I'm sorry but if I'm making $500,000 to $2mil a year.....I wont be complaining about 8 cents on a DVD or internet showing.

This writer's strike seems petty, and a little greedy....to me. :dunno


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080115/ap_on_en_tv/hollywood_labor

LOS ANGELES - Four major studios have canceled dozens of writers' contracts in a possible concession that the current television season cannot be saved, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.
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The move means the 2-month old writers strike may also endanger next season's new shows, the Times said.

January is usually the beginning of pilot season, when networks order new scripted shows. But the strike leaves networks without a pool of comedy and drama scripts from which to choose.

20th Century Fox Television, CBS Paramount Network Television, NBC Universal and Warner Bros. Television told the Times they have terminated development and production agreements.

Studios typically pay $500,000 to $2 million a year per writer for them and their staffs to develop new show concepts.

"I didn't see it coming," Barbara Hall, a writer and producer whose credits include former CBS series "Joan of Arcadia" and "Judging Amy," told the Times, which said ABC executives gave her the news Friday. "I am not entirely sure what their strategy is, all I know was that I was a casualty of it."

The newspaper said more than 65 deals with writers have been eliminated since Friday.

I'm sorry but if I'm making $500,000 to $2mil a year.....I wont be complaining about 8 cents on a DVD or internet showing.

This writer's strike seems petty to me. :dunno


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080115/ap_on_en_tv/hollywood_labor

I think it is petty the other way around too.

i'm glad they eliminated these deals... the writers have no reason to go on strike in the first place, they deserve this.

the whole thing is just all greed. Makes me sick.

the whole thing is just all greed. Makes me sick.

Yeppers. And truthfully when you go on strike you run the risk of that happening. Just because you strike doesnt mean you will get what you want. Sometimes it can turn around and bite you back in the arse and it sounds like thats happening

I think it is petty the other way around too.

:yes

The thing is, there are very few writers making that much money. Those writers they are talking about are the ones who create the shows and there aren't many of those writers around Most writers are like actors... they only work every once in awhile. A write may sell a movie for $100,000, but that will be the only thing they sell for 2, 4, 10 years... or EVER. They live on residual payments. Why should the studio get to keep all the profits?

jmo, but it's THEIR work, they should get paid for it. Not about greed if you really think about it. if you were paid commission and your boss would take pay for sales you made, it would be just as unfair.

GRR...I just want my shows back =(

They are in an industry where risiduals are paid. The studios receive the residuals so why shouldn't the writers? I would say it could just as easily be said the studios are being "petty" to go to this extent over those same eight cents on a DVD.

It's about copyrights, and your right to owning your work! NO way is it fair to have someone your work put all over the internet and such and not be given ANYTHING FOR IT. The internet is the new market, and we just need to make more rules for this. I'm sick of people saying that writers make millions of dollars. I'm sorry, but that majority is wrong. Most of them make little to nothing, and espically this affects actors, writers, production crew, everyone. The people MAKING the big bucks are the production company's, and honestly saw this strike coming the first place and were prepared for it. I have family in this industry, and it's an industry that i want to take place in this industry as well, but it digusts me that everyone has this image of the move making world like everyone is millionares, "Hollywood Blvd." is a fucking tourist trap street. The rest of hollywood is ghetto and scary. Many writers live in shitty apartments trying to talk to asshole producers pitching scripts everyday and not even getting the time of day. Actors sleep in there cars, just for one five second moment to prove their the best person for the job, but have to deal with rejection everyday.
HOLLYWOOD in no way is easy, and in no way is glamourous.

They are in an industry where risiduals are paid. The studios receive the residuals so why shouldn't the writers? I would say it could just as easily be said the studios are being "petty" to go to this extent over those same eight cents on a DVD.

That is what I was saying, but you said it better.

It's about copyrights, and your right to owning your work! NO way is it fair to have someone your work put all over the internet and such and not be given ANYTHING FOR IT. The internet is the new market, and we just need to make more rules for this. I'm sick of people saying that writers make millions of dollars. I'm sorry, but that majority is wrong. Most of them make little to nothing, and espically this affects actors, writers, production crew, everyone. The people MAKING the big bucks are the production company's, and honestly saw this strike coming the first place and were prepared for it. I have family in this industry, and it's an industry that i want to take place in this industry as well, but it digusts me that everyone has this image of the move making world like everyone is millionares, "Hollywood Blvd." is a fucking tourist trap street. The rest of hollywood is ghetto and scary. Many writers live in shitty apartments trying to talk to asshole producers pitching scripts everyday and not even getting the time of day. Actors sleep in there cars, just for one five second moment to prove their the best person for the job, but have to deal with rejection everyday.
HOLLYWOOD in no way is easy, and in no way is glamourous.

off the topic a little, but....
you are so right about Hollywood not being glamourous. When we moved here to Cali, I was so excited to go to Hollywood. I was sooooo disappointed, it was so gross and ghetto.

They are in an industry where risiduals are paid. The studios receive the residuals so why shouldn't the writers? I would say it could just as easily be said the studios are being "petty" to go to this extent over those same eight cents on a DVD.

I agree...

That article is a little biased. the average writer for TV and Movies make 200 a year.

I'm sick of the strike too. i only WISH I could make $200,000 (even in 5 yeas combined!) but I can see how they are wanting more. they see executives and actors making MILLIONS when they put a lot of hard work into it too. If I were them i would be thinking I deserved more.

But it IS getting to the selfish point. people like camera men, lighting people, propsmen....they are all out of jobs right now. It made me so sad at Christmas time to think of how they weren't working for months already. i wonder if they saved enough to give their kids presents?

The thing is, there are very few writers making that much money. Those writers they are talking about are the ones who create the shows and there aren't many of those writers around Most writers are like actors... they only work every once in awhile. A write may sell a movie for $100,000, but that will be the only thing they sell for 2, 4, 10 years... or EVER. They live on residual payments. Why should the studio get to keep all the profits?
:tu

jmo, but it's THEIR work, they should get paid for it. Not about greed if you really think about it. if you were paid commission and your boss would take pay for sales you made, it would be just as unfair.
:tu


They are in an industry where risiduals are paid. The studios receive the residuals so why shouldn't the writers? I would say it could just as easily be said the studios are being "petty" to go to this extent over those same eight cents on a DVD.
:tu

It's about copyrights, and your right to owning your work! NO way is it fair to have someone your work put all over the internet and such and not be given ANYTHING FOR IT. The internet is the new market, and we just need to make more rules for this. I'm sick of people saying that writers make millions of dollars. I'm sorry, but that majority is wrong. Most of them make little to nothing, and espically this affects actors, writers, production crew, everyone. The people MAKING the big bucks are the production company's, and honestly saw this strike coming the first place and were prepared for it. I have family in this industry, and it's an industry that i want to take place in this industry as well, but it digusts me that everyone has this image of the move making world like everyone is millionares, "Hollywood Blvd." is a fucking tourist trap street. The rest of hollywood is ghetto and scary. Many writers live in shitty apartments trying to talk to asshole producers pitching scripts everyday and not even getting the time of day. Actors sleep in there cars, just for one five second moment to prove their the best person for the job, but have to deal with rejection everyday.
HOLLYWOOD in no way is easy, and in no way is glamourous.
:tu

It's not petty at all and I think that they have canceled the contracts is just a bunch of crap. Writers are important and they get over looked so often. they deserve to get paid for their work and they are not demanding anything outrageous. Most of Hollywood is not the 5%-10% of famous people we see splashed all over the rag mags and rag TV shows. Most of them are just making it same as everyone else in this country.

I do not understand how people that are fans of the shows they write can say the writers don't deserve to get what they are asking for. No one would like the show if it wasn't well written to begin with.

GRR...I just want my shows back =(

lol. Me too!

I miss Heroes!!!

I do not understand how people that are fans of the shows they write can say the writers don't deserve to get what they are asking for. No one would like the show if it wasn't well written to begin with.

And Green Mammy gets a cookie!!!!

And Green Mammy gets a cookie!!!!

Peanut Butter it's my favorite!

I believe they should receive the residuals - but there's got to be a better way to deal with contract deals than to go on strike. My philosophy - if you don't like the conditions of your job - Quit and find a new one. I don't agree with strikes. Period.

I believe they should receive the residuals - but there's got to be a better way to deal with contract deals than to go on strike. My philosophy - if you don't like the conditions of your job - Quit and find a new one. I don't agree with strikes. Period.

They have not had a new contract in a very very long time. (I want to say a couple decades) they tried to negotiate with the studios and when all else failed they had no choice but to strike. They are writers if they quit what are they going to do besides wait tables or work at Target (etc)? They have a union so if the majority strikes the minority has to go along or risk being fired after the strike is out if they crossed the picket lines.

Yeppers. And truthfully when you go on strike you run the risk of that happening. Just because you strike doesnt mean you will get what you want. Sometimes it can turn around and bite you back in the arse and it sounds like thats happening

:yes ITA I don't know why they were acting shocked for..if they are going on strike they should know that losing there jobs is a possibility.

GRR...I just want my shows back =(

i am with you, i haven't followed it enough to take a side in it i just want TV back..

They have not had a new contract in a very very long time. (I want to say a couple decades) they tried to negotiate with the studios and when all else failed they had no choice but to strike. They are writers if they quit what are they going to do besides wait tables or work at Target (etc)? They have a union so if the majority strikes the minority has to go along or risk being fired after the strike is out if they crossed the picket lines.
I don't agree with the union tactic of striking.

So they should do what if they can not get their contracts negotiated? ( this goes for all unions, garbage men, writers, etc) So if the city refuses to negotiate a contract change for the garbagemen (for example)they should all quit? And do what? Go on unemployment? (which I do not think you can even get if you quit)

Not being snarky I just want to know what they should do. I live in a state that has no unions and it is awful for employees. I think it is good to have that leverage so that employers are reminded to do right by their employees or lose their work force.

But strikes are the only way to get anything done. If you are trying to negotiate with someone, and they have all the money and the power, they are not going to cave in and give you even a little. The only way to get anything done is to have a union and to have the union strike. When you take away ALL the labor, then YOU have some bargaining power.

I agree that the strike sucks... I want ALL 16 episodes of LOST, but if I don't get them, then it's fine. This strike is going to set the tone for the directors and the actors as well, because their contracts are up in June. If this doesn't get settled before then, things will get a LOT worse, because they are also going to strike. They want the same things the writers want. So, it's not JUST the writers holding up these other jobs (the tech people)... this is a lot bigger than that.

I don't agree with the union tactic of striking.

I have to say...I really dont either...I mean, there are instances that would momentarily change my opinion...but in general...no, I think strikes are unfair to all involved. It forces people who dont have a passion for the strike to cooperate or lose their jobs......or in this instance...lose their jobs DUE to the strike...(ie canceled contracts)...people should feel free to work if they want to, not be forced not to because of some picket line rule....now everyone is suffering because no one is working.

It's a domino effect...and in THIS case.....because of the WRITERS strike, there are a whole lot more people not working...not just the writers.

like someone else said.....camera men...technical teams....CREW basically....

and the actors arent working either.

But strikes are the only way to get anything done. If you are trying to negotiate with someone, and they have all the money and the power, they are not going to cave in and give you even a little. The only way to get anything done is to have a union and to have the union strike. When you take away ALL the labor, then YOU have some bargaining power.

I agree that the strike sucks... I want ALL 16 episodes of LOST, but if I don't get them, then it's fine. This strike is going to set the tone for the directors and the actors as well, because their contracts are up in June. If this doesn't get settled before then, things will get a LOT worse, because they are also going to strike. They want the same things the writers want. So, it's not JUST the writers holding up these other jobs (the tech people)... this is a lot bigger than that.
Exactly and won't things be fun then with no writers, actors, or directors. It is why SAG is standing 100% with WGA in this strike.

The way I've always felt about people who strike over money when they're getting paid what most are in the same field of work is: If you want a better paying job, go get one. Greedy bastages on both sides of this one.

If you want a better paying job, go get one.


How can anyone not agree that the workers should have some recourse against their bosses if they are being taken advantage of? If you work at McDonalds, then yeah go get a better paying job. But if you are a college educated professional and your chosen career path needs to be reformed, then you can't just go "get another job" unless you want to repeat college and all that jazz. That doesn't seem reasonable?

I dunno, I would be pretty mad if I wrote something that someone else was making money off of and they weren't giving me any. Even if I made a bazillion dollars already I still wouldn't want someone profiting off my work and not sharing with me.

I always hear people complain and say that the military should get paid more. There are tons of people who aren't in it for the money, but thats not to say they wouldn't appreciate a pay raise... right? I bet if the military had a union they would TOTALLY be on strike right now, ROFL!

Yeppers. And truthfully when you go on strike you run the risk of that happening. Just because you strike doesnt mean you will get what you want. Sometimes it can turn around and bite you back in the arse and it sounds like thats happening

:yes I agree. They deserve it. I think they are being greedy and selfish. :no

And so am I...I WANT MY SHOWS BACK :lol :hissyfit

Why shouldn't unions strike? Why should corporations get all of the power and the workers just have to take it up the bum? Employees should be able to organize and fight for their rights or else corporations have WAY too much power. I know that I want my country to be "We the people" not "We the corporations".

The way I've always felt about people who strike over money when they're getting paid what most are in the same field of work is: If you want a better paying job, go get one. Greedy bastages on both sides of this one.

Go get a job in something your not passionate about, and don't to do? I'm sorry but that's not a reason to quit.

Why shouldn't unions strike? Why should corporations get all of the power and the workers just have to take it up the bum? Employees should be able to organize and fight for their rights or else corporations have WAY too much power. I know that I want my country to be "We the people" not "We the corporations".

I agree that workers should have an option of "fighting back"....but striking is the wrong way to do it IMO. When u are dealing with things such as people's work (ie livelihood)....the people who are OK with the way things are get FORCED to go on strike or risk losing their jobs...and then, they may lose their jobs anyway, but they CANT work because then they would be crossing the "picket line". Not to mention when a group of people go on strike..usually it keeps other groups who ARENT on strike from working as well. Its not fair. It usually hurts more people than it helps.

Why shouldn't unions strike? Why should corporations get all of the power and the workers just have to take it up the bum? Employees should be able to organize and fight for their rights or else corporations have WAY too much power. I know that I want my country to be "We the people" not "We the corporations".
I totally agree

I agree that workers should have an option of "fighting back"....but striking is the wrong way to do it IMO. When u are dealing with things such as people's work (ie livelihood)....the people who are OK with the way things are get FORCED to go on strike or risk losing their jobs...and then, they may lose their jobs anyway, but they CANT work because then they would be crossing the "picket line". Not to mention when a group of people go on strike..usually it keeps other groups who ARENT on strike from working as well. Its not fair. It usually hurts more people than it helps.

Since when has everyone ever been pleased by the same thing?? It never happens. The union leaves it up to the majority of the members when the vote to strike. If 51% want to strike than that is what they do. You keep saying strikes aren't the answer so what is?? If negotiations break down and the other side ( with all the power) refuses to see reason, what are the other solutions?? You just continue to go to work and hope that they see what a great job everyone is doing and give everyone what they want? Sometimes for the greater good that is the only alternative.

Since when has everyone ever been pleased by the same thing?? It never happens. The union leaves it up to the majority of the members when the vote to strike. If 51% want to strike than that is what they do. You keep saying strikes aren't the answer so what is?? If negotiations break down and the other side ( with all the power) refuses to see reason, what are the other solutions?? You just continue to go to work and hope that they see what a great job everyone is doing and give everyone what they want? Sometimes for the greater good that is the only alternative.

My turn to agree with you. :P If workers don't strike what leverage do they have exactly?

Well I have found my career path, I am going to move to Hollywood and write and say screw the other writers that walked away from so much money

but they CANT work because then they would be crossing the "picket line". Not to mention when a group of people go on strike..usually it keeps other groups who ARENT on strike from working as well. Its not fair. It usually hurts more people than it helps.

Unions collect fees from their members so if they do go on strike they get paid by the union so they can continue to pay the bills. If other people who aren't on strike CAN'T work because the union is striking, I guess that just goes to show the company how IMPORTANT they are.

My turn to agree with you. :P If workers don't strike what leverage do they have exactly?
:bliss :yay wicked agrees with me. :wub :rofl

Well I have found my career path, I am going to move to Hollywood and write and say screw the other writers that walked away from so much money

:rofl If only it was that easy...

Well, see....I have a slightly different view....

my ex-bil, Joe...married, 3 kids....was in the union....he's an electrician....made GREAT money.

Union went on strike, I dont recall why, this was several years ago...

HE wasnt having any problems, and neither was apparently 49% of the others....but that strike had Joe begging the local food pantries to feed his kids because he couldnt cross the damn picket line. He tried finding other work but was reduced to side jobs....fixing law mowers for $20 a pop.

For the greater good?

Unions collect fees from their members so if they do go on strike they get paid by the union so they can continue to pay the bills. If other people who aren't on strike CAN'T work because the union is striking, I guess that just goes to show the company how IMPORTANT they are.

Its not NEAR enough.

That is when Joe and the other 49% of people need to deal with the union and the decisions the union makes or leave. No one is forcing him to pay union dues and join up.

If it got him better wages/benefits is that not greater than before? Again when has EVERYONE ever been pleased at the same time?? But still what is the alternative? If the majority feels THEY ALL deserve more for the work they do, how is that wrong?

People join unions because they get better wages that way. The only REASON they get better wages is because of the leverage the union has with the strikes. And because others striked in the past which resulted in the better wages. Everyone that takes a union job understands the possibility that a strike could happen. If they don't want to deal with it then they should just take the lower paying non-union job.