DVD Josh

I could get behind this argument if they weren't receiving up-front compensation. But that has to factor into the equation.

I support the writers to an extent. I just feel they are asking for money that doesn't exist yet. They should be willing to share the burden of new media, and they don't seem willing to.

MoviePage

Well, regardless of your stance on the issue, the writers are giving a compelling reason by striking to say, "Give us our fair share or we're not working anymore, and there will eventually be no more profits for you or us." That's about as compelling as it gets. Good for them for risking their own livelihood by standing up to the suits who care about nothing except the bottom line.

MoviePage

That's classic. You don't seriously believe that, do you?

Draven

What are all of those executives talking about when they say how profitable their online ventures are and will continue to be in the next year?

chris_sc77

That is what the AMPTP said but yes I think it's a bit dramatically worded but I think this individual statement is at least fair in describing how much control they want over internet related promotional material and content.

Groucho

A couple things here:

1. How did we go from 4 cents a DVD to zero equity? Don't say you aren't getting anything when you're in fact getting something.

2. On most studio pictures, the screenplay is altered significantly from what the writer originally came up with. Sometimes, all that remains is the writer's name (script doctors and other contributers aren't allowed to be credited due to WGA rules). So it's not as if the credited writer is the sole creator of the work.

DRG

I see where you're coming from. But my concern isn't even really for the stars (and it sure as hell isn't for the producers) but for the lesser known actors and especially for the little guys behind the scenes like the editors, art direction, etc. that rarely get any sort of recognition for their work as is. I don't think being upset about this *and* being upset about the way the writers are being treated have to be mutually exclusive feelings just because they come from conflicting circumstances. I guess there's collaterial damage in every war, so...

DVD Josh

It's business speak. They are trying to attract advertisers to an unknown format.

Ronnie Dobbs

If you don't think producers have too much money then...

DVD Josh

Is Don Simpson of Simpson / Bruckheimer fame?

Drexl

Yes, he was.

DVD Josh

Wow, I had no idea he had fallen that far. That's a real shame.

BravesMG

I don't know if you were referencing this or not, but Simpson died a long time ago, I think it was around 95 or 96.

DVD Josh

Well, it's a shame either way.

Jericho

I'm trying to figure this strike out as well. You originally posted that you wondered what right the WGA has to refuse permission to air clips owned by studios. I wonder that too. It must be contractual thing, because I'd suspect most writers either get their work bought out or are done via work for hire.

I don't really have an opinion on the writer's strike as it's not something I know enough about. I don't know what's typical in the industry, I don't know the current contract states, and I don't know what other guilds get. So I can't really opine on this situation.

I do hate it though when people get caught up in industries with big money and take sides based on the dollar value. Like in sports when athletes and owners squabble over money. Yes, both are millionares, but they have a right to do what's fair. I see some of that spilling over to this arena, where both sides have people making good money (although less so on the writer's side). I don't care how much either side makes, just do what is fair.

I am suprised that writers get any royalties, however. I would have thought the studios just pay a flat fee for whatever work they get, and the risk is on them to have it work or fail.

mikelowry

The Golden Globe's pushing through despite the strike.

Breakfast with Girls

These writers (and some of you guys) would be amazed at the way venture capital works. It's called capitalism, folks. Those that foot the bill reap the most reward.

Maybe the Academy folks should skip the Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay awards this year.

Jericho

I do think for one that movies or TV aren't so much about the money, but about the actors or directors. You rarely see a big to do about the next movie written by Stephen Gaghan. But you will see a big to do about the next Steven Spielberg or Will Smith movie. The actors and directors are the face of the industry. That's not to say writers aren't important. They are. They're underappreciated. But the market doesn't value them like other jobs, and their pay reflects that. It's not the same as with a book author. A Stephen King novel means something. So it's hard to compare industries. Particularly with movies, where you have so many people coming together to make a film (producer, director, actor, composer, writer, cinematographer, set designer, costume designer, special effects people, etc...)

Which brings me to my main point, bargaining power. If a writer is good enough to demand a royalty on his work, more power to him. If he's so good to do it on his own, more power to him. But most of the time he can't and won't do those things. He's at the mercy of a studio. And studios take the risks. Of course if he writes the next Gigli, he'll still get paid. And if he writes the next Casablanca, he gets paid the same. If he wants more, he either needs to negotiate better or go off on his own. It's like any job.

BravesMG

Yep, absolutely. As odd as it sounds, from what I've read Simpson was usually reigning Bruckheimer in usually. I just didn't want anybody to think that they split up or Simpson was on other projects.

PopcornTreeCt

I agree. I dabble into screenwriting here and there so naturally I should side with the writers. But I can't. Residuals are just gravy. I can certainly understand why the writers are pissed when they see all that money that their work has generated I'd be pissed too. But that's just the way it is. They are a hired gun. Perhaps because I've written screenplays for free and have actually paid to have them read by "industry people" that I cannot relate to people who are asking for more money to do my dream job.

Brack

This just sounds wrong to me.

mario_c

Everyone works to some extent, to make the magic happen, and everyone shares in the pain and the prize as well. If the Editor's Guild were to strike, I'd feel the same way. The Carpenters' Union? meh....j/k I kid the woodworkers.
The Oscars aren't about the little guys in the industry by any means - it's the people at the top of their respective games. That's the bottom line - the Oscars are symbolic, and boycotting the Oscars puts the SHOW in show of support, that's all.