tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post4803805458572357447..comments2023-08-28T01:47:52.421-07:00Comments on United Hollywood: Why we shouldn't listen to the AMPTP right nowUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-24895216722934657602008-01-07T10:46:00.000-08:002008-01-07T10:46:00.000-08:00I am not a WGA member, nor in the film industry, b...I am not a WGA member, nor in the film industry, but as a freelance writer I am having a tough time figuring out why the striking writers would give up DVD residuals. With 'appointment television' nearly extinct, DVR and DVD are not the waves of the future but rather those of today. <A HREF="http://www.theissue.com" REL="nofollow">The Issue</A> has a feature on the strike, and one of the article's we culled from is Pamela Ribon's <A HREF="http://theissue.com/inreader.php?inreaderpage=issueinreader&page=www.pamie.com%2Farchives%2F2007%2F11%2Fwhy-im-on-strik.html&storyid=8201" REL="nofollow">"Why I'm On Strike."</A> It is an interesting piece, and raises a few questions; Will writers be able to exist if they don't get a percentage of DVD/Internet residuals? <BR/>Personally I couldn't tell you the last time I watched a show on television. With that said, I regularly buy seasons of shows on DVD, as well as download of iTunes. Ten years from now no one will sit in front of the boob tube waiting for their favorite program to air. <BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/><BR/>Mike<BR/><A HREF="http://www.theissue.com" REL="nofollow">The Issue</A>McGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08187798938516593864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-60459983488391305502008-01-07T09:45:00.000-08:002008-01-07T09:45:00.000-08:00B-If your question hasn't been answered, then let ...B-<BR/><BR/>If your question hasn't been answered, then let me: the answer is "yes". As reported in the NY Times today, the UA deal would essentially provide content for MGM, as would the Weinstein deal, and any deal with a separate indie production entity, like Senator, et al. <BR/><BR/>I think the "touchdown dance" that an anonymous writer was quoted as doing in the article is a bit premature, since UA makes only 6 films a year, and essentially will be allowed to go back to work on those films, one of which is UA head Cruise's own "Valkryie". A lot of these deals were made in 1988, and that did nothing to shorten that strike or get a better deal.<BR/><BR/>Still, a separate deal with Lionsgate, if it happens, might be something to keep one's eye on.Bartlebyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742794185771596087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-90479171821378634222008-01-07T08:05:00.000-08:002008-01-07T08:05:00.000-08:00Havent the shows already been aired by the time th...Havent the shows already been aired by the time they hit the internet? And cant you negotiated above scale anytime? I guess i still dont understand..film08https://www.blogger.com/profile/12572421366983982275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-28065487389779052022008-01-07T04:58:00.000-08:002008-01-07T04:58:00.000-08:00Another one bites the dust. I lifted this from Re...Another one bites the dust. I lifted this from Reuters.<BR/><BR/>LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher" will return with new episodes Friday without both writers and two of its most popular features, Maher's opening monologue and the closing segment "New Rules."<BR/><BR/>The round-table discussion with celebrity guests will stay as the producers of the live political talk show are tweaking the rest of the format because of the Hollywood writers strike, which is now in its third month with no end in sight.<BR/><BR/>The most recent season of "Real Time" was cut short by the walkout. The November 9 season finale was canceled and replaced by a rerun.<BR/><BR/>Monologues performed by talk show hosts who are Writers Guild of America members are at the center of a controversy, sparked by "The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's decision to write openings for his show, which returned last week without writers.<BR/><BR/>The WGA has been adamant that, under its strike rules, such hosts cannot perform any "writing services" for their shows, including penning their own monologues. Meanwhile, NBC has claimed that the hosts are exempt and are within their legal right to write monologues according to WGA's 2004 collective bargaining agreement.<BR/><BR/>"Real Time" is one of three political comedy shows that are returning this week without writers, along with Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report."<BR/><BR/>Reuters/Hollywood ReporterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-61558789895935307272008-01-07T03:33:00.000-08:002008-01-07T03:33:00.000-08:00Jerad, thanks for clearing that up for me. I knew ...Jerad, thanks for clearing that up for me. I knew there had to be an explanation, just had to ask the right people. Thanks again and hang in there guys!bobalouiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13826708411854460263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-16369863099136025642008-01-07T00:21:00.000-08:002008-01-07T00:21:00.000-08:00RJ, we're not asking to share profits, but for a p...RJ, we're not asking to share profits, but for a percentage of revenues derived from our work. <BR/><BR/>That way there's no misunderstanding over what constitutes "profit."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02812294259661057955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-60244977342096370832008-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:002008-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00bobalouie-The company producing the film critics' ...bobalouie-<BR/><BR/>The company producing the film critics' awards is not a union shop, meaning they are not a struck company. They do not now nor have they ever used WGA labor. While I'm sure that the WGA would like to represent the writers for that show as it stands it is not affiliated with either the AMPTP or the WGA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-8153753771334846552008-01-06T19:37:00.000-08:002008-01-06T19:37:00.000-08:00TY, smoothlatinkid - it sure is a pleasure to post...TY, smoothlatinkid - it sure is a pleasure to post comments and ask questions on a site where there is civility and knowledge.<BR/><BR/>Thanks to all of you who helped me understand the issues.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873028234277761048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-13270129865902851892008-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:002008-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00As an outsider (casual TV fan), I just thought I w...As an outsider (casual TV fan), I just thought I would pass along a few comments / thoughts:<BR/>1) The strike is now old news and many people have adjusted and are now doing something else.<BR/>2) If the globe does not go, we will watch football.<BR/>3) I do agree that profits should be shared...but so should the losses. Would everyone sign up for that? That is how most of the real world works.<BR/><BR/>Got to go...there is a good rerun onRJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15599061583339035337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-27125115471970132172008-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:002008-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:00b said:I agree but if a company does both, how do ...b said:<BR/><BR/><I>I agree but if a company does both, how do you separate the two and if a company is distributing a film made by a smaller company that signed a side deal (even if that signing shows that the WGA terms are reasonable) doesn't it work to the good of the producer/distributor companies?<BR/><BR/>Thank you for addressing my ?. </I><BR/><BR/>Well, the reality is there appears to be some disagreement amongst WGA supporters of good will on that question. <BR/><BR/>My personal opinion is the die was cast on that question when the WGA decided to negotiate separately with individual companies rather than the AMPTP as a whole. I think some other Guild supporters have not come around to that opinion as of yet. I still have hopes. :)Geo Rulehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17854351487508000198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-64502170888092495522008-01-06T17:56:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:56:00.000-08:00B, UA (and possibly The Weinstein Company and Lion...B, <BR/><BR/>UA (and possibly The Weinstein Company and Lionsgate) have cut a deal, agreeing to a CONTRACT with WGA (I agree with the earlier poster that said we need to make clear the difference between waiver and contract.) <BR/><BR/>Even if the larger companies of the AMPTP distribute, the compensation due the writers is what is at issue--and the producing companies that have struck a deal with the guild are doing so at terms that the AMPTP could've had sewn up long ago.<BR/><BR/>I don't pretend to know the dollars and sense of the deal UA or the Weinsteins have with their distributors, but dollars to donuts says what the larger companies get as a distribution fee will not compare to what they get if they are generating the content IN HOUSE (there are ownership issues, etc., they don't get to touch based on how and where the content is originated.)<BR/><BR/>So any monetary benefit it gives to the larger companies is negligible in the face of what the union and the community GETS here. <BR/><BR/>The win on this is three-fold: PERCEPTION; it shows that the deal the guild is asking for is do-able and fair (much to the consternation of AMPTP), MOMENTUM; Because UA can accept new material NOW, they can keep moving. Their competitors---Lionsgate, the Weinsteins--do not want to be denied the opportunity to move forward with THEIR projects, and since one company has already stepped out to do a deal, it makes it more acceptable for others to do so. First WWP, then UA...little by little, cooler heads prevail.<BR/><BR/>And lastly, it gives some writers the opportunity to start working again. Hope this answers your questions. <BR/><BR/>Dennis Wilson, <BR/><BR/>I hate that DVDs are off the table. Which is why I see us holding out much longer now--the companies sucker-punched us. I'd LOVE to put that back on the table, personally. But in the interest of give-and-take, I don't see the leadership doing so. <BR/><BR/>Once something is off the table, it seems to stay that way, in the interest of moving things forward. <BR/><BR/>Since no one is talking now, and things are so raw, I don't see our side as being willing to put something new and inflammatory back on the table and possibly keep people out of work longer (and NO, reality and animation were NOT new demands to anyone lost on that fact.) <BR/><BR/>So yeah, I wish we could get that back, but that's one I'm afraid we're going to have to let go.smoothlatinkidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16398504985543865920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-527162875636837842008-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00Just a question because I do not understand. Being...Just a question because I do not understand. Being just a lowly film fan, not a writer, why is it OK to accept the Film Critics awards complete with no picket lines, A-list stars and Red Carpet nonsense, the works, from two struck companies, Viacom and Paramount but not OK to accept the Golden Globes. You are still making money for the companies involved and it seems to me coming across as weak. If it is wrong in one place it is wrong everywhere, right?bobalouiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13826708411854460263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-30292557105242287652008-01-06T17:46:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:46:00.000-08:00geo rule - I agree but if a company does both, how...geo rule - <BR/><BR/>I agree but if a company does both, how do you separate the two and if a company is distributing a film made by a smaller company that signed a side deal (even if that signing shows that the WGA terms are reasonable) doesn't it work to the good of the producer/distributor companies?<BR/><BR/>Thank you for addressing my ?.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873028234277761048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-15852428687309596662008-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00Hollarback - I really appreciate your response, ma...Hollarback - <BR/><BR/>I really appreciate your response, may I pick your brain one more time. <BR/><BR/>My concern is this, UA/Weinstein go back to work and are quite rightly held to the terms of their deals but they are producing product which will be released by MGM. Meanwhile, the big boys in the AMPTP hold out and eventually sign a deal unlike the one UA/Weinstein did. So in actuality all these deals with the smaller players that include favored nation clauses are just a way for the AMPTP to get movies going while still not settling the strike.<BR/><BR/>Or am I thinking about it too much?<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for helping me to understand.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873028234277761048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-37725179206746007232008-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:00B, those companies will have legally accepted the ...B, those companies will have legally accepted the exact same terms that the AMPTP says are unreasonable; what is to not get about that? It puts writers (and crew) back to work under agreeable terms, which is what the entire thing is about. Think about it, it's fairly straightforward.hollarbackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00759689530670606301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-48249384213258774672008-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:002008-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00B--Personally, I think we need to normalize terms ...B--<BR/><BR/>Personally, I think we need to normalize terms here.<BR/><BR/>I think this strike is really against "producers".<BR/><BR/>The thing is, vertical integration means many producers are also distributers. Therefore some people want to smack around someone wearing their "distributor" hat in order to punish them for their sins committed wearing their "producer" hat.<BR/><BR/>At least that's my read. Tho I wouldn't mind hearing others take the subject on. . .Geo Rulehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17854351487508000198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-27313932660255933882008-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:002008-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00Same question - when you let Weinstein make movies...Same question - when you let Weinstein make movies, aren't you just giving the big companies a way around the strike? The little companies sign and produce, the big companies release.<BR/><BR/>Am I wrong?<BR/><BR/>Someone correct me and I promise I will stop asking.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873028234277761048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-12334425791942565082008-01-06T16:14:00.000-08:002008-01-06T16:14:00.000-08:00Branching off something that Harold said...I have ...Branching off something that <B>Harold</B> said...<BR/><BR/>I have been and remain 100 percent supportive of and committed to this work stoppage, the need for it and its strategy and goals -- including seeking jurisdiction over animation and reality TV -- but it's still this member's opinion that keeping DVD residuals off the table is a mistake.<BR/><BR/>And I'm curious as to what percentage of the WGA membership feels as I do: that when talks do finally resume, DVD residuals should be back among our demands.<BR/><BR/>Much as I appreciate and value the input of BTL Guy and most of the other non-writer contributors here, I'm just asking the writers, now...<BR/><BR/>What's your personal feeling about the DVD question? And what are you hearing from your colleagues at your picket site?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02812294259661057955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-4483591370095532632008-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:002008-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:00And the number one sign of AMPTP tactics (via Leha...And the number one sign of AMPTP tactics (via Lehane PR): comparing the WGA, its leadership, and its strategy (or perceived lack of one) to the Bush Admistration/Iraq debacle as a talking point.<BR/><BR/>You're getting more transparent by the moment, kids. But thanks for playing!smoothlatinkidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16398504985543865920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-52470905074226883942008-01-06T14:30:00.000-08:002008-01-06T14:30:00.000-08:00More progress being made? This is part of an arti...More progress being made? This is part of an article I lifted from the New York Post.<BR/><BR/>January 6, 2008 -- The Weinstein Co. is in talks with the Writers Guild of America about a deal that would allow the movie studio to hire striking Hollywood scribes for its film projects, sources told The Post. <BR/><BR/>The studio is said to be waiting for Tom Cruise's United Artists to announce a similar interim pact with union leaders before it agrees to do the same.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-36245508049390653342008-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:002008-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00Even AMPTP's own site admits that "the six" had be...Even AMPTP's own site admits that "the six" had been on the table since July.<BR/><BR/>The December manuever by AMPTP has never been anything but a transparent attempt to get concessions without reciprocating.Geo Rulehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17854351487508000198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-40360436151963577682008-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:002008-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00I posed this ? on another thread but haven't rec'd...I posed this ? on another thread but haven't rec'd an answer and really do want to understand as I feel I am missing something (yes, write in any wisecrack you like).<BR/><BR/>Don't all these deals with production companies that release product through the majors ultimately just give the majors product to release? Like now, can't MGM just release the projects done through UA or do their contracts prohibit this?<BR/><BR/>Thanks.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873028234277761048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-43991171842580647962008-01-06T13:50:00.001-08:002008-01-06T13:50:00.001-08:00The longer that this strike lasts, the better the ...The longer that this strike lasts, the better the inked contract needs to be.<BR/><BR/>That's my opinion, but it's not realistic.<BR/><BR/>What annoys me is that there didn't appear to be any strategy involved with the negotiations. It's almost like the strategy was that the WGA strikes and then AMPTP capitulates.<BR/><BR/>Talk about something not being realistic.<BR/><BR/>When I write "strategy," I'm not even suggesting something magically intricate that results in AMPTP being on its knees in days. My concept of "strategy" is much simpler - e.g., prioritizing the proposals.<BR/><BR/>How many of the following things were considered before this strike?<BR/><BR/>1. Is one or more vital WGA membership interests threatened?<BR/>2. Are there clear objectives for the strike?<BR/>3. Have the risks and costs of the strike been fully and frankly analyzed?<BR/>4. Have all other non-strike means been fully exhausted?<BR/>5. Is there a plausible exit for the strike that signifies "victory" to avoid a seemingly endless strike?<BR/>6. Have the consequences of the strike ON OTHERS been fully considered?<BR/>7. Is the strike supported by the WGA membership?<BR/>8. Does the WGA have genuine broad support in other unions?<BR/><BR/>All these questions should have been answered BEFORE the strike.<BR/><BR/>Some clearly were. The WGA membership voted OVERWHELMINGLY for the strike (#7). New media alone is a vital WGA interest (#1).<BR/><BR/>But others clearly were NOT.<BR/><BR/>Was an increase in DVD residuals a clear objective of the strike (#2)? <A HREF="http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2540" REL="nofollow">Apparently NOT</A>.<BR/><BR/>It wouldn't have hurt if the WGA leadership had read a copy of Clausewitz's "On War."<BR/><BR/>Not to trivialize the tragedy of actual warfare, but Clausewitz's famous description of war was "the continuation of politics through other means."<BR/><BR/>In much the same way, a labor strike is the continuation of contract negotiation through other means.<BR/><BR/>But Clausewitz (not to mention EVERY OTHER strategist) also said to set goals and objectives and I'm not sure that is the case in this strike.<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.wga.org/contract_07/proposalsfull2.pdf" REL="nofollow">ALL of these proposals</A> do NOT have the SAME weight. In the beginning, this appeared to be a list of proposals ranked from top to bottom in priority. Ever since <A HREF="http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2540" REL="nofollow">this</A>, that chart looks more like an ordered list of what the WGA will give up.Haroldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16366457475764057418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-10874869515439589382008-01-06T13:01:00.000-08:002008-01-06T13:01:00.000-08:00The Guild Leadership is seeming like the Bush Admi...The Guild Leadership is seeming like the Bush Administration to me now. The Bushies had all the support in the country behind them after 9/11 and then they lost the momentum by going after Sadam and creating a costly mess. With no exit strategy.<BR/><BR/>The Guild had all the support of the membership at<BR/>the beginning of the strike and then lost the momentum when they decided to give a <BR/>special deal to Letterman that has done nothing but<BR/>create a costly mess. With no exit strategy.Montyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05636155237554975214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-83477347947618914242008-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:002008-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00josh said... "Bill, if Pat Verrone (who didn't ...josh said...<BR/><BR/> "Bill, if Pat Verrone (who didn't add ANYTHING after DVD's were removed-- is that AMPTP propaganda tasty?) can bring more Signatories to the table like he did WWP & UA, he's not going anywhere."<BR/><BR/> "wow. is that really a big accomplishment?<BR/><BR/> a) those are Micky Mouse deals. They mean nothing. They are temporary. As soon as the AMPTP will ink the deal they are willing to ink, those contracts will revert to that. And you know the meaning of the work "revert", right?"<BR/><BR/>No, but the WORD "revert", I am familiar with. Are you familiar with the word "catalyst"? It means "a person or thing that precipitates an event or change". Considering the possibility that more companies are coming to the table (thus strengthening the WGA's position. And while you infer that the WGA is at the AMPTP's mercy, the Guild has adhered to the principle of accepting "a fair deal", not just any crap the Moguls present), I don't find anything "Mickey Mouse" about these deals. <BR/><BR/> "b) UA and WWP are not effected by reality and animation jurisdiction."<BR/> So if WWP decides to produce an animated or reality show (like they produced "Everybody Loves Raymond"& "ED"), or UA (while admittedly they probably won't produce a reality series in the foreseeable future, though I'm honestly not sure what classification Documentary Feature falls under) produces an animated feature, are you saying the agreement they entered into w/ the WGA regarding those genres doesn't apply? <BR/><BR/> "Plus, they accepted the deal where the DVD issue was dropped."<BR/>This sentence makes no sense w/in the former context or w/out. Are you trying to say WWP & UA accepted the version of the WGA's agreement that doesn't increase the DVD revenue? If that is in fact your argument... So? Concessions are made in negotiations. All of the other points were agreed upon, plus the SALIENT point that the WGA can make reasonable deals, contrary to the AMPTP's ridiculous rhetoric.<BR/><BR/> "If you think that this is a great accomplishment then you are delusional."<BR/><BR/>Maybe. But I can spell and my sentences make sense.<BR/><BR/> "But go ahead, whatever gets you through the day."<BR/><BR/>Thanks for giving me permission, for... something.<BR/><BR/>I hereby give you permission to complete a sentence in order to make your points clear.reasonablehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03290169386854120317noreply@blogger.com