Writers Guild of America Strike

[Remember the Stars]

Leaders of the union representing Hollywood's film and television scribes declared Thursday night that they would go on strike in what would be the first walkout by writers in nearly two decades.

Negotiators for the Writers Guild of America told thousands of members gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center that they would notify members of the timing of the walkout by e-mail this afternoon, according to people present at the meeting.

Although the announcement moves the entertainment industry closer to a debilitating strike, there is still an outside chance that an agreement on a new contract may be reached in the next few days.

There's more information at the source (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-strike2nov02,0,1173050.story?coll=la-home-center).

I figured this would probably be an interesting thread to have, just because of what could happen over the next few days. It's not as big of a deal for the film industry, since they do have some movies already made in preparation for this, but it's definitely going to hurt them if the strike does happen. I'm not really looking forward to what will happen to TV if the strike does occur. Hopefully they'll be able to work something out.

[Jasper Hale]

Oh my, I don't want to imagine what could happen to all those good shows because of this strike. I'd just hate them if something happened to Numb3rs, nah Seriously though I hope they sort this out. Because although there are some UK shows I watch the majority of the shows I do watch are American. I'll have to keep checking on this.

[Remember the Stars]

So, it looks like the strike is set to begin Monday. This... is not good news at all for fans of TV shows. Check out the fate of your favorite shows here (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-striketvgrid-html,0,7606966.htmlstory?coll=la-home-center).

[Jasper Hale]

Thanks for posting that, I'm not sure whether to be worried or not that some of my other favourite shows isn't on the list, does that mean there ok, or not. I'm hoping Numb3rs, CSI & CSI NY are alright and won't be affected, they might be I don't know. I'm glad about Stargate Atlantis and Supernatural though.

[Remember the Stars]

All TV shows will be affected. That's probably just the list of shows that the LA Times had information for. Basically, all of the writers for the television shows are going on strike Monday morning unless a new contract is drafted over the weekend, so the only shows that won't be affected will be reality television shows and probably news shows.

[Rockferry]

I'm glad a good majority of the shows have finished writing most of the seasons, so I don't think we'll feel much of a shift except for the few who are either new, written on a daily bases, or didn't anticipate a strike. It helps that some of the shows are prepared. I hope everything is worked out and taken care of before things get too crazy. I know this will create a huge ripple effect in the entertainment industry.

[Jasper Hale]

All TV shows will be affected. That's probably just the list of shows that the LA Times had information for. Basically, all of the writers for the television shows are going on strike Monday morning unless a new contract is drafted over the weekend, so the only shows that won't be affected will be reality television shows and probably news shows.

Obviously it only applies to the American shows. But I hope it's not too long and I hope they aren't affected too much. It's just the script writers in the US going on strike right.

[Hollow Echo]

I wouldn't be so sure about the fact that most shows have their seasons finished and we'll get the eps. :-p Alone Heroes has prepared and wrote a season finale for December, after like 10 eps, because of the writer's strike and I doubt many other TV shows have a different concept than them. Apart from that, ALL US writers are going on strike without exception, so it's not like some shows will run and others won't. They all have the same fate.

Generally the strike will mean, that we won't get any new eps of shows from December on. The last writers' strike lasted 5 months. So along with the summer hiatus, we could be looking at a break from the shows of 8 months.

It is the apocalypse. And a really bad joke.

[Jasper Hale]

I wouldn't be so sure about the fact that most shows have their seasons finished and we'll get the eps. :-p Alone Heroes has prepared and wrote a season finale for December, after like 10 eps, because of the writer's strike and I doubt many other TV shows have a different concept than them. Apart from that, ALL writers are going on strike without exception, so it's not like some shows will run and others won't. They all have the same fate.

Generally the strike will mean, that we won't get any new eps of shows from December on. The last writers' strike lasted 5 months. So along with the summer hiatus, we could be looking at a break from the shows of 8 months.

It is the apocalypse. And a really bad joke.

It is, and I just hope that it all gets sorted soon, and it doesn't affect everything too much. I hope this one doesn't last 5 months.

[Hollow Echo]

I hope it doesnt even start. :(

[Remember the Stars]

The strike not starting at all would be wonderful, but we won't know anything for sure until 12:01am Monday morning. It would be a terrible time for television, and depending on how long the strike lasts, it could be bad for film, too.

[Remember the Stars]

Double post, but I thought I'd post that a new agreement was not reached between studios and the WGA, so the strike officially started today. There's no telling how long it could last, but after 11 hours of talking about a new contract, nothing could be agreed upon.

[Suteki Da Ne]

Here is a list (http://hollywoodstrike.blogspot.com/2007/11/wga-strike-how-it-will-affect-you.html) of shows affected by the strike...

[Psycho Killer]

I'm rather pissed off that Heroes: The Origin is canceled.

But i'm a little confused. If it says say that 12 episodes of 18 (like Scrubs) is completed then does that mean that for this season (It's final season :() it will only have 12 episodes?)

[Suteki Da Ne]

I'm guessing those are all the ones they have written for so it would mean that they wouldn't necessarily be tied up as a season with those 12 episodes, they'd just stop after that.


Edit: Unless like Heroes, they rewrite to prepare for it.

[Remember the Stars]

It depends on the way the contracts are worded and what the executives decide, really. For instance, with Gossip Girls, the season is going to end on the 13th episode. Heroes is rewriting all storylines to have this season end on December 3rd, I believe, but Nip/Tuck has 14 episodes of its 22 episode season written, and those 14 will air in the first cycle and then the other half of the season will air whenever the strike is over because they intended to break the episodes up either way. No new episodes will be written until the strike is over though, and it could last for many, many months, so if this is the last season for Scrubs, there is a good chance that the storylines will be reworked so that they can end on the 12th show.

[Psycho Killer]

I really wasn't very concerned with the strike, but now that it has hit Scrubs, I care now and not happy about it at all. *Goes off to throw a huge fit*.

All the other shows I am not as concerned about because they have more seasons ahead of them, but it sucks for the shows that are having a final season.

[Suteki Da Ne]

The one good thing about Scrubs that I found in another article was that Bill Lawrence said he wasn't too worried because they could always just release those eps to the dvd later and maybe even do better that way so I don't think they'll be just shortening the show.

[Psycho Killer]

Well thats true/good. I know that the actors, even Zach Braff have always been willing to continue the show, and the only reason why they ever stated otherwise was the fact that they weren't sure if the show was to be continued, because of NBC and stuff.

[Rockferry]

Are you kidding me? Heroes was canceled! Oh god now I'm so pissed. This is so stupid! They write this stuff for the fans... we are really the ones getting the short end of the stick. This hurts everyone!

[Remember the Stars]

I hadn't heard that Heroes was canceled. I just know that they're ending the season on December 3rd and tying up loose story lines. The ratings haven't been great this season, but I haven't heard any rumors of cancellation other than the possibility that the creator might be leaving the show due to the story lines being altered, and though the creators may want to continue the show for the fans and the writers might be attached to the fans, at the end of the day, it's still about money and what they feel they've earned, so they're trying to do what's best for them. Not all of the writers even agree with the strike. They have to strike as a part of the guild. It's a requirement.

[Love Me?]

Wait, they HAVE to strike? But what if they don't want to? Sheesh that's insane... I can understand if it's a principle they're standing up for but to be forced to strike regardless of whether they want to or not is another thing entirely. Rawr.


http://www.perfect-ending.com/easter/egg9.jpg

[Remember the Stars]

When joining a guild, you're made aware of all of the contractual obligations that you have. That's just like actors who are apart of SAG have to get permission to work on non-SAG productions in LA. In smaller areas where SAG isn't well-established, it isn't as big of a deal, but all members of a guild usually have to strike if a strike is put into action. It's like all of the actors/directors turned writers who are striking are doing it in support of other writers, not necessarily because they are unhappy with the way things are being handled but because they are part of this guild that unifies the writers.

[Rockferry]

Well the article said that it was canceled. It might not be, but I'm upset about the whole situation. In the end though... it hurts everyone. People lose money, fans lose their shows, and I just wish this was fixed before now.

Edit: I think I mis-read it. It might not be. But still boo.

[Psycho Killer]

Heroes: The Origins has been canceled. Which was supposed to be like a spin off series that like had 8 (I think?) episodes in which we would pick out a new Hero. Or at least that is what I got out of it...

If Heroes were to be canceled I'd be so much pissed >_<. But they really have no reason to actually Cancel it. I think some shows that are in their first season, will be canceled though, not solely because of the strike, but because they have poor audience levels anyway, so the strike is just making their series run pretty much impossible. An example would probably be like ABC's Cavemen. I'm just hoping that Dirty Sexy Money will come out of the strike okay, and that Scrubs will eventually get their final six episodes.

[Remember the Stars]

Just a few updates on a few shows:

“The Office” showrunner Greg Daniels is picketing his own Van Nuys set. Cast members – including Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski as well as WGA members Steve Carell, B.J. Novak, Mindy Kaling and Paul Leiberstein – are not crossing the picket line.

Losing its cast shuts down NBC’s highest-rated sitcom a lot faster than a lot of other series, which are trying to put into production the last few scripts written before the strike.

According to a Nov. 6 TVWeek post, other sitcoms said to have already ceased production include “Back To You,” “Big Bang Theory,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Miss/Guided” and “Rules of Engagement.”

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" showrunner Warren Leight told the L.A. Times he will not cross the picket line.

"30 Rock" writer/star/mastermind/showrunner Tina Fey was picketing, but also continues to work in front of the cameras, ironically to play WGA member Liz Lemon.

Joss Whedon reports that his old "Buffy" actors Alyson Hannigan (now on "How I Met Your Mother") and David Boreanaz (now on "Bones") were both picketing alongside the writers outside the Fox lot.
Source (http://www.tvweek.com/)

[Penny Lane]

I've got to say that...I support the writers. Sure, it will suck to have to watch re-runs of certain shows, but writers definitely do not get paid as much as they deserve to, especially if they're living out in LA, which is an extremely expensive place to be. To put it in perspective, I'm in San Diego, and what we paid for a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house here, my mom probably could have paid for a mini-mansion in another state.

Writers are underpaid for where they need to be geographically, number one. But number two, they're sort of the brains of the shows that they write for. They're the ones coming up with the witty dialogue or smart cliffhangers, and yes I realize that the actors and directors and everybody all contribute to what makes a TV show great, but writers really are unsung heroes in a way, and I definitely think that none of their demands are insane.

People can go read books while they wait for new episodes?

[Etch-a-Sketch]

I agree completely Christina. I think that writers are indeed quite underpaid. Hollywood seems to be swimming with actors, but writers who write decent things are far and in between.

As for h:tO being cancelled, I don't mind as much as if Heroes were cancelled. But still though, I think even if Heroes did get cancelled, it doesn't matter, because the writers are the ones who make shows happen, and they should be heard.

BTW, I'm in love with your av. Please, never change it Christina.

[Psycho Killer]

I don't really know how much a writer gets paid, but I am sure it's still a hell of a lot more than what the average person makes... so if an average American can possibly afford a place in California, then so can writers... specifically if Teachers can afford to live in California, so can writers.

I am not saying they shouldn't get paid more, since I really don' know how much they are paid... but if they really want to complain they should step in the shoes of someone else for once. But it is true in hollywood that the money that is given, is not usually given in an equal matter- but it's kind of sad how so many shows end up falling through not because it's a bad show, or because the cast doesn't initially get along - it's because someone is upset about how much they are getting paid.

I think too many people take for granted that they even have a job and that they are somewhat successful. I don't know I know i should have more remorse towards the writers, but I am still bitter about Scrubs.

[Remember the Stars]

I agree with Christina completely. As someone looking to get into the film/television industry, possibly as a writer, I think that the executives definitely take advantage of the writers when it comes to things like DVD residuals and residuals from online episodes. If you want some of the WGA YouTube clips (http://youtube.com/user/wgaamerica), then you'll be able to better understand how they're being given the short end of the stick, especially when you listen to one of the interviews and find out that they offered to completely get rid of the DVD residuals aspect of the contract and the producers still wanted no part of it. They don't want to be striking. They want to be working because it's what they enjoy doing, and it's their career. And seriously, they're asking for so little. It's not like their asking for huge sums of money to be greedy. A few more cents per DVD sold, a few cents for online episodes viewed... because it is their writing that makes those things possible.

ETA: for the Grey's fans like myself.
Word is leaking out that actress Sandra Oh of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" has joined the picket lines and the cast and crew may not be able to complete production on episode #11. Show runner Shonda Rhimes has already walked out altering her earlier decision to stay on board and help produce the already written scripts. 13 scripts have been written, but only 10 episodes have been filmed. The studio was hoping to complete production on episode #11 this week. Episodes 12 and 13 will not be filmed until the strike is resolved.

ABC has scheduled the first part of the "Crash Into Me" episode (#9) (Seth Green guest stars) for November 22. Instead of airing the second part of that episode (#10) the following week, ABC is expected to repeat the season premiere on November 29. Episode #10 would then air on December 6 and beyond that point the show would go into repeats. In any event, there will be no new episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" after Christmas, unless the strike is resolved quickly.
Source (http://televisionista.blogspot.com/2007/11/is-greys-anatomy-next-to-shut-down.html)

[Lamplight]

I'm sorry if I'm one of the people who don't agree with the strike. It might seem like they're getting ripped off, but they are still making so much more than the average person. And yeah, I have thought that I would like to become a writer for a television series so I'm not going against writers. But the thing is, they should be writing because they love it. And I'm sure that a lot of them are, but none of them are broke. It's not like they won't survive if they don't get this. In fact, they'll still be making more money than most. When you see authors, they don't make as much money but they still keep writing. I do think that they're being selfish. That's just my personal opinion.

Maybe I'm just bitter that my shows are getting canceled, but I honestly think that the public has a right to be. Also, last time the writers went on strike they lost around 500 million dollars. It seems like a waste. And so now they might be getting more, but they were still living comfortably. It's just annoying.

[Blondie]

I think they're basing a lot of what they're doing on ethics. So many people get screwed over in Hollywood that you'd have to be a sucker to NOT stand up for your rights and say, hey..I want my share too. I swear that a lot of celebs would be doing the same thing, especially when they threaten to walk off of shows and the networks cave in, paying them more money. Why not writers too? Aren't they just as important? Probably even more because hey, the characters wouldn't be the same if they weren't any writers, someone out there had to create the characters you love so much.

[Psycho Killer]

I'm sorry if I'm one of the people who don't agree with the strike. It might seem like they're getting ripped off, but they are still making so much more than the average person. And yeah, I have thought that I would like to become a writer for a television series so I'm not going against writers. But the thing is, they should be writing because they love it. And I'm sure that a lot of them are, but none of them are broke. It's not like they won't survive if they don't get this. In fact, they'll still be making more money than most. When you see authors, they don't make as much money but they still keep writing. I do think that they're being selfish. That's just my personal opinion.

Maybe I'm just bitter that my shows are getting canceled, but I honestly think that the public has a right to be. Also, last time the writers went on strike they lost around 500 million dollars. It seems like a waste. And so now they might be getting more, but they were still living comfortably. It's just annoying.

I feel the same as you, like exactly as you do. I personally love to write, and I'd prefer my stuff be liked than to get paid a lot, at least that is my opinion. And it's so true that they probably do get paid more than the average person, and yeah it's expensive in California, but if Teachers can afford to live in California, then I think writers to shows like Heroes can too.

[Rockferry]

When actors threaten to walk off set, they usually go find someone who will pay them more like the average person. But then again actors do get paid a lot more then most people. I think Julia Roberts makes 20 million a movie. Oye. I don't know how writers are paid, but it should be according to their skill level and what the producers are able to pay. Heroes can afford to pay more, because the have decent ratings and a huge fan base as oppose to a less popular show with a much smaller budget. I'm not gonna take sides, because everyone gets hurt in this. The writers won't get paid, because they are not working, the producers lose money, because the writers are striking and then the level of quality goes down and so do ratings which in turn makes a blow to the budget, the actors and crew's salaries go down, and the fans lose their show. It just seems such a shame that it's come to this. But I do agree that the writers should get more, but it seems like it's at the expense of everyone else.

[Remember the Stars]

LOS ANGELES – The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have issued the following statement today:

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.

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 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. The unions conduct numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the world on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers.
Source (http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/11/amptp-promises-to-come-back-to-table.html)

This doesn't necessarily mean that the strike will end, but the fact that talks will be resuming is a good sign.

[Blondie]

I think I like that..I'm sure that the studios are more than happy as well because it could mean the end of the strike. Also, the time is really well planned because the holidays will be around and they can possibly work on something, and the fans won't be punished as much.

[Remember the Stars]

Just an update for those who haven't been following the strike, it's over. However, that does not mean that all of the shows are going to be coming right back to TV this spring. Some of them will be starting up production again, and there are lists around the internet as to which shows will be starting production, but it'll take weeks to get going again, some sets were broken down, so they'll have to be rebuilt, and scripts will have to be written. Just something to keep an eye on.