To me, I blame both the studios and the WGA for not reaching a deal, because they’re affecting many larger numbers of workers in the industry who make far, far less than either come up with.

That’s my .02.

heath

“• No jurisdiction for most of new media writing.
• No economic proposal for the part of new media writing where they do propose to give coverage.
• Internet downloads at the DVD rate.
• No residual for streaming video of theatrical product.
• A “promotional” proposal that allows them to reuse even complete movies or TV shows on any platform with no residual. This proposal alone destroys residuals.
• A “window” of free reuse on the Internet that makes a mockery of any residual.”

(from http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2540)

As a writer myself, (not of TV or movies, but a writer nonetheless) I have to side with the writers on this. They deserve this money, and some of them, if not all of them, may need the money they’re not getting. If a writer can’t make a suitable living writing, he’ll have to find something else to do.

As for animation, it seems like it depends on the company doing the animation, and whether the writers for that show are covered by a WGA contract. In other words, it might vary from series to series. The rules of the strike are on the WGA website, so you can go and look at them if you want.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=39069

If the strike lasts a while, you will only see half of the season (8 episodes–yes, they dropped it down quite a number).

heath

Thanks for the compliment. I think animation isn’t covered. I saw something about it somewhere. I’ll search around.

heath

Vic

I love the Colbert Report,its waaaaaay funnier than the Daily show with JS,IMO.

I can see a South Park episode about this strike sometime in the near future……..

Will this strike affect animated projects,like The Batman and the upcoming Spectacular Spider-Man? I hope not.

Again,excelclecnt piece,Heath.:-)

heath

GREAT piece, bud. And yeah, I’m with the writers on this one. They’re so critical to the process but for the most part I’m sure they get the relatively short end of the stick.

Kane, nice to see you around again.

Vic

I think the main concern is New Media (downloads, etc.).

Heath

(Whoops…)

I mean, seriously… the single most important element of film and television is the script. It’s the blueprint… and, without a blueprint, few actors or directors will be able to make anything but experimental arthouse media. Without actors, you can do animation. Without directors, you can make graphic novels or lower-quality film.

Yet – in spite of this – a bit of recognition through DVD sales etc. is way to much to ask for. Studios make a mint on old TV shows and can’t offer an extra few cents per sale to the people that made them worthy of multi-generational interest?

It’s a joke… and I, for one, will be happy to wait awhile, if that’s what it takes. Heck… perhaps they can stop paying certain actors $20million plus if it’s such a problem to pay up.