HOLLYWOOD WRITER'S STRIKE UPDATE

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Film Peek - December 2007

HOLLYWOOD WRITER'S STRIKE UPDATE

December 10th 2007 08:28

According to smh.com.au, hundreds of film and television production workers, including florists, caterers and dry cleaners, walked through Hollywood on Sunday to urge both sides in the screenwriters strike to settle the 5-week-old stoppage.

Approximately 10,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are currently striking. Shows which have been affected including Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and The Office.

The march entitled, "Strike a Deal" amalgamated about 500 people who are not actually on strike themselves but who have been laid off or are losing business because of the strike.

Christopher Griffin, a line producer for Nip/Tuck organised the march and stated, "We're not here today to take the side of either party, but rather to make ourselves seen and make ourselves heard and call for both sides to return to the table immediately."

The rally was intended to "put a face on the thousands of us adversely affected by the current strike" and "to show a united front in calling for responsible and serious negotiations," the organisers stated on their blog site.

Studio bosses and the WGA broke off contract talks again on Friday after four days of negotiations ended in acrimony, dashing hopes of a quick settlement of the worst Hollywood labor crisis in two decades.

The writers began their strike on November 5 as a result of a dispute about how much they should be paid for work used on the internet. As we all know and feel, it has stopped production on dozens of television shows as well as several movies and slowed down the process of thousands of non-writing film and TV workers.

Elizabeth Tompkins, a production controller for the 2008 movie Get Smart, stated, "They are negotiating the what-ifs while we're not even getting work, and while they're on strike the reruns are on and they're getting residuals."

While I can understand the importance of the movement, I do hope something is agreed upon soon.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: News

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Comments

34 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by MelissaA

December 10th 2007 16:44

Fun Facts

I bet nobody thought it would last this long.

Comment by Tracy

December 10th 2007 19:39

Movies and Life

Hi MelissaA

I think that's true. It's definitely taking a while and affecting a lot of people and programs/films. Fingers crossed.

Tracy

Comment by Aimzster

December 11th 2007 02:23

Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop

Oh no! Does this mean it will affect my reality TV programs?

I agree with Melissa though, I can't believe how long this is dragging.

Comment by Tracy

December 11th 2007 21:05

Movies and Life

Hi Aimzster

Hopefully things won't get that drastic...where would I be without America's Top Model? Eek!

Hopefully it'll be resolved soon and people are happier,

Tracy

Comment by Memizz

December 16th 2007 19:57

[SIZE=2]I wish the strike would end soon. I do support the writers, they should get their part of the money that is made. But I wish that the networks and whatever would just give in already so that the strike can come to an end and all of the shows would air like thay're suppose to...[/SIZE]

Comment by Tracy

December 16th 2007 20:38

Movies and Life

Hi Memizz

I know what you mean, the people striking have valid reasons for their decision, but it's hard for viewers waiting to see what happens. I guess we can only hope something will change soon.

Tracy

Comment by Anonymous

December 18th 2007 13:00

I just want my shows back!!!

Comment by Tracy

December 18th 2007 20:09

Movies and Life

Hi Anon

Yes, I know what you mean. It's definitely lingering longer than I thought it would.

Tracy

Comment by Dr. ab

December 19th 2007 03:09

Your text goes herei think that the AMPTP need to just agree, obviously the deal proposed by the writers is more than fair and the AMPTP need to get their act together becasue its not just the writers suffering, lets not forget the general public have to go without aswell, many of us have become used to watching our favorite shows after having them shoved down our throughts through advertising!

Comment by Someone who gives a crap

December 21st 2007 14:56

I myself feel despondent over this. This year in my view is the best year for new shows. In my opinion viewers are loyal to their shows almost to a fault. I am one of those people. With that said viewers are going to find new or different ways to entertain themselves. Being a writer isn't all about the money or at least it shouldn't be. You are a writer because you create art with the words and all it's laughter and expresiveness. What would the writers do if we didn't watch the the shows they create? What if we as views went on strike to prove a point. The point would be that they wouldn't be where they are without us views. That means no pay check for writers and actors. I love Moonlight, Dirty Sexy Money, Ghost Whisper, Journeyman, Life, Medium, and a bunch others. Is T.V. my life? No but I have been forced into alternative entertaining. Many of you are correct about you views. Viewers are like a living and breathing ADD. When something is out of our focus for to long the interest just isn't there as it was. They could at least start the newer shows for beginning to get more interest also other people can catch up. Then when this nasty strike is over there will be even more followers to watch. HELLO THAT IS A NO BRAINER!!!
SO GET IT TOGETHER ALREADY!!

Comment by Get over It!

December 24th 2007 19:35

I agree with the last writer's paragraph. I think this writer's strike is very stupid and that the Writers, and the Studio people are being very selfish. They should think about what the Fans want, and its very stupid to shut down production in the middle of a season. While I understand that the writer's aren't getting paid enough, that shouldn't be the main reason why they write. They should write because they enjoy it, and be proud that at least people watch it.If people didn't watch the shows, they wouldn't have any viewers.
I'm now having to do something else besides watch my favorite shows. I'm having to read, and keep my mind on something else. And it stinks not having any new Episodes to watch!
Writers- think about how many fans you are hurting
and what shows you are hurting. Think about the more
money you are losing. Your not making any money when your not writing!

Comment by Get real!

December 29th 2007 12:13

What kind of world are you living in??
"... should write because they enjoy it, ...". What kind of lame naive bull is that?? Of course they write because the enjoy it, if not they would do something else but they have have a life you know... With expenses and loans and whatever that costs money... So please shove your crap somewhere dark and grow up! Its not like the poor companies cant afford to give them their due since apparently they can afford to have no shows at all... So in my book its not the writers that hurt us but the overly greedy people at the studios that cant write on their own but feel perfectly comfortable profiting on another's talent...

Comment by Anonymous

December 30th 2007 02:11

I like many of you understand why the writers are doing what they are doing... however the idea that in the meantime we can be appeased with shoddy specials like "Movies Rock" (ow, that was painful to see.) Has anyone considered a movement to turn the TV's off. I mean does anyone else feel like we are being taken on a ride through hell! And now Leno and Letterman and all the other late nighters are coming back in new formats with no writers. I mean are we really all so sad that we're just going to become mindless drones watching reality TV, and bad comedy specials (Larry the Cable Guys Christmas Special... which please tell me did not benefit from the help of writers.) Just an idea... we should all find something else to do... when no one is tuning in they will realize it isn't only the producers, the writers, or the talent that bring Grey's anatomy into our living rooms every Thursday... it's our choice to tune in or in this case perhaps out.

Comment by BACKGROUND ACTORS

January 3rd 2008 20:37

Please settle this strike.

This really effects the little guys. "Background Actors" are people too!

This doesn't just effect the writers!

I can't pay rent. Buy food. Get Gas.

Please get back to talks a least!

Signed out of work background actor who won't cross the line no matter who hungry I get!

Comment by BACKGROUND ACTORS

January 3rd 2008 20:39

Woops. I guess I needed a writer.

I mean't "how hungry I get!"

Comment by Anonymous

January 4th 2008 05:48

I agree with "Background Actors". There are so many out there that have their livelihoods on the line because of choices made (or not made) by other people.

I think that the writers make a good point. It is unfathomable how easy technology has made it to get a hold of movies and shows and the writers deserve a fair cut. If I was the creative mind behind something thousands or millions of people payed to watch I would want fair pay.

That said, both sides need to work out SOMETHING. Yes I would like to see some new episodes of a show or two, but more than that, there are honest, hardworking people out there losing their jobs and businesses.

Comment by Anonymous

January 4th 2008 07:48

If people really want to see and end to the writers strike, they need to stop watching television. Walk away from the tv. I mean both sides have to realize that they cant agrue for ever, lets cripple both sides finacially and stop watching tv.
They are on strike so why cant we be?

Comment by Anonymous

January 7th 2008 01:20

Why don't the studios just pull an Air Traffic Controllers on these writers. Fire them and hire scabs. The thought of them still getting paid by their employers as they strike is an outrage. It would be like auto workers getting paid as the cars are sold in the dealerships while on strike. Unlike air traffic controllers these writers only add drivel to society while air traffic controllers perform a vital function.

When was the last time a sit-com was actually funny? Unlike last time around, there are tons of alternatives to their crap. I can easally live without sit-coms and soaps. These writers shot themselves in the foot last time, and this time they will shoot themselves in the foot with a Howlitzer.

Comment by Anonymous

January 7th 2008 07:38

Your text goes here

think of the people, kids and working class people being affected by loosing homes, jobs, money lots of and things like that.

i think talks need to be done soon and at the adult level, not the blame game level,

the actors/ actresses contracts are out in may, why didn't the writers wait till then? theres just going to be another strike or a continuing one,

Comment by i Miss Prison Break ( Kevy )

January 9th 2008 19:05

I Really Hope that Prison Break comes back, if nothing else comes back, im not bothered, i just want prison break back lol

Comment by Anonymous

January 9th 2008 20:50

what is the problem, just revise their contracts, pay them whats reasonable and work it out. everyone is affected here. neither the writers nor producers understand that. how long will they go, it can't drag on forever. i give it one more month.

Comment by Anonymous

January 10th 2008 21:20

I think that Americans need to find another form of entertainment. Get off your butts and work out, help the community by cleaning up a park or something. It's pathetic that TV is the only thing worth talking about. Everyone wonders why our society is so fat. Becasue we are worried about a stupid tv show.

Comment by AA

January 14th 2008 14:46

Greedy money hording companies that produce TV shows are going to hurt their own market. This is a new age where people will find entertainment. If the strike continue to last, well, people who are hook on TV will develop a new entertainment dependancy without them. It is sad for them to bring about their own demise jus to be a tyrant. I thank God I don't watch main stream television. I developed a new fix for my entainment a long time ago, My Children.

Comment by Anonymous

January 14th 2008 19:50

i just want them to be overr!! please!!! they should be in there 24/7 to deal with this mess...i want my tv back!

Comment by Anonymous

January 14th 2008 19:50

i just want them to be overr!! please!!! they should be in there 24/7 to deal with this mess...i want my tv back!

Comment by Anonymous

January 16th 2008 19:45

this is just really crazy and its affecting some of my favorite shows, like girlfriends, family guy and *snif snif* law and order svu they only have like one show left and i really cant take it lol.. they need to stop actin like huge babies get in negotiate sumthin and take there butts back to work..they are ruinin tv as we know it

Comment by Anonymous

January 17th 2008 01:43

I do understand why the strike has taken place considering many people watch their shows online now instead of on television but I hope this ends soon!

Comment by Anonymous

January 18th 2008 23:20

it's because the strikes happen, that people are having to watch the shoes online!!

Comment by Anonymous

January 22nd 2008 01:00

Your text goes hereYour text goes here
Give the writer's what they want I miss my shows. I live for Grey's and Desperate House Wives.
This has gone on too long. What they are asking for is not unreasonable!. I WANT MY SHOWS BACK!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Anonymous

January 22nd 2008 01:01

Comment by Kat

January 22nd 2008 14:49

My daughter works in the "business" (Not writers) and has now been layed off. She had to let her babysitter go. One daughter was pulled out of pre-school because she no longer had the funds. Her infant son's "special" diet needs to be changed becuae the formula is very expensive and she can't afford it any more.
Unemployment only pays so much.

Please work it out soon so my daughter and others can get back to work.

Comment by Anonymous

January 23rd 2008 15:51

Your text goes hereI understand what the writer's are trying to accomplish but interrupting people's jobs is a real shame. All it is really accomplshing is that shows that have been affected by this strike may not have the same fan base. Why would they.... trust is big thing to have destroyed. The longer the strike goes on the more the trust is destroyed. When the shows do finally come back on...how would the fans know that this won't happen again. I would put that thought in the pot to stew for awhile. Darci

Comment by B. Moore

January 29th 2008 13:34

Although I do wish there were some new episodes of the show, "The Office." I support you guys and your strike. At first I was unsure as to why you were in this disagreement. On top of that I was fed false information on a website which i can't recall which stated that, the avarage writer makes around 200,000 a year, and that you guys wanted a 50% raise. After i did some thinking though, I believe that the forms of entertainment you bring us ,(us being the common man)are a vital part of life these days and a nonconsistant $62,000 a year is an insult to you and your familes. I say "give em hell."
----B. Moore

Comment by Anonymous

February 3rd 2008 20:50

omg this strike is so annoyin im from ireland an desperate housewives is only on the fifth episode but wat will i do wen it gets to the last one to be filmed im gonna have to wait ages for it to come back aaarrrggh im so annnoyed

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