tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post9064542365844835831..comments2023-08-28T01:47:52.421-07:00Comments on United Hollywood: The 800 Pound GorillaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-37239077710474346262008-01-05T14:01:00.000-08:002008-01-05T14:01:00.000-08:00The DGA doesn't depend on residuals, and they aren...The DGA doesn't depend on residuals, and they aren't aligned with the WGA the way SAG is. They'll come to their own agreement, and once again the WGA's lack of business acumen will bite them in the behinds. <BR/><BR/>The real problem with the WGA is who is running it, and the strike. The guy used to organize factory labor unions, which are entirely different creatures. He's using the same tactics this time, except he's in very a different industry. If he was removed, negotiations would go foward. As it stands, the WGA has been reduced to the equivalent of a child throwing a temper tantrum, and are costing thousands of people jobs.<BR/><BR/>I have no sympathy for the WGA anymore. I can at least respect the DGA and the studios for being business savvy.lurkingnomorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18416397711616351882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-76832217906203001062007-11-12T04:25:00.000-08:002007-11-12T04:25:00.000-08:00Scott Kraft, you are the only one who even address...Scott Kraft, you are the only one who even addressed my questions and unfortunately, somewhat inadequately.<BR/><BR/>I have no problem with your strike, even though I know it will affect my income. Hell, it already has. In anticipation of your strike the producers have been stockpiling shows and making films out of substandard scripts, just to have product.<BR/><BR/>What this means to us Below the Line folks is that, while we have been unindated with work, this has forced us to allow a lot of "permit" workers onto our jobs. Normally, the work would be more spread out and we wouldn't have to take such a drastic step. So, as far as we are concerned, we will be out of work for a period of time whether you settle right away or not.<BR/><BR/>My question relates to the fact that you allow your wok to be done by non-union crews, as does SAG. Where is the "solidarity" in this?<BR/><BR/>As I mentioned in my previous post, I will honor your picket lines because I am a union man <I>all</I> the time, not just when my own ass is on the line.<BR/><BR/>I hope you will remember our support if and when we are forced to strike, rather than continuing to crank out scripts regardless of where they are done and who is doing them.<BR/><BR/>d.deuddersunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01757971753925741976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-90330065767383088592007-11-11T00:20:00.000-08:002007-11-11T00:20:00.000-08:00I am behind the WGA 100%! Hold strong, the vast ma...I am behind the WGA 100%! Hold strong, the vast majority of people are behind you.<BR/><BR/>I don't see how the DGA could roll over on the WGA, many of the members of the DGA (the ones with clout) are part of the WGA.<BR/><BR/>Great job so far WGA members and supporters, keep it up!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-64631077107376351792007-11-10T21:40:00.000-08:002007-11-10T21:40:00.000-08:00I will try to address a couple of questions. As t...I will try to address a couple of questions. As to the IATSE/399/independent crew question: every writer I know has mentioned on the line that these are the first folks to get screwed and no one is pleased about that. The problem, of course, is that any other effectove tactic we can think of is illegal and usually involved pain and explosions. Striking is what we got so striking is what we do.<BR/><BR/>As to why the guilds did not hold off on the strike. As I understand it, and I was not there but have only heard it third hand, the Guild, as a quid pro for pulling DVD's, was waiting for the AMPTP to give them their plan for internet payments. There was an agreement "in principle" for some sort of internet residual formula after a window of a few months. The WGA wanted to know what the numbers were. I heard the AMPTP claimed they couldn't give numbers at that time. Now, the problem with that scenario (and I'm guessing here) is everyone knew this moment was coming. The WGA demands were sent months and months ago. The idea that the AMPTP guys would have shown up at the hotel ready to give on internet but with no pay rate plan I would imagine seemed as absurd to Patric and David as it does to me. I think they saw the whole thing as a feint to knock some wind out of the strike sail and to find out how far the WGA would come.<BR/><BR/>As to the DGA. I am really hoping that the AMPTP hopes to use the DGA as a face-saving white knight. If Patric is as smart as I think he is (and he was very careful not to say anything negative about the DGA in the big strike meeting) he has downloaded every bit of negotiating info he and the commitee have picked up over the past year and the DGA is ready to go in and basically close the WGA deal that was on the table Sunday night, with some hard numbers and little push-pull. Then WGA has an out and as long internet in the deal we will all sign off and live to fight another day. (I'm hoping for that scenario and hoping for it by Xmas. The bad news of it is that the studios will have killed a lot of development deals by then.) <BR/><BR/>If internet is not in the DGA deal, I bet we stay out until the SAG contract. Just my opinion, for what it is worth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-56552664024911133312007-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:002007-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:00Will the DGA sell out the Writers Guild? Highly d...Will the DGA sell out the Writers Guild? Highly doubtful. Michael Apted, Steven Soderbergh, and their negotiating committee are probably licking their chops right now as they await word from J. Nicholas Counter III for early negotiations to proceed. DGA knows all too well that the WGA's proposals and strike give them enhanced leverage. It's as if the WGA has taken the first blow in storming the castle, and the DGA is closely observing the blood-loss; they are your back-up right now, so make them your good friends. And all the more reason to fight your fight. ADVICE TO EVERY WGA MEMBER: this holiday season could be very chilly, so start a toy-drive to provide a children's book to every SAG and DGA members' families. In addition to creating goodwill with all your union brothers and sisters, it will be a reminder that it all starts with the word.thom taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13453811163465978749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-9325821569530379852007-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:002007-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00And, for the record Anonymous, they're not "whinin...And, for the record Anonymous, they're not "whining"! They've got a legit grievance here.<BR/><BR/>What they don't have, I'm afraid, is the power or the access to media outlets, to prevail.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-47550878708474789642007-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:002007-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00Greg,Clearly your glass of water is still half ful...Greg,<BR/><BR/>Clearly your glass of water is still half full. Mine's half-empty at this point (and it's so damn early yet!).<BR/><BR/>And besides, "Pushing Daisies," while a excellent show, has only been a modest success so far. What incentive to bring it back will there be if whatever crap they replace it with does as good or better in the same slot? Especially if its cheaper to produce. Now apply that to other shows not doing nearly so well ("30 Rock" for example, which was, let's face it, basically renewed out of the "goodness" of NBC's "heart" and not because of its rotten ratings). At the very least, it seems to me, most shows "on the bubble" (and thus the jobs they provide both above and below the line) are likely to be killed by this conflict.<BR/><BR/>Again, I agree with the fella a techdirt.com. This stike is probably a bit suicidal to both sides. It really may be an argument about thee arrangement of deck chairs on the Titanic.<BR/><BR/>The writers are the crew while the studios are Bruce J. Ismay: and we all know who got off the ship and survuved and who got sucked down into the dark abyss of history don't we? In other words, the White Star Line (read "studios") went on, the crew members (read, well, "crew members"), not so much.<BR/><BR/>TALK!<BR/><BR/>And thanks to Caitlin! I've been feeling so lonely here in my hatred of the AMPTP and my (potential) disappointment with the WGA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-39200260835494582622007-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:002007-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00Chin's up WGA members, when the vicious attacks be...Chin's up WGA members, when the vicious attacks begin you know you're winning.. it's a sign the other side needs to make you feel insecure, afraid, or to get those who support you to doubt. <BR/><BR/>We aren't fooled, WGA members and supporters in related areas like actors for example have written about the realities. We know the WGA isn't making frivolous demands. This is about being paid for your work. Average American citizens who are struggling along in this lousy economy know full well that big corporate interests, like those represented by Rupert Murdoch are looking to squeeze as much profit for themselves as possible, while screwing the people over. Whether it's reduced wages, or bad product like poisonous pet food, toothpaste, food or toys.. they don't respect us, only seek to exploit us.<BR/><BR/>We hear the same arguments and rationales against our rights and wages as workers across the entire US. We're with you 100%.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-83713303508621002832007-11-10T09:41:00.000-08:002007-11-10T09:41:00.000-08:00I'm with mercutio on this. When it comes to the ar...I'm with mercutio on this. When it comes to the arguement at hand, I 100% believe that the WGA is fully in the right and the AMPTP fully in the wrong. But I feel as though everything I read on this matter is making me angry, because no matter how many times I get told this isn't a fight among two wealthy parties, I honestly think that to some extent, it is.<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong, I understand about the writer's pay- how they're out of work most of the time, and how they make almost nothing compared to actors, directors, execs, etc. But every different statistic I've read- and believe me, they've been all over the board- has at least indicated that the writers make a good deal more than the average American worker.<BR/><BR/>What about the people who work under you, the people who will suffer far more in this matter and yet had no voice in it whatsoever? What about the hard-working folk who just want to sit down and watch TV at the end of a long day? Yes, it's just television and there are other things to do and more important things in the world. But that still doesn't make it okay to deprive millios of a small pleasure in their lives.<BR/><BR/>The thing that stands out to me is that the writers *can* strike for this long. Most people can't survive off work for any more than 3 months before they'd be out of house and home. And it's so hard to feel sorry for the highest-paid writers in their industry when they talk, for example, about how "Christmas will be a little worse this year". So your kids only get an Iphone, not an Iphone and a big-screen TV? Of course, most writers aren't paid at all this much. But the thing is, many of the ones picketing are.<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong, I support the writers. I want to be one, and I would adore to be a part of the WGA. I think writers are horribly, disgustingly underrated because shows, movies, the industry itself would be NOTHING without them. Nothing. But, like mercutio says, this needs to be about getting something done.<BR/><BR/>The AMPTP? They can fall back on sh*t reality programming. What's going to happen if everyone is left jobless? What will the point of the strike have been then? To keep pressuring for something more until you have nothing whatsoever? And thousands are out on the streets due to measures beyond their control? And millions will never have their beloved television shows again? Will it have been worth it then?<BR/><BR/>Once more, I am fully with the writers on this. People siding with the studios are so ingnorant and blinded that I can't find words to express my outrage. Maybe that's why I'm vocalizing my frustrations more to the side I'm on than the one I'm against.<BR/><BR/>I'm trying to remain optimistic, to support the writers and praise all the actors, showrunners and everyone coming after already long days of shooting to add their voices to the mix. But it really does needs to be about finding a solution. The point of a strike is not just to yell and scream and show that you have power. The point is to get something done. So, I desperately hope that Ah-nold, the mayor of LA and everyone else trying to make people sit down and talk can achieve their goals. Because those are what the goals should be- getting something done so *everyone* can be happy.<BR/><BR/>God bless you, WGA. You're fighting the good fight here. But you need to watch the sob stories and you need to keep the focus where it should be. There is no sympathy whatsoever to be had for your opponents, but that means you need to be the bigger man. Talk. For yourselves, for your cast and crew, for the thousands whose lives are in danger, and for millions who love your shows. Talk. It's the best thing for everyone involved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-24488281518764586252007-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:002007-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00STOP WHINING AND GET BACK TO WRITING THE TV SHOWS!...STOP WHINING AND GET BACK TO WRITING THE TV SHOWS!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-77367261393404829562007-11-10T08:49:00.000-08:002007-11-10T08:49:00.000-08:00As a member of IATSE, Local #52, NYC, I will certa...As a member of IATSE, Local #52, NYC, I will certainly honor your picket lines, but I have a few questions for you and the other creatives we work for.<BR/><BR/>Why do you allow your work to be done by non-union crews?<BR/><BR/>Why do actors sign on to films that are done by non-union crews?<BR/><BR/>We don't enjoy any residuals. We get paid for our work and that is that. It is, therefore, critical to us to ensure that all film work is done completely Union, from the top down to the bottom.<BR/><BR/>If we are truly "all in this together", I expect the same consideration from you that you ask of me.<BR/><BR/>d.deuddersunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01757971753925741976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-84124326544695598262007-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:002007-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:00www.talkBeats.comwww.talkBeats.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-35646511744673401032007-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:002007-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:00Julian asks some excellent questions. I think if ...Julian asks some excellent questions. I think if the writers explained things in layperson's terms many of us would feel better. I know, I know all about the animation and the blogs that try to do just that. Still though, it would be nice.<BR/><BR/>Also, I would very much like to ask:<BR/><BR/>Why did the writers refuse the AMPTP's request to stop the clock and keep talking rather than walk?<BR/><BR/>I'm sure I'll hear all about "They wouldn't budge, etc." and while that may all be true, I think you're going to be asked this question by regular folks like me and Julian and below-the-line folks like the eloquent poster above more and more as the weeks and months drag on.<BR/><BR/>Aren't you even a little bit worried that not only will the studios learn they can live without you, but that we can too?<BR/><BR/>And, as I've said before, to those of us on the outside, working crap jobs, seeing someone who's job is a priviledge and a gift acting as if it's an entitlement leaves a stale taste in the mouth, and one that will only get ranker and ranker as this drags on.<BR/><BR/>They won't budge? Doesn't seem like you're trying very hard either. DVD deal or no DVD deal.<BR/><BR/>Why not talk and work at the same time?<BR/><BR/>Explain that to me in way that I can understand (and that doesn't sound like selfish carping) and you'll continue to have my support (not that you probably care about that one way or the other), fail or refuse to explain it and my support will start to decay. And I don't think I'm alone.<BR/><BR/>And, lest you think I'm on the side of the studios, let me just say that I would never EVER ask the studios to better explain their position. It is so transparently selfish and greedy that they're beneath my contempt.<BR/><BR/>I respect writers (I wrote my dissertation on TV writing for cryin' out loud) more than I can ever say, and I really want to keep it that way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-81867488138915525742007-11-10T07:35:00.000-08:002007-11-10T07:35:00.000-08:00AHAHAHAHAHA,U wanna get naughty in a strange land ...AHAHAHAHAHA,U wanna get naughty in a strange land where you find only mamals?right watch it on tvSEO Consultanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905408316903723662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-87095877952266784362007-11-10T06:54:00.000-08:002007-11-10T06:54:00.000-08:00Hello,As a huge movie and television fan from the ...Hello,<BR/><BR/>As a huge movie and television fan from the United Kingdom.<BR/>I am not happy about this strike.<BR/><BR/>What i would like to know from the writers is the following.<BR/><BR/>1) In plain English what do you want from the studios etc.<BR/><BR/>2)What are you demanding and what are the studios offering ??<BR/><BR/>3)Why cant both of the warring parties keep talking?<BR/><BR/>4)Arnt you worried about your jobs.<BR/>ie: the longer the strikes go on, new tv seasons will be cancelled etc and writers sacked etc.<BR/><BR/>I am just a fan, and am trying to understand all this.<BR/><BR/>Julian McAuslanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-34555335033791083622007-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:002007-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:00Luke- DGA.org=Directors Guild of America.BTW, I'm ...Luke- DGA.org=Directors Guild of America.<BR/>BTW, I'm not in the business (I'm a librarian), but I note my support for the strike in my personal blog today:<BR/>http://rogerowengreen.blogspot.com/2007/11/writers-guild-strike-questions.htmlRoger Owen Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298172138307632062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-86589894922676055222007-11-10T03:03:00.000-08:002007-11-10T03:03:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Roger Owen Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298172138307632062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-87234013511518129202007-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:002007-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:00get back to work u lazy ass niggersget back to work u lazy ass niggersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-45001414411990965082007-11-10T02:22:00.000-08:002007-11-10T02:22:00.000-08:00Hold strong, don't cross. I miss your shows alread...Hold strong, don't cross. I miss your shows already but this fight is worth the effort. They WILL break before you do. You have an entire country behind you. Brilliant minds should not be unrewarded. Never let tyrannical corporations rule your life, you're wallet, or your livelihood. Show them there is some fight let in our people after all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-10631625226052445292007-11-10T00:31:00.000-08:002007-11-10T00:31:00.000-08:00Does anyone care about the damage being done to IA...Does anyone care about the damage being done to IATSE crew members? I don't know what to do or where to turn for help. This strike is already ruining many hard working folks. I have lost the ability to laugh at the anecdotes about the strike as I worry about my family and earning power while this strike instantly strips my income and future prospects entirely away. I am walking around with a huge pit in my stomach of severe angst. This story needs to get out. Not to blame or shed the WGA in any bad light; I personally support the action and blame the studios (greed is part of it, but discovery of the accounting and books is probably the non-starter for the AMPTP in offering internet revenue sharing), but it is hard to be strong on principals while being utterly ruined. Can the public airing of the economic fallout on hardworking, good people somehow start a continuation of talks so that some small hope may return to crews? Where is IATSE on this? No help. No PR. Woefully absent in suggestions, or protection as its members get decimated. That is enough of a story in and of itself.<BR/><BR/>Please help get this angle out and talked about. IATSE sure isn't doing it.<BR/><BR/>Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-48893896394270015322007-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:002007-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00fuck youfuck youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-47778321461094232092007-11-09T21:44:00.000-08:002007-11-09T21:44:00.000-08:00I hope you do go back to work mate!http://www.sexc...I hope you do go back to work mate!<BR/><BR/>http://www.sexcircle.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-56659084595515677112007-11-09T21:17:00.000-08:002007-11-09T21:17:00.000-08:00this may sound dumb but what is dgaLets Talk About...this may sound dumb but what is dga<BR/><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://berichforever.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Lets Talk About How To Make Money</A>Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16903904256070342466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-50580455420679047362007-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:002007-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00nice story...lol. nywayznice story...<BR/>lol. nywayzAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462026865900537983.post-21019764752714317902007-11-09T20:53:00.000-08:002007-11-09T20:53:00.000-08:00I have to say, I support your cause, but anytime J...I have to say, I support your cause, but anytime Jesse Jackson takes a side, I, and many other rational human beings, tend to take the other side. Not sure he's someone you want to mention as a key backer.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17964200621888195556noreply@blogger.com