The following "Open Letter To The Entertainment Industry" was posted this morning by the AMPTP on its website AMPTP.org. I can't objectively post this same old shit again and again without comment. It sounds like yet another missive dictated by IATSE local boss Tom Short who continues in cahoots with AMPTP. Interestingly, the organization that reps the 8 studios/networks prolonging this strike refuses to focus on the central issue of its walking away from the negotiating table. Instead of making useless statements that defy objectivity, the alliance need to do something useful and schedule the next round of talks:
December 17, 2007
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
FROM THE AMPTP
As the WGA-initiated strike now enters its seventh week, the strike's economic consequences are growing more severe by the day. The below-the-line workers whose families depend entirely on our industry have already lost more than $200 million in the Los Angeles area alone, and the health care benefits for many of these families are now in real jeopardy because of the WGA strike. The working writers themselves have now lost more than $115 million, and these writers are no closer today to getting their fair share of new media revenues than they were when the strike began. The economic impact to our regional economy is also growing. By January, the economic losses to the region will exceed $200 million a month, with as many as a third of the entertainment industry's 250,000 jobs jeopardized.In the face of these crippling losses and the real hardships that average working families are now facing during the holidays, we wonder whether the people in charge at the WGA now regret openly bragging in the media that "we are winning this strike," or appearing before the cameras like "a rock star" (to use the description offered by the WGA's chief negotiator David Young). According to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Young quipped "I just lay back and look at the havoc I've wreaked." [NF: Young has claimed repeatedly he was misquoted and words left out of published LAT statements as have WGA writers...]
"Havoc" has certainly been "wreaked" by the WGA's actions, but it is now clear that there are no "winners" in this strike. Simply put, this strike cannot be resolved until the working writers - who are a valued and vital part of our business community - decide that their union should adopt a reasonable, consistent, and practical negotiating strategy. It is simply not reasonable to persuade union members to authorize a strike over new media issues - and then to create a negotiating deadlock over jurisdictional issues that would have little benefit for working writers. It is not consistent to proclaim at a rally one day that the jurisdictional issues will be in the final contract, while saying the next day that this strike is about New Media. And it is simply not practical to lurch day-by-day from one tactic to another -- filing a specious NLRB complaint on one day, and then a day later defying long-standing industry practices by embarking on the doomed strategy of company-by-company negotiations.
Unfortunately for all of us, the WGA's existing unreasonable, inconsistent and impractical negotiating strategy is guaranteed to produce only losers in this strike. The WGA's organizers refused to engage in early bargaining and then started this strike, and their subsequent negotiating tactics have ensured that the hardships suffering by below-the-line workers and their families will continue to worsen.
Talks Day #8: Moguls Walk From Talks After Issuing An Ultimatum To Writers
This reads like it came right from the desk of Tom Short! Are we to believe that the AMPTP (or even Tom Short) actually give a rats ass about “average working families”? These AMPTP press releases are getting worse and even more desperate.
Comment by E — December 17, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
So, the AMPTP is just going to go with insults now?
Good work, guys. Doesn’t make you look like a bunch of slimy fucks in any way.
This “message” is pathetic and wreaks of desperation.
That LA Times article this morning about we writers moving towards the internet bugging you?
Comment by DA in LA — December 17, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
“It is simply not reasonable to persuade union members to authorize a strike over new media issues - and then to create a negotiating deadlock over jurisdictional issues that would have little benefit for working writers.”
The only real negotiating deadlock occurred when the AMPTP issued an ultimatum and walked away from the table.
Comment by dlw — December 17, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
The most telling quote is “defying long-standing industry practices”. In other words, the 8-person AMPTP is mortified that the WGA now has a backbone, that we are standing up against their incessant bullying and we are winning. Fight on, Patric and Dave and John!
Comment by Walk The Line — December 17, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
Nikki,
Ummm….what happened to your “remain objective” pledge of the first week?
B
Comment by Brian B — December 17, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Thanks Nikki for the blunt title. It’s time to stop the PR spin and get back to the table. Now.
Comment by Paul Linstrot — December 17, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
AMPTP: “We will not continue negotiating with you unless and until you concede jurisdictional issues.”
WGA: “Nah. But let’s talk about New Media.”
AMPTP: “Not unless you concede jurisdictional issues.”
WGA: “Let’s talk about New Media.”
AMPTP: “We’re leaving because you have not conceded jurisdictional issues.”
AMPTP exits.
Comment by grimes — December 17, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
Why are they even doing this? If they were so upset, they’d come back and try to talk even if the WGA were wrong about not wanting to take things off the table that 1.have been among writer demands from day one and 2. can be used as negotiating tools. The union isn’t wrong. The oligarchs have to come back to the table and act like they’re looking for a deal.
Comment by Another Hyphenate — December 17, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
“…and these writers are no closer today to getting their fair share of new media revenues than they were when the strike began.”
And that’s entirely accurate, and entirely the fault of the AMPTP. First they offered nothing, than an insulting deal, and then they stopped offering. Not quite sure where the negotiating part of that is, but it is certainly true the writers are no closer to a deal. Perhaps one day they’ll be offered something they can deal with.
Comment by C. A. Bridges — December 17, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
What happened to the lighter holiday posting?
Comment by ren — December 17, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Why does the AMPTP keeps spooning out this crap? Whom do they think is buying it? Not the WGA, not the other unions, not the public - so are they feeding it to themselves? Do they actually believe their own b.s.? And if they cared so much about the poor poor BTL workers, then why don’t they get back to the bargaining table? When the WGA has proven to be VERY reasonable, i.e. taking DVD’s off the table altogether before the strike, the AMPTP has walked away. So are these AMPTP press releases just a form of masturbation to rationalize their own greedy, piggish ways? As a writer, one of my rules is “no one-dimensional villains.” I always try to give the villain a point of view, a reason for doing their evil deeds. And I think no villain, in their own mind, is bad. They always have an excuse for their behavior, and a way to rationalize it. So that’s what these press releases must be for. I guess I just answered my own questions!
Comment by WGAE Member — December 17, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
FROM THE AMPTP’S OWN PRESS RELEASE:
“…the writers are no closer to getting their fair share of new media revenues than when the strike began.”
So even the AMPTP admits we’re not getting our fair share. And how is it “unreasonable” to demand your fair share? I think the studios need a better proofreader for their press releases. Maybe they could hire one of those “average working families” they profess to care so much about…
Mike Scully
Comment by Mike Scully — December 17, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
Translation: ‘The WGA is causing tons of woe for so many by demanding a fair share of revenue from their work. If they really cared about people they would just do what we tell them to do and accept what we decide to give them. Aren’t they bad people? How dare they stand up for themselves and in turn put so many people out of work.’ The studios will NEVER win the P.R. campaign. Every time they release a statement they look stupid. Even the simple man can see this situation for what it is. The rich bully will never get the sympathy of the people. Pathetic. Just shut up and deal.
Comment by joe granville — December 17, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
If this copy tells us anything, it is that the AMPTP needs writers!
Comment by Mheister — December 17, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
Brian B: “Ummm….what happened to your “remain objective” pledge of the first week?”
This piece is objective.
Comment by Klaatu — December 17, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
You got us! Good work. We’re done. Picketing is over. Strike is over because you guys are so-so right on this one. Let’s just pack it in everyone because these PR dudes nailed us bad. If they say we’re the assholes then we must be the assholes…
Their releases are white noise at this point!
Comment by dang — December 17, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
Seriously, this is what they’re paying all that money for? This kind of release?
When all the writers have to do is ask why they AMPTP is not negotiating if they are so concerned?
It’s pretty hard to be indignant when you’re the one causing the problem.
Comment by Jimmy — December 17, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
As noted prior, Tom Short is a total lackey for the AMPTP. Short’s idea of “Negotiation” is to accept the first (and usually ONLY) offer of the AMPTP. Sure the AMPTP gives Short a few crumbs so that he can tout them to members (but leaving to the fine print of all the rollbacks that Short has also agreed to).
As it pertains to this strike, Short’s support gives the AMPTP a cover so that they can appear ‘concerned’ for the BTL folks like myself.
Like hell they care!
It is a damned shame that IATSE does not have the backbone of the WGA to actually put up a fight for its members. The rollbacks continue unabated, and more will be agreed to until the spineless Short is deposed.
Comment by Anon — December 17, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
God, I hate these guys. They’re like the lamest villains from a Bond movie, with PR guys for Henchmen. Will someone please stop them or at least stop posting their horseshit? Can’t we start a whole new film business and exclude the studios?
Comment by Full of hate — December 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Nikki, you really oughta learn how to express yourself. It’s unhealthy to hold it all in the way you do, lol…
Seriously though, you own this story; I go to your site before I hit Variety and THR…
Comment by John — December 17, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
This type of transparent press release is a tired PR/LAWYER tactic wherein the AMPTP is hi-jacking the WGA’s argument against the AMPTP, and trying to twist the same argument back on to the WGA
Boy, does the AMPTP need a new PR firm/lawyers
With all the $$$$ they’re spending on pr, this is the best they can do?
Clearly, this flimsy release comes in response to local government revving up because of all the economic damage this “oligarchy” is doing to LA. And to the growing pressure over the oligarchy’s illegal collusion.
Comment by fromtheinside — December 17, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
Just received the IATSE Local 44 newsletter which publishes Tom Short’s letter to the WGA’s Verrone of 11/13. The AMPTP’s second paragraph is almost a direct lift from it.
Short goes on to accuse the WGA of expending it’s energy over the past year preparing for a strike rather than for negotiations.
Interestingly the newsletter also includes a piece explaining that prior administrations of our local never saw fit to establish a “strike fund’ to aid members in the event of a labor dispute. One was established last year but is not yet economically viable. This fact alone clearly illustrates the traditional Hollywood IATSE relationship with the studios. It bears mentioning that this relationship which was forged by a couple of Sam Giancanna’s boys from Chicago, who offered to keep the studios strike free in return for kickbacks. While the theater managers traditionally balked at this arrangement it was apparently greeted by the studios with open arms.
What kind of union has no strike fund? Look at Local One’s recent actions in New york. This is the IATSE I grew up with. The strongest of the entertainment unions, the one that was a real labor union (and backed up by the teamsters). “Don’t F.U.C.K. with the I.A.”
But the International seems to view Hollywood as a bastard step child. We’ve received no support in trying to halt runaway production, our contracts are a never ending series of giveaways, it is pathetic. Of course if the IATSE can’t help members who are in dire financial straights with a strike fund then those members will be more inclined to oppose the WGA (or any other) labor action.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked points in this whole affair is the “no strike” clauses the AMPTP has been able to extract from the various industry unions. While I was aware of the clause it still made my head spin receiving a call from my union telling me I must cross the picket line. The studios start any negotiations with a labor force that is already divided. How many times did I hear “well the writers didn’t back the teamsters”. The WGA almost certainly have to cede their demand to eliminate the “no strike” clause from their contract but BRAVO to them for raising the issue.
Comment by IATSE MEMBER — December 17, 2007 @ 3:23 pm
The WGA is, according to AMPTP’s latest open letter, “defying long-standing industry practices by embarking on the doomed strategy of company-by-company negotiations.”
I realize that this “strategy” (company-by-company negotiations) could mean a ton of extra time-consuming work for the WGA’s negotiating team, but personally, I am all for it. My hope is that the WGA can cut a deal with some of the smaller companies, and then the bigger ones — the members of the AMPTP — will have no choice but to sign on. I don’t see this strategy as doomed at all. It seems smart to me. And rather than the AMPTP putting an end to our union — which seems to be their goal — perhaps this “strategy” will put an end to the AMPTP and its “group-bully” mentality.
Comment by Tom — December 17, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
FROM THE AMPTP’S OWN PRESS RELEASE:
“…the writers are no closer to getting their fair share of new media revenues than when the strike began.”
That sentence was a stunning admission (and unwitting confession) of amptp greed and hypocrisy. Amptp has made “offers” (do they deserve that word) on new media during the strike. But they now clearly state that the writers are no closer to their fair share since the strike began. Interesting. So what then are those previous offers they have made to writers worth? Obviously something less than a fair share–also known as the shaft. You just admitted it boys. The writers are no closer to getting a fair share of new media since the strike began because the amptp hasn’t made a fair offer!!! Thanks amptp. You are publicly stating the WGA’s case. Now why don’t you go one better, and negotiate the fair deal you’re talking about. Oh, and happy holidays!
Comment by hopeful future screenwriter — December 17, 2007 @ 3:36 pm
Anyone know who else this PR firm the AMPTP has hired *currently* has as clients?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Comment by A Writer — December 17, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
This press release should even render Gavin Polone speechless. The AMPTP’s propaganda machine reminds me of Baghdad Bob (the wildly innaccurate and hilarious Iraqi Information Minister during the 2003 Iraq War)… only this is worse.
Comment by WGA Writer — December 17, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
This PR statement isn’t even well thought and properly executed propaganda. This AMPTP group needs some better writers.
Comment by ReelBusy — December 17, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
“…these writers are no closer today to getting their fair share of new media revenues than they were when the strike began.”
Not to beat an already flogged commentary horse, but that is pure poetry!
Quite obviously the AMPTP could use the help of some real writers. Hey, I just happen to know a few who are ready and willing to get back to their keyboards. Stop producing poorly written press statements, and start negotiating, so we can get back to producing entertainment together.
Comment by Mojo — December 17, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
“…the writers are no closer to getting their fair share of new media revenues than when the strike began.”
Mike Scully is right! The AMPTP’s own press release tells the public that 1) they agree there is a fair share for writers and 2) they refuse to give it us. Nice!
Come on, Lehane. This kind of sloppy shit may work when losing your candidate the Presidency, but this is Hollywood! Step it up!
Comment by Mike Royce — December 17, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
Hey, AMPTP, you want to fix this? Less skiiing, more negotiating. You remember negotiating, right? It’s what you do when you buy your new Bentleys.
Comment by Occasional Showrunner — December 17, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
“…suffering by below-the-line workers and their families will continue to worsen.” “to worsen.” Huh? How about “…will continue.” You guys need, hmmm, a writer.
Wednesday (12/19) is union solidarity day! Spend an hour in support of your brethren - it’s informative; and actually fun.
Comment by Eastgate — December 17, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
The idea that the studios give half a shit about the unemployed BTLers would be hilarious if it weren’t so pathetic.
And if the writers really are “no closer to getting their fair share of new media revenues,” then I guess what the Asshole Moguls’ Plainly Treacherous Protectorate is saying is that the WGA needs to amp up their tactics even more. To which I’d tell them: Don’t worry, studios, I’m pretty sure they’re doing that. Congress and the IRS should be on your doorsteps any day now. Enjoy your holidays.
Comment by Nick — December 17, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
As noted prior, Tom Short is a total lackey for the AMPTP. Short’s idea of “Negotiation” is to accept the first (and usually ONLY) offer of the AMPTP. Sure the AMPTP gives Short a few crumbs so that he can tout them to members (but leaving to the fine print of all the rollbacks that Short has also agreed to).
As it pertains to this strike, Short’s support gives the AMPTP a cover so that they can appear ‘concerned’ for the BTL folks like myself.
Like hell they care! Not!
It is a damned shame that IATSE does not have the backbone of the WGA to actually put up a fight for its members. The rollbacks continue unabated, and more will be agreed to until the spineless Short is deposed.
Comment by Anon — December 17, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
Bizarrely, the AMPTP is trying to portray itself as the shy girl at the dance — if it wasn’t for that rough-handed WGA Communist Organizer/Rock Star (which is it, again?) blundering across the floor and so crudely trying to jerk her off the chair, why, she would have happily danced a slow one by now — and even slipped the delicate tongue of her New Media Concessions into his gaping and insatiable maw.
He’s just not being a gentleman. He’s not treating her like a LADY. And that’s why the AMPTP clutched her purse and fled from the gym.
If you’re going to stonewall — i.e. refuse to negotiate — then shuddup about it. That’s what a stone wall typically does — it sits there and waits.
It doesn’t toss plaintive little notes to anybody who might be passing by.
Have some dignity guys.
Comment by pt — December 17, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
Who is Tom Short actually representing? Not me (I’m a film editor). IA’s stand on this strike just goes to show that the union bosses have more in common with the corporations taking advantage of their members than they ever will with us below the line workers whose dues pay their salaries. I think we should have an IA members in support of the WGA march. And while we’re at it, we should find a way to get out of our “union” and join or create a REAL one…
jan
Comment by Jan — December 17, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
once again, BTL people - if you want this strike to end NOW, direct the full force of your wrath and hardship at the AMPTP
the only thread they’re hanging from is hoping you will pressure wga into caving
that will not happen - and you lose too if wga caves
meanwhle, while you struggle to pay your mortgages, AMPTP is off on luxury vacations, drinking champagne, laughing their old fat butts off at the absolute power they wield
wga remains here ready to negotiate, on the cold picket line, and struggling to pay bills like you
Comment by amptp thinks the public is dumb — December 17, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Yep, same old myopic, immoral, isolationist shit.
When will they ever learn…
Someone should teach Nick and his Greedy, Scroogy Bully Cronies what most preschoolers in the world have already learned…
“If you want to play fairly, you must learn to share with others”.
Comment by PJ - Writer — December 17, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
The simple fact that they couldn’t come up with anything original says to me that they’re just continuing b*&lsh^t people into thinking they have a leg to stand on. They need to seriously consider less “press releases” and more talking.
Comment by Lisa — December 17, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
“Interestingly the newsletter also includes a piece explaining that prior administrations of our local never saw fit to establish a “strike fund’ to aid members in the event of a labor dispute.”
Wow, that’s really interesting, IATSE MEMBER, because some shills claiming to be from IATSE have come on here complaining about how unconscionable it is that we’re getting money from the strike fund while we’re, um, on strike. I couldn’t understand what in the world they were talking about because I just assumed every union on the face of the Earth has a strike fund. And isn’t the point of a strike fund to provide relief during a strike? Damn, Tom Short should be worrying about helping you guys out instead of playing kissy face with Les Moonves.
Comment by shapeupTom — December 17, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
One great point made tonight in SM: There’s not even a shitty deal on the table to “cave into”! It doesn’t exist.
Unbelievable…
Comment by BramdoBJS — December 17, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
This letter was written in the style of “Tokyo Rose” broadcasts, as portrayed in World War II movies. The effects are remarkably similar, still: Derision, belly laughs, sarcastic responses, and inspiring her audiences to win at any cost.
Their parody tribute to our parents’ and grandparents’ generation must have cost nothing, which is what it accomplished. Imagine if the bigs had access to real writers, though.
Comment by Alonzodee — December 17, 2007 @ 9:48 pm
I don’t like the fact that I am now starting to feel sorry for the AMPTP because of how bad the writing is on everything they release to the public.
This little missive wherein they state over and over how much this whole thing is costing all the little people, the “working” people (as if Les Moonves et. al identifies with the simple working folk) is just…pathetic.
The moguls use the words “working” and “workers” repetitively in this statement, perhaps because this bizarre concept of “work” is so exotic and foreign to them. After all, each of the 8 CEO’s has enormous, pre-negotiated exit packages that actually create an incentive for not working, and failing. Based on Les Moonves’ new deal, I am sure that the combined exit packages of these 8 geniuses would pay for anything the WGA is demanding.
I admit however that it’s a tough call which is a more tempting purchase, the firing of these 8 men, or the compensation of all of the “working” writers in Hollywood.
And then I go on their shiny stainless steel new website where the poor AMPTP (obviously struggling with having no writing talent at their disposal) has replaced their sidebar that previously stated, “The average working writer makes more than a surgeon!” with the new and improved, “The average working writer makes more than an family doctor.”
Yes, you read that correctly, more than AN family doctor.
Oh stop it. Now I feel sorry for you AMPTP and your third grade grammar skills. Now I want to petition Congress to pass legistlation entitled, “No AMPTP mogul left behind.”
Comment by WGA Writer with Business Sense — December 17, 2007 @ 9:54 pm
I think it’s time the AMPTP “shut up” and do us all a “favor” by going “back” to the “table” and negotiating.
Comment by Lola — December 17, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
The AMPTP were doing much better BEFORE they hired the new PR team.
They write these things as if no one’s’s paying attention. Somehow unbeknownst to them people ARE paying attention. The public as well as the Industry. We’ve all seen how these events unfolded day by day so when they try to convince us of their altruistic intentions it’s laughable.
The emperor has no clothes. Quick! Somebody get them a mirror.
Comment by Anonymous — December 17, 2007 @ 11:22 pm
Why is it that this is still getting called the PRODUCERS vs the WRITERS? It’s not, its BIG MEDIA vs the WRITERS. The people in charge of the AMPTP are straight up Wall St executives reporting to the boards of gigantic publicly listed conglomerates with multi-billion dollar market capitalizations. If they were once producers, they aint anymore. They have morphed into dark corporate creatures that represent the interests of large companies. Union busting is always at the top of that job description.
Comment by AB — December 18, 2007 @ 5:10 am
AB, I think it’s because “producers” is right in the AMPTP’s name, so most people just use the term. And saying “big media” makes it sound like the WGA is fighting some random entertainment concept, like “WGA against television!” or “WGA against greed!”. I’ve tried to switch over to words like AMPTP, studios, execs, moguls, etc., but most people just aren’t aware enough yet.
Comment by Caitlin — December 18, 2007 @ 8:37 am
This is absolutely ridiculous. It’s interesting that they are resorting to mere insults to make their points. Because they’re not actually saying anything. They’re talking about the fact that the industry is losing money right now. Okay, DUH! Let’s beat that dead dog a little more, shall we?!
They have the nerve to say that the writers are being unreasonable, etc., yet they don’t actually give reasons for it. The AMPTP members are the freaking kings of spin! They are very careful not to tell us anything we don’t already know, and more importantly, they seem to be lying as well as exaggerating the writers’ position/actions. I’m sure the writers didn’t “refuse” anything that they couldn’t/shouldn’t rightly refuse. They aren’t being unreasonable. They want what’s owed, and these AMPTP jerks are the ones being unreasonable. Who are they to air shows, whether online or in repeats, and not pay the people who are responsible for writing the shows in the first place? Without the writers, these people wouldn’t have their jobs in the first place, or at least they would not be nearly as successful.
GRR! There’s just so much to say. I’m so angry at this letter, and the AMPTP in general. But I won’t waste any more of MY time beating a dead horse. We all know the AMPTP members are being !@#holes, and we can leave it at that!
Comment by Roger — December 22, 2007 @ 10:25 am