NBC Plays The Dirtiest
The real effects of the writers' strike is starting to be felt in Hollywood.
NBC has just fired all the production people on their hit show The Office.
While the writers rightfully demand an equal share of the pie, 102 people are now out of work on The Office. People that don't make as much money as the writers.
And when the networks air repeats because of this strike, the writers will get paid residuals. No such luck for the out of work crew.
Now we understand the difficult decision Ellen had to make this week.
All the networks will soon be firing people, to guilt the writers to come back to work.
Why can't they just go back to the bargaining table and reach a fair new deal????
The LA Times just published the following email from Dale Alexander, a key grip on The Office, which puts the severity of this strike into clear perspective.
It reads:
"Our show was shut down and we were all laid off this week. I've been watching the news since the WGA strike was announced and I have yet to see any coverage dedicated to the effect that this strike will have on the below the line employees.
I respect the WGA's position. They probably do deserve a larger percentage of profit participation, but a lengthy strike will affect more than just the writers and studios. On my show we had 14 writers. There were also 2 cameramen, 2 camera assistants, 4 hair stylists, 4 makeup artists, 7 wardrobe people, 4 grips, 4 electricians, 2 craft service, 4 props people, 6 construction, 1 medic, 3 art department, 5 set dressers, 3 sound men, 3 stand-ins, 2 set PAs, 4 assistant directors, 1 DGA trainee, 1 unit manager, 6 production office personnel, 3 casting people, 4 writers assistants, 1 script supervisor, 2 editors, 2 editors assistants, 3 post production personnel, 1 facilities manager, 8 drivers, 2 location managers, 3 accountants, 4 caterers and a producer who's not a writer. All 102 of us are now out of work.
I have been in the motion picture business for 33 years and have survived three major strikes. None of which have been by any of the below the line unions. During the 1988 WGA strike many of my friends lost their homes, cars and even spouses. Many actors are publicly backing the writers, some have even said that they would find a way to help pay bills for the striking writers. When the networks run out of new shows and they air repeats the writers will be paid residuals. The lowest paid writer in television makes roughly twice the salary than the below the line crewmember makes. Everyone should be paid their fair share, but does it have to be at the expense of the other 90% of the crewmembers. Nobody ever recoups from a strike, lost wages are just that, lost.
We all know that the strike will be resolved. Eventually both sides will return to the bargaining table and make a deal. The only uncertainty is how many of our houses, livelihoods, college educations and retirement funds will pay for it."
[Image via Celebrity Babylon.]
Elizabitch Pops It Out
Broadway On Strike Too!!!
first!
Good!
Great piece Perez! Now if main stream media would cover it the real effects of the strike would be known.
Unions have outlived their usefulness - they have driven manufacturing out of the US and they make the US uncompetitive in any industry they are in -
boo
Fucking writers: get back to work you fucking lazy cunts and be grateful you've got jobs in the first place let alone the bonus of getting residual pay checks.
The non-writers should consider getting their own union to fight for them when something like this happens. It is really a shame that these innocent people have to suffer, but I understand the writer's points of view also
Unions suck. People that support unions suck. We are no longer in the early 1900's. People should negotiate their own contracts and get rid of the money hungry assholes that ruin houndreds of lives!
unions = poo
so sad
Hope they sack Jay Leno. Big chinned cunt.
sad
Has anyone considered that it might be the studios that are being childish and need to sit down and deal directly with the writers? Firing the other crew seems like a pretty blatant move to create bitterness between the crew & the writers. Why can't the studio find some other way to communicate their position to the writers? Creating chaos in the industry and within their own productions will only come back to bite them in the ass, and breed more distrust and suspicion…
fuck you for kissing Ellen's ass you fuck.
I feel bad for the people who got laid off - not fired, there is a difference - but what are the studios supposed to do? GM and Ford lay people off all the time when there are no cars to make. There's no show, so unfortunately a camera person isn't needed. I do think the studios should hike their residuals and both sides will need to compromise to get this over with as soon as possible. The studios and their local stations are going to be hurting soon with all the ratings down, and viewers will just turn to other media for entertainment.
Hurry up aholes!
Thanks for this article! The guy made an awesome point! No one talks about the crew!
fuck nbc
I support the writers. Fuck NBC. I understand they're losing money over this, but to fire an entire production crew because of the writers? That's fucked up. The Office is one of my favorite shows and they had a great staff.
Re: Betty –
FUCK OFF FATTY.
I love to see people like Jay Leno supporting these writers who deserve what they can get. Remember that not just the writers are out of a job, Fuck all you people who bitch about them, get a life!
Look, this is a shitty situation and it's unfortunate NBC is playing this way. But don't blame the writers. It's more than fair for them to ask for compensation for work they do. Do you work for free? Hell no! But with the advent of the Internet, they have been! The crewmembers are SOL not because of the writers, but because of the jerkoffs at the head of NBC! These people make millions upon millions of dollars! How? By laying off hardworking people and not paying those who do the real work. Screw them! Stay strong writers!
FUCK THE WRITERS! JUST HIRE NEW ONES WHO DON'T COMPLAIN AND DON'T RUIN OTHER PEOPLES LIVES.
Very well said. Would love to see this guy on every news station telling the same story. Not only to prompt the strike talks to resume but also so that there can be a system in place (maybe a fund?) in case this ever happens agaiin so the "little guy" can put food on his table.
i have a friend who was one of the makeup artists that got laid off… luckly she has another part time job, but if she didn't she would be screwed. fuck the greedy money grubbers (studio execs and producers) who don't want to recognize the changing trends in how we (the public) watch and get our shows (the internet and dvds)
BRILLIANT!
FUCK THEM. WRITERS HOLD YOUR GROUND. WHAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE ASSHOLES SEEMS TO FORGET IS THAT THE WRITERS ARE THE BACKBONE. NO ONE WOULD HAVE A JOB TO BEGIN WITH IF IT WASN'T FOR THEM. THEY DESERVE MORE THAN THIS. WRITERS AND ARTISTS ALIKE ARE ALWAYS BEING PUSHED AROUND, NEVER GETTING EQUAL SHARE. Writers are not appreciated enough in this world…
Re: FAT ASS NEEDS A DIET PATCH –
It worked for me, I know it could work for you! Money back guarantee, don't diss it till you've tried it. The apple patch diet really does work! — Betty
I think that we should strike TV. Cut your cable off and fuck 'em all.
The Writers Are Selfish SOBs… I Say They Fire The Writers… Hire New Ones… Or Even Better Everyone Should Boycott Buying The Dvds Of These Shows.. I Am Unemployed At The Moment And Would Kill For A Job Right Now!!!!!! What Are They 5 Year Olds…
Actually, most writers do not make more than below the line people and the clash over cash and class has to stop. The six companies have threatened our pension and health. The residual argument is smoke and mirrors. Residuals are our paychecks when we are not working. If you compare most writers' income over five years to what the crew makes, you will see most writers earn less. Writers work for 20 week contracts a lot of the time and then are off for a year. I don't own a house, I can't afford one and I have been employed as a TV writer for three years. Before that I wrote a movie that was produced and earned nothing. Please, the companies wamt to propogate these distortions. Fact check first.
thank you for posting this. it adds credibility to you site for me.
below the line workers should NOT be losing their jobs, especially given the atrocious rates many of them work for. People see the glitz and glamour of US weekly, and probably assume that this applies to the entire industry, an assumption that is simply not true. Both Unions need to come to an agreement quickly before we start having a serious problem…I believe that people not being able to watch their favorite TV shows — especially at a time when there has been amazing cultural attachment to many shows — will cause deleterious effects not only in the entertainment industry but in our national economy as well. This could potentially come from advertizing losses alone. studios need to take a loss on this one and allow writers to come back to work. thanks for posting this item.
By the way, I have offered my services for FREE to my crew friends who have lost jobs. One of them is opening a store and I told her I would come help paint, stock shelves, clean, anything that didn't involve writing! I am doing this because I support her and her family and want to help them through this anyway I can.
I have offered this support to all my crew friends. I have already done some free childcare for 2 of them! I am happy to do it.
Believe it or not, writers are stepping up for their "below the line "friends and helping out.
We DO care.
Because we know that after the big conglomerates are done breaking us, they will come for you next.
seriously? "fucking lazy cunts" Come on, who is this, Murdoch? no wait, I know, it's Jeff Zucker, right?
IF YOU FUCKIN CAMERA MEN AND MAKE UP PEOPLE THINK YOUR SO DAMN IMPORTANT WHY DON'T YOU FORM YOUR OWN UNION? OH YEAH, THATS RIGHT, I GUESS APPARENTLY YOU GUYS AREN'T THAT IMPORTANT. EITHER THAT OR YOU'RE STUPID. UNLIKE A WRITER. TOO BAD, SO SAD.
GET OVER IT.
Re: Jenn –
Problem is, Jen, that not everybody CAN write.
It is a talent and not everyone is blessed with it.
The writer's who HAVE talent? Well, they are all on the picket lines.
Don't buy DVDs, we don't care. We only get 4 cents when you buy one. Keep your 4 cents. If you really want to stick it to us, only watch the shows on INTERNET, we don't get ANYTHING for that. not a dime. Even though the companies advertise on them just like TV.
In fact, Jen… why don't you just stop going to the movies, watching TV and dvds. Pick up a book. Take a walk. Talk with your family.
If you hate us SOB's so much, then don't enjoy what we create for you.
Thanks.
And by the way,
get the facts.
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Unions can be a double edge sword. I am in a Union, without it I wouldnt have the health benefits for my family of 6 or the wages to live in a state like California. Yes, Unions protect a lot of lazy people but they also help the ones who are willing to work for their wages. Its a sad reality that we live in a society today where people think they are entitled to what someone who has worked hard for their money, has achieved. I see it everyday where I work. But I do support the Unions because without them big business would not take care of the people who make their businesses successful. Just as you have read here how NBC has treated all the production people. Nothing has changed since the introduction of Unions, we still need protection from big business.
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OMG!!!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
I love The Office! I can't believe NBC would do this.. what if they cancel the show all together???
unions suck, but are needed when moguls use others' work to make huge profits which they then refuse to share. the way the studios would have it, writers would not get paid ANYTHING for their work. that's what will happen if no deal is struck regarding new media - which is what all entertainment will eventually be classified as. so stop bashing high paid writers (an exceptionally small percentage of all writers) for "wanting more money." they, like everyone else, are fighting for writers to continue getting paid at all for their hard work and enormous contributions to the entertainment industry. and perez, maybe you could be a little more responsible in your choice of postings and not perpetuate inflamatory half truths. let's get the whole story out there!
I think you can only support the writers strike up until a certain point…as soon as everyone starts seeing all the bad things that are going to happen because of it, they will change their view on it. It's only been a few days, so obviously we don't really see the negative effects yet. It sucks that the studio execs are playing like this, but they are going to do this until the writers give in…and if the writers keep refusing them…a lot of actors won't be playing their TV characters anymore or have as many movie options…all the little people besides the writers are getting fucked bc the studio execs are bastards who know all their staffing is almost 100% replaceable.
Who represents below the line employees? Wouldn't it make sense for them to organize so that way they have representation?
Re: FAT ASS NEEDS A DIET PATCH –
PEREZ would not be fat if he would try the apple patch diet.
Believe me it worked for me and I know it could work for you too. It's easy to use. Buy one month, get one month free. It really does work! - Betty
Re: WGAstands – Do you realize that STRIKE=BLACKMAIL?That's not the way things should be done…and don't give me the BS that there is no other way!
Re: Mia –
dipshit, the below the line people have unions too. It doesn't mean they get to strike when some other union strikes though.
Perez: how is NBC playing dirty? They have shareholders to be accountable to. They can't keep thousands of people who aren't working on the book 'just cuz' if they aren't working they can't hold onto them. MANY people have NBC/Universal/Vivendi in their 401(k) retirement accounts (ie. shareholders)
Props to Dale for FINALLY holding the writer's feet to the fire as well.
We are talking about peanuts in residuals for internet videos. The writers have literally SCALPED thousands of people so they can get an extra $100 per year. Losers.
if everyone would stop being so goddamned greedy, people would stop going broke. isnt that amazing? the fight for more money is costing people their jobs! people that make less than the writers. what the fuck.
Effin studios.
So this is the shit they pull?
Fire everyone? Make everyone now hate the writers and blame the writers?
When it's the studio's fault to being with?
And then try to get the writers to come back and get effed because it's their fault everyone else is hurting?
What a bunch of low down shit
And don't excuse that piece of crap ellen now too,
I hate the studio's now and i'm not even involved in this.
They're selfish pricks.
Out to hurt the writers,
The little guy.
Everyone.
As long as they're rich.
That guy from the office needs to be hatin the bitches at NBC living in one of their fifteen mansions,
Re: Marie –
They ARE organized.
They DO have unions.
IATSE
TEAMSTERS
they have unions too and one of these days they WILL strike and we WILL support them!
Why is Jason Patrick riding a fat cart?
Did the WGA consider the consquences to the rest of the production staff? Maybe the writers cared about their friends and collegues but that doesn't put food on their tables or their kids through school and I doubt the Union gave a shit. Even the lowest paid writer makes DOUBLE what the so called 'below the line' crew does. If (or rather when) the actors and directors union goes on strike for the same reasons, the writers will feel the same consequences they are inflicting and maybe then they will have sympathy for the rest of their team. Ironic that these are all the best paid, that they will all eventually get their slice of the residuals. But the people who are JUST as responsible for making these shows; the grips, costume, camera, lighting, art dept and every other member of the production TEAM, will never see the benefit of it and have never been entitled to those residuals even though they are just as responsible for making a show/film a reality and success. Its the WGA holding the industry hostage. I do not blame the writers themselves, but the Union's who have far too much power and as they say, power corrupts.
I personally find it disgusting what the studios are doing. these writers have a right to bitch, these studios are fucking greedy, its sad that production crews are now going to suffer now, these fuckin studios cant give the little guys a break.
Re: MarkTO –
In Hollywood there is no difference in being laid off and fired. I know in the 'normal' work there is a difference. This is a different world though buddy.
Re: WGAstands – You are SO full of so many lies it's pathetic. The average crew member works no more than the average actively working writer. A writer get a MINIMUM $80K for selling a first time feature. I know, I'm a guild member and don't support the way we've gone about business (in fairness I am a producer as well). I used to work as a grip and they don't make anywhere near the money writers make.
Also, regarding risk. There is NO risk in writing. If you chose to write and not do other work, that's our fault. We fail to acknowledge that the studios risk TONS as well. If a writer's script is a bomb at the box office, he takes his $100K check and residuals and tries to sell another one no loss. The producer loses MILLIONS and has his credit rating both with people and with banks financiers sullied because of the garbage script. He makes enough bombs, he's in debt going through the process of bankrupting corportations (if he was smart) or bankrupting himself personally (if he wasn't smart) a writer will never know the risk of losing several million dollars because of a failed project.
About 40% of films produced actually make it to the public eyes. the other 60% get shelved. The average budget for a film is about $30 million right now. You do the math.
Did the WGA consider the consquences to the rest of the production staff? Maybe the writers cared about their friends and collegues but that doesn't put food on their tables or their kids through school and I doubt the 'Union' high rollers gave a shit. Even the lowest paid writer makes DOUBLE what the so called 'below the line' crew does. If (or rather when) the actors and directors union goes on strike for the same reasons, the writers will feel the pinch and maybe then they will have real sympathy for the rest of their team. Ironic that these are all the best paid & will all eventually get their slice of the residuals. But the people who are JUST as responsible for making these shows; the grips, costume, camera, lighting, art dept and every other member of the production TEAM, will never see the benefit of it and have never been entitled to those residuals even though they are just as responsible for making a show/film a reality and success. Its the WGA holding the industry hostage. I do not blame the writers themselves, but the Union's who have far too much power and as they say, power corrupts.
The "below the line" workers SHOULD have representation for situations like this. I will be banning NBC. They think they're calling the shots? We, the motherfucking people, call the fucking shots! FUCK NBC!
Very Well Said #'s 27 & 34. The Office is my favorite show on TV, and it saddens me to learn that people were fired because "the man" wont reach an agreement on this matter. This strike will really start to effect loyal televison watchers. Last night, Bill Maher was a repeat. Soon even the Primetime show will start airing repeats, and for what? Just pay them what they want. They deserve it. Where would a show be without its writers. If I lived in LA, I would grab a sign, and walk the picket line with them. Chin up guys.
PS: THE OFFICE DA SH*T!
This really sucks. I miss watching Letterman before bed.
I understand the writers points of view, as well as the below the line crew members. It's just a bad situation all around. Hopefully they'll come to an agreement soon.
Re: realitycheck – if you have sold a feature and worked for 3 years on network television and can't afford a house, you
a) seriously need a new agent. I'm not joking.
or
b) aren't a very good writer and ride out family connections to get your work. In which case you are scum and don't deserve more money, Nep.
does this mean that the office won't be airing new episodes? that is my favorite show. my whole family loves it and it makes us literaly piss ourselves every week. i know that being paid for you jobs if important and credit is due. but you they should think of all the fans of the shows and how you entertain and bring smiles to the faces of those who watch the shows. making people laugh is priceless and bringing people together to laugh theyre asses off should make these people feel good. if i had the money to pay these writers for the talent they have to make this stuff up i would, bc it so funny. the people to make the office are so incredible, and they make my dad, who is very grumpy….laugh out loud. i wish i could make him laugh the way your show does.
You know, this sucks, but in the end, the big greedy Jew engine that doesn’t want to give more money will lose advertisers, and loads of money. Why? Because more shows will have to la folks off, and that sucks because I’m all about Heroe’s, Ugly Betty, and Dirt, but, oh well. I support the writers. Right On, my dudes
Nbc is playing dirty. The writer's strike does impact more than the writer's, but nbc, and every other network, production company, etc., needs to do right by all of its employees and should be held accountable.
Re: papa bear –
the WGA minimum for a feature is 78,000.00
minus 10% to you agent (off the top)
minus 5% to your lawyer (off the top)
and another 10% to your manager if you have one (off the top)
and uncle sam takes about 30 to 35%
also, Papa Bear, we live in LOS ANGELES
where you can't get a house for under 800,000.00 grand.
So please,
you do not work in our industry. You obviously know nothing about it.
Also, that money that was made on the feature? It has to last for a year, two years until you get paid for the next project. After selling a feature and SIGNING the contract… You don't get a check for about 3 months. Even though you are expected to be writing that whole time.
I can't speak for realitycheck
but I happen to be a CAA client.
Know who they are?
And another thing
I grew up in a small town in Ohio.
I moved here knowing NO ONE.
Had never even BEEN to LA.
Stop talking out of your ass and get the facts.
Re: papa bear –
the WGA minimum for a feature is 78,000.00
minus 10% to you agent (off the top)
minus 5% to your lawyer (off the top)
and another 10% to your manager if you have one (off the top)
and uncle sam takes about 30 to 35%
also, Papa Bear, we live in LOS ANGELES
where you can't get a house for under 800,000.00 grand.
So please,
you do not work in our industry. You obviously know nothing about it.
Also, that money that was made on the feature? It has to last for a year, two years until you get paid for the next project. After selling a feature and SIGNING the contract… You don't get a check for about 3 months. Even though you are expected to be writing that whole time.
I can't speak for realitycheck
but I happen to be a CAA client.
Know who they are?
And another thing
I grew up in a small town in Ohio.
I moved here knowing NO ONE.
Had never even BEEN to LA.
Stop talking out of your ass and get the facts.
WHHHHhhhhhaaaaaa….. I'm a writer, and I'm paid $1,000,000 to sit on my ass all day, and write a few paragraphs… no one else could possibly do what I do… and a MILLION dollars just isn't enough…. WHHhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaa.
I agree with the writers who have posted on here, as I am a screenwriting student myself….
READ THE FACTS PEOPLE!!!
Those of you saying the writers are greedy sound incredibly ignorant to me, especially after reading up on this subject. It's obvious you guys have no idea how this industry works. THIS IS NOT THE AUTO INDUSTRY. These networks don't have to worry about competition from huge companies in other countries, which is the situation with the auto industry. There are like 3 companies controlling all of television, and it's almost like a monopoly.
Re: papa bear –
papa bear
what are my lies?
do you even live here in LA?
I am friends with hair and make up people, focus pullers, editors and first ADs. And when I say friends, I mean, close enough of a friend that I am at their weddings and funerals. Close enough that I do free babysitting and visit them when they are in the hospital.
Quite frankly, you may be a WGA member, but you know very little about the guild and it's working writers. You know very little about the money we average.
You seem pretty hostile so I'm not going to get into it with you.
If you hate us writers so much, then stop living off our work. If you think our scripts suck so much, then stop hiring 8 other writers to rewrite us, thereby WATERING DOWN the artistic thrust of the work.
The public views us writers in a very bad light. Sadly, very few of them know any screenwriters PERSONALLY. Why? Well, writing is a very solitary endeavor. We live in our heads.
But papa bear, why don't you turn in your guild card? 90.3 percent of us voted for this strike. You obviously don't agree with or even support your union.
Why not just leave? I doubt very much you (or your work) will be missed.
The production crews do have their own unions, but what would be the point in them striking over a residuals issue?? Without the cameraman bringing his talent there would be no show, that goes for all the other trade skills within the production. Yet these guys dont get a slice of the residuals pie and never will. Are they any less 'talented' or responsible. NO! Writers maybe important but they still get their residuals checks off the back of A LOT of people who can never even dream of getting anything of the like and are the ones loosing their jobs without having any say or control.
And WGAstands, you ONLY make 4 cents a DVD huh? Well you must be one shit writer because 1 cent a DVD for the shows that sell MILLIONS must look nice in anyone's bank account, never mind the original pay check and all the nice benefits that come with a well paid job! When the camera guys, editors and all the other production crew are worried about just getting their kids through school and wondering if they can afford their next car payment you'll be striking for the writer to put a few more 0's on your bank balance.
And who gives a shit if it takes MONTHS to get paid, you're still getting paid and you'll STILL be getting paid long after the people who helped you get that nice 4 cents a DVD residuals check are still working their ass off on another show or movie without ever seeing a penny more.
doesnt leno have enough $ to wear clean jeans..
Want to know why key grips, make-up artists and drivers don't make as much money as writers? Because they are not as smart and creative. They shouldn't be paid as much. Writers are the backbone of Hollywood. Every great (or more recently, not so great) idea comes out of a writer's mind. So if you want to make more money, become a writer or find another profession. Either way, it's not the writer's fault. Just be grateful you were on a t.v. show with such great writers in the first place that your show didnt get cancelled in the first season. . . ass.
1994’s The TERMINATOR made by director James Cameron, California’s governor Schwarzenegger was originally asked to play the good guy Kyle Reese. Who was asked to be The Terminator?? Get Ready - none other than o.j.simpson! Cameron changed his mind because James stated PEOPLE WOULD NOT BELIEVE A NICE GUY LIKE o.j. simpson PLAYING THE PART OF SUCH A RUTHLESS KILLER!! REALLY???? FLASH AHEAD NOW TO 12, JUNE 1994….. WHEN o.j.allegedly TERMINATED X WIFE NICOLE & RONALD GOLDMAN! ! Hmmmmmmm
Fuck yeah Dale! I work in production too and luckily since I do mostly documentaries and reality TV I haven't been too affected by the strike… yet. And Dale makes an awesome point that the writers who are striking and the actors supporting them are the ones that make the big bucks in this industry. Those of us who do the grunt work are made to suffer and lose livelihood because the writers want even more money? I'm struggling to even get by living paycheck to paycheck. I'm at the point now where I no longer have sympathy for the writers. Strikes are selfish. I live in New York and was here during the MTA strike. Ridiculous. All people want is more for themselves without thinking about how it affects the community around them.
DO THE WRITERS NOT CARE ABOUT THE FANS OF THE SHOWS????? BECAUSE WE'RE THE ONES SUFFERING.
Re: TJ –
TJ
we aren't just striking for more money.
we are striking so our pensions and health benefits don't get rolled back (ie. CUT)
we are striking many other things than just residuals. This is a union. It's about FAIRNESS in business dealings all across the board.
Did you know that GE owns NBC and Universal Pictures?
Did you know that VIACOM owns CBS, Paramount, Dreamworks, MTV, BET,?
Did you know that Disney owns ABC and ESPN?
These are HUGE conglomerates, people.
It's David and Goliath and you are siding with Goliath.
Please, see the big picture.
They are coming for YOUR health and pension next, mark my words.
Except that you were the one kissing ass the other day and bashing Ellen..think for yourself for once and stop following what's popular, Perez!
Re: Katie –
Katie,
do some reading other than on Perez.
Your job is next.
We writers aren't just holding out for money.
It's about other things too.
Continue being ignorant and side with big business.
Maybe you can do a documentary about how they control this entire country.
Do you know how hard it is to get our side of the story out when the people we are up against OWN the media?
Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS,
Maybe you can do something about it…. I sure as hell can't. All I can do is post on this site that gets millions of hits a day and try to get the WGA side out there.
Sorry you might lose your job. But i already lost mine. And by the way, you are HIGH if you think the majority of writers don't live paycheck to paycheck too.
A very SMALL percentage of the writers make big money.
Have you LOOKED at the people on the picket line? watched what cars they drive to the line? they sure as shit ain't mercedes and audis. they are toyotas and fords and VWs! Most of 'em used!
Get your facts.
Thanks for saying it like it is, WGA. I think that the employment and income numbers for WGA East people are even lower. The mispresentation is so rampant that some striking writers don't even have their facts straight. But this strike isn't about what's going to land in our pockets this year–it's about how much control we have over this business for years to come. Anyone who doesn't believe that need only look toward how much we got screwed during the home video explosion–we gave up the fight then, we can't now. And PS: I wish I were picketing in sunny LA rather than NYC, but I'm just a whiny writer.
I'd just like to remind everyone that if it weren't for unions, we wouldn't have weekends off.
Really this is no different from when actors and actresses hold out for more money, and to me, they are already compensated enough. They don't even write their own material and they get more money just to look good and say the words. People are getting all bent out of shape over the writer's striking, but I don't recall this big a mess when actors and actresses strike, and I'm sure that the writers and other people in production, etc. are affected. I do not make my living as a writer, but I sympathize with the writers on this, and I believe that anyone who works and don't feel appreciated for their efforts should also. Writers Stay Strong! Do not give in to corporate America! Fight for your rights–it's the American way!!!
I didn't know Lorenza Llamas lost the use of her legs! Poor thing.
Get your wording right. There's a HUGE difference between FIRING staff and LAYING them off.
wow thats horrible, i myself want to get into this business and i too will be a below the line worker. to think that all these people are being fired is awful. how dare the studios do it to those who dont have anything to do with the strike.
Re: lula21 –
A screenwriter can write for all they likes but he wont get a penny if theres no one to put it on the SCREEN. A novelist has to be extraordinary talented to make money. In TV & film even mediocre writer's work can be made great by the efforts of the team bringing it to life. In TV or film, you wont get jack shit without all the talented people who make your words a reality. I'm an editor, I dont write because thats not my talent, but I also know MY talent is what is helping writer make all those lovely residuals. I'd like to see the writers handle the camera, mix the sound, cut the feature or just be responsible for a tiny fraction of what goes into making a production happen, nevermind work or successful. TV/Film is a TEAM effort. Without everyone working TOGETHER it wouldn't happen. Its not all about the writer! I hope all the other unions go on strike after this. Writers can demand $1 per DVD for all I care but without a crew to make the show, to have the DVD's to sell you're not going to make jack shit.
fuck you anyone who isnt in full support of the writers. this is my favorite show and im so sad this has happened, but i dont blame the writers at all. they are the fucking creators of the show and they get such little compensation. they have every right to demand more. they work 24/7 thinking and conseptualizing and planning. i think its ridiculous to read a comment like "ange's" about the writers being "lazy cunts" for demanding equal and fair compensation on a website people come to to gossip and be lazy and read scummy articles. those of you who support it, good for you. you like at least one form of acceptable entertainment.
Perez, I am so proud of you reporting this fact. I feel sorry for the rest of the crew…I am so sick of the media biased.
Nooooooo! The Office is my fave show!
Re: me – Girl, don't you have anything else to do besides watch television; most stuff I watch is syndicated anyway. Go to the mall, rent some movies, get online, chat, shop, whatever. That has to be one of the more self-absorbed comments I've seen to date.
Re: buttoneer –
Trust me, all your WGAW brothers and sisters are thinking about you. Every day I hear over and over on the lines, "At least we aren't freezing our asses off in NYC, those are some tough writers back east!" Our thoughts are with you. Stay strong, strike hard!
And for all you future screenwriters out there…. we're out there for YOU too.
Re: Meredith –
Great point, Meredith.
I encourage all of you union bashers to do some reading.
If it weren't for unions you wouldn't be enjoying any of the good working conditions You are now. Seriously. You'd be slaves. You'd have very few, if any rights. Children would be working. Once you were considered too old, you'd be fired for no other reason. You have no pensions, no sanitary conditions, no over time, no holiday pay, no sick leave.
Stop bashing the unions. Do any of you even KNOW about what they've done for the common worker?
No?
Didn't think so.
Educate yourselves, for the love of God. I mean, I know this is a gossip site, but I believe that most of the American public are half way intelligent and well informed. At least I give them the benefit of the doubt….
To #69 "I Hate Unions" — writers make no where near a million bucks. Also, you think writing is a piece of cake and that it is for lazy people who just write a couple paragraphs every day? Why don't you call up one of the studios and offer your services to take the place of the writers on strike? If writing is so easy, then you should have no problem doing that.
You are an ass who has no idea what you are talking about.
Re: TJ –
TJ
I sure as hell hope you have other skills, my friend. Because yes, you bring our visions to the screen, but without us, you will have no job.
I have a book deal. I saw this coming and started prepping for it. I will keep working on my craft… and getting paid for it.
I will, however, not write ONE WORD for film or television. And i never will again unless the AMPTP negotiates a fair contract with us.
And by the way, I was PICKETING WITH AN ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED EDITOR on thursday. Where were you?
Unions need to stand TOGETHER.
Your job and your pension and your healthcare will be on the chopping block soon enough.
You better hope like hell we writers get a good deal, cause baby, you are next.
The average WGA member is a 35 year old male who makes two hundred thousand dollars a year. I am 45 year old male who works for 30 K a year. I do not feel sorry for these Ivy league grads from wealthy families who mainly got their jobs because of nepotism.
Re: TJ –
and TJ
when IATSE and the TEAMSTERS strike
you bet your ass I'll be out on the lines with them.
You bet your ass I'll go to their websites and get the facts, listen to their arguments, their side of the story.
Such a shame you can't do the same for the WGA. The guild that makes your job possible.
Hate to say it, but with out the writers, these people would never have had jobs in the first place. It totally sucks that they've been laid off, but to blame the writers in any way is a little short sighted. If they didn't write a show, these people couldn't work on one.
Re: WGAstands –
I can understand where the writers are coming from and for the vast majority who do not make big money, but that is the natural of a capitalist western society the best make the big $$$. I do not agree with NBC's dirty tactics but then every other industry has to lay off its workers when there is not product to produce and this is no different. I do however have a BIG problem with the Union itself. The WGA is in the wrong when they DONT even try to go back to the negociation table. They are essentially holding the entertainment industry hostage…its blackmail. And what do the rest of the members of your TEAM get while your Union does this? Nothing! No support, no job. Striking should be a last resort when the actions for striking will have major consquences that will severly impact lives. Your pensions and health benefits haven't actually been affected, a premptive strike is NOT appropriate when it affects so many other people's lives. The MAJORITY of your friends, collegues and co-workers livihoods. And while you have a good consience and do what you can, you are one person. 1 writer on The Office'ss staff can try to support his collegues but they cant support the 102 that have lost their jobs because of a handful of their collegues damn union. When the strike ends you will have what you want, but what will everyone else have? How many lives will this ruin?
Re: WGAstands – Oh poor people…if you don't like your jobs or you feel you're not getting paid enough,QUIT!!!!Stop fucking blackmailing others!
Re: SudsMcKenz –
Where are you getting your "facts"
You are sadly and dangerously MISINFORMED.
Do you really believe that?
Come on, don't be so ignorant.
I'm not a male nor am I 35 (or anywhere near it)
God, I WISH I was 35. And male for that matter.
Okay, I'm not even going to go there.
Don't get me started on women's rights.
But also don't be an ignorant doofus who actually takes time to type lies like
all us writers are 35, white and make over 200,000.00
Now THAT is comedy.
This would so not happen in the UK. The British have employment rights and it would cost the companies hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation claims if they were to pull a fast one like NBC did. NBC have demonstrated a despicable lack of respect for staff.
This is the worst move they could have made!! NBC is being needlessly greedy, and now they have taken their BEST, MOST WELL-WRITTEN, AND FUNNIEST show and sacrificed it as opposed to giving a fair deal to the writers. They took an incredibly hard line and made an example of crew on The Office, and the crew, cast, and writers on this show all seem incredibly nice and are all incredibly close. Oh, and they won an emmy for Best Comedy in '06, FOR A REASON!! We are not idiots and neither are the writers, I am boycotting new media on NBC and really NBC in general. The only thing they really had going for it was The Office and 30 Rock and now they've pissed it away all b/c of Greed. Horrible, awful move. They've destroyed an awesome show.
Re: T – Completely agree. This is the worst move they could have made!! NBC is being needlessly greedy, and now they have taken their BEST, MOST WELL-WRITTEN, AND FUNNIEST show and sacrificed it as opposed to giving a fair deal to the writers. They took an incredibly hard line and made an example of crew on The Office, and the crew, cast, and writers on this show all seem incredibly nice and are all incredibly close. Oh, and they won an emmy for Best Comedy in '06, FOR A REASON!! We are not idiots and neither are the writers, I am boycotting new media on NBC and really NBC in general. The only thing they really had going for it was The Office and 30 Rock and now they've pissed it away all b/c of Greed. Horrible, awful move. They've destroyed an awesome show.
Re: TJ –
TJ
very well put. trust me, I have problems with my own guild. I really do.
BUT, yes our pensions and health care ARE on the chopping block. The AMPTP want to do rollbacks across the board.
AND WE DID NOT WALK OUT on negotiations.
The AMPTP is spreading lies. They OWN the media. My mentor and friend was in the ROOM when this went down.
The AMPTP have known for FOUR months about our desire for negotiations on new media and dvd residuals and jurisdiction. We took DVD off the table. That's right. We said, "Fine, we'll keep the crappy 4 cent formula on DVD, we just wanna talk about new media." just TALK. NEGOTIATE.
and you know what they did? they walked.
then they spun it in the press that they walked because WGAE was already striking back east.
The AMPTP is trying to BUST all the unions.
Busting unions is best for big business. They will bust your union next.
But TJ, you totally seem like an intelligent guy and I appreciate your comments. I do. But know that btween the writers and the producers, it's the producers who are out to fuck you, not us. We are getting played by the same big evil coorporations. lets not let them divide and conquer us.
And I totally understand where you are coming from and I really hate this entire situation. It is heartbreaking.
Stupid move. When the writers agree to a contract, the show is going to have to take the time to hire new people and get them up to speed, further delaying production of their show. It's a stupid tactic meant to make the writers look like the bad guys, instead of the greedy producers who want to hold onto as much money as they can. Think about it — how many producers live in mansions as compared to writers? Not a whole lot of writers make the kind of money that producers do, and they do a lot more work in writing something in the first place!
Perez, stop posting shit before you think about the issue thoroughly. You're over-emotional response to every story is insipid!