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Looks like the TV writers are on strike.
"It is unfortunate that they choose to take this irresponsible action," said the producers' group.
I haven't broken this strike down to decide which side I'm on—but isn't it fun to fantasize a similarly solemn CEO saying the same about his speechwriter, a sweaty HR director about the intranet writer?
This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on November 5, 2007 9:08 AM.
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Comments (9)
You don't know what side you're on?! Me, I'm pretty clear. The article you linked us to says:
"Consumers are expected to spend $16.4bn (£7.9m) on DVDs this year, according to Adams Media Research, but writers receive only about 3 cents on a typical DVD"
AND
"Studios argue that it is too early to know how much money they can make from offering entertainment on the internet, cell phones, iPods and other devices. They also say their profits from DVD sales are used to meet increasing production costs."
So let me get this straight studio bosses-You guys a) can't manage your costs of doing business so you figure the creators of the stuff you make millions from (said creators getting 3 cents) should pay for your lack of business savvy; and b) you don't know how much you might make from online sales?!
So, what, the writers should just wait around with their hats in their hands until the next contract negotiation while you bosses figure out your balance sheet?
Gimme a break! Do we LOOK like we just fell off a turnip truck?
I'd like to see the studio bosses try to write the bits for John Stewart and Jay Leno. The online world has been here for a few years now, all the writers are asking for is a fair slice of the pie they're helping to bake in a new, bigger oven. I don't think that's unreasonable.
Posted by Kristen | November 5, 2007 10:14 AM
Posted on November 5, 2007 10:14
Sounds like you're on the fence on this one too, Kristen .....
I ain't crossin' no picket lines,
David
Posted by David Murray | November 5, 2007 11:03 AM
Posted on November 5, 2007 11:03
Where can I sign up? I'll cross any line to write for The Daily Show. I have no scruples.
Posted by Eileen | November 5, 2007 12:05 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 12:05
"I have no scruples." But so far you have no offer, either. First things first.
Posted by David Murray | November 5, 2007 12:07 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 12:07
Killjoy. I thought this was a fantasy day...after all, are you really going on strike? Then allow me my dream here.
Posted by Eileen | November 5, 2007 12:15 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 12:15
Eileen - if you're going to write the Daily Show, can I have the Colbert Report? I'm snarky and sarcastic, and you are charming and kind so I think this is a reasonable and appropriate division of spoils, no?
P.S. David - before you call me a hypocrite, I refer you to Eileens "fantasy day" comment above.
Posted by Kristen | November 5, 2007 1:19 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 13:19
The latest episode of Vegas features a strike by the strippers, who want nothing more than health benefits and some child care. The strip joint owners are convinced that their business will go down the drain if there's a strike, and loudly denigrate the strippers' intelligence and morals. It was hard to keep from shrieking, "You idiots! If losing your strippers might jeopardize your business, treat them better!"
I'm on Kristen's side of the fence--on the side of the angels, writers, and strippers.
Posted by Jane Greer | November 5, 2007 1:50 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 13:50
"on the side of the angels, writers, and strippers"
Which should have been the headline of this blog entry, or maybe even the blog itself.
Posted by David Murray | November 5, 2007 1:58 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 13:58
Strip joint owners denigrating strippers' morals? Pot, kettle, pot, kettle . . .
Posted by Diane | November 5, 2007 2:04 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 14:04