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WGA Strike Hits DVD
Saw this on tvguide.com
Another Strike Casualty — Bonus Material The TV landscape has been decimated by the Writers Strike, and that will undoubtedly lead to some smaller-than-usual TV-DVD sets come August/September, but there are other repercussions that aren't as obvious; the lack of participation in bonus material. Don't expect to listen to those insightful commentary tracks featuring writers and producers, or hear about the genesis of a show from the 90s; writers and producers are turning down offers from the studios (the home video divisions) to participate in bonus material. Some studios planned ahead and shot interviews before the strike, but many upcoming sets will be affected, assuming the strike continues. I don't know about you, but I can't imagine a Lost DVD set without the participation of Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindeloff, or The Shield without Shawn Ryan. What happens to the shows that have been off the air for years and are just now getting their DVD releases? How upsetting will it be for fans hoping to hear new behind-the-scenes gossip on their favorite shows? Very upsetting. |
Slightly off topic, but does anybody know if the WGA has a position on whether consumers should buy new TV-on-DVD sets during the strike?
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Well this was sort of a given anyway, because writers/producers typically dominate all the extras of a TV DVD. Not unexpected at all.
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Only if you shop in California or New York, right?
Of course, if you buy DVDs online the WGA could intercept all orders to Amazon and send you emails designed to look like picket signs. :D |
Originally Posted by Yakuza Bengoshi
Slightly off topic, but does anybody know if the WGA has a position on whether consumers should buy new TV-on-DVD sets during the strike?
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Dammit, I really wanted to hear the commentaries on season 11 of The Simpsons because I want to know what went through their heads as they wrote some of the most-hated episodes of the series thus far (not to mention listen to the awkward silence during Britney Spears' guest appearance).
Still, there remains the possibility that they recorded all of the season 11 commentaries well before the strike. |
Well at least Fox's Blu-ray releases are completely unaffected by this news.
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Originally Posted by Simpson Purist
Dammit, I really wanted to hear the commentaries on season 11 of The Simpsons because I want to know what went through their heads as they wrote some of the most-hated episodes of the series thus far (not to mention listen to the awkward silence during Britney Spears' guest appearance).
Still, there remains the possibility that they recorded all of the season 11 commentaries well before the strike. |
Writers for animated shows are in a different union and are not on strike as a rule. But that doesn't mean they might not want to cross picket lines.
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Originally Posted by Brent L
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Originally Posted by shyguy1083
I can understand that you want to be paid for writing that you do and providing material, but he wants to be paid for an interview? I mean, yea, they're making money off of having the interview as bonus material on the DVD, but all he has to do is TALK ABOUT HIS WORK. They're not asking him to actually write anything. He just has to talk about his experiences and reminisce. That just seems weird to me that he feels he should get paid for that. You would think he would do it as a courtesy to the fans.
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Originally Posted by darkside
Well at least Fox's Blu-ray releases are completely unaffected by this news.
BTW, does this affect movies as well? I really hope the features for the awards season titles were already done (though I doubt it). I'd hate to see There Will Be Blood or Sweeney Todd not get extras because of this. What would really suck is if they don't do features, but by the time the titles are released the strike is over. |
Originally Posted by Yakuza Bengoshi
If he told his story at a Sci-Fi convention he'd get paid for it, so why should Warner get it for nothing?
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For a DVD, and many conventions, they are produced in order for someone to make money. The people they sign to attend, or to be a part of the special features on a DVD act something as "draws", and because many people will attend or purchase a DVD because of their appearance, that ends up equaling money for someone.
I don't see a problem with the people being paid for it at all, and that should be the standard if you ask me. Then, if certain people want to do it for free, they would then be allowed to decline payment. That said, I suppose that could mean higher prices for DVDs, but there ya go. |
shyguy1083, for me the relevant factor is that everybody else involved is making money. Warner will charge for the box set and advertise the interview as an extra. It should therefore pay for it. On the other hand, if there was a non-professional or charity fan event in which nobody was paid for anything and nobody profited, then there'd be a strong case for him providing the interview gratis. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm not disparaging yours.
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They should quit striking already, no way they're ever gonna make up all the money they've lost during the strike with the measly increase in paycheck they're asking for. They've LOST more money than they can win with this strike already.
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Originally Posted by Takeshi357
They should quit striking already, no way they're ever gonna make up all the money they've lost during the strike with the measly increase in paycheck they're asking for. They've LOST more money than they can win with this strike already.
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Of course. It's a matter of general principle now, something I can fully well understand, being a man of principle myself...
But it's still really annoying that we, the consumer, will be the losers as long as this strike goes on. Adding insult to injury, this strike means even more reality TV... :yack: |
^It probably also means that television is going to permanently lose a segment of viewers who find other things to do with their time and will not return when the strike is over.
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Looks like we'll be seeing lots of near bare-bone TV on DVD releases this fall. Will this stike also affect movie bonus material as well? How far in advance are movie DVD's and bonus materials produced?
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Originally Posted by woemcats
Writers for animated shows are in a different union and are not on strike as a rule. But that doesn't mean they might not want to cross picket lines.
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Originally Posted by Takeshi357
They should quit striking already, no way they're ever gonna make up all the money they've lost during the strike with the measly increase in paycheck they're asking for. They've LOST more money than they can win with this strike already.
Also, I saw a video online where LOST writer/producer Damon Lindelof essentially said that he was willing to take a bath financially on this strike to ensure that future writers get a better deal because he felt it was the least he could do to the past WGA members who did likewise in previous strikes. No granted, I don't know how common his viewpoint is, but it seems like a lot of the writers are taking the long-term view on this, and thinking that having a constant revenue stream through retirement, along with health care etc, is better than making a quick buck now. |
Originally Posted by Yakuza Bengoshi
It probably also means that television is going to permanently lose a segment of viewers who find other things to do with their time and will not return when the strike is over.
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Originally Posted by Yakuza Bengoshi
^It probably also means that television is going to permanently lose a segment of viewers who find other things to do with their time and will not return when the strike is over.
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