Okay, so despite being several hours into the future, we're still kinda the last ones to know about anything.
Ironic, ain't it?
Anyway, that ain't my point. I sat down to watch some Jon Stewart, but wait, it wasn't on - instead, it had been replaced with a rerun from a 90's sketch comedy show.
They said because it was of a "writer's strike".
So, now I ask all of you, what's up with that?
Kinda suspicious, too, that this is taking place around NanoWriMo, too, eh?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Writers_Guild_of_America_strike
As far as Variety.com reports, neither side is backing down from their stances.
I would have thought that they'll hold off the strike until they could get the actors and directors to join in.
Allow mw to elaborate, good sir:
Quote:
Futoncritic.com
TODAY'S QUESTION: What's the deal with the WGA strike?
1. Okay, what's basically going on?
The Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) expired today, Thursday, November 1. This contract sets the minimum standards for everything from compensation to arbitration between "the writers" (the WGA) and "the studios" (the AMPTP). The previous version was signed three years ago (click here to read it).2. What's preventing a new MBA from being signed?
Both the WGA and AMPTP have submitted MBA proposals to each other (click here to read the AMPTP's, click here to read the WGA's) however obviously a consensus has yet to be reached.
Each proposal highlights their group's inherent philosophy. For the writers, it's that they aren't being compensated sufficiently for the work they're currently doing. For the studios, it's that they can't afford to pay any more than they already do.
3. So what are the specific points of contention?
In total there's about two dozen areas being negotiated however the focus seems to be on three major issues:
a. The home video residual formula.
WGA members currently receive 0.3% of the distributors' gross for the first $1 million and 0.36% thereafter. This translates to about 5 cents per unit in most cases. The WGA is seeking to double that rate. The often mentioned rationale is that novelists receive up to 15% of the publisher's gross, literally 500 times that of TV and film writers.
b. Non-traditional media residuals.
WGA members are not compensated for use of their work on cell phones, online streaming, etc. when the user doesn't pay for them. If they do (pay-per-view, video-on-demand, etc.), the residual rate is the same as the home video one - 0.3%. The guild is pressing for the following: "1.2% for features whether streamed or downloaded, 1.2% for TV product when the viewer pays, and 2.0% for post-1984 TV product or 2.5% for pre-1984 TV product when it is free to the viewer."
c. Jurisdiction and terms for made-for new technology.
Writers working on content specifically created for the internet or other non-traditional media aren't subject to the same MBA standards as those who work on traditional media. The WGA hopes to close the gap.
4. Why then would the WGA go on strike?
Like all union-related disputes, a strike is designed as a bargaining ploy to force an agreement. Prior to Wednesday's deadline, WGA members passed a resolution - to record turnout - that the gives the guild's negotiating party the power to call a strike should they see it fit. 90.3% of the 5,507 votes cast were in favor of the resolution (read the story).
5. What then does it mean that the WGA is "on strike?"According to the guild's strike rules, there's essentially one basic principle:
You (and your agent or other representative on your behalf) may not pitch to or negotiate with a struck company, and you may not provide writing services, sell or option literary material to a struck company.
In addition, members are expected to ask the struck companies to return any "spec" material (i.e. work that was completed in the hopes of being sold) as well as adhere to basic strike etiquette (don't cross picket lines, report any strike breaking activity, etc.).
Furthermore, members are allowed to continue in any non-writing capacity (actor, director, producer, etc.) as long as those activities do not involve writing in any way.
6. Does that mean primetime television production as a whole will be shut down?
Yes and no. Actors, directors and producers will continue to work on any completed scripts however considering that most shows work a month or so ahead of their air dates, that pool will dry up rather quickly. As of this writing most series currently on the air are filming their 9th-11th episodes while scripts have been delivered through their 13th-17th episodes (depending upon how many were ordered in the case of new series). Additionally, midseason offerings like "24" and "Lost" work on a production schedule several weeks behind their fall counterparts leaving even less episodes and scripts completed.
7. So when will this start affecting my viewing habits?For the most part, networks are expected to continue as normal through the November sweeps period meaning December would be the earliest you'd see any changes. Not that you'd necessarily notice at that point - last year less than 28% of the broadcast networks' schedules consisted of first-run programming during the last two weeks of December (read the story). January then realistically would be the first time you'd see any substantive changes.
8. What could happen then if the strike lasts longer than a few months?
Industry insiders have speculated all sorts of scenarios but no one has gone on record with any prolonged strike contingency plans. Nevertheless, reality series and game shows will undoubtedly be heavily featured. Nearly 20 new reality series and game shows are already in various stages of production at ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and the CW in addition to such returning fare as "American Idol," "Wife Swap," "Supernanny," "The Apprentice" and so on.
9. How long did the last strike last?
The previous WGA strike - nearly 20 years ago - lasted 22 weeks, from March 7, 1988 through August 7, 1988. It's estimated the five-month strike cost the TV and film industry a collective $500 million. A prolonged strike in today's marketplace could double, triple or even quadruple that number.
10. So what happens next?
The reality is at some point an agreement will have to be reached. Whether that's in two days or two months is anyone's guess. Regardless, stay tuned to The Futon Critic for the latest news.
The work of writers in general are being distributed in new ways that were never dreamed of when the old contracts were created. Writers do not get residual payments for these new methods of distribution even though the studios are making more money than ever from them. The studios make record profits while at the same time trying to pay less money to the people responsible for those profits. It's all about wanton, unnecessary greed on behalf of the studios (can you tell whom I side with?) - and personally - I'm surprised that it took this long for another strike to happen.
It's about time that the creative types of the entertainment field finally stood up for themselves.
It's probably going to be harder for the Guild this time, but everyone deserves to be paid for their work and as long as it doesn't the consumer of said work, I hope the Guild wins out in the end. As a consumer, most should be worried about having to pay for content (something the studios have wanted to force before) and many would indeed rather watch ads if it means that they can get the content for free.
The more you know! 
Yea i've heard of this...it's lame if you ask me. Heroes won't be finished. =/
Actually the producers have a contingency plan. They can just modify episode eleven to be the season finale if need be.
Quote:
Nearly 20 new reality series and game shows are already in various stages of production
Quote:
20 new reality series
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! *hides from the TV*
Seriously, it is disgusting that these writers have received no royalties from their DVD/Internet sales.
Quote:
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! *hides from the TV*
At times like these, I'm glad I barely watch TV anymore.
Quote:
Seriously, it is disgusting that these writers have received no royalties from their DVD/Internet sales.
*nods* Agreed, they should get royalties on DVDs for the show they were boldy responible to begin with, but how long it'll last is debatable. I don't personally see it going that far down the line, but I do hope for a compromise for everyone's sake.
My friend's dad is part of the writer's guild, and I read about this in a letter that he got directly from the guild. =o But, yeah it's pathetic how little to writers get in royalties, and how TV networks are leaning more towards reality shows.
But I don't care since I hardly watch current tv series'
I don't really know what I can say on this. I'm not taking sides, though I do hope that both sides reach a consensus soon.
I don't really watch any prime-time shows except Heroes, anyway.
I don't really watch much TV at all, but the writers are 100% correct on this. Their demands are more than reasonable.
I have noticed that there are more reality series now than before. The strike can totally backfire on the writers if more reality series are in production (and as Hiro quoted, there are).
Ah, thanks guys! I had no idea.
Quote:
The strike can totally backfire on the writers if more reality series are in production (and as Hiro quoted, there are).
That's only true if these new reality shows are successful.
And, given the fact that networks seem to be saturated with them as cheap, lazy programming, that's far from a guarantee.
It wouldn't surprise me if a few weeks of concentrated reality TV has the public practically offering to pay the writers directly from their own pockets.
Heh, and it takes place in the late fall, not in the summer time where such an impact wouldn't be so well felt (Since most shows take it off during the summer and a lot more people are outside enjoying the warm weather.)
What's the average salary for these people?
As long as the seasons of I Love New York 2 and A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila aren't affected, I'm fine.
I'm not ashamed to like the brillant editing of MTV reality TV shows.
Odd, I thought my electronic Jew (as Jon Stewart so eloquently calls himself) and my Colbert Report were just gonna be running reruns. Hm, suckage.
Well, thank god I don't watch network tv anymore, and I watch about probably a total of 3 shows on a regular basis... that and I got tivo.
Not to mention the video game industry is five million times better at keeping my attention, anyway. I think I've been helping in killing the tv and movie industry by showing my lack of support. 
*hugs his game collection, anime box set collections, and his tivo stuffed with Dethklok, Boondocks, and Naruto* Mmmmm
Apparently it's been felt elsewhere in the industry too.
But yeah, I gotta say that this... really doesn't affect me too badly. It's been years since I watched TV on anything close to even a semi-regular basis. I blame this mainly on the fact that programming has gone downhill in general over the years (IMO at least) and that these days it's a lot easier to get what I want when I want it (see: content availability online).
I think these days there's more revenue to be had by providing content on the net than on TV.
That, and the games industry as well is doing a very good job of keeping a stranglehold on my wallet (Argh, GH3, NiGHTS 2, Rock Band, Brawl, PSU:AotI... TOO MANY GOOD GAMES COMING OUT TOO SOON @@)
Anyway, just my 2p on the matter.
~SilverShadow.
NBC to The Office, 30 Rock, Bionic Woman and Battlestar Galactica production staffs: "Eat suspension."
Here's the letters they sent.
NBC to Saturday Night Live production staff: "Eat firings, all of you."
This is going to get ugly in a hurry.
Go writers.
Damn. That's COLD.
