Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » Chernin Tells Super Pals “Strike Is Over”

Chernin Tells Super Pals "Strike Is Over"

So I've just been told that Peter Chernin did make it to Super Bowl XLII after all. (Heck, it's News Corp's Fox Sports televising it, and Phoenix is only an hour's corporate jet ride away.) And the mogul is telling Hollywood folk there that "the strike is over", according to emails coming fast and furious out of that venue.

Posted by Nikki Finke on Sunday, Feb 3rd, 2008 at 04:27PM | Permalink |

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79 Comments »

I hope there is a good deal, and not just posturing on Chernin’s part to somehow pressure the WGA into backing down.

Comment by Furious D — February 3, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
It ain’t up to Mr. Chernin to decide when the writers strike is over. That call will be made by the writers.

Comment by Ashley Gable — February 3, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
We all hope so, but don’t hold your breath. If all this leaked positive news turns out to be horse shit, I hope the shareholders “awareness” meetings come fast and furious, and the “Companies” undergo a relentless PR blitz that even their worst nightmares could conjure up.
Given that….here’s to positive thinking!

Comment by Post Production Guy — February 3, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
Hold on a sec…didn’t you just write a few hours ago that the WGA presidents sent out an email saying that it wasn’t. Okay now i’m a bit confused. Please elaborate.

Comment by Confused — February 3, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
What does this mean? Is Chernin running his mouth or does this really mean the strike IS over?

Comment by James — February 3, 2008 @ 5:17 pm
Just received a call from the WGA. The recorded message stated (in a nut shell) that the strike isn’t over ‘ till it’s over.” I hope this isn’t a mind f u c k. by the AMTP.

Comment by lalocal — February 3, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
Love how these CEO’S have hysterical hissy fits when others breach an agreed upon media blackout, but they can violate it all they wish.

These guys are one-way streets, bad faith businessmen through and through. And they’re so smug that they’re masters of the universe. But they’re not. They’re fools who made a mess of this whole affair. A truly superior businessperson is one who can succeed with good faith tactics. It’s easy to be a schmuck.

Comment by CEO of another industry — February 3, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Chernin has a pinched unattractive face. Looks like he might’ve been kind of attractive when he was young, but now he just looks old and mean.

Comment by Gen Y viewers — February 3, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Hmmm… even if Chernin IS saying that, the actual end of the strike is sort of up to the WGA’s Neg Comm, its Board (West) and Council (East), and, of course, its rank and file membership. So it might be prudent to wait to see whether any proposed deal passes muster with the writers.

Comment by Stuart Creque — February 3, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
That is incredibly awesome news. Thanks for sharing the scoop, Nikke! If they can get language drafted up quickly and make an official announcement by this time next week, I will be one very happy TV viewer.

Comment by Charles — February 3, 2008 @ 6:28 pm
Chernin-tastic!

Comment by Chris Crosby — February 3, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
You all can yell and call me names but all I can say is THANK GOD!

Comment by Danica — February 3, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
The news this weekend is very encouraging, of course, but even as Patrick Verrone issues yet another edict to his members about how they must conduct themselves, I respectfully issue this one to him: NO DEAL until a majority of THE MEMBERSHIP votes for it. I love my union, but I will not have WGA board members taking from us, the members who have walked the picket line these many weeks, our precious right to collectively determine this strike’s outcome. And no Oscar waiver, either. If you like the deal, Patrick, let the members vote it up or down. The MEMBERS. This news blackout is one thing; an end run around the rank and file would be quite another.

Comment by StickingWithMyUnion — February 3, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
I’m not a writer and have very little to do with Hollywood (even though I’m SAG eligible — thanks, alien robot movie).

I’ve been following the strike from a unique perspective — I am an aspiring writer and sometimes actor who hasn’t joined a guild yet. Seeing how well the WGA takes care of its on, I’m now more than ever ready to jump in with renewed vigor and work to be a part of the same guild with great writers like Ron Moore and the late, great Michael Piller.

Although I’m optimistic that a deal will be reached so that I can start typing out my ideas and other writers can get back to work, I feel like all this talk is putting the cart before the horse.

Don’t get me wrong. I think a fast deal would be great, but when I do reach my goal and manage to sell my first screenplay or spec script, I want to join the guild knowing that a FAIR deal was made instead of a hasty one.

Good luck, and I hope to work with you soon.

Comment by Brad — February 3, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Really? Then DVDs must be back in the contract, because that’s the only way it’s getting my vote.

Comment by WriterBob — February 3, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Oh, I’m just so relieved. I can’t even tell you what this means to me.

More bad TV !

Comment by Maxine — February 3, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
“The strike is over”? Or “we lowballed them but they’re afraid not to take it as we can then blame their leadership for being unreasonable and inexperienced like we did before?”

When Patrick, David Young and John Bowman say it’s over, then and only then will I believe it. And hopefully that will happen tomorrow. But if not, back to picketing we go. Sorry, Oscars.

Comment by George Glass — February 3, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
If today’s Variety is to be believed, it’s a crappy deal: Industry sources said the WGA’s streaming deal still included a combination of a flat fee for the first year (excluding a two- to three-week window of free usage for promotional purposes) followed by a percentage of distributor’s gross.

On the issue of paid downloads, the WGA’s proposed pact is said to be identical to the DGA deal, which more than doubles the residual payments from the old homevid formula for titles that sell more than 100,000 units. And on the issue of new-media jurisdiction, the terms also are said to mirror the DGA agreement, giving the guild jurisdiction over projects with budgets of more than $15,000 per minute, $300,000 per program or $500,000 per series, whichever is lowest.

If we ratify this shitloaf, it’ll be 1988 all over again, and we will be the writers who sold out all future generations.

Keep marching!

Comment by Ruthie — February 3, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Let’s say it was true. If you’re Chernin, why say anything? Let’s say it’s not true. Let’s say the deal is only 60% of what the WGA wants and you’re trying to get the membership to get excited and then disappointed and then exhausted and thus accept the deal. Ahhh, then you float the rumor that the deal is done.

If it’s true, it makes no sense.
If it’s a lie, it does.

Occam and I call BS on this one.

This is the last week the AMPTP has to save the next 2 TV seasons and the Oscars. If the Oscars don’t happen they show they have lost control of the town. Time for more lies and spin…

This doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be happy to be wrong. I just don’t think so…

Comment by Working Writer — February 3, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
Huh, I thought the writers have to vote on it before the strike’s over.

Comment by That's wierd... — February 3, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
I wonder how Chernin knows how I’m planning to vote?

Comment by TV Staff Writer — February 3, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
i’ll believe it when it’s believable.

Comment by studio Plant — February 3, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Yeah, well, Peter Chernin doesn’t get to decide that the strike is over. There’s this thing called the WGA membership, and we’ll wait to hear what our leadership is recommending and then have this thing called a “vote.” If we vote yes on the offer, THEN the strike will be over. And until our leadership tells us otherwise… we’ll still be out there on the picket lines tomorrow morning.

Comment by Kitty — February 3, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
It’s not over. The Guild (or else someone with my unlisted phone number) sent out a robocall from Larry Gelbart, which says:

“This is Larry Gelbart. In all my decades as a member of the WGA I’ve learned a few lessons about strikes and negotiations, the most important being that it’s never over ’til it’s over, no matter how much the lady singer might weigh. As fellow and sister members of the Guild, you know how important the issues are for all of our futures, and for those to whom we will one day hand our pens. Over the coming days you will be getting calls asking you to join in to continue with the picketing. I ask you to set aside all the rumors, all the second-guessing, I ask you to set these aside and pick up a picket sign instead. I cannot stress how vital it is for all of us to show our commitment to our leadership during this current round of negotiations. Thank you.”

The call hit my message machine between 6 and 8 p.m. on Sunday night so that suggests the WGA is not yet ready to quit the fight.

Comment by A WGA member in good standing — February 3, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
Jebus! You writers are certainly ready to keep fighting until all of us Below the line folk are broke. How thoughtful of you. It must be hard for you Above the line folk to cut back on your maid, and your starbucks. Please stop thinking about yourself: I don’t care! Please think beyond your selfish lives, and think about the rest of us who don’t make the bucks that you do. Keep putting out the hits, but don’t pee on our heads!

Comment by Pissy boy — February 3, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
This is the kind of thing that gets over-analyzed to death on these blogs. Yes, Chernin decreeing the strike is ‘over’ is meaningless until the contract is ratified. (Or at least until the board approves it.) But the idea that he told his Super Bowl buddies that the strike is over as part of some sort of diabolical plan to get it leaked and sow false hopes is nuts. He has a few beers, makes some small talk during half time, some jackass calls Nikki, and suddenly everyone spews conpsiracy theories. Oy.

Comment by Mike — February 3, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
Ruthie,

If this Variety piece is indeed true re: deal points… I agree, it doesn’t look very appealing…

Not after all the sacrifices we have made thus far.

Second quarter is staring the Companies in the face, their stocks are underperforming and SAG contract looms. May be better to wait for a better deal.

SAG (Allen and Doug) already weighed in on the weaknesses of the DGA deal and basically said it was unacceptable… they were talking for both of us and have now taken the lead in the PR battle IMO.

Of course, we have to see what is what here, but based on the DGA deal alone it doesn’t look promising…

Also, based on what our Negs have said, we will need MORE leverage to negotiate a better deal this week.

And if the Moguls and their PR machine try to convince everyone there was a deal and Writers walked and start blaming the WGA it will backfire, again…

Both WGA and SAG will air their views bigtime when picketing the Oscars and when all the dust clears Chernin and Iger will be known as the Moguls who lost the Oscars…

“Variety: Industry sources said the WGA’s streaming deal still included a combination of a flat fee for the first year (excluding a two- to three-week window of free usage for promotional purposes) followed by a percentage of distributor’s gross.

On the issue of paid downloads, the WGA’s proposed pact is said to be identical to the DGA deal, which more than doubles the residual payments from the old homevid formula for titles that sell more than 100,000 units. And on the issue of new-media jurisdiction, the terms also are said to mirror the DGA agreement, giving the guild jurisdiction over projects with budgets of more than $15,000 per minute, $300,000 per program or $500,000 per series, whichever is lowest.”

Comment by PJ - Writer — February 3, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
I hope so, although this strike has killed us “below the line” workers, and after selling most of my belongings, my car, etc. the bitter taste of this strike will last a long, long time…..

Comment by gioreeko — February 3, 2008 @ 9:48 pm
Sounds to me like Peter Chernin is churning peters again, trying to find one that fits.

‘Course, they probably ALL fit, upon entering the FOX chunnel.

Comment by Dickery Doc — February 3, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
Considering the letter sent out to the WGA membership, why are so many now ready to believe this story? Writers were told that it is by no means over and that they shouldn’t be paying attention to these rumours, yet they persist. Nikki, this is just the wrong way to be reporting on progress.

While I might very well be wrong, I am very much a skeptic of this ’story’. Really surprised that some of the WGA membership are all too willing to believe this over thier own president though.

Comment by Chips Down — February 3, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
I am getting frustrated by the negativity of so many of my fellow members, and while I of course want an offer that is fair, I am leery of having my future in the hands of so many vitriolic, paranoid and bitter people.

What do you think our end game will be? Do you think we’ll get more in say, September, after we’ve been out with SAG then we would now? You think they’d in essence reward us for staying off the job so long?

We have to stay strong, but I say beware of striking and/or voting ourselves into our own destruction. College educations, health and home payments and more are being sacrificed and all for a good cause. But we have to be mindful of diminishing returns at some point.

NOBODY won in ‘88. Don’t forget that. How can we “win” this time? If not win, how can we force a tie and get back to work before we’re all obsolete?

Comment by Punch-Up — February 3, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
Chernin is starting to worry about how much he’ll be earnin’ if this thing goes on any longer. He wants it to be over. He is unhappy with the bad press the moguls have been getting lately even though he’s very happy with American Idol’s ratings. FOX has already given up “24″ this season and Chernin knows they don’t really have much besides more stupid Darnell reality shows. Coming soon: Are You Smarter Than A Network Executive?

Comment by Anonymous — February 3, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
the minute nikki posted this, you knew this reaction would be logical.

First of all, it wasn’t a direct quote.

Secondly, it’s not up to the WGA members to call off the strike. You gave your executive board authorization to strike. They can call it off she. They want to, as they have your permission. Ratification is the only formal role you have at this point.

Calm the heck down. Chernin doesn’t speak for you. Only your board does. If anything, he may have felt that the deal was pretty much up to the lawyers to hammer out the details. We heard similar comment from WGA leaders at the beginning of all this.

Don’t dis this deal (if there is one) until you see it. It won’t be what Young and Veronne promised you back in November. It will be the best deal they could negotiate. You trusted them to do it, you have to live with it. Or, you can vote it down. Be prepared for the consequences if you do. It’s one thing if this is an AMPTP game, but it’s another if it is a deal your leaders made.

Think about it and calm down.

Comment by DGALL — February 3, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
I hope there is an offer. I hope the strike is over.
But I have faith the the membership will not ratify a bad deal. So, Pete, if you think you have addressed all our needs - by all means present us you best shot.
If the deal is a fair one, we’ll ratify it. If not -me thinks you spoke to soon. (if indeed you spoke at all).

Comment by BRan — February 3, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Faux News: Cause You Can’t Handle The Truth!

Comment by Chernin=FOX — February 3, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
PISSY BOY: “Jebus! You writers are certainly ready to keep fighting until all of us Below the line folk are broke. How thoughtful of you. It must be hard for you Above the line folk to cut back on your maid, and your starbucks. Please stop thinking about yourself: I don’t care!”

I don’t even BELIEVE in Jebus!

Since you’ve quoted Simpsons, I’ll do you the justice of addressing you like you are what you say.

I don’t have a maid, but if you’re really hurting, maybe we can discuss some work as one. For ME, not you. If you’re a regularly employed BTL guy, then you made more than I did this year.

I lost the one piece of employment I had this year because of the strike, but that is the cost and duty of what we’ve chosen to do. I stand with not only my fellow striking writers of today, but those who struck so I could have health care, pension, etc. Those things weren’t freely given in the past, they were fought for. Without the Guild taking the current action, we risked our own demise.

As unfortunate as I feel for all collateral damage this has done, I’m feeling it firsthand and am convinced as I was from Day One that we have done right. We are fighting for our survival.

So please, do yourself and all of us a favor and sell your guilt over at the AMPTP website. Let Chernin or Iger know they can make do with one less ivory backscratcher and settle this thing.

Sorry about the tone, but I get testy when I’m in this fight, negotiating with my utilities to make sure my lights aren’t shut off, and read your tired, false, lazy characterization of “rich” writers.

Grab a seat. We’re in this for as long as it takes.

Comment by slk writer — February 3, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
I figure about 90% shills on this blog.

The strike is not over by a long shot. Go to UnitedHollywood.com or Michael Russnow at The Huffington Post (also quoted as below on UH) and see for yourself:

…The press, in reporting on presumptions and generalities, is acting irresponsibly and we should sit back and hope for the best. We should make no noises to interrupt the deliberations, because to do so might impel the WGA Leadership to take a deal that it might have bettered were the AMPTP not to have heard too much passion — read that hunger — from a Membership whose fortitude they perceive is crumbling…

I guess the Huffington Post doesn’t print irresponsible rumors as presumptuous facts.

Here’s the thing. The writer’s have to agree to a deal. Before that happens the AMPTP has to go into a formal session with the WGA and draft a formal legal contract. Go figure. WGA people won’t go with a handshake or even media rumors.

Anyway, since all this irresponsible news media rumor milling is coming from informal talks, and none of it is legal or has even been presented to the WGA members in actual writing, it’s non-existent. There is no deal for the WGA to agree to. Please show me otherwise.

Neither has the WGA had an opportunity to review said deal, it’s fine print, and potential loopholes. You usually have to print it first before that can happen.

So why the media blast the the strike is over? Because the AMPTP is affiliated with the big media and has put this word out to make the WGA look bad when they don’t agree to the non-existent deal. It’s a typical win-win for the AMPTP. Only thing is, the writers actually have the brains to see through the smoke screen.

Too bad AMPTP. Maybe you’d better get back to that Wylie Coyote drawing board and stock up on some new Acme blueprints.

Comment by Jon Raymond — February 3, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
hi punch-up,

you ask “How can we “win” this time?”

we can get fair and reasonable payment for the work we create (a payment that keeps up with inflation at the very least.) we can make sure that it will still be possible for us to retire one day and have a pension and health insurance. we can guarantee that future generations of writers will still be able (with a lot of hard work and luck) to make a living as a Hollywood writer and they too will one day be able to retire with a pension and health insurance. these things will not be possible without the tiny residual payments we are asking to get from new media.

we are asking for very little out of the huge pie we help create for the studios (with their money, hence they get most of the profits.) when we get the crumbs we are asking for, which will guarantee all of the above, then we will have won. and it will have been worth all this hardship, for without these basic demands being met we are truly lost.

Comment by George Glass — February 3, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
To Punch-Up:

You’re wrong. The companies won big time in ‘88, because the WGA leadership was crap and the union disorganized. We’re organized now, and our leadership has proven to be tough (with the execrable exception of taking DVDs off the table, a move as bad as some of Tom Brady’s passes today).

If the WGA is to win this time, we can’t take another “please sire, may I have more gruel” approach after so much sacrifice.

Comment by Lib4ever — February 3, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
So, PETER CHERNIN says the strike is over. C’mon people…in this town?! What does that mean…NOTHING!!! How is this news?

Comment by karla knafel — February 3, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
If the terms described in Variety are true, I will vote a hard no for this. It is awful.

WGA Writer

Comment by WGA Writer — February 3, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Punch-Up, nobody won in ‘88 because we took a bad deal. That’s not going to happen this time.

Comment by Ruthie — February 4, 2008 @ 12:30 am
I’m with Punch-Up. What Ruthie’s calling a “shitloaf” might be the bones of a good deal. Might not. But might.

The AMPTP’s early posturing was complete, utter, unrealistic horseshit, yes. But the WGA has said some things that they too know is merely an initial stance, merely bargaining fodder, and that’s fine. That’s how bargaining happens.

So we’d be idiots to hold out for the WGA’s initial demands over a deal that our leadership recommends.

For instance - the idea of internet streaming having a two-week “free window?” That’s not so outrageous, particularly not in a world of HBO and other cable networks (with their initial run-it-all-the-time window) and Tivo (hey! we don’t get paid for people Tivoing!!). It’s a “save” for viewers who didn’t set their machines, and has clear promotional value that could result in more cash for ALL down the line.

And the WGA leadership KNOWS that. I’d be shocked if they didn’t give that away (perhaps for a small fee) in exchange for better residuals.

So let’s strike. And wait. Possibly, today’s leak is exactly what it appeared to be - a guy yammering to his friends at the game after a long week. For those of you who doubt that, who think the moguls each and every move is Machiavellian posturing designed to break us… trust me - they’re really not that good.

Comment by Adam — February 4, 2008 @ 12:41 am
Okay, here’s the thing. There is so much anger here on the boards especially from below the line people who are the first wave of combat in the strike. Most of these people belong to IATSE and have never gone on strike themselves. And if they dared to, they know that the writers would not support them, but have them immediately replaced. Most of that anger stems from there.

For me, I work as an actress and get the occasional residual. I get what the writers are fighting for and it’s worth it. There are more down times then work times for most writers, and actors. And it’s a paycheck that for a lot of people is their survival. I know it’s mine.

I also work below the line on a sit-com. I wouldn’t have that job if the writers didn’t create the show and sell it, and get some one to buy it. Period. But here’s the other side, I’ve also worked on a lot of shows where the writer/producers can’t even be bothered to say hello to the crew. Maybe, when we all get back to work ( if our shows have survived this ), showrunners could actually take the time to express their gratitude to their crews. We’re not “families”, I know, families help you in a time of need, not actually create the time of need, but we ARE a team. A team where any player is free to negotiate a better deal. Please remember your teammates. We are sacrificing our apt.’s, homes, savings, retirement funds, college funds, insurance earnings, health and pension qualifying benefits, and even the holiday season for you to get a fair deal. Don’t act like we’re not even there or that anyone could do our jobs. A little common courtesy and respect go both ways.

Respectfully,

Peggy Lane O’Rourke

Comment by Peggy Lane O'Rourke — February 4, 2008 @ 12:47 am
The strike and picketing continues.

SAG solidarity organizers have called, with the WGA, for a day of all-guild picketing at Disney this Thursday. We know the importance of hanging together on this for as long as it takes (full disclosure: I’m a SAG member who gets out there to picket when I can).

Variety’s pro-corporate stance throughout this strike doesn’t help to lend credence to their reports about what the WGA negotiators may or may not have accepted. I personally doubt the Variety report’s accuracy.

I know from conversations with strike captains on the lines that the negotiators are under significant pressure from a LOT of guild members to not negotiate a bad deal, because the membership will not hesitate to vote it down and stay on strike.

Our solidarity must be unwavering. Much as we all want a deal, we all NEED a fair deal. Solidarity will end this strike more quickly than vacillation.

Comment by mheister — February 4, 2008 @ 1:28 am
I do hope this ends very soon. The latest series of Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy have only just started in New Zealand and I don’t want it to stop mid season like in the US.

Writers, Stand Strong!
Networks, Grow some balls and sort out your mess!

Comment by Edward Swift — February 4, 2008 @ 2:16 am
This is just another tactic by the other side to get your hopes up, then crush you when it isn’t true. Comes from Nick Counter’s “How to Negotiate Without Integrity 101″. Listen to your Leadership; you cannot believe anything the other side says.

Comment by Winky — February 4, 2008 @ 3:24 am
Just because one loud mouthed mogul says it’s over, doesn’ mean it’s over. It ain’t over until the membership votes.

To the “TV is all crap” people:
There are a lot of excellent TV shows on the air as there are a lot of excellent films in the theatres. CBS’ The Unit is one example of an excellent show. All of the L&O are another, Brothers and Sisters, yet another.

I’ve missed and continue to miss all of the good films out since Nov 5 when I started my boycott of feature films.

Until the membership votes and this strike is *truly* over, I will continue to not give the studios one cent of my hard earned money.

Comment by Becca — February 4, 2008 @ 3:55 am
Yeahs, you WGA members keep convincing yourselves that your is a noble cause. Keep slapping lipstick on that pig for the reality is that it’s all about money and you wanting yours which doesn’t make you a heck of a lot different than the other side. We knew the producers were a greedy, self interested lot, we just didn’t know you were the other side of the coin.

Your strike has been done on the backs of we BTLers and when this is over you will have made gains while we will never get back our depleted savings, homes, healthcare and lives. And yet all you do is whine and cavil about how bad the deal you haven’t seen yet is and threaten to stay on strike until September.

Is your union made up of spoiled 12 year olds? Are there no adults among you?

Comment by Workless In NYC — February 4, 2008 @ 5:28 am
Pissy Boy-

I don’t have a maid. None of my writer friends have maids. You’re lumping the 1% of wildly successful writers in with the rank and file. We struggle, too. We’re all struggling. When you generalize, your point becomes meaningless. And you sound like you don’t really know anything about the industry.

Comment by abbyb — February 4, 2008 @ 7:07 am
I am so over the WGA and the whiny bunch who populate it. As a DGA member, all I see is the ugly greed destroying a business bit by bit, yes both the writers and the producers. It is so odd that you think you can stand up to the conglomerates with a few blogs and some fans. No one outside of hollywood cares …..they miss their TV but they will figure it out!!! Reality is back! So writers keep assuming you are doing damage to the studios, remember who they are owned by…they will be fine. You on the other hand are in for a life change.
Your piggish behavior will only serve to get you the small and smelly piece of a dying dinosaur.

Comment by Lisa Mills — February 4, 2008 @ 7:14 am
Pissy boy–

What’s with the anger at writers? I never get that argument– it’s all our fault you below the line guys are hurting… why aren’t you blaming the studios for not making a deal? They’re the ones that walked away from the table– twice… They’re the ones that give each other 75 million dollar golden parachutes when they fire their buddies… I wonder how many years Tom Freston’s package NOT TO WORK would pay all your union’s employees– 10? 20? 30? Or how many years would Bob Iger’s salary of 28 million dollars pay towards this internet issue that the writers are angry over? Les Moonves? also 28 mil last year…. Shall I go on?

Most writers make solid middle class livings– and when the work gets slow, the residuals are what they live on…

My suggestion– turn your anger at the hogs at the trough who do nothing, create nothing, and simply say “yeah, thats a good idea”, and take home more money than you or I will see in a million years.

Comment by john — February 4, 2008 @ 7:37 am
You people disgust me. I bet if the AMPTP gave you everything you wanted, you would still bitch and complain that you did not get what you wanted.
First and foremost, the Entertainment Industry is not based on fairness. Above the liners get paid huge salaries (most of whom do not deserve any pay at all) and think without them there would be no project. Well guess what, this is a collaborative business and it takes many IATSE workers to complete the project. People who work anywhere from 10 to 18 hours a day or more working their collective asses off to make all of you (WGA and SAG) look good. I have been in the Industry for 39 years and have worked on many projects where the script was complete an utter shit and I would wonder how anyone (SAG included) actually was paid for the script. I have also been very lucky to work on projects where the script was GREAT. Having said that,I agree if there was no script there would be no project in the first place, but it is not all about you. Your guild has so much anger and bad feeling. Most of the comments are so negative and as far as I am concerned not necessary. All you have to do is look at the way the negotiations started. You don’t go into a negotiation with your ears covered, your mouths going and your brains in your ass. I am not taking any sides, but hell, if I was the AMPTP I would have been pissed off with all the name calling and taking everything to the press, and I would have been inclined to make you suffer a little
Oh, and but the way, I am so tired of hearing about 1988. Get the F___over it.
So, before you continue acting like spoiled children, keep all your negative comments to yourselves

Comment by belowtheliner — February 4, 2008 @ 7:55 am
I love how people keep saying the 1988 deal ruined everything for future generations…Aren’t you guys a future generation? It’s only been 20 years and now you’re working on a better deal. Some of the same writers who were involved in the last strike are involved in this one. If it sucks in 20 years…they’ll strike again and get a better contract. Let the future look after itself and get back to work when you are offered a better contract than the one you last had…it doesn’t have to be the contract of future generations! Just the contract of now. Don’t drag this thing out any longer than necessary for something that doesn’t involve you (future generations).

I respect all of you writers and am totally behind you on getting what you need. But gimme a break…don’t start calling downvotes based on your grandkids future and a contract that hasn’t even been written yet. For some of you, it’s like you dont’ want the strike to end and you’re planning on voting it down regardless of terms. All I’m saying is…give it a shot and let’s see some optimism!

Comment by A Concerned TV fan — February 4, 2008 @ 8:00 am
Here’s the only thing we know for sure. The studios now want the strike to be over. How do we win? By staying out longer.

Comment by ScreenVet — February 4, 2008 @ 8:51 am
Okay, I have really had it with all of these below-the-line people bitching about the writers putting them out of work. First - it is the greedy executives putting you out of work. No writer in the history of time has ever been paid $61 million for getting fired after 11 months on the job. Please aim you anger at the right target. And while you’re at it - educate yourself a little about how the issues we are striking over affect YOU. If you are in a BTL union, your Health & Pension fund is funded by residuals. As all reuse migrates to the Internet, where do you think the money for your healthcare and retirement is going to come from?

Right now, the total residual load on one hour of a prime time network rerun is about $100,000. The companies are still making BANK off this, considering an hour of prime time contains thirty-two 30-second commercials. The total residual load for all use on the Internet if we all accept the DGA deal (including directors, writers, actors, BTL unions) — less than $15,000 for a FULL YEAR.

So let’s compare - $100,000 for an hour of use or $15,000 for a year of use.

If you had to get a day job to get you through the strike, and it has benefits, I suggest you keep it. That or don’t ever get sick, then die when you are 65. Or just marry a government employee.

The DGA deal is bad for everyone who relies on residuals for any part of their livelihood, and that includes healthcare and pension. And if we settle for any free use (”promotional” is fine for 3-minute clips, not entire one-hour episodes), and any cap on the residuals earned, we have just cost ourselves and our brother and sister actors, grips, script supervisors and everyone other than CEOs nothing less than EVERYTHING.

Comment by Valerie, WGAW — February 4, 2008 @ 9:08 am
What Punch-Up said, 10:08 pm.

It has to end.

Comment by harris — February 4, 2008 @ 9:09 am
sounds like Tom Short is running the show!!!

Comment by dewey — February 4, 2008 @ 9:26 am
I agree with punch-up.
Also, successful writers in TV, working at the time when the strike was called have already given up more than they will ever recoup.

(By successful, lets say TV writers who have been gainfully and consistently employed, in the tv industry over the last 3 years)

Comment by john — February 4, 2008 @ 9:42 am
“I wonder how Chernin knows how I’m planning to vote?”

Hmmm… Probably the same way he’s built up a fortune over a very successful career. I mean, hate the guy all you want… I’d hardly say he’s an idiot. If you writer’s finally get a deal that rewards you for DVD sales on awful television shows, maybe he can go back to fighting for a cure to malaria.

God, I love devil’s advocate.

Comment by jesus — February 4, 2008 @ 10:11 am
It is well worth remembering that this is a business where “Pimps and murderers run free and good men die like dogs.”

It is sad enough that, as one below-the-liner comments re the rumored settlement, “I hope so, although this strike has killed us “below the line” workers, and after selling most of my belongings, my car, etc. the bitter taste of this strike will last a long, long time…..”

To all my fellow BTL “scum” clamoring for a “quick” settlement to this pathetic monument to simple human greed know this: Whatever the DGA, WGA and SAG get-the AMPTP will take from the below-the-line, AKA “people who don’t matter” in a business solely focused on those who do.

For those BTL suffering, who have sold belongings, cars, etc. to survive this mess: The same thing could happen with the cancellation of a series, the plug pulled on a feature, a change in the types of programs on television e.g. reality TV. In a GOOD year we just make a living and have no resources to weather even the usual and customary disruptions to our incomes.

And that is so, so sad…

Perhaps it is time for those of us BTL to consider our true “place”-and worth-in this Glamor Industry.

Do you feel glamorous now?

The Entertainment Industry-Nice People Doing Nice Things!

ProlBoy

Comment by ProlBoy — February 4, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Wow… loved reading these posts or replies from my fellow writers… Nice to see there’s others like myself who don’t want a deal if it’s a bad deal… I’ll see ya out on the picket line. David G — WGA member.

Comment by David G. — February 4, 2008 @ 11:20 am
I hope the strike is over and they writer get what they need. I am not a writer, nor actor, agent, producer or in the business. Either way it is time for the strike to end.

I live in the midwest but grew up in LA and did time at UCLA film school.

I was recently at SBIFF and a number of people felt the writers are doing a poor job of getting their issues out and that they (TV writers) are being hurt because reality TV is doing well and Leno is beating Letterman.

Comment by Nutjob — February 4, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Okay, Nikki needs to be careful about what she prints and we need to be careful about what we read.

When the negotiating commitee comes to us, and gives us a deal that we can vote on, then and only then will we know the strike is over.

WALK EVERY DAY…

WALK UNTIL WE HAVE A DEAL WE CAN SIT DOWN FOR…

STAY UNITED, STAY STRONG AND STAY ON THE LINE!

Comment by Lola — February 4, 2008 @ 11:56 am
Just went by Fox. There were many, many writers picketing.

Go WGA!!

A WGA Supporter

Comment by A WGA Supporter — February 4, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Also, successful writers in TV, working at the time when the strike was called have already given up more than they will ever recoup.

Wanna bet? My quote just went WAAAY up to cover it!

Comment by Not hurting at all — February 4, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
jesus you damn writers…
you’re all damn PETTY!

Comment by Marion Cotillard — February 4, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
I am a BTLer.
This strike will end someday. Hopefully WGA gets a fair deal.
When we all get back to work, please, PLEASE take the time to say “hello” or perhaps “thank you”(if it’s not too much to ask) for our work that is never compensated fairly. Yes, the stories and characters that you created, that is where it all starts. But, please respect the fact that without us BTLers putting 15 hr days, under the sun, rain, snow, all night long, your vision will never become a product. Most of us don’t get a credit at the end of TV shows, yet, without any one of us, the end product is not possible. And your vision will not be seen. Thank you.

Comment by athought — February 4, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
begin quote:
In a GOOD year we just make a living and have no resources to weather even the usual and customary disruptions to our incomes.

And that is so, so sad…
end quote

If you’re unable to make a living from your job, then you are either not in the right job - or you need to get a second job - just like the rest of us.

It’s silly (and reeks of entitlement attitude) to expect to live off residuals when you’re not working.

Comment by BTL — February 4, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
To those hardcore WGA members (those that really are WGA members and not those that just play hardcore WGA members online like Jon Raymond) who have made it clear that they want to strike to death, what would you do if Verrone and Young actually turned down a contract that was quite reasonable and better than the last one you had? Would you still act like the sun shines out of their asses or would you stop and think that maybe this strike to the death mentality may result in the strike going on for a year or more when it doesn’t have to? And how would you ever face anyone in this business again (especially the BTLers) who have lost their homes and gone into massive debt because of your “principals” (aka greed)?

Comment by Sandy Daley — February 4, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
It’s hilarious that some writers are calling the studios greedy for not giving them everything they want but what the writers are fighting over is money too. Greed works both ways, sweethearts. Just because you make less money from your piggish ways doesn’t make you any less of a greedy pig. So let’s not act as if this is about “what’s right” as though this is all some kind of religious experience. This is about money pure and simple.

Comment by Oink Oink — February 4, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
When are the writers going to realize they have no more leverage left? If they picket the Oscars it wont only be the people working on it badmouthing writers, it will be all of the American public…you guys really need to pull your collective heads out of your unions ass

Comment by pat cracks — February 4, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
I don’t blame Nikki for reporting Chernin is calling the strike over — she probably didn’t think anyone would take it as anything more than a strictly factual report. I’m not sure why people are complaining that it is spreading rumors, rather than just rolling their eyes at the idea he speaks for the WGA.

Of course he says it is over. They’ve said a lot of stupid things to provoke response.

Comment by Sara — February 4, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
[First - it is the greedy executives putting you out of work]

WGA members authorized the strike. WGA leadership called it. The strike is entirely of the WGAs doing. This is a walkout, not a lockout.

Don’t misunderstand me; I make no judgement of the value of the strike. However, don’t act like it’s not yours. This is a pressure tactic, plain and simple. It’s simply disingenuous to have a strike, and then point the finger at the other party. No matter how much you are upset that they wouldn’t give in to your demands, they would have happily let you continue to work while negotiations continued. WGA chose a different route.

Again, I’m not trying to say whether the action was right or wrong. I’m just noting that you have to own up to what you did. “I’m sorry this is causing problems, but this is the right thing for us to do” is significantly better than “Don’t blame me, blame the studios!”.

Comment by Dave — February 4, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
This strike has impacted IATSE members so significantly that many of us will never get out debt. Yes we were told that a strike was coming, but who could have imagined that writers would be such arrogant children to let this go on so long and play with the livelihood of so many of us. We have no strike fund! We have no residuals! All we want to do is go to work, and actually make real the worlds you write. I hope you take a good long look at all the painters, and grips, and electricians, and greensman, wardrobe and caterers, etc, who you have put through this economic catastroph. Just so you can make a few more bucks. I have known since the beginning of my career, that if a producers mouth was open they were lying. What I didn’t realize was just how amazing you writers think you are! I can only hope for a day when quality writing is rewarded with adequate compensation. That would leave most of you where you are now, out on the streets. Thanks. I will never forgive this gesture of “screw everyone else in the industry,I want mine.” With all due respect Go F-ck Yourselves!

Comment by an Iatse member — February 4, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Ok, I keep reading from the writers how much “residuals” we BTL folk get in our pension. My husband’s one of the few, the lucky permanent studio shop employees that for the first time in a decade has gone from a weekly hire to a daily hire 1-2 days a week, but we count ourselves lucky. I’d wager our non strike income is probably better than several “working” writers because of the consistancy of work, but I digress from the residual topic.

Our most recent statement for Pension and health showed a roughly $1200 (odd how that intersects with the DGA cap) annual contribution for the post 1970’s receipts… what you would call residuals. We’ve lost more than 10 times that in income and picked up more in debt since the strike began. So by the time our “residual” contribution catches up to the 3 months of lost wages for your walkout, he’ll be eligible for retirement.

Like theatre, film and television is a collaborative medium. You write a script to be produced, not published. Don’t belittle the craftspeople that work long hours for a lot less than you make to get your work on the screen (big or small). BTL families have nothing to gain from this this strike. We’re collateral damage. Let us bitch about it. And when this is over, decend from the den of the writer’s office and come down to the set and get to know your crew instead of just raiding craft service and going back up to your cave.

Comment by BTL Mom — February 4, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
BTL, you’re a genius. What you’re quoting is a btler talking about how little money btls make and how little respect they get. I suppose it’s “entitlement” to think that the moguls whose asses you love to lick should pay btls at all, just like it’s entitlement to think that a writer is entitled to compensation for use of his or her material? Thanks for dropping by, Mr. Short, but Jesus, have another drink. BTW, unless the computer you’re writing this on is at Cherin’s house, you’re stealing his money. Stop paying for the internet, stop eating, stop paying rent, stop demanding payment for work, and give all that money back to the man it belongs to, you entitled, mogul-robbing evil doer.

Comment by Anon — February 4, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
BTL Mom, you are honest. Your non-strike income IS larger than that of many of us, due to the consistency of work.

Iatse member, um, lots of times the worst movies and TV shows make the most money. We’re not miracle workers, we can’t fix a horrible concept or successfully push a quality piece if the studio is determined to make a high-yield gross-out comedy. If you work on a crappy project, should you not get paid, or should you get paid anyway for the work that you did? Right. I really hope we move to a system where we get told ’sorry, this project made a billion dollars, but it’s not quality, so we’ll keep all the money, none for you.’ Because as delighted at the AMPTP are for your support, you’ll quickly find out how much they value your work under a merit system. Good luck working for free.

Comment by come on — February 4, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
Please oh Please bring the show The Unit back. My friends and I are all dying in suspense to find out if its coming back. Anyone else as crazy about this show as we are?

Comment by Lisa — March 9, 2008 @ 7:10 pm

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