Tue, 6 November 2007 The second installment of our strike series. The deadline passed. Now we're on the picket lines. The latest updates, and why you shouldn't even think about scab work. Comments[22] |
Thanks guys... for the podcast, for the info, for your time, and for walking the lines.
I'm not yet a member, but hopefully will be one day and if I lived in the L.A. area I would be right there with you.
As that great philosopher/writer (his name escapes me right now ;-) once said:
FIGHT THE POWER.
Regards,
Mike
I'm not yet a member, but hopefully will be one day and if I lived in the L.A. area I would be right there with you.
As that great philosopher/writer (his name escapes me right now ;-) once said:
FIGHT THE POWER.
Regards,
Mike
posted by: Mike Scherer on Tue, 11/6 06:46 PM EST
I hope the WGA and other entertainment industry unions do get together. I worked for the largest independent television production house outside of SoCal (as a P.A.) and it was non-union. The pay for many was very low. There was excellent medical for full-time workers, but no one else. Many jobs were filled by contract and part-time workers which meant no benefits. I do not think anyone in the company had any kind of retirement benefits. There was a sense that this production company paid just enough so you would not work elsewhere in SF Bay Area, but they squeezed you.
I think what the WGA members are doing is what has to be done. In the end I am sure there will be disappointment, but if nothing was done things would get worse quicker. This at least slows things down some.
I am hoping that the public keeps pressure on government leaders to protect access to the web and encourages more development of high bandwidth infrastructure. It is possible that 5-10 years down the road, we could see the end of cable television as we know it and small production groups could become their own channel via the web. No longer would you need an Disney, Viacom, and so on.
The major question will be Ad dollars. People use to make a great living in TV back when there few networks or channels, so all the Ad dollars went to a few companies, thus they could pay more. As more channels came into play and now the internet, the Ad dollars are getting spread thinner and thinner. It will be interesting to see how much cheaper technology can make television and film production. How many more production companies will be popping up and will SoCal remain the main hub of media production or will 20 years from now there will be no real media production hub.
I think the union can help members over the next few years, but I do wonder if technology does manage to spread production to tens of thousands of productions houses around the world if the WGA will survive. I appreciate the concept of sacrifice by current WGA members so future writers can make a living, but technology is changing media in ways never seen before and it may end the WGA as we know it now. There maybe a place for the WGA in the future, but it a much different WGA. The A in WGA may change from America to Association so it can reach around the world.
As usual, thanks Sam and Jim for taking the time to update us on your journey. I value your honesty and think anyone who is considering being writer in media should listen to your podcasts before they invest to much time into building a career.
Keep up the great work guys.
Kev
I think what the WGA members are doing is what has to be done. In the end I am sure there will be disappointment, but if nothing was done things would get worse quicker. This at least slows things down some.
I am hoping that the public keeps pressure on government leaders to protect access to the web and encourages more development of high bandwidth infrastructure. It is possible that 5-10 years down the road, we could see the end of cable television as we know it and small production groups could become their own channel via the web. No longer would you need an Disney, Viacom, and so on.
The major question will be Ad dollars. People use to make a great living in TV back when there few networks or channels, so all the Ad dollars went to a few companies, thus they could pay more. As more channels came into play and now the internet, the Ad dollars are getting spread thinner and thinner. It will be interesting to see how much cheaper technology can make television and film production. How many more production companies will be popping up and will SoCal remain the main hub of media production or will 20 years from now there will be no real media production hub.
I think the union can help members over the next few years, but I do wonder if technology does manage to spread production to tens of thousands of productions houses around the world if the WGA will survive. I appreciate the concept of sacrifice by current WGA members so future writers can make a living, but technology is changing media in ways never seen before and it may end the WGA as we know it now. There maybe a place for the WGA in the future, but it a much different WGA. The A in WGA may change from America to Association so it can reach around the world.
As usual, thanks Sam and Jim for taking the time to update us on your journey. I value your honesty and think anyone who is considering being writer in media should listen to your podcasts before they invest to much time into building a career.
Keep up the great work guys.
Kev
posted by: Kev Theobald on Wed, 11/7 03:35 PM EST
Hey guys...I just discovered this site from a link in unitedhollywood.com, and I'm glad I did. I'll definitely be checking back here for more info and insight.
I'm an aspiring TV writer myself, and it's nice to be informed about what exactly is going on. I wanted to e-mail you, but the link on this site wasn't working properly. Any way you can send an e-mail to my account so I can talk to you?
Thanks, and keep podcasting! People are out here listening.
-Adam
I'm an aspiring TV writer myself, and it's nice to be informed about what exactly is going on. I wanted to e-mail you, but the link on this site wasn't working properly. Any way you can send an e-mail to my account so I can talk to you?
Thanks, and keep podcasting! People are out here listening.
-Adam
Thanks everybody.
Mike -- I don't know the exact politics of the situation, but I'm sure the Guild was happy to get back in bed with Johnny Carson when the dust settled. As much animus as can kick in, this is sort of a family feud, at the end of which many things must be forgiven so life can go on.
Adam -- click on the envelope to get the email link. If that doesn't work, it's because we've had some problems with the email provider that Sam is working out.
Been interesting out on the lines. Kinda fun, actually. We'll see what week 17 feels like (or, hopefully, we won't).
Mike -- I don't know the exact politics of the situation, but I'm sure the Guild was happy to get back in bed with Johnny Carson when the dust settled. As much animus as can kick in, this is sort of a family feud, at the end of which many things must be forgiven so life can go on.
Adam -- click on the envelope to get the email link. If that doesn't work, it's because we've had some problems with the email provider that Sam is working out.
Been interesting out on the lines. Kinda fun, actually. We'll see what week 17 feels like (or, hopefully, we won't).
I hope we are not seeing the WALMARTINIZATION of our industry.(And I hope no union members shop at Walmart. If you do, you're part of the problem.) Remember what happen to the grocery workers. And lets not forget the whole ERON scam. Without our unions we would have nothing. Just look what people get paid in other countries. Why do you think everyone wants to come here legally or not. (But that's a whole other issue.)Guys keep up the fight, I love your pod cast. I hope for all of us that this Strike will be short lived.
Be Well,
Ford
Be Well,
Ford
The producers are probably going to let it drag out to test your dedication. Hang in there. We're all behind you.
posted by: Michael Jacobs on Fri, 11/9 02:03 PM EST
Glad you guys posted this follow-up cast. I hope now you've changed your mind about doing any sort of labor for management.
This is not about simply writing words on a computer. It is about our LABOR we provide the studios, be it writing, editing, casting, directing, etc.
Solidarity.
This is not about simply writing words on a computer. It is about our LABOR we provide the studios, be it writing, editing, casting, directing, etc.
Solidarity.
posted by: Guyot on Fri, 11/9 02:39 PM EST
As a wannabe myself, I am on your side. I've honked a few times in support, and I hope to get a chance to walk the lines for a little bit. But I have to say one thing about your comment on liberals vs. conservatives, just so you know: conservatives know all about the greys in the world as well. Maybe they just get a around to taking a stand a little earlier.
In any case, keep up the good work.
In any case, keep up the good work.
I think it is time to bring all the entertainment labor together. Having all the various labor in their own unions working under their own contracts works more to the favor of the corporations. If production crews, as in everyone, from the editors down to the 2nd grip, would walk the corporations would be hurt quicker. I find it odd to have exceptions to who can work and who cannot.
Everyone behind the scenes needs to work together. No more scripts should be read by readers. No camera crews for reality TV shows. The only exception should be news because the nation needs news crews. As far as entertainment, the only people working at the corporations should be top management as they try to figure out how make a contract that makes labor a partner, not a mule for them to use.
Keep up the fight. Wanna be writers, I mean aspiring wirters like myself are watching closely and will not spend another dime DVDs or download shows until this contract issue is resolved.
Everyone behind the scenes needs to work together. No more scripts should be read by readers. No camera crews for reality TV shows. The only exception should be news because the nation needs news crews. As far as entertainment, the only people working at the corporations should be top management as they try to figure out how make a contract that makes labor a partner, not a mule for them to use.
Keep up the fight. Wanna be writers, I mean aspiring wirters like myself are watching closely and will not spend another dime DVDs or download shows until this contract issue is resolved.
How about an S&J update from the frontlines on the WGA Strike?
posted by: Jon Ray on Tue, 11/20 10:16 PM EST
I know you guys are working on getting your own show on the air but the answers to these questions I don't think were covered in podcasts so I'm just trying to figure out how it works.
How long do showrunners stay on a long running show? To be more specific roughly how long has the showrunner you guys had on the Dead Zone been the the showrunner of it? Do they renew the showrunner's contract every season like staff?
You guys said your contract was up with the Dead Zone, but at the next staffing season are you guys at the top of the list for working on the its seventh season? or are your chances the same as any staff position on any other show?
I would like to hear a podcast about your previous works and where there at. I noticed an IMDB entry for Myron's Movie. I'm curious whatever happened with Ultimate Christmas Movie/Ultimate Children's Book. Any thoughts on pitching it as an animation? I realize you guys like to focus on tv and you're happy you finally got there I'm curious about these early works of Sam & Jim.
I think that's all for now. Keep up the good work.
How long do showrunners stay on a long running show? To be more specific roughly how long has the showrunner you guys had on the Dead Zone been the the showrunner of it? Do they renew the showrunner's contract every season like staff?
You guys said your contract was up with the Dead Zone, but at the next staffing season are you guys at the top of the list for working on the its seventh season? or are your chances the same as any staff position on any other show?
I would like to hear a podcast about your previous works and where there at. I noticed an IMDB entry for Myron's Movie. I'm curious whatever happened with Ultimate Christmas Movie/Ultimate Children's Book. Any thoughts on pitching it as an animation? I realize you guys like to focus on tv and you're happy you finally got there I'm curious about these early works of Sam & Jim.
I think that's all for now. Keep up the good work.
"Making Daddy a Man"
I came across this in a Variety article from 2004 and having just read your recent column in Script magazine optioning was floating around in my head.
How long does an option last?
How often do scripts get re-optioned? Because I hear stories of scripts that circled Hollywood for years and everyone loves, but no one makes.
It's of course not the dream to have your script sit on a shelf for years but if one or two scripts could keep you from starving while you finish up the screenplay that a studio finally will make it might seem worth it.
And finally any word yet on The Colorado Kid?
I came across this in a Variety article from 2004 and having just read your recent column in Script magazine optioning was floating around in my head.
How long does an option last?
How often do scripts get re-optioned? Because I hear stories of scripts that circled Hollywood for years and everyone loves, but no one makes.
It's of course not the dream to have your script sit on a shelf for years but if one or two scripts could keep you from starving while you finish up the screenplay that a studio finally will make it might seem worth it.
And finally any word yet on The Colorado Kid?
I was just listening to an episode of "The Hollywood Podcast," hosted by Tim Coyne, and heard Sam and Jim (and "Rich") being interviewed from the front lines. Although it covers a lot of the same points Sam and Jim covered in greater depth in their podcast, I thought it was worth a mention. (http://hollywoodpodcast.com/)
posted by: Clinton on Mon, 11/26 06:35 PM EST
Congrats, guys, on the mention of your pilot in the latest Entertainment Weekly!!
posted by: Derek Miner on Wed, 11/28 02:39 AM EST
I see there is a new contract on the table. Can you guys do a short podcast giving an idea of how good or bad it is. I have yet to find a good detailed account of the new contract. You guys always tell it like it is, so hearing your thoughts on what the studios are offering would be great to know.
Hey all --
Perversely enough, time is kinda tight. This 4 hours/day of picketing (okay, now it's 3) kinda puts a hole in the middle of our day. There will be another podcast soon, though (we got new equipment -- y'all will have to let us know if it helps...).
There is no new contract. The companies are jerking us around by trying to raise then crush expectations. They're using old-school tactics on us in a 21st century strike & it doesn't work. Perversely again, it actually unifies us more -- they're losing the PR war, which is bizarre, given their business.
Anyway, more soon...
Perversely enough, time is kinda tight. This 4 hours/day of picketing (okay, now it's 3) kinda puts a hole in the middle of our day. There will be another podcast soon, though (we got new equipment -- y'all will have to let us know if it helps...).
There is no new contract. The companies are jerking us around by trying to raise then crush expectations. They're using old-school tactics on us in a 21st century strike & it doesn't work. Perversely again, it actually unifies us more -- they're losing the PR war, which is bizarre, given their business.
Anyway, more soon...
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