The WGA Strike for Dummies

I find it difficult to explain just how important this stirke is. The issues being negotiated right now by the writer's guild have reprocussions that will shape the industry for years to come. It affects actors, writers, agents, MANAGERS, crew members, publicists, everyone, and the WGA had the unenviable task of being up to bat first.

Originally, the WGA was set to strike in June, along side with the actor's guild (SAG). To avert the effect of a total work stoppage, the studios began stockpiling scripts. In retaliation, and to avoid a completely useless work stoppage, the WGA after consulting with its sister Unions, moved the strike up to November. And here we are. What lunatic demands have gotten us here? What sort of horrific pay-raise are the writers demanding, that they dare put the income of so many of us in Jeopardy? I'll let them explain.




The Hollywood of today is run by Major Corporations, SONY, AOL/TIME/WARNER, NBC UNIVERSAL, VIACOM, all huge comnglomerates with their fingers in many different pies. Under the Bush administration, Huge companies have thrived in an astoundingly irresponsible atmosphere where the difference between the haves and have nots is at its greatest since the Depression. It is not a coincidence that ALL the leading Democratic Presidential Candidates have come forward in support of the writers.

"I support the Writers Guild’s pursuit of a fair contract that pays them for their work in all mediums. I hope the producers and writers will return to the bargaining table to work out an equitable contract that keeps our entertainment industry strong and recognizes the contributions writers make to the success of the industry." - Hillary Clinton

"I stand with the writers. The Guild's demand is a test of whether media corporations are going to give writers a fair share of the wealth their work creates or continue concentrating profits in the hands of their executives. I urge the producers to work with the writers so that everyone can get back to work." - Barack Obama

"The striking Writers Guild members are fighting an important battle to protect their creative rights. These writers deserve to be compensated fairly for their work, and I commend their courage in standing up to big media conglomerates. As someone who has walked picket lines with workers all across America and as a strong believer in collective bargaining, I hope that both sides are able to quickly reach a just settlement.” - John Edwards

The Democratic Party's history of protecting the disadvantaged minority over the intrerests of Big Business speaks for itself, as does the silence of the GOP.

If You're still not convinced that the WGA should be putting the welfare of the city, the industry, and the state into such turmoil, ask yourself where do we draw the line? When exactly is it your turn to take a hit in order to stand up for what is right? This country is too accustomed to results without sacrifice. Now we are all being asked to sacrifice a little, to send a message to the business interests that control our industry that we are all equal partners in this community. We all go to the same restaurants, attend the same events, live in the same neighborhoods, and it is simply immoral to make millions off the backs of your friends and neighbors, and not distribute some of it in an equitable way. Call it nacent socialism, call it anti-capitalist, but i call it moral.

For more reading on the Strike i encourage both the readers of this blog to read the following Blogs:

United Hollywood
A writer's perspective blog of the strike

Scribe Vibe
A shockingly even handed blog about the strike by VARIETY

and of course

Deadline Hollywood Daily
LA Weekly writer Nikki Finke's incredibly detailed, just, and thorough blog, updated with all the strike news you could ever want. I smell a pulitzer, and I aint kidding.

And now for some celebrity cameos:

From the Office


LOST and Desperate Housewives


Happy Days


*** I received this while I was writing, and I plan to attend. Please join everyone in a show of Solidarity that this city and the Studios won't soon forget:

The big strike is Friday at 10:00AM at the Fox Lot. Everyone
who can, please come join us in showing our support for the WGA
Strike. If you still have a job and can't get out, please try to come
during your lunch break.