http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/01/20/writers-strike-update-forced-out-and-dga-deal/ Blogging the Reel World Sat, 5 Jul 2008 03:40:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/01/20/writers-strike-update-forced-out-and-dga-deal/#comment-175738 RIP WGA Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:08:10 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/01/20/writers-strike-update-forced-out-and-dga-deal/#comment-175738 The terms of this contract expire in three years and all of the gains they make can be negotiated away again. I've done 200 episodes of scripted episodic drama and consistantly have to track the "team" of writers down to point out the story errors. I can't tell you how many times they write "talks about blahh..." or "some how escapes" or "maybe a fight or shoot out happens" where I have to fill in the blanks to explain their half-brained ideas. When writers take a job with the networks they know it is a work for hire process. If they are unhappy about the studios fronting them $22,000 for something that may tank. Writers should try putting in their own money. That's something they will find out when they start these "internet networks". Notice how none of these have signed IATSE,DGA, or SAG signatory agreements. Wait till writers have to pay those pesky union rates out of pocket. Solidarity right? The terms of this contract expire in three years and all of the gains they make can be negotiated away again. I’ve done 200 episodes of scripted episodic drama and consistantly have to track the “team” of writers down to point out the story errors. I can’t tell you how many times they write “talks about blahh…” or “some how escapes” or “maybe a fight or shoot out happens” where I have to fill in the blanks to explain their half-brained ideas. When writers take a job with the networks they know it is a work for hire process. If they are unhappy about the studios fronting them $22,000 for something that may tank. Writers should try putting in their own money. That’s something they will find out when they start these “internet networks”. Notice how none of these have signed IATSE,DGA, or SAG signatory agreements. Wait till writers have to pay those pesky union rates out of pocket. Solidarity right?

]]> http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/01/20/writers-strike-update-forced-out-and-dga-deal/#comment-175223 nitroslick Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:21:07 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/01/20/writers-strike-update-forced-out-and-dga-deal/#comment-175223 The writers should not have to bargain for what they want. Especially on TV shows, it is the writers' vision that is shown through. On a film, credit is always delivered to the director, which is unfair. But in a television show, the writers rule over all. Since it needs an episodic formula to keep going, a team of writers are the only people who can deliver that. Whereas, on a film, if they already have a complete script, it is the director that can choose to do with it as they please. Honestly, as much as I want my television shows to come back, and as much as I don't want good new shows like "Pushing Daisies" to get canceled due to this strike, the writers should not settle for what they want. Otherwise, this will happen again the very next time they're due for contract negotiations. The writers should not have to bargain for what they want. Especially on TV shows, it is the writers’ vision that is shown through. On a film, credit is always delivered to the director, which is unfair. But in a television show, the writers rule over all. Since it needs an episodic formula to keep going, a team of writers are the only people who can deliver that.
Whereas, on a film, if they already have a complete script, it is the director that can choose to do with it as they please.
Honestly, as much as I want my television shows to come back, and as much as I don’t want good new shows like “Pushing Daisies” to get canceled due to this strike, the writers should not settle for what they want. Otherwise, this will happen again the very next time they’re due for contract negotiations.

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