tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post1140921913026129334..comments2023-08-28T01:47:52.421-07:00Comments on United Hollywood: Paul Haggis: The Reality of Reality and AnimationUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-83037497494241894742007-12-14T12:23:00.000-08:002007-12-14T12:23:00.000-08:00We just wanted to spread the support by letting ev...We just wanted to spread the support by letting everyone know about Very Perplexing Pictures Holiday Card - 'Twas The Strike Before Christmas! (visible on YouTube, LiveVideo or http://www.VeryPerplexingPictures.com) <BR/>Spread the love if you support it...Very Perplexing Pictureshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01236917899098092336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-3831149147938265062007-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:002007-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:00Watcher, one last response and I'll quietly go bac...Watcher, one last response and I'll quietly go back to reading.<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I really don't think these giant companies really care about scripted TV at this point, especially at Fox. They have so many different sources of revenue beside filmed entertainment. <BR/><BR/>They used to be "studios", now they are "media". Books, Magazines,Theme-parks, Merchandise, Cruise Lines, Cable Networks, Internet, etc. TV is just one small piece of the overall pie, and even then they'll still have plenty of reality, sports, news, magazine shows, talk shows, etc, to air in the meantime. <BR/><BR/>Will the ratings be as good, will they get as much for their commercial time? No they won't, eventually they will have to come back to the table and end this. It's just a matter of how long it takes to do just that. <BR/><BR/>The studios can't wait to do away with Pilot season and up-fronts anyway. And as one who has to deal with the chaos, it's probably a good thing to spread it out over the year or Summer months. <BR/><BR/>As far as selling ad time for the Fall. (assuming all these negotiations are completed even by then) the ad time will sell one way or another, it will just be handled differently. Everyone already knows today what shows are coming back, the only question mark will be the freshman series, if there are any assuming pilot season goes away.<BR/><BR/>NBC is going to be hurt the worst I guess, and apparently that is showing in recent comments by GE. <BR/><BR/>Ok Watcher, I am going to go back to reading. Thanks for the chat.<BR/><BR/>(And, Ben Oren, I apologize for putting my comments the way I did. However, my personal advice.........organizing your reality show NOW is the time like no other. I have no idea what WGA initiation and dues are, but I can guarantee it will be the best money you will ever spend).Post Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18151312559793357832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-77504987046645489322007-12-13T17:03:00.000-08:002007-12-13T17:03:00.000-08:00So the reality people should show the same "balls"...So the reality people should show the same "balls" all the writers did who sold scripts in the days leading up to the strike? <BR/><BR/>Calling the bunch of us "wimps" and kicking sand in our faces isn't going to get us in the fight -- perhaps coming up with a comprehensive plan of what reality writers/producers joining the guild would entail would be a nice thing. Perhaps promising no initiation dues to have us join up... What is the plan other than taking it to the streets?BenOrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17127219882983211788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-68709495947208311502007-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:002007-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:00Post Guy -- I don't know if you're still reading, ...Post Guy -- I don't know if you're still reading, as this post moves further down in the pile, but I wanted to say, re: timing, you make a very logical point about stockpiling. What I should have focused on in my other comment, and didn't, was the timing for television. <BR/><BR/>Power would be cut in half if television weren't a part of this. And a strike in June, with everyone out together, would leave the studios with nothing but reruns over the summer.<BR/><BR/>Which is pretty much the way it is now. A strike on hiatus means they won't feel the pain till hiatus is over.<BR/><BR/>And a strike now means pilot season also gets knocked out of the water, unless they settle -- which means that when the studios go to the upfronts, they have nothing to sell for the fall season.Watcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16772050522705439940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-72210319485917198292007-12-13T12:19:00.000-08:002007-12-13T12:19:00.000-08:00Watcher, Thank you for the response. I'd like to m...Watcher, <BR/><BR/>Thank you for the response. I'd like to make a few points, and then I'll shut up. <BR/><BR/>1.) "We're in the strike, and it's now" <BR/><BR/>Yes, this is of course true. As mentioned in the trades, there is nothing to prevent the WGA from going back to work........... temporarily.......... and holding off the strike until more support is with you in SAG. Before long, the studios are going to write this season off, and all that time is wasted between now and June with really no additional pressure for them to settle knowing SAG is next. The studios want to get rid of the "up-fronts" and pilot season anyway, we're helping them. <BR/><BR/>Logic (to my crazy head anyway) will end the strike quicker in concert with Sag does it not? Power in numbers. To me, this makes for a minimum 6 month longer strike (unless some miracle occurs) with no upside other than your members and my members out of work until powerful assistance arrives. <BR/><BR/>Yes, that will trigger............<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>2.) Stockpiling of scripts. Sure, go ahead. Make all the money you can gang, sell those scripts. Who is going to act in those stockpiled scripts exactly? It shuts down features, it shuts down television, it's over. There are no new features going into production (substantial features) at this point anyway. <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>3.) Yes, of course you keep Reality and Animation, and not as a requirement to return to the table, agreed. <BR/><BR/>Reality? Well I see reality as similar to the "variety" shows of the 60's and 70's. (god knows American Idol can't be a "singing in key" competition, so it must be a variety show..........lol) And I have no idea on the history here, whether those were WGA writers or not during those years, I'm assuming so. I'm not sure how reality is any different than anything else written for live television. (like the Sag awards that were granted the waiver) They should all be WGA. But the reality writers are going to need to show some balls (figuratively please) and join you. They have a real stake and power at this point, but have been suspiciously quiet. <BR/><BR/>Animation? Still waiting for anyone's explanation on why it today falls under the IA, and how exactly this is a negotiable point at this particular point? (I didn't even know Animation writers were part of IA, and I've been in the union for 29 years!) Believe me, I am no friend of AMPTP, but I'm not sure how can they give you something they don't have. <BR/><BR/>The Lion King is a decade plus old. Idol, what is this, Season 5? <BR/><BR/>My only point is, are either of these "what is important" at this particular point in time? <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>4.) And finally, yes, I am appealing to both sides in this. A very long letter is headed to AMPTP over the weekend. Leaving the table is absolute, off the chart, BULLSHIT, especially now with the holidays upon us, they should be in negotiations TODAY. <BR/><BR/>My family thanks you for the nice Christmas AMPTP, have a good time on those vacations guys, break a leg!<BR/><BR/>I know they don't give a f*ck, but I'll feel better.Post Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18151312559793357832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-30893034191288559762007-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:002007-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00I believe David Young putting the word "fringe" in...I believe David Young putting the word "fringe" in quotes was a good indication that although New Media and DVD were the driving force of this strike, the other 6 demands AMPTP is insisting would be dropped are not negligible issues that should be thrown away just so people can sit down and negotiate. The thing that makes me believe AMPTP walk out was staged and their shock that animation and reality would even be mentioned is a ploy is the fact that if reality and animations are merely bargaining chips to be played to get a better deal on Internet, then there's no reason to walk away in a huff if your goal is to negotiate. <BR/><BR/>But, the AMPTP goal isn't to negotiate. Their goal is to dominate. Their goal is to get WGA to give up everything and get nothing in return. And not just this negotiation but every future negotiation. Part of their plan of dominating writers is to keep the WGA base strictly confined. Reality and animation become a tool to threaten writers with in the advent of future negotiations. Do you really want to hand those tools away without getting anything in return except a face at the table? <BR/><BR/>Statements like, "if reality and animation are horses to be traded then - wink wink - keep them on the table. But if Paul and Patric really think the membership will go to the wall for reality and animation, then they will have created the wedge issue they are warning about," are self defeating.<BR/><BR/> It's not in the WGA membership's best interest to take this stance. AMPTP sees that the membership doesn't care about reality and animation and they know soon enough the leadership will have to trade it away just to get talks going again because the membership will demand it. That's why a united front on reality and animation is so important, to increase your own bargaining power.Carrie Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17541011952386351550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-40926149359771860342007-12-13T08:56:00.000-08:002007-12-13T08:56:00.000-08:00Hotline,And you have just made my point. I share ...Hotline,<BR/><BR/>And you have just made my point. I share an opinion and I'm either a "selfish idiot" or a "plant."<BR/><BR/>I assure you, I am neither of those things. Did I read all the issues before voting to authorize a strike? Of course I did. Did I believe all were weighted equally? That we would go all-or-nothing in negotiations? Of course not. And neither did any other writer I've been striking with -- or David Young, to judge from his recent post, which distinguishes between "bottom line goals and 'fringe' goals."<BR/><BR/>So I'm not sure what your point is. And I don't much care. But if you're so worried about us being divided, perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to attack someone you don't know or understand.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09580590487388425253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-80555062350837178752007-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:002007-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00rudell -You are why I can't read these posts anymo...rudell -<BR/><BR/>You are why I can't read these posts anymore. Because what you just wrote makes me think my union has a tiny posse of selfish idiots or you are a plant from the other side. <BR/><BR/>If you are indeed a member of the union, and you voted for this strike, you should have read what all the issues were beforehand and carefully thought out your decision. <BR/><BR/>To now say I only want to fight for the things that affect me, or to be surprised by the issues being fought for, makes me again think - remarkably selfish or stupid or both or... a tool from the other side making us seem divided.hotlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11785641606931294466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-50971244756175297562007-12-13T07:26:00.000-08:002007-12-13T07:26:00.000-08:00Skyfleur: that online drama is being planned in th...Skyfleur: that online drama is being planned in the US by a European based company, and the report you're linking to is on a UK website. Once internet content really takes off, all bets are off.<BR/><BR/>Michael: so they'd have to pay a percentage of income they'd never see a penny of? That certainly seems plausible, and it would explain why they're rejecting distributor's gross out of hand.<BR/><BR/>Geo Rule: I think the AMPTP had the impression that the animation and reality television parts of the WGA proposals were bargaining chips. Certainly, a lot of the bloggers at the time gave that impression.<BR/><BR/>After certain statements by the WGA made it clear to them that this wasn't the case and they were going to insist on it, the AMPTP walked. (There's probably more to it than that - it may just be a convenient excuse.)makomkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00266600558871564196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-2266823839093459212007-12-13T01:52:00.000-08:002007-12-13T01:52:00.000-08:00Rudell, I hear what you're saying and maybe you're...Rudell, I hear what you're saying and maybe you're right. But at the same time, if you're right, then the AMPTP's tactics directing all attention to reality and animation while these two issues have always been on the table is working.<BR/><BR/>The consensus is the AMPTP is trying to divide the union using these two issues.<BR/>It's a concern that writers like you don't want to fight for reality writers and animation writers. It's a concern because it also means that the AMPTP is winning and knows its opponent i.e. writers think of themselves and they are fighting to get more money. DO you think this is the message you want out there ? I wouldn't if I were in the union. We know writers are loners, they think of themselves first, don't really work well in teams (except for TV apparently) and to have them so unified is a sight to be seen. And it is also important to have the message out that the union is not only fighting for a fair share but also fighting for people who deserve the protection the WGA membership gives you. As a union, the most important thing is to protect as many people as possible. It might be that reality and animation are bargaining chips, I'm not sure how this could play out since the AMPTP isn't offering anything in exchange, so why would anyone consider them bargaining chips is beyond my understanding. The AMPTP's attitude makes them more roadblocks than bargaining chips. Because the AMPTP behaves like a bully, not wanting to exchange anything if the union drops them, I consider that this should tell you something, they're worth fighting for. Maybe not for you because your main goal is get a fair share but the thing is your entire contract is being renegotiated. I would even think they should revise the language for promotional use to exclude the inclusion of any adverts in promotional items, that would cut the streaming problem.<BR/><BR/>So if every clause of your contract is being renegotiated, then logically, some clauses can be added or removed, or re-worded. Remember the AMPTP has not been willing to negotiate until the WGA took off the proposal about a better formula for DVD and remember the AMPTP didn't give anything in exchange when the WGA drop it.<BR/><BR/>So I understand what you're saying and I tend to agree to a certain point but at the same time a union must fight for itself but also for the people who deserve to be in the union. And since the WGA is on strike and since it's the first real crisis since '88, there is no better time to renegotiate everything.Skyfleurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01085715514550825534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-35490059293798234922007-12-13T00:14:00.000-08:002007-12-13T00:14:00.000-08:00I'm getting tired of the vibe that, if one dares t...I'm getting tired of the vibe that, if one dares to question the strategy of this strike, one is a spineless tool of the AMPTP. <BR/><BR/>I have a great deal of respect for the way our leadership mobilized the Guild, but let's not rewrite history. Covering reality and animation writers may have been a plank in the platform, but the issue that catalyzed and united us was the internet - establishing rights, rates and protections for new media. That's what got tv and feature writers on the same page and out on the street. I don't remember anyone standing up in the Writers' Guild theater saying this was our last shot to cover reality and animation writers.<BR/><BR/>Paul Haggis says," They want us to take all of our issues off the table except the big one. And then we’ll have no room to horse-trade in any direction." Fine: if reality and animation are horses to be traded then - wink wink - keep them on the table. But if Paul and Patric really think the membership will go to the wall for reality and animation, then they will have created the wedge issue they are warning about. And they would do better to remove them now - and remove the AMPTP's cover for not engaging in meaningful talks about new media.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09580590487388425253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-14190029272414805982007-12-12T23:05:00.000-08:002007-12-12T23:05:00.000-08:00Watcher, you make many good points, but we have to...Watcher, you make many good points, but we have to stop thinking of animation and reality TV as bargaining chips <B>altogether.</B> <I>("If the writers gave up those bargaining chips, and the AMPTP came back ... where would that leave the negotiators?")</I><BR/><BR/>Our bargaining chip is our <B>work,</B> not our demands.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18076548625063916153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-61059071221053298092007-12-12T21:32:00.000-08:002007-12-12T21:32:00.000-08:00In response to Mike, ww and the rest... I can onl...In response to Mike, ww and the rest... I can only say --- right on. <BR/><BR/>A walkout is exactly what reality needs right now... starting at a set time on a set date, and soon.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05299039236145231971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-42346679394799023962007-12-12T21:11:00.000-08:002007-12-12T21:11:00.000-08:00Post Guy, I respect what you're saying. Two thing...Post Guy, I respect what you're saying. Two things, though: First, realistically speaking, we're in the strike, and it's now. We could argue whether June would be better -- and many people did -- but many other people pointed how much more product the studios would have stockpiled by then. Which would only make the strike longer, which means more people would lose their houses, etc. This way, we're smack in the middle of the TV season -- all they've got for most shows are about two episodes left to run, and they're hoarding them like gold. And with the writers out, the actors have less and less to do as the scripts run out. Nearly every show I know is shut down, and a lot of movies they *thought* had production-ready scripts, didn't. Or as one writer said back when all this was being argued, "The writers go out, what do the actors have to act?"<BR/><BR/>Yes, it would be nice in solidarity if we were all on strike at the same time, but this is about money. That's the only thing that will shorten the ordeal. <BR/><BR/>Now, not everyone may agree with this strategy, but -- here we are. The strike's already happening, can't take it back. (And I for one am not convinced it *wasn't* the most effective time to act, but at this point, it's hypothetical.)<BR/><BR/>The more timely point you make is, "Pick your battles." I gather you're saying, "Ditch reality and animation this year." I would ask you, "In return for what?" Again, I could argue that there are good reasons for fighting for both sets of writers *this* year. But, hypothetically, suppose everything you say about that is true.<BR/><BR/>The strategy of the AMPTP, in those years of "bad deals" you mention, has been to wait, wait, give the other side nothing, and let them negotiate against themselves, removing the things they're asking for, till they're left with very little.<BR/><BR/>And what is the AMPTP prepared to give now? Suppose Nick Counter drops by here and says, "Why yes, we'd be glad to give writers a reasonable percentage of internet revenue! Here, look at these figures!" -- and the figures really were reasonable -- "And all we ask is that you drop reality and animation." That might be a time to have the debate you suggest: does it make more sense to fight those battles later?<BR/><BR/>But note what happened. The AMPTP did not offer anything. They simply left the table. They're using those same "negotiate against yourself" tactics that brought us to where we are. If the writers gave up those bargaining chips, and the AMPTP came back (which they won't, because there's an entirely different point they also want given up, and the writers can't afford to) -- where would that leave the negotiators? With nothing left to negotiate, except to say, "We'd really like a decent percent of New Media. We'd drop some of our other demands for it, but, uh, we seem to have dropped them already. Sorry. We'll go home now, having failed and gone through all this suffering, with the rest of the town, for nothing."<BR/><BR/>I personally think reality and animation writers deserve our support now. But even if I didn't -- surrendering everything just to get the AMPTP to grace us with their presence at the table seems like a bad move.Watcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16772050522705439940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-20915258133617720312007-12-12T20:32:00.000-08:002007-12-12T20:32:00.000-08:00Hollarback wrote:Post guy, I hear you. But they ha...Hollarback wrote:<BR/>Post guy, I hear you. But they have chosen their battles. Even if you don't agree with what they have chosen, it's their choice. I don't think spreading the misery out over several years would make one bit of difference. The battle is here,now.<BR/><BR/>What kind of sense is that???<BR/><BR/>POST GUY, thank you for your level headed reasoning. It's clear you've been in this wacky business for a long time, and have seen many battles played out. I think the WGA or any other union can use your clear headed and mindful approach to issues.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11250830419879607974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-24260653817243800952007-12-12T20:07:00.000-08:002007-12-12T20:07:00.000-08:00Post guy, I hear you. But they have chosen their b...Post guy, I hear you. But they have chosen their battles. Even if you don't agree with what they have chosen, it's their choice. I don't think spreading the misery out over several years would make one bit of difference. The battle is here,now.<BR/><BR/>I am truly sorry that crew BTL have been hurt, as I think everyone is, but every single strike inflicts damage. <BR/><BR/>This strike could have been avoided. One party at the table doesn't make for a negotiation.<BR/><BR/>And I blieve that respect is a by product, not the main goal. This is not pay back, it's "paid", period.hollarbackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00759689530670606301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-79077906903380874622007-12-12T19:42:00.000-08:002007-12-12T19:42:00.000-08:00If six of the top ten series are non-scripted, the...If six of the top ten series are non-scripted, then reality writers have never been more powerful - and what are they doing with their newfound power? Nothing. <BR/><BR/>Instead of "clawing at the door" to get out of their "crummy, oppressive sweatshops" why don't they demand WGA representation or walk off the job? <BR/><BR/>That's what we had to do with primetime animation. We couldn't have been more in breach of our contracts because it wasn't a negotiation year for the WGA. We were unhappy with the way we were being treated and we did something about it. We put our jobs on the line. If only one of the animated shows had made this threat, we probably would have lost, but cliche as it sounds, there's strength in numbers. Their choice was to replace all their animation writers in the middle of production season or give us the WGA coverage we deserved. Fortunately, we won.<BR/><BR/>I cannot guarantee you victory, but there's always a risk that comes with standing up for your beliefs. If I'm not mistaken, Hollywood has made one or two movies on this theme.<BR/><BR/>You can walk the line with the writers or go dancing with the stars. It's your choice. <BR/><BR/>Mike ScullyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07070175354369637469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-80884674801903524472007-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:002007-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:00Post Guy -Well said, sir.Post Guy -<BR/><BR/>Well said, sir.BTL Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338713998425569641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-37373221978319526902007-12-12T19:11:00.000-08:002007-12-12T19:11:00.000-08:00Reality story producer here, three years into the ...Reality story producer here, three years into the organizing effort and virtually crap-upon-proof after being told year after year that my host copy, VO, "desired reponse" interview situation, compression of time, full on synopsis writing, internet promo work et al do not qualify me as a writer and further, I am to be loathed.<BR/><BR/>I work with a great many WGA members who have hopped the fence to reality over the years as traditionally scripted shows have dwindled in number, and watched many lose their benefits as a result. This alone should be reason enough for members to fight for reality's inclusion, regardless of how you feel about the hordes of non-members having at it in the oppressive, crummy sweatshops of reality television who've been clawing at the door for three years.<BR/><BR/>The AMPTP painting this as a "Top-Down Organizing Proposal" was born out of reality folks coming to the WGA asking for help in the first place.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05299039236145231971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-27131486014729818212007-12-12T18:59:00.000-08:002007-12-12T18:59:00.000-08:00Mr. Haggis, This Post person is in awe and respect...Mr. Haggis,<BR/> <BR/>This Post person is in awe and respect of your talents as a Writer, Director, and Producer. I worked very hard to be a part of The Black Donnelly's, ultimately I didn't end up working with you. Deep characters, interesting stories, everything that is "right" about good television and the WGA. The right show on the right network, I guess at the wrong time sadly. Yourself and WGA writers have my respect and admiration along with any IA members I know. <BR/><BR/>I walked last Sunday in the BTL march down Hollywood Blvd. I walked because it's the only thing I can do. In fact, the producer of the series I work on stated "what did you do that for, do you think anyone really gives a f*ck about your march?". This statement was in jest, but it's pretty much true. The middle class is looked down upon, and I agree with what Mr. Young stands for. Many signs at the rally said...... "We love our writers", and that is true. Respect is what you make of it, you have our respect.<BR/><BR/>As a post person caught in the middle I want to respond a bit, ask some questions, and put some "food for thought" on the table since this site is kind enough to allow it.<BR/><BR/>1.) 1988.........Yes, I lived through that too. I was already 10 years into the business when the strike of 1988 hit. 22 weeks ending up in a deal that everyone points to as "getting screwed" after all that pain. I've asked this question a number of times, but no one has responded.........."What went on the last two decades since?" It seems this is about making up for 20 years of mistakes. 20 years of negotiations, 20 years of bad contracts, and 20 years of pointing back to 1988 as where it all went wrong. So, who's really to blame? And I'm not going to sit here defending AMPTP and it's recent strong armed actions by any means, but it's hard for me to blame them for 20 years of deals that were voted on and accepted. <BR/><BR/>Today we are going to make up for all that in one ugly strike that has already has brought the BTL to their knees, and maybe in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, will finally get the moguls attention. Striking for "respect" of the moguls is meaningless anyway. Even if they gave you each and every demand, do you really think you now have AMPTP's respect? Again, respect is what you make of it. We love our writers, always have, you have respect here.<BR/><BR/><BR/>2.) Union Busting/Lockout. If this IA member truly thought this was about union busting, I'm ready to walk off the job today and join you, and I think I can speak for the majority of the IA workers on this. Go back to "old school" tactics that worked in the 40's and 50's, I'm here, I'm ready. <BR/><BR/>If the WGA went in and asked for a new 3 year contract with the same provisions as the previous 3 year contract and AMPTP said No,..........that is union busting. Rollbacks,....... that is union busting. Lockouts.........that is union busting. In my opinion, going in asking for items striving to make up for 20 years of errors, doesn't qualify as union busting. <BR/><BR/><BR/>3.) Animation. Is this really a priority today? As far as the traditional animation goes, I agree it should one day be WGA, but while it is covered under the IA, the point is moot.<BR/><BR/>Motion capture: Beowulf, WGA writers. Polar Express, WGA writers. Bob Z, Steve Starkey, hard for me to believe they would use anyone other than WGA. Bob Z and Steve are at the top of their game, why would they go elsewhere? Will this be an issue in 3 years when new players enter that market? Who knows, maybe. Let's revisit it then.<BR/><BR/><BR/>4.) Reality. This strike happening when it is will do nothing but help reality television once again. If I am understanding the sentiment, much of it is focused at Fox. Well guess what show we are helping in the ratings this season unchallenged when we have zero quality scripted shows against it? Fox's American Idol. Just when it's ratings were starting to flatten out, we are going to help it. Should reality writers be WGA. Yes, probably, it's up to them. Anyone who's pen to paper? Ok, I'm all for that, but where does it end? Newspapers, Websites, Books, Magazines......where? And what are we willing to give up to get that, and for how long? <BR/><BR/>5.) Strike now, or Power in Numbers? Personally I am all for an Alliance of the WGA, DGA, SAG, Teamsters, IA, AFL/CIO, etc. AMPTP apparently can violate federal law, why not us. The "reality" is you will have an alliance next June. In June, the networks, already in re-runs, will have nothing to air in the Fall. Those "up-fronts" everybody is going on about? The up fronts are meaningless without the shows to air. They'll be writing checks back to advertisers. I continue to question the timing of this, especially around the Holidays. Yes, no one was expecting it, but to what real gain? <BR/><BR/>In conclusion, I am asking those in the WGA to "pick your battles". Pick the battles that you can win without everyone suffering. Come back in just 2 short years (start early) and go for your next goal, and then your next one. I'm asking for long term 10-20 year thinking. I guarantee you the studios are planning for the future far beyond 20 years. If this walkout goes for 1 or 2 years, what will truly be gained that couldn't have been gained by getting some of this now, and more at each successive negotiation?<BR/><BR/>I hear Mr. Young loud and clear concerning what is happening in America today, (the losses of the middle class) and agree completely.<BR/><BR/>Here's a recent example. Hershey's (the great "american" chocolate bar) is closing plants in PA., laying off (firing) 900 workers, and moving production operations to Mexico as I understand it. Thanks to our "friends" in Congress for NAFTA! More middle class jobs go away.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Haggis, you are a "leftie", as am I. Those who are liberal, care as much or more about others, than themselves. <BR/><BR/>In this "it's all about ME, ME, ME" and "I got mine generation", it is up to those of the Left to do what is best not only for your Guild, but for others. That is our strength, that is the difference. <BR/><BR/>I want you guys to get all the demands you ask for, I want Mr. Young to realize his dream of truly helping the middle class, but please realize the damage that is being created to the people who's families depend on us, as we truly are..............the middle class.Post Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18151312559793357832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-18870100831054695462007-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:002007-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00Hey, Reality writers. There are very few constant...Hey, Reality writers. There are very few constants in this strike, but here's one of them. If you guys don't organize now, you never will. This is the ideal opportunity for your power to be heard and seen. If you don't take a chance now and join the fight, then you have yourselves to blame for your long hours, no overtime, no health care, etc. <BR/><BR/>By the way, joining the guild won't get rid of the long hours and no overtime. Just wanted to be upfront. We're writers, not bankers.wwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05697597188361982257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-83625813814251959902007-12-12T17:59:00.000-08:002007-12-12T17:59:00.000-08:00It's actually five dramas, four reality shows, and...It's actually five dramas, four reality shows, and football. They like to count multiple episodes of American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. If they ran CSI twice a week it would bump something else out too.<BR/><BR/>That being said, they are making a lot of money on reality shows, because they provide health insurance or overtime pay for the people that make them.MrKlaatuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840879266965112499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-21699891735134952992007-12-12T17:31:00.000-08:002007-12-12T17:31:00.000-08:00On the AMPTP home page they have a fun fact that s...On the AMPTP home page they have a fun fact that says "Did you know 6 out of the top 10 series were non-scripted" (i.e. REALITY)! <BR/><BR/>With facts like that they will do everything and anything in their power not to let reality into the guild because next time this happens they would be SCREWED. Plain and Simple.Zach Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16483747314317640146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-20686172394906590422007-12-12T17:24:00.000-08:002007-12-12T17:24:00.000-08:00Not a troll, Paul Haggis has been on the picket li...Not a troll, Paul Haggis has been on the picket lines, sometimes pulling several shifts at several locations in a day. He is doing his part and then some. So the man met a deadline, so what? You are going to have to try harder to stir something up and earn those pennies for this lame slander and faux outrage. You think petty jealousy is going to weaken the writers resolve? Really? That's your plan? <BR/><BR/>The man worked his way up and deserves any success he has. Nice try. Back under the bridge with you.hollarbackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00759689530670606301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-57837455435794560612007-12-12T17:13:00.000-08:002007-12-12T17:13:00.000-08:00Geo rule, you are dead on. The WGA appears to have...Geo rule, you are dead on. The WGA appears to have gone to a great deal of trouble to be reasonable and has been very up front about everything. It's all out there for the world to see. The AMPTP, new PR firm and their message not withstanding, ...well not so much with the truthfulness.As much as they hit these "new" wedge issues in the upcoming weeks in the media, the truth is the truth. And the fans and public know who is telling the truth.<BR/><BR/>I am totally picturing a Casablanca homage here...."I am shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!"hollarbackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00759689530670606301noreply@blogger.com