and Firefly and Serenity. I've still got Heroes Season 1, TC complete series, and most of Buffy and Angel on DVD left that they haven't seen though, so we're set). Dollhouse might end up delayed, but since it's not aired yet, it'll probably be slightly safer than Pushing Daisies. My only real concern is Chuck, which is a hilarious series that's only JUST gotten going. Medium and Heroes will probably be fine, because they're addictive. And BBC America won't be affected enough to hurt me, because most of what I'm watching on there is reruns of Doctor Who, Torchwood and Hotel Babylon - stuff that's long since filmed and is technically a rerun, just not necessarily in the same country of origin.
I wonder if Matt and Trey Parker were able to churn out a SP episode before the strike? They write their stuff, they're probably in the WGA.
I suspect Comedy Central will be playing a LOT of old comedy specials and movies for a while. SciFi Channel will probably be OK, as most of their stuff is back catalog to begin with. Mmmm... maybe more Firefly marathons!
Still, I do hope it blows over more quickly, so Heroes doesn't have to stick with the quicky ending instead of a proper lead-in to the next chapter...
~Emma
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Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?
I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
Are they trying to give up more up-front pay to get more residual/royalty/right/profit-based pay?
Or do they just want same up=front pay plus more after-pay?
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while i support the strike 100%
i can't help but notice the only people affected in the recent hack attack here were - the writers...
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It's pretty sad & pathetic that mega-million dollar "talents" like Leno & Lettreman NEED writers for a 5 minute monologue & show of celebrity interviews. Don't they have any talent on their own? You need writers to interview people? They can't write funny stuff on their own for a 2 minute opening?....hell, FF Fans do it every day. Hollywood is chock-full of airheads and charlatans.
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Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?
I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
The way I understand it, today they get pennies off DVD sales and nothing at all off internet distribution.
Since DVD distribution is already a huge part of TV and movie revenues, and growing, and internet distribution is going to go up massively in the future, that's a pretty unfair state of affairs.
In a lot of other strikes I've felt that unions were being pretty unrealistic in their demands; in this case I think that the current situation is ridiculous and it's insane that the studios haven't fixed it without a strike being needed.
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Quote:
It's pretty sad & pathetic that mega-million dollar "talents" like Leno & Letterman NEED writers for a 5 minute monologue & show of celebrity interviews. Don't they have any talent on their own?
Some portion of it is also not wanting to cross the picket lines. SAG has its own contract negotiations coming up in June, and they want the same benefits WGA gets, too. Not sure if Jay, Dave, etc are SAG members, but they probably want to at least support their friends and soworkers in WGA. And hey, they're getting paid for their time off, too!
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Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?
I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
Are they trying to give up more up-front pay to get more residual/royalty/right/profit-based pay?
Or do they just want same up=front pay plus more after-pay?
Way I understand it, in broad strokes, is that the mass media industry has changed a lot in the past few years (DVD rentals and sales, internet-only content, existing content appearing on the internet, etc) and the current contract with the WGA does not take any of that into consideration.
The counterargument is basically that this is such a new paradigm--and STILL evolving--that it's impossible to put a fair value on it.
Which is ludicrous. It's basically the studios saying "We're not sure yet how much more you should be making, so until we can figure it out, we're just gonna keep everything."
For those who are interested, you can find a copy of the contract statement here:
http://www.wga.org/subpage_newsevents.aspx?id=2539
www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."
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This from Dollverse:
Quote:
FROM THE FRONT LINES!
Written by Joss (on Whedonesque.com)
Tuesday, 06 November 2007
Sick as a dog but proud as a noble and much healthier dog, I made my way to the picket lines outside of Fox studios today. I’m really glad I did. In addition to carrying the banner, it was a chance to talk with other writers, get more perspectives and more information about what’s happening, and to see a surprising number of old friends. David Fury and Mere Smith were there, as well as many non-mutant enemies that I know. We were all caught in that giddy first burst of solidarity and fear. Nobody thinks this is going to be easy. But everybody there knows that, as things stand, it has to be.
A particularly gratifying and unexpected sight was that of Aly and Alexis, along with Cobie Smulders, marching shoulder to shoulder with the HIMYM scribes. Aly and Alexis even brought boxes of candy bars to hand out to the flagging marchers (actually, I was the only one who appeared to be flagging – even the pregnant writer outlasted me). Mere told me young Boreanaz had also been there earlier that day. I was really touched, but my actor-friends were very matter-of-fact about the whole thing. They understand that the issues at hand affect the future of the entire creative community here, and that the writers, by virtue of being first, will set a precedent that affects all the guilds. That is why we writers have to be firm, intractable and absolute in our dedication to getting a fair deal. And that’s all we’re talking about: a fair deal. For us, and for generations of artists to come.
Sounds pretty damn pompous, no? “Generations to come…”? Yeesh. But it’s true. Our culture, our government, our corporate structures have all gotten pretty used to taking care of ourselves at the expense of our children and their children. Part of this is simple greed, part is immediate practicality trumping long-view perspective, and part is perfectly understandable fear. It’s easier to take what you’e given, not protest, not make a fuss. A lot of people will suffer grievously if this strike isn’t quickly resolved, and the men and women who voted for it know that. But like so many things – our eco-system being the most obvious – if we don’t make it work now, what’s to come will be much worse.
Let me be clear on one point: I know I have it easy. I’ve done well, and I’m grateful that I can weather a long winter. Compared to what the studios have made off me my share is tiny and cute, but I’m in no position to complain. But take that differential, apply it to someone who’s just getting by when they deserve better. Now take it and… well, just take it, ‘cause when it comes to the internet and the emerging media there’s nothing there for the artists. There’s no precedent; these media didn’t exist the last time a contract was negotiated. We’re not just talking about an unfair deal, we’re talking about no deal at all. Four cents from the sale of a DVD (the standing WGA deal) sounds exactly as paltry as it is, but in a decade DVD may have gone the way of the eight-track. We have to protect the rights of the people who tell the stories, however they’re told. I’m never gonna be as articulate as Shawn or Brian (both of whom have been linked here, I believe), but I am just as committed. And a lot phlegmier.
I don’t think of the studio heads as a bunch of grinning tycoons sitting in a smoke-filled club and drumming their fingers like Montgomery Burns. I know some of those guys. I think they’re worried about the future as much as anyone. But they are beholden to their corporations, and that inevitably causes entrenchment and shortsightedness. They can’t afford that. This is an era of change, and for the giant conglomo-tainment empires, it will either be the Renaissance or the Ice Age. Because we will not stand down. Writers can be replaced, as we are constantly reminded. But so can companies. Power is on the move, and though in this town it’s been hoarded by very few, there are other companies with newer ideas about how to make money off oNOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Quote:
Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
It's pretty sad & pathetic that mega-million dollar "talents" like Leno & Lettreman NEED writers for a 5 minute monologue & show of celebrity interviews. Don't they have any talent on their own? You need writers to interview people? They can't write funny stuff on their own for a 2 minute opening?....hell, FF Fans do it every day. Hollywood is chock-full of airheads and charlatans.
Hey, don't disss these folks. As KC5F says, they're supporting their fellow creative types. I'm sure these guys COULD go on, but that would basically be viewed as siding with the opposition.
As for them needing writers... gorram skippy they do! To be consistently funny for a large audience is probably one of the toughest jobs in entertainment. Sure, we can throw stuff around here and amuse ourselves, but writing PROFESSIONALLY is both a science and an artform that requires rewrites, edits, revisions, and, in a case like a late night talk show or something like SNL, a lot of tossing around of ideas.
Consider that a standup comedian will often spend weeks or even MONTHS refining a one hour routine to perfect it. Someone like Leno or Letterman is putting out more than twice that a week.
www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."
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I see the studio heads as bein' akin to Patience:
"I have a rule. I never let go of money I don't have to."
Which is why they're runnin' things, and, the writers are still in their dinky, little jobs, sniffing for scraps.
That needs to change.
As Mal told Patience,
"I do the job. And then I get paid."
Wish I was close enough to drop the picketers by some pizzas and candy bars.
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Found Joss's name on this. (Sorry, I know it's huge...)
"We may experience some slight turbulence, and then... explode."
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Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?
I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
Are they trying to give up more up-front pay to get more residual/royalty/right/profit-based pay?
Or do they just want same up=front pay plus more after-pay?
Here is a video posted on youtube from the WGA explaining it all very nicely.
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Whoah, MicJWelch!
No need to apologize; that's pretty gorram shiny!
Lotsa big names on that list: Mel Brooks, Harlan Ellison, Lawrence Kasdan...
Kinda reminds you that, while we don't know mosta the studio big-wigs, THESE are the names we KNOW that make Hollywood for US.
Let's give 'em all our support!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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The Governator weighs in on the WGA strike:
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/28479/news/urn:newsml:tv.reuters.com:20071109
:screenwriters_strike_dc__ER
Arnie to the rescue!
-Raycheetah =@[.]@=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Okay, mad-scientist post transplant ("The Thread From Another Forum!"):
[quote name='Raycheetah' date='Nov 8 2007, 12:02 AM' post='4472509']
Y'know, the whole strike thing raises a question for us Browncoats, a question of priorities.
On another thread [on the original forum] there is discussion, which I had initially enthusiastically endorsed, about seeing if Universal might be able to get their license for Firefly extended to their sister Network, NBC. The reasoning was, if, by any chance, NBC aired the 14 episodes of Firefly, in front of an audience which might not otherwise have seen it, it would be a boost for the fandom.
Aside from the debatability of the notion (hey, crazier things have worked), it kinda runs counter to the idea of supporting the writers in their strike. Much as I might wish to take advantage of the opportunity to capitalize on the situation, it ain't the right thing to do.
There're also a lot of folks who are posting Wavecards asking Universal for a sequel. We could do that after the strike, as easily as now. This ain't the time to be askin' the studios for anything, not if we respect what Joss is sayin' about the strike, not if we respect what's right and fair for the rest of the folks who create what we enthuse over.
It's pens down for the writers. I think it oughtta be pens down for us Browncoats, 'cept what we write in support of the strike, too.
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
[quote name='Raycheetah' date='Nov 11 2007, 09:40 AM' post='4488457']
In answer to your questions as raised on another thread, Narien, my position is that, anything we watch on TV (yeah, I know, the networks can't monitor us all) during the strike still supports the networks, since they can base their ad revenues on viewership of any gorram thing they air, so long as they get ratings. New shows, old shows... Also, new movies (OUCH!). Anything which drives studio revenues (including webcasts of TV shows; they have ads on those, too, and, can likely track the usage better than TV) helps perpetuate the situation.
We strangle the revenues, we hasten the time at which the studios have to go back to the table.
Sadly, this also extends to new DVD purchases, and, to licensed merchandise, like the Serenity Wavecards. As a licensed product, they are a small but real part of the revenue stream. Also, at this point, going to Universal (or, NBC), cunning hats in our hands, asking for largesse is exactly opposite the hard-line stance of supporting the WGA. I know, we have such a small impact. But, it IS an impact. If Uni/NBC sees us asking pretty please, they can be confident that we're not boycotting them.
And, I keep coming back to what Joss has said and done. Would even Joss want us to be askin' the "other side" for more Firefly/Serenity, right now? Or, would he prefer our support and solidarity, as Browncoats? We wield substantial power as a fandom; I feel that it is time to wield it on Joss' behalf, along with all the other writers who are striking for their futures, not for what we want.
I'm not on the lines, carryin' a sign, but, I can still picket.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
[quote name='Sephiroth144' date='Nov 11 2007, 06:35 PM' post='4490318']
Exactly!
And, speaking as someone who IS on the lines carrying a sign, thank you- we WILL do the impossible with your help, and that will make US all mighty...
Just to add some salient points, without having to re-type every gorram word...
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Doesn't anybody else here think it is rather selfish for these writers to be thinking about miniscule matters like being treated fairly and feeding their families, when I am starving for entertainment? 
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Quote:
Originally posted by rallem:
Doesn't anybody else here think it is rather selfish for these writers to be thinking about miniscule matters like being treated fairly and feeding their families, when I am starving for entertainment?
*Observes that Rallem /appears/ to be using sarcasm.*
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Did my effort suck?
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Quote:
Originally posted by rallem:
Did my effort suck?
Not at all. Why do you ask?
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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You noted that I made an effort at sarcasm, which to me mean that I didn't really do a good job at it. 
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Quote:
Originally posted by rallem:
You noted that I made an effort at sarcasm, which to me mean that I didn't really do a good job at it.
No, actually I observed that you /appeared/ to be using sarcasm; it was a successful effort, if one may view it as such.
I just wanted to be sure my sarcasometer was properly calibrated.
-Raycheetah =^[.]~=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Ran into a great piece written by Mark Harris;
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20159387,00.html
here's a snip
"If you run a company that produces written entertainment, you either believe that writers have value, or you don't. If you do, the only
decent thing to do is to recognize the legitimacy of paying writers a percentage — yes, a whole two-thirds of a penny — as long as the companies
that own their work continue to derive income from it. What's not decent is to have spent valuable
negotiating time floating a specious theory of big-picture bullcrap about how the residual system is ''antiquated'' without offering any alternative compensation in its place."
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-Raycheetah =^[.]~=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
Except your spouse.
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Quote:
Originally posted by rallem:
-Raycheetah =^[.]~=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
Except your spouse.
Nonsense! I introduce my personable, attractive, and, far more intelligent wife to other folks all the time!
Not that, Um... HEY!
-Raycheetah =^[.]~=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Wanna get good and gorram mad?
Go here:
http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodinterrupted
Take five minutes and watch the 3 (rather funny, and, well-written) YouTube videos explaining what the studios are trying to do to the writers.
Then, go here:
http://fans4writers.com/
and learn about what we fans can do about it.
Don't forget this one:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
Sign the petition. Join the virtual picket line. Be informed, so, you can inform others.
Just be ready to be pissed off. I know I am.
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Another fine article explaining some of the larger-scale implications of the corporate position in the current Strike:
http://murderati.typepad.com/murderati/2007/11/surrendering-am.html
Well-written, informative, and, with a fresh slant on how the media aren't covering the Strike, so much as covering it UP.
Grrr!
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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IMPORTANT NEWS!
"From Deadline Hollywood Daily:
Quote
The date they return to the bargaining table is November 26th. I picked up rumors about this starting about two hours ago, and I've just confirmed it from a WGA source. Now the Writers Guild of America has just issued a statement: "Leaders from the WGA and the AMPTP have mutually agreed to resume formal negotiations on November 26. No other details or press statements will be issued." The exact same statement was just issued moments later by the Alliance Of Motion Picture And Television Producers
More news as we get it.
To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.
You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://www.fans4writers.com/forum/index.php?topic=320.0
Regards,
The Fans4Writers Forum Team."
Looks like we may have something to be thankful about, and, the writers, too!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Looks like we may have something to be thankful about, and, the writers, too!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
Looks like indeed! Thanks, Raycheetah. :-)
I think all the fans and the writers and actors supporting the writers and the early closing of some shows and the lack of some show's seasons ( 24 ) might have had a wee bit of impact. Heh.
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Quote:
Originally posted by FollowMal:Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Looks like we may have something to be thankful about, and, the writers, too!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
Looks like indeed! Thanks, Raycheetah. :-)
I think all the fans and the writers and actors supporting the writers and the early closing of some shows and the lack of some show's seasons ( 24 ) might have had a wee bit of impact. Heh.
That, and, the fact that, unlike 19 years ago, we fans had a collective voice, as well as timely and accurate reporting of the situation, which the Studios couldn't suppress, both courtesy of the internet. An unproven techological platform.
I surely doubt this had anything to do with the Writers bein' tired of picketing. I think that, under the stern eye of growing negative public opinion, the Studios blinked.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
I think that, under the stern eye of growing negative public opinion, the Studios blinked.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
Yup. I agree.
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I just heard the news about the return to talks while listening to a webcast interview with Tim Minear. The interview is 71 minutes, and the news is in the last 10 minutes. You can listen to the whiole interview here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Geekerati/blog/2007/11/17/Tim-Minear-Talk
s-the-Strike
Variety announced that the writers had agreed to return to talks. Which Tim laughed about saying something like "We've been out there marching saying "Hey! Talk to us."
Hopefully a fair deal can be made. Hopefully the WGA doesn't settle for anything less than they want.
A man who walks the Earth.
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Just to bump and to confirm.
Talks between the WGA and the AMPTP (sp?) have been scheduled for Nov 26th. If this does work out, then maybe we won't have a truncated season after all. Yayyy, more OFFICE and HEROES. 24, LOST and BATTLESTAR will be on after all, hopefully.
**************************************************
"And it starts with a sentence that might last a lifetime, or it all might just go down in flames. If I let you know me, then why would you want me? Each day I don't is a shame. Each day I don't is a great shame."
Loudon Wainwright III - "Strange Weirdos" off the "Knocked Up" soundtrack
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Was just over at Whedonsque and saw this post from Joss http://whedonesque.com/comments/14772 It's about a pencil sending campaign in support of the WGA.
David
'Geeks can't admit that anything worthwhile was invented before 1981. Soon, "making cocoa" will be called "milk hacking."' - Lore Sjoberg
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Quote:
Chrisisall originally posted: (quoting Joss) But take that differential, apply it to someone who’s just getting by when they deserve better. Now take it and… well, just take it
XD he's so silly sometimes, but so right. good for him.
Quote:
RayCheetah originally posted:
I see the studio heads as bein' akin to Patience:
"I have a rule. I never let go of money I don't have to."
Which is why they're runnin' things, and, the writers are still in their dinky, little jobs, sniffing for scraps.
That needs to change.
As Mal told Patience,
"I do the job. And then I get paid."
Wish I was close enough to drop the picketers by some pizzas and candy bars.
a-kriffing-men. I'd join ya in a heartbeat.
I'm kinda disturbed that this has even been happening, I always thought the writers got a cut of what they create, as would be just and fair. bastages..the studio people, not the writers.
__________________________
Have you ever wondered why in a dream you can touch a falling sky?
Or fly to the heavens that watch over you?
"I am a leaf on the wind, watch how I soar."
A man is least himself when he speaks in his own person. Give him a mask and he will show you his true self.
You can't take the sky from me...
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Just a reminder. Getcher pencils out to the Moguls here:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/11/mighty-pencil-how-to-suppo
rt-writers.html
Be sure to enter the show/writer you support (e.g., Firefly/Joss Whedon) in the box under the yellow "Buy Now" button, before you proceed.
Then, before you complete the transaction, on the next page, you can enter your comments to the Moguls, like, "That was $X I might have spent this weekend on movie tickets, DVDs, and the like. I hope you enjoy the pencils."
On the first page, you can also hit the red (More Information) link, which takes you to a slightly different page, chock full of detailed, well, information about how to support the strike. There're neat videos, too, which clearly are the best creative outlet our Writers have, right now.
All it takes is about a minute, and, as little as a buck, either through PayPal, or, by credit card. I did it, and, I feel like a hundred bucks!
Let's make sure the studios NEVER forget that we're out here, and, whose side we're on.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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there's a rumor going around that a deal has been
struck--
but Anon writer has a good take on the "done" deal
summarized by
"They [AMPTP] pretend (again) like there’s an outline of
an agreement to be had, but meanwhile they have
spent the past weekend figuring out how to walk
away from the table and blame us for the
breakdown, in a way they are convinced will stick.
Things can’t get much worse for them and it
wouldn’t be surprising if the moguls get rid of
Nick Counter as soon as the strike is finally
over, so there’s nothing for their side to lose by
trying this.
They are Lucy with the football and we are going
to fall for it again."
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/dare-we-hope-a-deal-has-been-str
uck/
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Date: November 29, 2007 9:00:43 PM CST
Subject: [BuffyAngelFirefly] WGA Response
Reply-To: BuffyAngelFirefly@ yahoogroups. com
http://community. livejournal. com/wga_supporte rs/124458. html
WGA Response
To Our Fellow Members,
After four days of bargaining with the AMPTP, we are writing to let you know that, though we are still at the table, the press blackout has been lifted.
Our inability to communicate with our members has left a vacuum of information that has been filled with rumors, both well intentioned and deceptive.
Among the rumors was the assertion that the AMPTP had a groundbreaking proposal that would make this negotiation a "done deal." In fact, for the first three days of this week, the companies presented in essence their November 4 package with not an iota of movement on any of the issues that matter to writers.
Thursday morning, the first new proposal was finally presented to us. It dealt only with streaming and made-for-Internet jurisdiction, and it amounts to a massive rollback.
For streaming television episodes, the companies proposed a residual structure of a single fixed payment of less than $250 for a year's reuse of an hour-long program (compared to over $20,000 payable for a network rerun). For theatrical product they are offering no residuals whatsoever for streaming.
For made-for-Internet material, they offered minimums that would allow a studio to produce up to a 15 minute episode of network-derived web content for a script fee of $1300. They continued to refuse to grant jurisdiction over original content for the Internet.
In their new proposal, they made absolutely no move on the download formula (which they propose to pay at the DVD rate), and continue to assert that they can deem any reuse "promotional, " and pay no residual (even if they replay the entire film or TV episode and even if they make money).
The AMPTP says it will have additional proposals to make but, as of Thursday evening, they have not been presented to us. We are scheduled to meet with them again on Tuesday.
In the meantime, we felt it was essential to update you accurately on where negotiations stand. On Wednesday we presented a comprehensive economic justification for our proposals. Our entire package would cost this industry $151 million over three years. That's a little over a 3% increase in writer earnings each year, while company revenues are projected to grow at a rate of 10%. We are falling behind.
For Sony, this entire deal would cost $1.68 million per year. For Disney $6.25 million. Paramount and CBS would each pay about $4.66 million, Warner about $11.2 million, Fox $6.04 million, and NBC/Universal $7.44 million. MGM would pay $320,000 and the entire universe of remaining companies would assume the remainder of about $8.3 million per year. As we've stated repeatedly, our proposals are more than reasonable and the companies have no excuse for denying it.
The AMPTP's intractability is dispiriting news but it must also be motivating. Any movement on the part of these multinational conglomerates has been the result of the collective action of our membership, with the support of SAG, other unions, supportive politicians, and the general public. We must fight on, returning to the lines on Monday in force to make it clear that we will not back down, that we will not accept a bad deal, and that we are all in this together.
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAW
Michael Winship
President, WGAE
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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I'm sorry, I'm all for them (the writers) getting an equal piece of the pie, and I support them for wanting to get royalties or whatever it is they are strikeing for (please forgive my ignorance on this one occasion, I haven't been following this that closely...) but, wouldn't it be in Hollywoods best interest to just hire new writers that AREN'T a part of the Writers Guild?? And wouldn't, therefore, the writers be out of jobs through which to get royalties anyway?? Also, I'm a little glad that I don't watch much TV anymore, seeing as if I did follow shows, I'd be a bit miffed by the strike as a viewer, and, like most viewers, I'd probably blame the writers...
Overall, I think this strike is gunna end up hurting the writers more than it helps them... although I do wish them the best of luck...
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Date: November 29, 2007 9:00:43 PM CST
Subject: [BuffyAngelFirefly] WGA Response
Reply-To: BuffyAngelFirefly@ yahoogroups. com
http://community. livejournal. com/wga_supporte rs/124458. html
WGA Response
To Our Fellow Members,
After four days of bargaining with the AMPTP, we are writing to let you know that, though we are still at the table, the press blackout has been lifted.
Our inability to communicate with our members has left a vacuum of information that has been filled with rumors, both well intentioned and deceptive.
Among the rumors was the assertion that the AMPTP had a groundbreaking proposal that would make this negotiation a "done deal." In fact, for the first three days of this week, the companies presented in essence their November 4 package with not an iota of movement on any of the issues that matter to writers.
Thursday morning, the first new proposal was finally presented to us. It dealt only with streaming and made-for-Internet jurisdiction, and it amounts to a massive rollback.
For streaming television episodes, the companies proposed a residual structure of a single fixed payment of less than $250 for a year's reuse of an hour-long program (compared to over $20,000 payable for a network rerun). For theatrical product they are offering no residuals whatsoever for streaming.
For made-for-Internet material, they offered minimums that would allow a studio to produce up to a 15 minute episode of network-derived web content for a script fee of $1300. They continued to refuse to grant jurisdiction over original content for the Internet.
In their new proposal, they made absolutely no move on the download formula (which they propose to pay at the DVD rate), and continue to assert that they can deem any reuse "promotional, " and pay no residual (even if they replay the entire film or TV episode and even if they make money).
The AMPTP says it will have additional proposals to make but, as of Thursday evening, they have not been presented to us. We are scheduled to meet with them again on Tuesday.
In the meantime, we felt it was essential to update you accurately on where negotiations stand. On Wednesday we presented a comprehensive economic justification for our proposals. Our entire package would cost this industry $151 million over three years. That's a little over a 3% increase in writer earnings each year, while company revenues are projected to grow at a rate of 10%. We are falling behind.
For Sony, this entire deal would cost $1.68 million per year. For Disney $6.25 million. Paramount and CBS would each pay about $4.66 million, Warner about $11.2 million, Fox $6.04 million, and NBC/Universal $7.44 million. MGM would pay $320,000 and the entire universe of remaining companies would assume the remainder of about $8.3 million per year. As we've stated repeatedly, our proposals are more than reasonable and the companies have no excuse for denying it.
The AMPTP's intractability is dispiriting news but it must also be motivating. Any movement on the part of these multinational conglomerates has been the result of the collective action of our membership, with the support of SAG, other unions, supportive politicians, and the general public. We must fight on, returning to the lines on Monday in force to make it clear that we will not back down, that we will not accept a bad deal, and that we are all in this together.
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAW
Michael Winship
President, WGAE
-Raycheetah ='[.]'=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
I'm smellin a lot of "if" comin off this plan. Any resolution will probably have to wait till it really starts hurting the company's wallets.
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Hell, as I see it, the AMPTP is just bein' spiteful. They could pay what the Writers want, and, get things back and running, out of petty cash.
-Raycheetah =-[.]-=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Here's the latest on the strike; the AMPTP is fulfilling expectations by accusing the WGA of intransigence, all the while offering the Writers practically insulting compensation for highly-profitable internet webcasts of programs:
Producers, writers negotiations collapse
By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer 50 minutes ago
Negotiations between striking Hollywood writers and studios collapsed Friday, crushing expectations for a settlement of the costly walkout in its fifth week.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers announced that the round of talks that started Tuesday had broken down, stalling efforts to end the five-week strike that has sidelined many prime-time and late-night TV shows.
The alliance said it was "puzzled and disheartened" by the Writers Guild of America's ongoing negotiating strategy "that seems designed to delay or derail talks rather than facilitate an end to this strike."
In response, the guild said the chief alliance negotiator slammed the door on bargaining after presenting an ultimatum and before the union could respond to his latest proposal regarding crucial new-media compensation issues.
"As we prepared our counteroffer, at 6:05 p.m., Nick Counter came and said to us, in the mediator's presence, 'We are leaving. When you write us a letter saying you will take all these items off the table, we will reschedule negotiations with you,'" according to a union statement.
A detailed alliance announcement on the talks' collapse was released a short time later. Counter was unavailable Friday night for comment, the alliance said.
A letter the guild said it received from Counter said negotiations could resume only after the guild removed a half-dozen demands.
The guild said it remained "ready and willing to negotiate, no matter how intransigent our bargaining partners are, because the stakes are simply too high."
"If someone called tomorrow and said 'Let's start on Sunday and we want to hear your counterproposal,' I'd say 'great,'" chief guild negotiator David Young told The Associated Press.
The writers guild represents 12,000 members but not all are on strike, with about 2,000 or so news writers and others covered under a separate contract.
Just two days ago the sides had expressed their first hint of optimism. But the possibility of an imminent settlement appeared less likely as Friday wore on, with both sides trading barbs and pointing fingers.
The alliance reiterated its position that its latest offer aimed at settling a central contract issue — compensation for the Internet and other digital media — makes it "possible to find common ground."
Last week, the studios had proposed a flat $250 payment for a year's use of an hourlong TV show on the Web. That contrasts with the $20,000-plus residual that writers now earn for a single network rerun of a TV episode.
Friday night, the guild said producers were holding to their $250 offer and demanding that writers give up on proposals including unionization of animation and reality and, "most crucially, any proposal that uses distributor's gross as a basis for residuals."
As word of the breakdown spread, some writers expressed frustration.
"It's disheartening that a month into this, I'm not getting the overwhelming sense that we're getting any closer to a settlement," said Robert Port, a writer for the CBS series "Numb3rs." "I hope we can continue to negotiate and wrap this thing up."
Earlier Friday, in a letter sent to its members and released publicly, the guild said that "highly placed executives" have told some writers that the companies are preparing to abruptly end the talks by accusing the guild of an unwillingness to bargain.
The letter said any such anti-union claims are "absolutely untrue" and challenged studios to negotiate "day and night, through the Christmas and New Year's holidays" to reach a settlement.
The union's remarks reflect its vulnerability, said one observer.
"I think the producers are displaying their leverage quite publicly and aggressively and the w
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This just coming down through the grapevine:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-webwriters17dec17,0,4998256,full
.story?coll=la-home-center
written by joseph.menn@ latimes.com
Dozens of striking film and TV writers are negotiating with venture
capitalists to set up companies that would bypass the Hollywood studio
system and reach consumers with video entertainment on the Web.
At least seven groups, composed of members of the striking Writers
Guild of America, are planning to form Internet-based businesses that,
if successful, could create an alternative economic model to the one
at the heart of the walkout, now in its seventh week.
Three of the groups are working on ventures that would function much
like United Artists, the production company created 80 years ago by
Charlie Chaplin and other top stars who wanted to break free from the
studios...
Silicon Valley investors historically have been averse to backing
entertainment start-ups, believing that such efforts were less likely
to generate huge paydays than technology companies. But they began
considering a broader range of entertainment investments after
observing the enormous sums paid for popular Web video companies,
including the $1.65 billion that Google Inc. plunked down last year
for YouTube, a site where users post their own clips.
They also have been emboldened by major advertisers, which prefer
supporting professionally created Web entertainment to backing user-
generated content on sites such as MySpace that can be in poor taste.
"I'm 100% confident that you will see some companies get formed," said
Todd Dagres, a Boston-based venture capitalist who has been flying to
L.A. and meeting with top writers for weeks. "People have made up
their minds."...
Already this year, a handful of sites have received venture backing,
including FunnyorDie.com, co-founded by comedic actor Will Ferrell,
and MyDamnChannel. com, launched by former MTV executive Rob Barnett...
Most writers who have been talking with venture capitalists declined
to discuss their plans on the record, saying it was too early to
provide details. Yet an array of strategies have emerged from
interviews with writers, investors and others involved in the process.
The groups modeled after United Artists (which eventually was bought
by Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Inc. and recently was revived with the help of
Tom Cruise) envision creating and distributing programming for the Web
and recouping their investments by selling rights to the most
successful properties to TV networks or movie companies...
Some high-profile writers and technologists are trying to create a
collaborative studio they hope would be officially sanctioned by the
Writers Guild. They want to build on the popularity of strike-related
videos on the guild-inspired blog UnitedHollywood, YouTube and
elsewhere.
"We are uniquely positioned to take our case and new business model
directly to consumers," said a leader of that effort, the primary
writer on a TV show that was a blockbuster a decade ago. "This will be
the officially sanctioned Hollywood union portal."
Others seek to create a privately owned studio that would develop
episodic series for the Web. The studio could turn a profit even
without cutting movie or TV deals if it developed an audience coveted
by advertisers. ..
At least two additional groups plan to create companies that would
distribute material on Facebook or other online gathering places where
they might quickly become popular.
Facebook director Jim Breyer, a partner at Silicon Valley venture firm
Accel Partners, said he was weighing deals that would rely on
Facebook's platform. "It is likely we will make investments in Los
Angeles screenwriter/ content-oriented companies in 2008," he said.
Accel and Dagres' Spark Capital are among four venture firms that have
been meeting with writers since the strike began. Hedge funds are also
interested in investing, writers who have met with them said...
Some of t
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I just wanted to say I appreciate your on-going support of the WGA and providing information about the strike!
I really feel that this strike is going to end up being pivotal to the future of television, and maybe film too...
the studios and networks have become too powerful, they control all the news on TV and radio and they are trying to take over newspapers too...
I've been following the strike news here:
http://twitter.com/writersstrike
and here:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
and here:
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/
but you probably knew about all of those!
http://community.livejournal.com/wga_supporters/3089.html
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The writers guild have reached a bargain with World Wide Pants, David Letterman's production company that runs his show and the Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
It also looks like SAG actors can now show up on Letterman's show and may still boycott the other late night shows.
Details are here: http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/
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It's refreshing to think that creative minds can, in this day and age, seek and win a little justice in a world sorely lacking in that commodity.
Thanks for posting those links, Embers, NC Browncoat! For sure we have to spread the word, ourselves, as, the mainstream media isn't gonna do it!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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This just in:
Studios say writers losses exceed amount sought in new contract
>
> By LYNN ELBER
> AP Television Writer
>
> LOS ANGELES -- Hollywood studios said Friday that striking writers
> have now lost more in salary and benefits than they had hoped to gain
> by walking off the job.
> In the message posted on its Web site and YouTube, the Alliance of
> Motion Picture and Television Producers claimed losses by writers in
> the eight-week strike have exceeded $151 million.
> That's the price tag the Writers Guild of America put on its proposed
> three-year deal with studios.
> "The strike continues because the union's leaders are focused on
> jurisdictional issues that would expand their own power, at the
> expense of the new media issues that working writers care most
> about," the alliance said in a statement.
> Compensation for work distributed via the Internet and other digital
> media has been central to the contract dispute. The guild also has
> called for unionization of writers working on reality shows and
> animation.
> The union responded by saying the contract proposals by the big
> studios would cause writers even more economic harm in the future.
> "To sidestep this fact, they erroneously claim we are focused on
> other issues," the guild said in a statement. "The conglomerates are
> responsible for creating the economic havoc. They should put their
> energies into making a fair deal with writers rather than issuing
> misleading statements."
> The strike that began Nov. 5 has also been costly for other industry
> workers. Production has been shut down on dozens of TV shows, with
> losses for crew members exceeding $250 million, according to the
> alliance message.
> The alliance Web site features a constantly updated ticker with the
> studios' estimate of writers' losses. The figure is based on West
> Coast guild data from 2006, the site said.
> Talks broke down Dec. 7 after the union rejected an alliance demand
> that a half-dozen guild proposals be taken off the table, including
> jurisdiction over reality and animation writers.
> While negotiations with the writers union are at a standstill,
> studios are preparing to begin contract talks with the Directors
> Guild of America, perhaps next month.
> Digital compensation also is expected to be a key issue for directors.
> Whether a deal by directors will affect the writers dispute is
> unclear. The guilds traditionally have followed a practice of pattern
> bargaining, with one contract considered a template for others.
> But the writers guild has said previously that it wishes the
> directors well, but noted they "do not represent writers. Our strike
> will end when the companies return to negotiations and make a fair
> deal with the WGA."
> The directors guild has gone on strike only once, for just five
> minutes in 1987.
> ———
> On the Net:
> Alliance: www.amptp.org
> Writers Guild of America, West: www.wga.org
> Writers Guild of America, East: www.wgaeast.org
>
I dunno, but, doesn't this sound like gloating, to you?
Of course, in an industry that deals with numbers several decimal places to the right of that figure, it's also telling that what the 12,000 individual writers have lost amounts to $1,258.33, each. If that's more than the writers asked for, then, the writers haven't asked for much, have they?
I suspect the industry has lost more. I hope the new trend toward web start-ups which bypass the industry succeeds as it appears it should,
allowing creative minds to present their work for their own profit in a meaningful and up-to-date medium. And, all this without the meddlesome antics of networks all too willing to cancel shows we enjoy because they either don't "get it," or, because the money isn't rolling in fast enough.
Welcome to the future.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://i
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Well, something appears to be happening...
http://weblogs.variety.com/wga_strike_blog/2008/01/winship-asks-fo.htm
l
"January 28, 2008
Winship asks for end to speculation
In an indication of how WGA leaders have cooled down their rhetoric now that they're in informal talks with moguls, WGA East president Michael Winship has asked members to put a lid on speculation about a possible tentative deal.
That's quite a contrast with Winship's Dec. 10 opening statement to members after negotiations with the AMPTP cratered -- "They lie. And then they lie again. And then they lie some more."
Winship also said in his latest missive, sent out Monday, that members need to stay active on the picket lines. "More than ever, it is critical that we keep up the pressure on the media conglomerates and various struck shows with our picket lines, rallies and other actions that convey our message and demonstrate our impact on the entertainment industry," he noted.
Here's the entire message --
Fellow Members of the Writers Guild of America, East: "This is not a time for doubt, baseless speculation or second-guessing," he said. "All is being done to achieve a contract that is fair and respectful to writers. Leadership is moving forward with caution and diligence."
Solidarity and strength have gotten us to where we are in this strike so far. We have, as Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, organized our strength into compelling power.
Patience and perseverance, added to that unity and power, will now take us the rest of the way.
As you know, last week, informal talks began in Los Angeles between the Writers Guilds and some of the studio and network heads with the goal of returning the AMPTP to the bargaining table.
This is not a time for doubt, baseless speculation or second-guessing. All is being done to achieve a contract that is fair and respectful to writers. Leadership is moving forward with caution and diligence.
More than ever, it is critical that we keep up the pressure on the media conglomerates and various struck shows with our picket lines, rallies and other actions that convey our message and demonstrate our impact on the entertainment industry.
Last week, here in the East, two events were especially significant, capturing the attention of the media and public.
On Tuesday, when the Academy Award nominations were announced in Hollywood, we held a press conference at The Players Club on the south end of Manhattan's Gramercy Park. Assembled were forty or so writers and actors who arrived with all their awards - Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, Writers Guild Awards - the works.
They held them high for the cameras as they announced that glittering prizes are wonderful to receive and that they're grateful to have their work recognized, but they'd trade all the gold and brass and bronze for a decent, fair resolution to the writers' strike. Among the attendees was Tony Gilroy, fresh from two Oscar nominations for "Michael
Clayton." Sitting in front was 90-year-old, three-time Academy Award nominee Celeste Holm. Her best-supporting actress Oscar for the 1947 movie "Gentlemen's Agreement" is out on loan. For our occasion, she borrowed one that had belonged to Gary Cooper.
The following day, we traveled to Washington with eight striking writers from "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report." Serious talks about the strike were held with various members of Congress but the centerpiece was a mock debate staged in a House committee hearing room by the Stewart and Colbert writers.
Three of the Stewart gang - Tim Carvell, Rob Kutner and Jason Ross - represented the writers. Three Colbert writers - Michael Brumm, Peter Grosz and Tom Purcell -- stood in for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Former Clinton White House Press Secretary DeeDee Myers moderated, Kevin Bleyer of the Stewart show and Colbert's Peter Gwinn played hecklers in the audience. You can view highlights at:
[url= http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2008/01/daily-show-and-colbert-wri
ters-mock.html]http:
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This strike was kind of a blessing, I mean I found Firefly, years after being over, I found it and enjoyed it. I got back into playing video games, and my schooling has taken a huge leap in the right direction. I just wish that people weren't greedy with how they treated their staff's wages. Thank you for the ongoing news and let's hope that the man learns from this...though they never do.
Binkocd
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Some recent news:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"Thursday, January 31, 2008
WGA Continues With Interim Deals
This was released by the WGA today:
WRITERS GUILDS REACH INTERIM AGREEMENTS WITH
INTERMEDIA AND THE FILM DEPARTMENT
Los Angeles – The Writers Guild of America, West and the Writers Guild of America, East are pleased to announce they have reached interim agreements with The Film Department and Intermedia. The Guilds continue to sign agreements with companies that value the essential role writers play in making films, television programs, and content for new media.
“Companies like Intermedia and The Film Department recognize the importance of signing a deal that compensates writers fairly for the work they do,” said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West, and Michael Winship, president of the Writers Guild of America, East, in a joint statement. “In turn, we’ve designed an agreement for the entertainment industry that takes into account the economic realities that it faces.”
“We are pleased that we were able to conclude successful negotiations with the WGA so that we can move forward with our production slate across all media, while being able to provide fair and equitable compensation to the writers now and into the future,” said Intermedia President Linda Benjamin. “In light of this agreement, we will shortly be announcing our updated film and television slate.”
Intermedia Film is a global, independent media enterprise with affiliates in London and Los Angeles organized under Munich-based parent company, IM Internationalmedia AG. The core business of the company consists of the development, financing, and distribution of high-quality theatrical films as well as TV productions.
Current and future Intermedia releases include Breach, screenplay by Adam Mazer & William Rotko and Billy Ray, story by Adam Mazer and William Rotko, starring Chris Cooper and Ryan Philippe; The Hunting Party, written by Richard Shepard, starring Richard Gere and Terrence Howard; One Missed Call, screenplay by Andrew Klavan, starring Edward Burns and Shannyn Sossamon; and The Prodigy, written by John Romano, starring Richard Gere.
The Film Department is an independent movie finance, production and international sales company founded by former Warner Independent Pictures and Miramax Films president Mark Gill and former Miramax Films executive vice president and Yari Film Group COO Neil Sacker. With capitalization of $200 million, the company plans to fully finance and produce six films per year budgeted between $10 and $35 million.
The deal with both companies is similar to agreements the WGA recently reached with Lionsgate, RKO Productions, Marvel Studios, The Weinstein Company, United Artists, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Spyglass Entertainment, MRC, Jackson Bites, Mandate Films, and Worldwide Pants.
AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget
Posted by Laeta Kalogridis at 8:08 PM"
Another end-run around the PTB!
Touchdown! Now, the WGA needs the game-winning play.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Looks like the guv'mint wants their shows back, too:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"Friday, February 1, 2008
Congressional Committee Urges CEOs to Make Fair Deal
The following letter was sent out today by three members of the US House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor. (via Variety's Scribe Vibe blog) -JA
February 1, 2008
Mr. Peter Chernin, Chairman and CEO
The Fox Group
Mr. Robert Iger, President and CEO
The Walt Disney Company
Dear Messrs. Chernin and Iger:
As Chairs and Members of the House Committee on Education and Labor, we have monitored the ongoing labor dispute between your company and the Writers Guild of America with particular interest and growing concern. We were pleased to see that, after suspension of formal negotiations, you and the other members of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have convened informal discussions with Writers Guild representatives. The purpose of our letter is to encourage you to seek a fair, just, and swift resolution to this labor dispute.
The television and film industry is a significant part of our national economy. It provides thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly, each year. It generates critical revenue to cities, counties, and states. Its products are among the country’s most valuable exports.
The entertainment industry not only supports writers, actors, and producers but is a major source of middle class jobs for California, New York, and the rest of the country. We appreciate that the issues at stake are critical to the future of your business. As the entertainment industry grows and changes, we hope that any new business models will allow for creative talent to grow with the industry.
Maintaining the middle class jobs that your industry provides is among our greatest concerns. The growing cost of this dispute is of increasing concern in the Congress. We understand that Los Angeles County, for example, has lost an estimated $1.6 billion in economic activity due to the strike. Given the House Education and Labor Committee’s jurisdiction, we are exploring the need for further Committee attention to this matter. The impact of this strike on workers, the industry, and our economy is simply too pronounced to ignore.
We urge you to work to resolve the dispute with a fair and just agreement for all parties as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
GEORGE MILLER
Chairman
Committee on Education and Labor
LYNN C. WOOLSEY
Chairperson
Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ
Member
Committee on Education and Labor
cc: Patric M. Verrone, President, Writers Guild of America West
Michael Winship, President, Writers Guild of America East
Jeffrey Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal
Les Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Entertainment
Barry M. Meyer, Chairman and CEO, Warner Brothers Inc.
Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures Corp.
Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, MGM
AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget
Posted by John Aboud at 5:06 PM"
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Breaking News:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"NY Times Reports Progress In Talks
As this is written, the WGA and AMPTP are still under a news blackout regarding the ongoing informal negotiations.
However, the NY Times just reported that "major roadblocks" have been gotten past in the negotiations, and progress will be swifter in the negotiations going forward -- with an eye toward an agreement in principle coming out of negotiations fairly soon.
UH has confirmed from off-the-record sources that progress is indeed being made in the informal talks, and that creative solutions to the biggest differences between the AMPTP and the WGA have gotten the tentative and cautious approval of both sides.
This does not mean there is a deal in principle yet. It means we may, finally, be very close to one -- as close as days away.
And while we're cautiously optimistic about what we're hearing, it comes with a real caveat.
Just as happened with the DGA deal, points that are agreed to in informal negotiation can be thought of as points on a deal memo -- but it's the drafting language that comes from hammering out those points that makes them legally binding. And our sources say that draft language doesn't yet exist. That's a big part of what will be happening in the next few days, as negotiations continue.
Until the WGA and the companies have enshrined the deal points -- whatever they are -- into real draft language, those deal points can't be thought of as final.
The only reason we've gotten as far as we have in the negotiations is because the pressure has stayed on. If we let up on that pressure, even a little, it could affect the draft language of the agreement. It could, in a very real way, diminish the power of our negotiators and our Guild now, when it matters most.
Stay out there. Stay on the lines, stay informed. Stay strong. We'll have more soon.
AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget
Posted by United Hollywood at 1:23 PM"
However,
"Saturday, February 2, 2008
It's Not Over 'Til It's Over -- And It Isn't Over
Mark Evanier provides some very wise precautionary words on his blog News From Me, putting what's happening in negotiations in the context of past strike experiences. Here's an excerpt:
... it's a fine, even prudent idea to not get one's hopes too high. It is a not uncommon negotiating technique to get the other side into the mindset that the deal is done, and then to throw in a last second demand. In past WGA-AMPTP contracts, negotiating has even continued after the deal was made and ratified. Weeks, even months after the '81, '85 and '88 strikes were settled and work resumed, reps from the studio side were still arguing over what had been agreed to, insisting that their notes said we'd agreed to X when we were certain we'd consented to Y. And even when we all agree on what we all agreed upon, we can't always agree on the interpretation of some clauses and codicils.
And Alfredo Barrios' piece, The Strike Is A Lawyers' Game, is something we should all reread right now -- especially the latter part of the essay, where he talks about how to get Nick Counter out of the equation -- and many of his predictions have come startlingly true. An excerpt:
And by taking the fight to them, I mean, maintaining picket lines at the studios at peak levels, relentlessly picketing locations, continuing to put out creative videos that entertain and inform people about the strike, denying waivers to award shows and picketing those shows, seeking alternative ways to put out creative work on the Internet for pay, etc.
Playing this kind of offense serves a couple of purposes. First, when a CEO drives through the studio gates, or hears about how a location shoot was impacted by picketing (like for example, when an actor leaves the set or a day has been added to the schedule), or sees how his untenable bargaining positions are being ripped apart on websites, or is told about how his award show is falling apart, or reads how Google is about to form a competing entertainment powerhouse, it
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Breaking News:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"LA Times Reports on Progress In Negotiations
The media blackout continues, although it's getting hard to tell. Today's Los Angeles Times is running a front page story titled "Writers, Studios Outline A Deal."
It has some of the most detailed information to date on how the informal talks have gone so far. When we compare it to what our off-the-record sources are saying, it appears to be fairly accurate.
We'd like to highlight the following parts:
Who did the negotiating?
David Young, Patric Verrone and John Bowman on the WGA side, and Peter Chernin and Bob Iger on the companies' side. From the Times:
That stood in contrast to previous sessions with the writers in which top media executives weren't at the bargaining table and were led instead by Nick Counter, president of the producers association, and labor relations executives from the major studios.
Is the deal done?
No. As we mentioned in an earlier post, details are still being hammered out, and contract language is key. Until that language is drafted, nothing can be considered to be truly "done." To be as clear as possible: Things that are agreed to in the room aren't "real" until we have at least a serious start on contract language, and even the most optimistic estimates say that process will take a week.
Attorneys from the studios and the guild were meeting over the weekend to discuss contract language for the proposed agreement, which would need to be ratified by the union's 10,500 members. Even before a vote by members, the strike would probably be called off if board members strongly endorse the deal.
There are some issues that have yet to be resolved, including defining what qualifies as promotion on the Internet. The debate centers on the extent to which networks can run video clips and other materials on their websites to promote TV programs before paying writers.
Is this deal a carbon copy of the DGA deal?
No. It appears to use the DGA deal as a template, with key adjustments for writers.
On Friday, however, studios offered some key concessions to ease those concerns [that the DGA deal was inadequate on streaming and Internet-first jurisdiction] and keep the talks on track. Those included more favorable pay terms for streaming than those offered to directors. Studios also offered "separated rights" provisions for shows created for the Web, ensuring, for example, that writers would receive extra compensation and credit for online shows that spawn TV pilots, two people close to the talks said.
What happens now?
Verrone, Bowman and Young are expected to present a summary of the deal points to the Board on Monday.
Then, over the course of next week, the contract language will be drafted, to protect/assure everyone's understanding of the deal points insofar as possible.
By Friday at the earliest, depending on how well the drafting goes, there could be a preliminary contract with all the most important areas covered. Despite the LA Times' assertion that contract will be "final," that seems to be an imprecise use of the word.
A final contract could be presented to the Writers Guild of America board as early as Friday, according to three people close to the talks who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential.
As Mark Evanier has pointed out, "final" wasn't reached in the 1988 strike until well after everyone had gone back to work.
Does this mean it's over?
Not yet. The only leverage writers have to make sure the deal points agreed to in the room actually end up in the contract, is to stay strong and united until the contract language is drafted. And not to be alarmists, but keep in mind who's in charge of that on the companies' side:
Having done the heavy lifting, Chernin and Iger will now step back and rely on labor relations executives to formalize contract language this week.
These "labor relations executives" are some of the same folks who stalled negotiations with the WGA for months. Iger and Chernin had to st
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Update:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2008/02/from-joss-whedon-do-not-ad
just-your.html
"Wednesday, February 6, 2008
From Joss Whedon: Do Not Adjust Your Mindset
This was submitted by WGA and DGA member Joss Whedon.
Dear Writers,
I have good news. I have lots of good news. In fact, I have way too much good news.
The strike is almost over. A resolution is days away. Weeks. Friday. Valentine's day. Two weeks exactly from whenever my manager/agent/lawyer told me. Yes, after talking to writers and actors all over town, I'm happy to report that the strike is going to end every single day until March. Huzzah! All of this entirely reliable information means that at last the dream of the writing community has been realized: the Oscars will be saved.
Let's step back.
The Oscars seem to be the point of focus for a lot of this speculation. That either they must be preserved, or that the studios feel they must be preserved, and therefore this terrible struggle will end. There is an argument to be made for wanting the show to go on: it showcases the artists with whom we are bonded (there's no award for Best Hiding of Net Profits), and it provides employment and revenue for thousands in the community that has been hit so hard by this action. Having said that, it's a f%$#ing awards show. It's a vanity fair. It's a blip. We're fighting (fighting, remember?) for the future of our union, our profession, our art. If that fight carries us through the Holy Night when Oscar was born, that's just too bad.
And the studios? Well, the Oscars provide advertising revenue and a boost for the films that win. But the studios have shown impressive resolve in ignoring short-term losses in order to destroy us. I don't hear any knees knocking in the Ivory Towers over that night of programming. Hey, I wish I did. I wish, like a lot of people, I could hear anything from in there besides that weird clicking sound Predator makes.
I ask you all to remember: the studios caused an industry-wide shutdown. They made a childishly amateurish show of pretending to negotiate, then retreated into their lairs (yes, they have lairs) to starve us out. They emerged just before Christmas to raise our hopes, then left in a premeditated huff. They Force Majoured with gay abandon, cutting deals and 'trimming the fat' (I've met a couple of 'the fat' on the picket lines. Nice guys.) and made every selfish, counter-intuitively destructive move in the Bully's Bible. They met with the DGA and resolved quickly, as expected.
We have been advised to tone down the anti-studio rhetoric now that a deal might be progressing. Our negotiators have the specific task of forgetting the past and dealing only with the numbers before them. Their ability to do that impresses me greatly, but I maintain that it's their job to treat the studios like business partners and it's our job to remember who they really are. The studios are inefficient, power-hungry, thieving corporate giants who have made the life of the working writer harder from decade to decade. They are run by men so out of touch with basic humanity that they would see Rome burn before they would think about the concept of fair compensation. I maintain that they have never revealed their true agenda in the causing and handling of this strike, and to expect them to now is cock-eyed optimism of the most dangerous kind.
I have heard people both in and out of the industry say, "But that's enough now, right?" I have seen the thing I fear most: that whatever their agenda, they are beating us down. With hope. With rumors. With Time. The mindset seems to be shifting to one of relief and even unspoken gratitude for their return, instead of flaming indignation that they ever (illegally, do you recall?) left the table in the first place. It's the mindset of the victim. The lethargy of limb that strikes the fighter as he unconsciously lets himself lose. The studio strategists have worked this scenario as carefully as they have everything else. It is so crucial that we outside of the talks remember that, and
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IMPORTANT NEWS!
Assuming things don't go south at the last minute, it looks like there is an agreement, still to be ratified by the WGA rank-and-file:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"Saturday, February 9, 2008
Letter From The Presidents With Deal Summary
This was sent early this morning to membership. The delay in publishing the deal points, we've learned, was because the companies dragged their feet enshrining some of the final details in an attempt to renege on some of what they had promised. The last-minute fight to keep that from happening took until late last night.
To Our Fellow Members,
We have a tentative deal.
It is an agreement that protects a future in which the Internet becomes the primary means of both content creation and delivery. It creates formulas for revenue-based residuals in new media, provides access to deals and financial data to help us evaluate and enforce those formulas, and establishes the principle that, "When they get paid, we get paid."
Specific terms of the agreement are described in the summary at the following link - http://mail.citrustudio.com/ct/1843160:2030523191:m:1:92379114:20BFF2A
A6AD09D5016D8531C64503D7B- and will be further discussed at our Saturday membership meetings on both coasts. At those meetings we will also discuss how we will proceed regarding ratification of this agreement and lifting the restraining order that ends the strike. Details of the Los Angeles meeting can be found at http://mail.citrustudio.com/ct/1843161:2030523191:m:1:92379114:20BFF2A
A6AD09D5016D8531C64503D7B.
Less than six months ago, the AMPTP wanted to enact profit-based residuals, defer all Internet compensation in favor of a study, forever eliminate "distributor's gross" valuations, and enforce 39 pages of rollbacks to compensation, pension and health benefits, reacquisition, and separated rights. Today, thanks to three months of physical resolve, determination, and perseverance, we have a contract that includes WGA jurisdiction and separated rights in new media, residuals for Internet reuse, enforcement and auditing tools, expansion of fair market value and distributor's gross language, improvements to other traditional elements of the MBA, and no rollbacks.
Over these three difficult months, we shut down production of nearly all scripted content in TV and film and had a serious impact on the business of our employers in ways they did not expect and were hard pressed to deflect. Nevertheless, an ongoing struggle against seven, multinational media conglomerates, no matter how successful, is exhausting, taking an enormous personal toll on our members and countless others. As such, we believe that continuing to strike now will not bring sufficient gains to outweigh the potential risks and that the time has come to accept this contract and settle the strike.
Much has been achieved, and while this agreement is neither perfect nor perhaps all that we deserve for the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice, our strike has been a success. We activated, engaged, and involved the membership of our Guilds with a solidarity that has never before occurred. We developed a captains system and a communications structure that used the Internet to build bonds within our membership and beyond. We earned the backing of other unions and their members worldwide, the respect of elected leaders and politicians throughout the nation, and the overwhelming support of fans and the general public. Our thanks to all of them, and to the staffs at both Guilds who have worked so long and patiently to help us all.
There is much yet to be done and we intend to use all the techniques and relationships we've developed in this strike to make it happen. We must support our brothers and sisters in SAG who, as their contract expires in less than five months, will be facing many of the same challenges we have just endured. We must further pursue new relationships we have established in Washington and in state and local governments so that we can maintain leverage against the consolidated mul
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This is good news Ray! Thank you for all your updates. :-)
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(Looks like I /might/ have been wrong about the Oscars... =^[.]~=)
Breaking news:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"Wait -- What Are We Voting For Again?
For clarity -- and because not everyone could get to one of the meetings last night in NY or LA -- here's a handy little FAQ for some of the questions we're hearing.
What's the 48 hour vote for again?
It's a vote on whether or not to lift the strike (which in the Constitution is called "the restraining order".) If the vote passes, writers can go back to work.
It's not a vote on the contract, that vote is completely separate, and will be a 10-days' notice vote.
When does the 48 hours start?
It should start today, when we get notified. The notification is the trigger of the 48 hours. The Guild staff are all working like crazy today to make that happen by early this afternoon.
How will we be notified of the 48 hour vote?
By email and robocall. Also, the vote will be publicized on the WGA website, and obviously we'll be talking about it here at UH as well.
When will the vote itself take place?
The goal is Tuesday afternoon/evening. A meeting will be called for sometime Tuesday (48 hours from the time of notification) and will probably be at the WGA Theater.
But it won't be an informational meeting; it's just a time window to come and vote, like a polling place.
Do I have to vote in person?
You can vote in person or by proxy. (Proxy voting is usually by fax.) Because of the time limitations, you won't be able to vote by mail ballot.
If the vote passes, when's the earliest we could be back at work?
Wednesday. And if it doesn't pass, we'll continue striking until the contract vote is done (10 days.)
And what about the contract vote?
It's a separate vote. Voting on the contract will be 10 days' notice.
There will be pro and con statements on the proposed contract, mail-in ballots, and then a meeting for casting ballots in person or by proxy.
What if we vote the contract down?
It goes back to negotiation. As a practical matter, it's a gamble.
It could mean that we get movement on the streaming window (the area of most concern to most people.) It could also mean that the CEO's sweep everything off the table and demand to start over.
But these are considerations for the 10 day period, when we debate and discuss the deal and whether we want to ratify it.
So the most important thing: VOTE.
Posted by United Hollywood at 11:00 AM"
This is what comes next, a vote first to determine if the Strike will go on while the contract is ratified, or, to return to work on the assumption that it will go through.
We'll see in a couple of days.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Yeah, thanks Raycheetah. Your updates are much appreciated. Good to hear this may end at least somewhat positive for the writers. And sooner than I imagined as well. Well, I hope anyway. Keep'n my fingers crossed.
<------<<< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~(*)~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>>------>
"When you can't do something smart, do something right." -Jayne quoting Book
2% of teens have not smoked pot, if you are(or were) one of the 98% that have, copy this into your signature.
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Quote:It's my pleasure! ...Especially when the news is on the "good-ish" side. But, until the contract is ratified, even if the Writers go back to work Wednesday, it's not over. Ink on paper will tell the story, and, that's the most important script in this show.
Originally posted by Strangebird:
Yeah, thanks Raycheetah. Your updates are much appreciated. Good to hear this may end at least somewhat positive for the writers. And sooner than I imagined as well. Well, I hope anyway. Keep'n my fingers crossed.
Make it a shiny day!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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The Strike is over!
http://www.wga.org/subpage_newsevents.aspx?id=2775
"Writers Guild Members Vote to End Strike
LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK -- The membership of the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) today voted overwhelmingly in favor of lifting the restraining order and ending their 100-day strike that began on Nov. 5. 3,775 writers turned out in Los Angeles and New York to cast ballots or fax in proxies, with 92.5% voting in favor of ending the work stoppage.
“The strike is over. Our membership has voted, and writers can go back to work,” said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West. “This was not a strike we wanted, but one we had to conduct in order to win jurisdiction and establish appropriate residuals for writing in new media and on the Internet. Those advances now give us a foothold in the digital age. Rather than being shut out of the future of content creation and delivery, writers will lead the way as TV migrates to the Internet and platforms for new media are developed.”
“The success of this strike is a significant achievement not only for ourselves but the entire creative community, now and in the future,” said Michael Winship, president of the Writers Guild of America, East. “The commitment and solidarity of our members made it happen and have been an inspiration not only to us but the entire organized labor movement. We will build on that energy and unity to make our two unions stronger than ever.”
WGAW and WGAE members will next vote to ratify the tentative three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The membership ratification vote will be conducted by mail and also at membership meetings on February 25, 2008.
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) represent writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. For more information about the Writers Guild of America, West, please visit www.wga.org. For more information about the Writers Guild of America, East, please visit: www.wgaeast.org."
The actual contract remains to be ratified, but, things look good. The Writers got a better deal, and, we (the fans) helped!
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Here's an additional resource, an audio interview done with United Hollywood Blogger John Aboud by the New Zealand press:
http://95bfm.com/assets/sm/186302/3/JohnAboud.mp3
It has the same sort of questions (and answers!) we'd all like to ask.
Well worth a listen to.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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More news on breakaway creative efforts:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0222/p01s02-ussc.html
"More Hollywood writers do end-run around studio system
The strike is over, but some top writers are still exploring ways to turn the Internet into a new business model.
By Daniel B. Woodand Gloria Goodale | Staff writers of The Christian Science Monitor
from the February 22, 2008 edition
Los Angeles - The searchlights, red-carpet couture, and teary-eyed thank-yous will be back in place this Sunday for ABC's worldwide Oscar telecast. That's because the striking Hollywood writers came back to work just in the nick of time.
But behind the appearance of business-as-usual in the world of movies and TV is a shifting entertainment universe that is anything but. While the striking writers had their pens down and union hackles up, many were seeking creative new ways to rewrite the rules of engagement with the industry.
That means scores of adventurous, often-angry film and TV scribes reaching out to find new partners – venture capitalists, equity firms, advertisers – who can promise greater ownership, control, and independence within the new media world. The trend includes various ways to skirt studio bosses to reach consumers directly on the Web.
The trend was already percolating before the strike but exploded with new life during what became a contentious, three-month work stoppage. Now it is continuing with vigor as the 10,500-member-strong union returns to a dwindling number of studio jobs.
"A growing number of writers are trying to navigate from the prestrike world to the poststrike world by asking the question, 'How do we become smart and entrepreneurial on our own?' " says Tom Smuts, cofounder of the Berkman Center for the Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and a Writers Guild member. "They're asking how we can proceed with new models, new ideas, in a way that doesn't recreate the studio system we all complain about."
Suspicious of studios
In recent years, as studios and networks explored ways to make money from TV shows and movies on the Internet, their reluctance to pay writers led to the strike. Terms of the new agreement now include a percentage of the profits for writers from the emerging digital platforms.
But the possibilities that many writers explored while off work have led them to believe it's time for a more fundamental change.
"The strike has caused skepticism and acrimony toward the studio system. Because of that, a lot of writers are doing their own website and creating content so that they don't need the studios' help," says Dyan Traynor, a WGA writer who has penned several pilots for Fox and A&E.
Premium content from established writers is already finding a place and audience online. Top comedy writer Seth MacFarlane ("Family Guy") has inked a deal for an animated series directly for the Internet. Award-winning dramatic writers Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick ("thirtysomething," "Once and Again") are other prime examples of writers who set up shop on the Internet.
This past fall, the writing duo took their new drama "quarterlife" directly to the Internet instead of shopping a traditional pilot to a broadcast network. More important, they funded it themselves and then turned around and licensed it to NBC, who will begin airing it next week, thus reversing a decades-old pattern of being writers for hire.
Smuts and others say enough writers will be launching their own programs – some licensed to a single website, some available across the Web, and some available by subscription – that the practice is likely to be considered mainstream in two years. The expansion of broadband access, which makes the streaming of digital content practical, is also driving the trend: As of October, more than 50 percent of US adults had broadband, up from 9 percent in 2001.
"I believe by the end of this decade, it will be commonplace to find content on the Web produced specifically for the Web by A-list Hollywood talent," says Gus Tai, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist.
Don'
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And, now, calling shenanigans on the Studios:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"2/25/2008
The End of Hollywood Accounting?
Will 1+1 someday = 2?
The WGA, the Teamsters and California State Senator Sheila Kuehl have just announced the introduction of the "Fair Market Value Bill." The bill seeks to prevent studios from selling programming to sister companies for below market value. This particular strain of Hollywood accounting is designed to shift profits away from the studios (where they must be shared with talent and producers and serve as a basis for pension and health contributions) to networks, where they may be enjoyed without the pesky need to pay one's "partners."
Press release below. We'll have more soon on the bill in particular and Hollywood skulduggery in general.
And if you're a studio accountant or lawyer looking to go all Michael Clayton on the Big Six, send us a tip or a post.
NEW BILL TAKES AIM AT HOLLYWOOD ACCOUNTING
California State Senator Sheila Kuehl Introduces Bill to End the Practice of Selling Television Series and Films for Less Than Fair Market Value
Los Angeles and Sacramento – California State Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Senate Bill 1765, the "Fair Market Value Bill," to end the practice by some major studios and networks of “underselling” television series or movies.
Since the major media networks in the United States have come to own many cable channels, the practice of selling TV series or movies for less than the fair market value of the content has become more and more prevalent. In many cases, the product is sold or licensed from one entity to another entity within the same parent company. This creates a problem for actors, writers, and performers who rely on the amount of a sale of material for their residuals – payments made to the creators or performers of a work for showings or screenings after an initial use. Other union members in the entertainment industry, including the Teamsters, also rely on the amount of a sale price to determine contributions to their health and pension funds.
"As a SAG member I care deeply that creative talent is treated fairly and that all workers in the entertainment industry receive the compensation they deserve," said State Senator Sheila
Kuehl (D- Los Angeles). "Many of my constituents work within the entertainment industry, and I have recently heard more and more about the growing practice of selling entertainment content, such as television series or films, for less than their fair market value. This practice has a deeply detrimental effect on the amount of compensation for creative talent like writers and actors. But the damage goes further because so-called below-the-line staff, like the Teamsters, rely on the proceeds from such a sale of content to fund their health and pension plans. This bill simply ensures that workers in the entertainment industry have the protection they need."
"The WGA West wholeheartedly supports this bill and we applaud Senator Kuehl for authoring it," said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West. "This important piece of legislation will help ensure reliable accounting among the major Hollywood studios so that creative talent and all entertainment employees that rely on residuals will be fairly compensated for the contributions they make to the industry. The WGA is excited about the bill, and we look forward to involving our members in the process of educating elected leaders about the need for it."
In the last few years, there have been many high profile court cases on this issue. Creative talent from TV series, such as The X-Files, Will & Grace, and Home Improvement, among others, have filed suit to prevent the practice of selling television programs from one network to another for less than fair market value.
The bill is coauthored by State Senators Darrell Steinberg and Carole Migden and Assembly Members Fiona Ma and Sandre Swanson. The bill is supported by International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Writers Guild of A
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The final outcome of the Strike:
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/
"Writers Guild Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2008
Writers Guild Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract
Los Angeles and New York – The members of the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) today put their final stamp of approval on the deal that ended their 14-week strike, giving writers new rights and protections for work distributed on and created for the Internet and other new media platforms.
An overwhelming majority of the WGA membership voted in favor of ratifying the three-year contract by 93.6 percent of 4,060 votes cast in Los Angeles and New York. The term of the agreement is from February 13, 2008 through May 1, 2011.
“This contract is a new beginning for writers in the Digital Age,” said Patric M. Verrone, president of the WGAW. “It ensures that Guild members will be fairly compensated for the content they create for the Internet, and it also covers the reuse on new media platforms of the work they have done in film since 1971 and in TV since 1977. That’s a huge body of work that will continue to generate revenue for our members for many years to come as it is distributed electronically.”
“The 2008 Minimum Basic Agreement is groundbreaking on many levels,” said Michael Winship, president of the WGAE. “Not only does it establish Writers Guild jurisdiction in new media, it gives writers the same separated rights provisions in new media enjoyed by the creators of original TV and motion picture scripts, as well as residuals for the reuse of movies and television programs on the Internet and in new media. Those residuals will be based on ‘distributor’s gross’ – real money for our members – that we’ll be able to audit and monitor more effectively than ever before.”
The contract breaks new ground for writers by:
* establishing WGA jurisdiction over writing for new media
* giving writers “separated rights” in new media content (separated rights are the contractual rights traditionally enjoyed by writers of original television and motion picture scripts)
* establishing residual payments for new media reuse of covered material, including Internet downloads and ad-supported streaming of feature films and television programs
* establishing “distributor's gross” as the basis for calculating new media residual payments
* creating meaningful access to information and auditing tools that will allow the WGA to monitor the development of new media markets
The balloting was conducted by mail ballots and walk-in voting at membership meetings in Los Angeles and New York City. Ratification follows the WGA’s lifting of a strike order on February 13, which ended a 100-day work stoppage.
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) represent writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. For more information about the Writers Guild of America, West, please visit www.wga.org. For more information about the Writers Guild of America, East, please visit: www.wgaeast.org.
Posted by United Hollywood at 2/26/2008 04:35:00 PM 6 comments"
Sounds like the Writers are satisfied.
-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.
http://fans4writers.com/ support the WGA writers strike
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176
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Quote:
Originally posted by Raycheetah:
The final outcome of the Strike:
Yea!
But now I have to change my sig again.
David
'Geeks can't admit that anything worthwhile was invented before 1981. Soon, "making cocoa" will be called "milk hacking."' - Lore Sjoberg
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