John August is United Hollywood

And so are you.

Photo by Justine Bateman. Hat by Strike Swag.
(Proceeds from U.H. swag offset the cost of our upcoming redesign.)

Readathon Benefits Industry Support Fund

This article was submitted by WGA member Michael Arkof. It runs today in Writers: On The Line, a weekly print newsletter distributed at picket locations.

AND A CHILD SHALL READ THEM

Sabrina Batchler didn’t write the book on supporting the WGA strike, but she is reading one. Lots of them, actually. The eleven year-old is conducting a Read-a-thon to raise money for the Writers Guild Foundation, to help people put out of work by the strike.

The idea originated with Sabrina’s mother, writer Janet Batchler, who said she got the notion over the winter break. Since then, her daughter has read five books, going on six, for a total of about a thousand pages. By collecting pledges for her tireless reading, Sabrina has managed to raise more than a thousand dollars in contributions.

“Sabrina loves to read and was interested in the strike from the very beginning,” said Batchler, “So I thought why not combine the two.” Batchler explained that Read-a-thon pledges vary. Some pledge a penny per page, others pledge per book, while still others give a donation per month of reading.

In between turning the pages, Sabrina keeps a blog and sends out emails to her sponsors, updating them on the number of pages she’s read. The sponsors then mail out checks to the Foundation, which in turn allocates the funds to one of two locations (based on the pledge’s choice): the Industry Support Fund or the Actor’s Fund. (Ed. note: both these Funds are for non-writers who are out of work because of the strike.)

You might guess that Sabrina Batchler’s determination to help out writers stems from her own desire to become a writer someday. Not so, said the 5th grader. “I want to be a fashion designer rock star.”

This week in Sabrina’s elementary school, an announcement will go out to the entire student body advertising the Read-a-thon idea and asking other students to join. To enroll a child as a reader or to make a pledge, go to Sabrina's blog for more information.

Our thanks to Sabrina and all those like her who continue to help fundraise for non-WGA members affected by the strike. Her determination is inspiring.

SAG Awards Honor Achievement and Solidarity

United Hollywood extends its congratulations to all the winners of last night's SAG Awards and thanks all those who supported the WGA during their remarks.

- Read the official SAG press release about last night's ceremony.
- Coverage from the New York Times and from David Carr, aka "The Carpetbagger."
- A photo gallery from the LA Times.

And don't forget to stop by the SAG/WGA Unity rally at Fox today! Organized by the WGA Union Solidarity Committee and the Women's Committees of SAG and WGA.

Location: Fox Studios, 10201 W Pico Blvd, 90064

Shifts: 7-10 AM, 10 - 1 PM, 1 - 4 PM
Special SAG participation from 12 - 3 PM

Sign-ins: Motor Gate and Galaxy intersection (at Ave of the Stars).

Parking:
· Free four-hour parking in the parking lot at the park right off Motor (200 yards from Fox).
· Two-hour parking on Motor and side streets south and west of Fox.
· Pay parking at Century City Mall.

Bathrooms: Public bathrooms in the building halfway up the parking lot at the park.

Be Safe! Traffic on Pico and Motor is very heavy -- stay out of the street. Cross intersections only with the lights, and watch for turning cars. Step all the way up on the curb when the light has changed. Be particularly careful when passing Gate 3, where cars come in very fast.

Thanks to Fox Picket Coordinator Ashley Gable.

IO West Theater Comedy Fund Raiser

HOOT, HOLLER AND LAUGH WITH STRIKING WGA MEMBERS AT iO WEST THEATER

While the more than eight-week old WGA strike is anything but funny, the staff at iO WEST is standing up and speaking out to provide some relief for the writers in the form of comedy and donations.

In a show of solidarity, every Monday during the month of January, iO WEST’s hit show, “The Armando Show,” will be donating half its box office proceeds to the Industry Support Fund. The Armando Show, which boasts a cast of Hollywood’s finest actors and writers sharing personal, improvised monologues that in turn inspire a series of improvised scenes, will be helmed in January with SAG/WGA performers and monologists. This month-long event will culminate in a star-studded strike support show on Monday, Feb 4, with 100% of the box going to the Industry Support Fund. The Office’s Angela Kinsey and Kate Flannery as well as MADtv’s Mo Collins are already on board to join the cast of Regular “Armando” performers including Tim Meadows (Walk Hard, SNL), MADtv’s Stephnie Weir, and Adrian Wenner (My Boys)among other notable iO alums.

“My vision for these shows is that they keep awareness on the strike and that they become a weekly rally for WGA members to be entertained and share camaraderie with their fellow union members,” says James Grace, Artistic Director of iO WEST.

Justine Bateman (Men In Trees, Family Ties) and Melanie Chartoff (Rugrats, Fridays) will be kicking off STRIKE! The Armando WGA/SAG Solidarity Shows on January 7th. Drew Cary (The Drew Cary Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway) will host the January 14th show and Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show) will host the January 28th show. Other anticipated WGA members joining the January line-up of guest improvisers include writers Kate Purdy (Cold Case), Ed Lee (Drew Carey Show), Cindy Caponera (My Boys, SNL), Rich Talarico (SNL, MADtv),

In addition to the weekly improv shows, Kate Purdy, an iO WEST performer and WGA strike captain, will help organizing weekly picket line support by the theater at picket locations in Hollywood and in the Valley beginning on January 7th.

Make reservations for a good time and a good cause. Tickets for the January Armando Shows are $10, the February 4th show tickets are $25 both can be purchased in advance at the iOWEST web site iowest.com or by calling 323.962.7560.

The iO WEST is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Vine.

MoveOn.Org Petition - Bring Back "The Daily Show"

The political website moveon.org has started a petition to bring back "The Daily Show":

Why are The Daily Show, Colbert Report, and other TV shows in re-runs? TV studios are refusing to pay writers fairly--causing them to strike.

The studios will make over $120 million in ad revenue this year showing TV programs on the web. But they want to give writers a one-time payment of $250—that's right, $250—for unlimited use of their content online. This unbelievable greed is keeping Jon Stewart and his team off the air.

Can you sign this petition to the studio executives--and then ask all your friends who love "The Daily Show" to sign it too?

A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to the major studio executives.

SEIU Rally - Strong Show of Support - Let's Keep It Up!

(The following is from WGA Member Joshua Beckett regarding the SEIU Rally that took place in downtown LA this past Thursday.)

Just wanted to brief those of you who missed the SEIU rally today. It was heartfelt...and loud!! There were many, many WGA members there -- it looked like there were almost as many WGA folks as SEIU marchers! And what a great feeling that was! Truly.

We writers have heard a lot about our unwillingness to support other unions when it counts. Here was an opportunity to prove all the nay-sayers wrong... and we did! En masse!

I think this is a great time to show other unions, that when we are asked for our support, we give it.

For the last couple of years, the WGA and SEIU have been sharing research information and attending public events in support of one another. The SEIU has been very vocal and visible in our fight. SEIU has sponsored billboards in support of the writers, and has sent drivers past studios with mobile billboards and megaphones. If your jaw just dropped, you're not alone -- so did mine when I saw them. That's why I and many others showed up today at their rally.

SEIU is totally committed to organizing and does a very good job of it. It's also one of the fastest growing Unions in America.

Today's rally was in support of SOULA which is an L.A. chapter of African American security officers whose potential members number 45,000. The NAACP is calling the SOULA organizing effort one of today's most important civil rights campaigns.

SEIU is organizing two more events, one on Monday in Century City at 3:45, and a huge action on 12/13 at 4pm, location TBD. I urge you go to one or both of those actions. and bring a WGA friend with you.

Go for any or all of these reasons:
Go because the SEIU has been there for us.
Go because it'll cut the monotony of picketing at the same ol' gate.
Go because it'll make you feel good.
Go because you can substitute your picket hours with these hours.
Go because it's not just a rally, it's a civil rights issue.
Go because this is an opportunity to show that we are serious about all Union issues.
Go because you'll feel part of a larger community of Union workers.
Go because you can bang on lots of drums and make lots of noise.
Go because the SEIU is great at organizing and we could all learn a few things.
Go because you'll hear a couple of cool new chants.
Go because all the people there are really nice and will thank you for showing up.

Hope to see you out there!

In solidarity,

Joshua Beckett
Strike Captain
Union Solidarity Committee

SERVICE EMPLOYEES RALLY TOMORROW

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has been very supportive of our strike. They've paid for billboards reading, "Hey Studios... Do the Write Thing. 1.9 million janitors, healthcare workers, public employees, and security officers support the writers' struggle for fairness." At last week's union solidarity rally they marched with us, as they have on several other occasions.

Now we have a chance to return the favor. The SEIU Security Officer Local (SOULA Local 2006) is asking WGA members to support them in their fight for justice.

Join them tomorrow,
Thursday, Nov. 29th
at 11:00 am
at 1247 W. 7th Street (7th & Bixel St)
in downtown LA.

From there SEIU will bus supporters to the SE corner of 5th and Flower St. (Library Park) for a short rally and march starting at 11:45am, and ending at 1:00 pm.

Criminal Minds Fans Fundraise For Support Staff and Crew

The fans of Criminal Minds have a daily blog, and have been raising funds for the crew and support staff of their favorite show.

For information on contributing to the "Criminal Minds Appreciation" fund contact Jill Davidson at displacednewyorker@gmail.com. Also, check out their Ebay auction. All proceeds, minus Ebay fees will go to the fund.

Hollywood Homecoming

Hollywood Homecoming, an event honoring the veteran writers, directors and stars of yesteryear who helped form and shape the unions we are fighting to protect, will be held this Friday, November 30th, from 10AM-12PM at Sony Studios in Culver City.

But your help is needed getting the word out and locating those trailblazers of Hollywood's Golden Age.

So who do you know? Is Shirley Temple your next door neighbor? Do you go to church with Esther Williams? Are you related to Mickey Rooney? Do you live next door to an Academy Award winning director from years past? Was your grandfather one of the writers on "The Wizard of Oz?" Did your great aunt work as the assistant to David O. Selznick? Does your family have a long history in the biz?

Help locate these guests and join us to pay tribute to them.

If you know of someone who would like to attend as a guest or if you have any questions, please contact Chad Darnell at HollywoodHomecoming@gmail.com as soon as possible.

The event is being sponsored by HOT IN HOLLYWOOD - a collaboration of performers, writers and directors that helps raise money for various AIDS-related charities in Los Angeles - in association with the WGAw.

Monday Picket Party and Holiday Toy Drive

Writer and actress Nia Vardalos is sponsoring a toy drive at Raleigh Studios on Monday, November 26th. The event will take place from 10am-1pm at the Van Ness gate (south of Melrose Avenue). All WGA, SAG, Teamsters, AFTRA, other unions and supporters are welcome.

"We’ve walked the picketing shifts, seeing old friends, exchanging re-write stories, shivering in the cold, sweating in the heat, and comparing not-sexy T-shirt tans," writes Vardalos in the flyer for the drive. "People took care of our community. They donated food, drinks and our morale was boosted by honking cars. We can’t ever repay these people."

"But we can show our appreciation by helping another community - the underprivileged and sick kids of LA County."

Ms. Vardalos will be providing the food and drink. Those attending are asked to bring a new, un-gift wrapped toy (drop-offs also welcome!).

In addition on Monday, a food drive will be taking place at all picket locations. Food will be going to SOVA, a division of Jewish Family Services. SOVA serves the entire community - all races, religions and backgrounds. Among SOVA's clients are homeless families, homeless singles and the elderly. Those wishing to help are asked to bring a non-perishable food time. SOVA vans will collect the food toward the end of the day.

Please join us for these very worthy causes.

Pre-Thanksgiving News and Notes

As UnitedHollywood settles into the slower, holiday news cycle, we'll still be updating the site. Just ...you know, not as much. The big news over the next few days will be the speechless campaign. So look for that. And we'll be back with full coverage of the resumed negotiations on the 26th.

• StrikeSwag.com has shirts and a brand new supply of red writer's bracelets in stock.
  
  
  
  Proceeds support the Union Solidarity Fund, so click over and pick up some swag!
  

• Campanile Restaurant on LaBrea just emailed us with details of their Writers Soup Kitchen. Starting tonight, you can order off a special menu that includes a choice of soup, entree, and dessert for $18/person. What makes this especially great is that you only need to show one WGA card per table. So, in the spirit of solidarity, head over there with your favorite member of SAG, the Teamsters, SEIU, DGA or any of the other many unions who marched with us yesterday. Click over to their Web site for info and reservations.
  

• Speaking of yesterday's march, no doubt many of you noticed the plane flying overhead with the "we're all on the same page" slogan trailing behind it. That plane was booked by WGA member Todd Robinson and sponsored by Elizabeth Robinson's company, Principal Entertainment. Big shout out to the Todd and Elizabeth for their generosity.
  

• Slate.com is hosting an interesting poll for Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau about viewers' reactions to the WGA strike. It's completely unscientific, but still worth a click.
  

Giving Thanks

It's Thanksgiving week, and in the spirit of that we hope all our readers will take some time to help those in need to whatever extent they can.

The excellent LiveJournal community wga_supporters recently ran this note from David Rambo of CSI:

The WGA currently has a $12 million strike fund. However, the people who will need assistance as this drags on longer are those in film and TV who don't have access to the strike fund: the office assistants, crew members and actors. They will really need the help to be able to continue in support of our strike, and there's no fund for them. There is, however, a wonderful 125-year old nonprofit organization that provides direct, confidential assistance to all entertainment professionals in need, such as those I just mentioned. It's called the Actors Fund, and you can find out more or make a donation through their website.

If you do donate, let the Actors Fund know that your contribution is in support of those affected by the writers strike. They'll appreciate it, and so will I.

Since David's post, the WGA has established its Union Solidarity Fund to benefit members of unions other than the WGA. The Pencils2MediaMoguls campaign will donate money remaining after the pencils have shipped to the Union Solidarity Fund. Once an online donation system for the USF is in place, we'll post it here.

Keep checking our site for other announcements about donation and assistance opportunities. And please use our comments section to post information about fund drives and worthy groups assisting people in the business and beyond. Thank you!

LA Businesses, and an Enterprising Manager, Support Writers

The WGA just sent out an official email listing a few local businesses that support the strike. We captains have been encouraged to approach businesses in our neighborhoods, tell them what is going on, and ask for their help.

I'd like to expand upon the idea though: If you are a business owner who wants to offer discounts to striking writers, please consider offering discounts to IATSE members and Teamsters who may have been thrown out of work by the conglomerates' refusal to offer a fair deal. We're all in this together.

- Silverlake Yoga is offering a 20% discount to WGA members while the strike lasts.

- Chan Dara, on Pico near Bundy is offering a 25% discount to any member showing a WGA card.

- Jack Sprat’s Grille, 10668 W. Pico, one mile west of Fox, will give WGA members 15% off their meals when they show their membership card.

- Matt Sherman Management has invited all WGA members to enjoy drinks on the house. Wednesday November 14th from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at VICE, 6364 Hollywood Blvd. between Ivar and Cahuenga. Please bring your WGA card for admittance. [Well played, Matt Sherman, well played.]

Also from the WGA email:

Here is a link to a PDF which can be printed out to make WGA strike support signage to place in stores and other local businesses to show support. This is a simple way for people who ask “What can I do to support the Guild?” to get involved.

I welcome businesses with special offers for any and all union members to post them in the comments. You can also email kmyers [at sign] wga [a dot] org.
Thanks!

StrikeSwag.com

WGA member Tom Smuts has just launched StrikeSwag.com. As of 2:56am on Sunday morning (bleargh), Tom is selling red "No Justice, No Scripts" bracelets and old-school "Writers Guild Strikes!" tees. The site says profits will be donated to the WGA's union solidarity fund.
Plus, there's a contest for a slogan to go on a men's bikini brief. (And we're only starting week two. Be afraid.)

Fan Generated Petition

One of our supporters has created a petition in support of the WGA. Sign up if you support.

www.petitiononline.com/WGA/petition.html

Sharing a Drink

(News from Seamus Fahey)

Thanks to the folks at The Vintage Bar Group (The Well, NoBar) The Woods (1533 La Brea at Sunset - where Lava Lounge used to be) is going to have $3 drinks all night tonight for WGA members...
Friends Kevin Flynn (a former door man) and Paul O'Neil (occasional bartender) are to thank
I told my Gate members this morning.

BTW - for the 3dollar drinks - just show your WGA card...

Sign the online petition!

United Hollywood has created an online petition for you to be able to add your voice (e-voice?) to the growing numbers who are supporting the writers. Sign the petition, and spread it around to everyone you know who thinks that writers deserve fair compensation for use of their work.

http://www.petitiononline.com/WGA/petition.html

update: 200 signatures in less than half an hour? You guys are awesome.

update #2: over 400 signatures!

PATRONIZE OUR SUPPORTERS

Artisan Cheese -- a great cheese and sandwich shop -- at 12023 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City around the corner from CBS Radford has declared full support for the Writer's Guild and their struggle for a fair contract. They are offering all WGA members a 10% discount on all products. Just show your Guild card or Red shirt. LET'S PATRONIZE OUR SUPPORTERS!



Thanks,


Steven Paul Leiva
Community Outreach Committee