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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Late-night laughs dry up: Under a strike scenario, the first to be hit would be fans of late-night TV shows, which are produced on a same-day basis. As funny as they might be, Conan O'Brien and Jon Stewart don't write their own stuff, and they are not about to start.

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...

-Raycheetah

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Originally posted by embers:

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
Could always read some good books...

-Raycheetah

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the studios and networks have treated the writers like dirt for decades, and the writers had little recourse so long as 'reality' TV was so popular (got good ratings and sold lots of advertising).

But now FINALLY scripted TV is back, and the advertisers want to sell their stuff on Lost, Heroes, Ugly Betty, etc...
and finally the writers can make the studios and networks stop and listen to them.

Personally I expect the strike to be pretty short, I think the writers' demands will be met sooner rather than later, because the fact is that their work produces millions of dollars for the studios and networks!

So I will be reading more, and listening to Doctor Who audio plays, and watching DVDs (time to watch Firefly again from the beginning!).

But then I always support the Union!

]

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I agree. The arguments made by the studios for not negotiating a percentage of residuals for the digital/internet display of programs is pretty weak. To paraphrase one writer, "If the studios, as they claim, make nothing off these media, then, why not pay us 2.5% of that nothing?"

I also hope you're right, Embers; 'cause, if this thing DOES run long, I doubt anybody's gonna end up happy. The writers have to eat, make house payments, and, all the rest of the things for which working folk have to pay. They will have to endure what amounts to unemployment for whatever the duration of the strike, and, face significant hardships, as individuals.

The studios may lose up to an estimated 1 billion dollars, if the strike runs as long as the 1988 strike, i.e., 5 months. That means a substantial impact on their collective bottom line, and, could hamper their ability to recover quickly, once this is resolved. Too, there are folks outside the WGA whose livelihood will be affected by a work stoppage, and, that group includes folks who aren't even otherwise involved directly in the talks.

Does anyone know if this will have any effect on stand-up comedians or ad writers? If not, we may see a LOT more stand-up, including ventriloquism ( Jeffdunham.com !), and, advertisements may become the new entertainment on TV.

We'll just have to see... Now, where did I put my library card?

-Raycheetah =^[.]^=
The enjoyment of any good thing is only enhanced by sharing it with others.



http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=30176

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
To paraphrase one writer, "If the studios, as they claim, make nothing off these media, then, why not pay us 2.5% of that nothing?"

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Originally posted by ncbrowncoat:
What about Craig Ferguson? Nathan is scheduled to appear Thursday night.

I know CF does a VERY impromptu monologue (the best IMHO, if you can stay up that late) and some skits.

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Originally posted by FollowMal:

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Originally posted by ncbrowncoat:
What about Craig Ferguson? Nathan is scheduled to appear Thursday night.

I know CF does a VERY impromptu monologue (the best IMHO, if you can stay up that late) and some skits.

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Sounds like from what Embers said though that if he's credited as a writer on his own show, he'll be affected too. Eeep. I hope not.

*checks purse to see if library card is in order*

*checks list of DVD sets she wants to watch long term and makes a note to write her Mom to tell her to dig out some good ones too*

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f336/foll


owmal/Banners/writersstrikesupporticon.jpg

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
( Jeffdunham.com !)

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Originally posted by sab39:

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Originally posted by Raycheetah:
( Jeffdunham.com !)

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Don't you mean Je-fuh-fuh. Dun HAM. Dot com! ?

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Originally posted by sab39:
Hey hey look at all the other people on this thread. Nyeeeeeeeeeowwww!

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Originally posted by Stoweaway:
I'm trying to be optimistic here. Perhaps a strike would mean Craig Ferguson would be forced to switch to an interview-only format.
Instead of a 6 minute anecdote from our Captain, we might get a good 15 minutes or so.
Oh well, a girl can hope, right?

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Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?

I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?

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It's pretty sad & pathetic that mega-million dollar "talents" like Leno & Letterman NEED writers for a 5 minute monologue & show of celebrity interviews. Don't they have any talent on their own?

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Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?

I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
Are they trying to give up more up-front pay to get more residual/royalty/right/profit-based pay?
Or do they just want same up=front pay plus more after-pay?

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FROM THE FRONT LINES!
Written by Joss (on Whedonesque.com)
Tuesday, 06 November 2007
Sick as a dog but proud as a noble and much healthier dog, I made my way to the picket lines outside of Fox studios today. I’m really glad I did. In addition to carrying the banner, it was a chance to talk with other writers, get more perspectives and more information about what’s happening, and to see a surprising number of old friends. David Fury and Mere Smith were there, as well as many non-mutant enemies that I know. We were all caught in that giddy first burst of solidarity and fear. Nobody thinks this is going to be easy. But everybody there knows that, as things stand, it has to be.

A particularly gratifying and unexpected sight was that of Aly and Alexis, along with Cobie Smulders, marching shoulder to shoulder with the HIMYM scribes. Aly and Alexis even brought boxes of candy bars to hand out to the flagging marchers (actually, I was the only one who appeared to be flagging – even the pregnant writer outlasted me). Mere told me young Boreanaz had also been there earlier that day. I was really touched, but my actor-friends were very matter-of-fact about the whole thing. They understand that the issues at hand affect the future of the entire creative community here, and that the writers, by virtue of being first, will set a precedent that affects all the guilds. That is why we writers have to be firm, intractable and absolute in our dedication to getting a fair deal. And that’s all we’re talking about: a fair deal. For us, and for generations of artists to come.

Sounds pretty damn pompous, no? “Generations to come…”? Yeesh. But it’s true. Our culture, our government, our corporate structures have all gotten pretty used to taking care of ourselves at the expense of our children and their children. Part of this is simple greed, part is immediate practicality trumping long-view perspective, and part is perfectly understandable fear. It’s easier to take what you’e given, not protest, not make a fuss. A lot of people will suffer grievously if this strike isn’t quickly resolved, and the men and women who voted for it know that. But like so many things – our eco-system being the most obvious – if we don’t make it work now, what’s to come will be much worse.

Let me be clear on one point: I know I have it easy. I’ve done well, and I’m grateful that I can weather a long winter. Compared to what the studios have made off me my share is tiny and cute, but I’m in no position to complain. But take that differential, apply it to someone who’s just getting by when they deserve better. Now take it and… well, just take it, ‘cause when it comes to the internet and the emerging media there’s nothing there for the artists. There’s no precedent; these media didn’t exist the last time a contract was negotiated. We’re not just talking about an unfair deal, we’re talking about no deal at all. Four cents from the sale of a DVD (the standing WGA deal) sounds exactly as paltry as it is, but in a decade DVD may have gone the way of the eight-track. We have to protect the rights of the people who tell the stories, however they’re told. I’m never gonna be as articulate as Shawn or Brian (both of whom have been linked here, I believe), but I am just as committed. And a lot phlegmier.

I don’t think of the studio heads as a bunch of grinning tycoons sitting in a smoke-filled club and drumming their fingers like Montgomery Burns. I know some of those guys. I think they’re worried about the future as much as anyone. But they are beholden to their corporations, and that inevitably causes entrenchment and shortsightedness. They can’t afford that. This is an era of change, and for the giant conglomo-tainment empires, it will either be the Renaissance or the Ice Age. Because we will not stand down. Writers can be replaced, as we are constantly reminded. But so can companies. Power is on the move, and though in this town it’s been hoarded by very few, there are other companies with newer ideas about how to make money off of – or possibly, wonderfully, with – the story-tellers. Personally, I like things almost the way they are. I truly hope the executives negotiating for the AMPTP make the few simple concessions that will allow us to work with them again. I want to work. I have this idea, for a show about a girl… I even have the actress for it. And if we strike effectively, maybe she won’t have to.

I honestly started this post because of Aly and Alexis and their candy bars. But… well… there’s a lot going on. Huge props to the pizza people. Your support during this strike means more than I can express. (Note to self: picket near Jane.) I hope it won’t be long. I watched my Father strike, back in ’88. It was hard. But I was proud. I’m proud now.

Sincerely, -joss.

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Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
It's pretty sad & pathetic that mega-million dollar "talents" like Leno & Lettreman NEED writers for a 5 minute monologue & show of celebrity interviews. Don't they have any talent on their own? You need writers to interview people? They can't write funny stuff on their own for a 2 minute opening?....hell, FF Fans do it every day. Hollywood is chock-full of airheads and charlatans.

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Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Does anybody know the gist of the issues at stake?

I'd heard it was just for more money. However, other comments, including from Joss, indicated it was more, something like a change in formula or structure of pay, between up-front and residual.
Anybody know?
Are they trying to give up more up-front pay to get more residual/royalty/right/profit-based pay?
Or do they just want same up=front pay plus more after-pay?

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Originally posted by rallem:
Doesn't anybody else here think it is rather selfish for these writers to be thinking about miniscule matters like being treated fairly and feeding their families, when I am starving for entertainment?

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Originally posted by rallem:
Did my effort suck?

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Originally posted by rallem:
You noted that I made an effort at sarcasm, which to me mean that I didn't really do a good job at it.

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