I don't get this move. If they're picketing shows with no writers, why don't they also picket American Idol?

I'm assuming because these shows..usually have writers? I'm not really sure.

I thought this was a rumor that got debunked.

Perhaps they will when the non-produced episodes start to air. If I'm not mistaken, the first three to four weeks of episodes are pre-recorded auditions and then to Hollywood - those episodes are scripted with background info of auditions they're showing. Those should have been ready to roll long before the strike (they start auditions in the summer). Live episodes will probably not start airing until February and even then there is very little that is "scripted".

I actually support the WGA, but it does strike me as odd (maybe a better word would be arrogant or self-agrandizing) to be picketing Conan/Jay/Kimmel/Stewart/Colbert. All 3 have been extremely supportive and vocal in their support of their support of the WGA. Hell, Conan went as far as saying in his return statement that the show will suck cause he doesn't have his writers. But these shows are returning without writers.

While I agree with the WGA and all of their action thus far have been to get the point across that they want/deserve fair compensation, this action seems bullying and designed not at getting their fair share but at trying to shut down an industry.

These two sides are playing for keeps. If they can set up CBS for success and drag NBC and ABC down by doing it, that's what they're going to do. I really rather doubt that Stewart and Colbert are going to be major targets compared to Conan, Jay, and Jimmy, but they have to keep up appearances on all fronts.

I think the people stuck in the awkward situation understand what's going on. They get paid the big money in part because they're going to get used like pawns by both sides in this type of dispute. They're on the air because the networks insist on it, and they're going to have a hell of a time booking guests and filling out shows because the WGA is determined to make their show suck to hurt the other side.

Writers or no writers, Letterman's sporting one crazy ass beard.

They're picketing where the spotlight is. It's not as effective anymore press-wise to keep picketing shows that are completely shut down. The press is covering the returning shows, and it makes sense for the union to try and stay in the limelight.

Plus, I doubt the hosts of these shows are upset about the picketing. As you've pointed out, they already admit that their shows will suck without writers, and are basically doing it just to keep their crews employed. If they could run the show while also having horrible ratings because of the lack of writers, that'd probably be their ideal situation.

Well, that's kinda exactly what the strike is: an attempt to shut down the industry until they get a reasonable upgrade to their current contracts. The whole point of a strike is: "you need us to survive as an industry, and we're going to show you just how much you do need us." Picketing returning shows so that guests will be reluctant to appear on it, thus keeping ratings low, is all part of that.

:thmbsdwn:
WGA Says No Deal to the Golden Globes
Source: ComingSoon.net
January 3, 2008


"Even though the Golden Globe Awards released this statement on Wednesday, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) says there's no deal. Here is the WGA's official reply:

Dick Clark Productions is a struck company. As previously announced, the Writers Guild will be picketing the Golden Globe Awards.

The WGA has great respect and admiration for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, but we are engaged in a crucial struggle that will protect our income and intellectual property rights for generations to come. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring industry negotiations to a fair conclusion. In the meantime, we are grateful for the ongoing support of the Hollywood talent community.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) president Alan Rosenberg followed by issuing this statement saying that SAG members should not cross picket lines:

Screen Actors Guild members will be happy to appear on projects using WGA writers, and we will continue to support the WGA in every way possible in its efforts to achieve a fair contract. Unless and until there is an agreement between the WGA and HFPA, we will advise our members of their rights with respect to not crossing WGA picket lines and/or not appearing on programs using non-union writers. Screen Actors Guild is holding a meeting with Golden Globe actor nominees later this week regarding these issues.

It's looking more and more likely that the nominees, fellow stars and presenters won't be attending the Golden Globes, meaning that the HFPA has to decide whether to air the show."

I feel bad for worthy projects that could suffer or not get the attention they deserve because of the WGA.
-ohbfrank- -ohbfrank- -ohbfrank- -ohbfrank-

I feel really bad for the first-time nominees (like my pet series Mad Men). This would really put a damper on getting nominated for such a big award, if you aren't even able to go to the ceremony.

Um, Stewart isn't only guy that paid people out of their own pocket. Conan did, Kimmel did and AFAIK Leno did for a period of time, too.

Keeping stuff like the Golden Globe Awards off tv might make me wish the stikes goes on a long time. :lol:

I'm not a fan of awards shows, obviously.

I don't think going to the ceremony is as important as winning. Besides many of those "first-time" noms owe their nominations to the writers! So it is only fair.

If this ceremony goes down in flames, I think the WGA has a better chance of succeeding - especially with the Oscars coming up!

Here's a random question... what is considering writing by WGA's terms? Would improv be considered writing? Meaning would a show similar to 'Whose Line is it Anyway' be exempt from the strike, assuming 1) none of the performers were WGA members and 2) the setups for the improvised bits were thought up randomly by the audience and not prewritten? Or is it considered writing under WGA rules the minute someone thinks it up and communicates it publicly on a AMPTP production in any fashion (thus making the performers scabs)?

Yeah, but if they won, that sucks if they aren't even there for it. And even being nominated is such an honor, I would imagine this is the first time many of these first-timers would have even been invited to an award show like this.

I just feel bad since for many this is something they have probbaly dreamed about for years and who knows if they will ever be nominated again.

Why is everyone reading my post like I'm saying he's the only guy that did it? I just used him as an example.

Because everyone always sucks the cock of Stewart like he's some comedy god. I'm sick of it and want guys like Conan to get the recognition they deserve. :lol:

Improv I'm pretty certain is not writing, as I went to the ASSCATT at the upright citizens brigade in NY, and Amy Poehler, Seth Myers, Jack McBrayer and a bunch of other comics did a kickass improv for $8, and there was no picketing there.

I'd suggest anything besides improv is likely to be considered writing. If you come up with it totally on the fly, you're not writing. If you plan it, that's writing.

Are cracks in the solidarity forming?

I can't say anything about this report, but I mentioned in another thread on the strike in this forum that I heard on NPR the WGA is not happy that the DGA will begin negotiations some time soon even though they are months away from their deal expiring. It seems the DGA is much more eager to avoid a strike, may make a deal quickly, and will probably put a lot of pressure on both SAG and the WGA to take deals modeled after the DGA deal if they do settle quickly.

Okay, but that can't be true, because that would mean that the late night hosts wouldn't even be able to think about what they were going to do that night.

I think that sounds about right, from the WGA perspective.

Well, from that perspective you're probably right. :lol:

I support the WGA and hope they get everything they're asking for, but I can't fault the late night hosts from going back to work as long as they don't write. They have a lot of staff to think about.