Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » Advisory: Breaking Strike Talks Story

Advisory: Breaking Strike Talks Story

Coming...

I'm still finishing the reporting on it. I'll get it up as fast as I can.

Meanwhile, I'll report all the other strike-related news later on...

Posted by Nikki Finke on Tuesday, Nov 6th, 2007 at 02:03PM | Permalink |

« Deborah Klein Moves To Jackoway Firm Deals, Lies & Backchannelling: Why This Is A Bigger Mess Now Than Ever Before »

94 Comments »

Yes, please get it up Nikki. Waiting with baited breath…

Comment by PJ — November 6, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
Hurry tell us!

Comment by tell us — November 6, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
TEASE!!!!!!

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Is it over? Oh, please let it be over.

Comment by Sammy Glick — November 6, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Yes, please - I just want both sides to sit down again - the producers are being completely ruthless and greedy - they tried this delay tactic with VHS residuals back in the early 80’s and as the Daily Show has said (mocking the producers): “The Internet - it’s all too new!!!” The Internet is the future of most media and if anyone outside the biz or on the fringes on the biz and they want to get mad at someone - get mad at the studios and the nets and the huge corporations that have driven the WGA to strike. The demands of the WGA are completely fair.

Comment by skoonix — November 6, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
On the way to picket now…. surely it can’t be over!

Comment by Roger — November 6, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
It’s torture!!!!

Comment by crackler — November 6, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Anyone else as confused as I am by that headline? “Advisory: Breaking Strike Talks Story”….hmmm…Does that mean there’s an advisory about a story concerning strike talks, and this is breaking news? Or that a breaking strike is “talking story” (which is Hawaiian pigeon speak for “telling a story”)?

Comment by JB — November 6, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
Yes, and while you’re at it can you answer an important question from the strike line: Is your last name pronounced Fink or Finkee? Hey, it might not be the most important question of the day, but after three and a half hours of “What kind of writing do you do?”, “Where are you from?” and “How do I get Vanessa Williams to bring MY group candy?” you need something to talk about.

Comment by George Glass — November 6, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
Probably news that talks have resumed - there was talk on the lines today that back channels were open.

Comment by sd — November 6, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
report faster, please!

Comment by tine — November 6, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Yes, Nikki, hurry! I’m a Hollywood writer and haven’t saved much money so I need to make a mortgage payment. I didn’t (like other sane people) plan for this kind of thing. I’m really in trouble and desperate for good news. btw: if you can get my agent to return my phone call, that would be great.

Comment by Strike, Schmike — November 6, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Nikki, you’re doing a great job and I know that you’re reporting as fast as you can while taking accuracy into account. But it is not responsible to put up an advisory like that and then not update it for close to 45 minutes. It would be better to just wait and post the story. Everyone already trusts you to get the fastest news on these issues there is no reason to sensationalize it.

Comment by Michael — November 6, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
Can’t wait! (I hope they’re all cooperating and playing nice in the sandbox!)

Comment by below the line — November 6, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
You got me hitting refresh on my browser every 10 seconds.

Comment by Hiro — November 6, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
If it’s the news about the LA City Council, Variety’s already got the news up.

Comment by jesse — November 6, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Hello, is this the internet for strike news?

Comment by Danny Cohen — November 6, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
Strike… talks? Do you mean the contract negotiations? Good god, Ms. Finke word precision is paramount right now!

Comment by Dagazzi — November 6, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
You’ve got me sitting on pins and needles . . .

Comment by AZ — November 6, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
come on! the suspense is killing everyone!!

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
God bless Tom Johnson and mangled, wga strike foot

Comment by Gibby — November 6, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Come on! It’s been 1/2 hour already!

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
There’s no truth to the rumor that “a quantity” of playrights from the Czeck Republic are being flow in to Santa Monica airport to by a major network to write episodes of an “imperiraled” cop action drama which would continue to be produced by line personel on location in a “hurricane affected” state.

Comment by Vaclav Havelavel — November 6, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
LA City Council to the WGA and AMPTP: Settle This Thing

Cityhall Los Angeles City Council president Eric Garcetti has introduced a resolution urging the WGA and the AMPTP to head back to the negotiating table.

As part of the resolution, Garcetti is offering — “free of charge” — L.A. city offices “as a neutral space for the parties to resume discussions.”

The city council — including member Wendy Greuel, a former DreamWorks exec — will consider the resolution at its Wednesday morning meeting (10 a.m., City Council Chambers — Third floor of City Hall).

Considering how much City Hall has played a part in scripts through the years, perhaps a deal there would be fitting.

L.A. officials have reason to push for a swift resolution, as a lengthy strike could obviously hit the city hard. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa earlier offered his services to help with talks, but ultimately wasn’t asked to take part.

– Michael Schneider

Comment by Longshot — November 6, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
Why post a “breaking news” headline if, 1 and 1 half hours later, it’s still just that?

Comment by Very Odd — November 6, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Would it be too lighthearted and inappropriate if I were to quote Michael Scott from The Office and said, “That’s what she said”. ?

Comment by outsidelookingin — November 6, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
Please don’t tell me the strike’s over. I just got HBO…

Comment by Dirty Harry — November 6, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
Quick! We need to know! The fate of the entire world depends on this one story…
I mean I just want to know.

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
Geez, what’s the point of putting up the headline if you weren’t even close to having the story ready?

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Well??? Don’t tease us!

Comment by Scott — November 6, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Nikki, you’re awesome.

Comment by EGOLESS — November 6, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Jesus Christo!!!! Post already! You’re driving me crazy!

Oh and keep up the good work.

Comment by Post Already!! — November 6, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Boo, Nikki Finke! Boo, I say!

Comment by Wanda Chang — November 6, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
is it good news??

Comment by nick — November 6, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
Give us something!

Comment by Brent — November 6, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Give us a hint.

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
I hope this means something good has happened.

Comment by supernova8610 — November 6, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
I saw Patrick Verrone at my strike location today and he do not mention anything about returning to the table at a specific time so… Perhaps they are setting a date for more negotiations or this is an article about the previous weekend.

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
There’s a strike??

Comment by jonathan — November 6, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
I understand you want to get as many clicks as possible, Nikki, but how about just posting the news when you have it? Smells like manipulation to me.

Comment by Joe — November 6, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
“You got me hitting refresh on my browser every 10 seconds.”

Hmm. Wait a minute…

Comment by patrick — November 6, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
There’s some truth to “The Internet - it’s all too new!!!” Obviously the internet is the future of TV. However it’s still not clear how this will bring in money. Will shows run free with ad support, will viewers pay to see commercial free shows, should nets offer a choice for consumers? Everyone’s still trying to figure out the best way to make money off the new medium. The WGA should be careful not to lock itself into a deal with online rights until they see how new media will play out. I’m not saying they should give up rights, but they should be very cautious about making any long-term deals on this until they know what the primary model for online video will be. My sense is that the WGA thinks the studios know how to make money online and they’re trying to screw the writesr. They may be trying to screw the writers, but they have no idea what the model or potential $$ are in online media. At this point it’s all anybody’s guess.

Comment by not a writer — November 6, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Nikki wants you to keep refreshing your browser, you rubes. It’s all about clicks.

Comment by Ricky — November 6, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
Julia Louis-Dreyfus was out in force AGAIN today, along with Wanda Sykes of the hilarious, “New Adventures of Old Christine”. She marched with us outside a house where Desperate Housewives was being shot. Eva Longoria came out, nearly in tears, trying to win the affection of the writers by buying them pizza. And while we understand Ms. Longoria-Parker’s desire not to break her contract, she stood in stark contrast to the brave and loyal Misses Louis-Dreyfus and Sykes. You go, girls!

Comment by Strike Cap'n — November 6, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
From this point forward, Ms. Finke will simply be referred to as ‘writer’ and you will be able to see this and other super-sized filler entries exclusively at AMPTP.com (brought to you by Carl’s Jr.).

Comment by Producer — November 6, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
As Executive Director of Tofu Fest LA, Wanda Chang will not be denied! Tofu lovers have decided to joing the strike against the AMPTP! Our trucks will no longer be instructed to deliver soy goodness to the selfish studio lots of LA! United we stand! Without tofu we fall!

Comment by Wanda Chang — November 6, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
Are the strike talks animal, vegetable, or mineral?

Comment by Nick — November 6, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
I’m sure the strike is not OVER - Ms. Finke probably meant that there was breaking news that the two sides will plan to sit down and resume talks. That IS the first step to reaching an agreement and Counter truly needs to stop talking like a Capulet.

Comment by skoonix — November 6, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
Breaking News: Nikki Finke serves 1 billion ads!

Comment by BN — November 6, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
What’s the point of making us wait at our computers for this long? Don’t tease us with headlines, then make us wait for almost three hours for actual news. It’s rude.

Comment by supernova8610 — November 6, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Nikki:

I have to concur with poster Michael’s statement as follows…

“Nikki, you’re doing a great job and I know that you’re reporting as fast as you can while taking accuracy into account. But it is not responsible to put up an advisory like that and then not update it for close to 45 minutes. It would be better to just wait and post the story. Everyone already trusts you to get the fastest news on these issues there is no reason to sensationalize it.”

Comment by jls — November 6, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Where’s Governator Arnie in all of this? The strike has potential to effect all things financial within the state, run-away production is an issue and the argument could be made that he had a successful movie career.

Why hasn’t he chimed in on this? We’ve had the Mayor, the City Council and a Show Runner offer or were drafted to help settle this, what’s one more voice?

Does anyone know if the Federal Mediator is still involved or did s/he pack it up and head back east?

Comment by below the line — November 6, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
In related news, I have a really amazing story about something totally awesome. I will tell you as soon as I can type it up. Oh I am wasting time posting this message you say? Oh well … I’ll tell ya later. I promise it is wicked awesome. Seriously it is great.

Comment by Jamie — November 6, 2007 @ 4:54 pm
Apparently the internet is “too new” for Finke as well.

Comment by Bart Smith — November 6, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Keep up with the good work. Thanks.

Comment by III — November 6, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
Maybe Nikki is getting RESIDUALS for everytime someone hits the refresh button. More page hits, more cash??? You work out a New Media compensation package??
You tease, you.

Comment by joel — November 6, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
I hope the producers haven’t caved..what’s next..giving residuals to the janitors who clean the studios? If you bleed the companies dry, they won’t have any money to pay you in the first place, never mind residuals.

In solidarity with the Producers,
Marco

Comment by marco — November 6, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
I need to somebody refresh me! My wife’s getting jealous of Nikki…

Comment by Dante D'Po — November 6, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
It seems a little irresponisble to put up a banner headline like that basically announcing you have major news, and then nothing for like three hours. I am really starting to doubt whether Nikki really has any real news. I think it is just getting lots of hits for the website.

Comment by Scott — November 6, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
Nikki, you have been by far and away the best source for strike-related news the past week, but this is ridiculous. Why bother with a tease? I’d rather just wait til you actually have the story typed up. It’s been 3 hours and STILL nothing.

Sunday was the same way, it was like pulling teeth to get info.

Comment by Brent — November 6, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
This is getting RiNikulous,

Whatsa matta Nikki, can’t get it up? j/k, We love ya but c’mon… it’s been like three hours already!

Comment by PJ — November 6, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
To all the people that keep writing, bitching and refreshing…close out Internet Explorer and write a good script for once! Stop carping about what Nikki’s doing and do something constructive. Oh, wait, doing something constructive to a Hollywood writer = complaining. (and people wonder why TV and movies suck)

Comment by Strike, SchmikeTo — November 6, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Everybody bitching about Nikki taking too long to post needs to relax. She has been our primary inside source to the negotiations…having to wait for Nikki is much better than not having her at all. Did anyone stop to consider that maybe this is a good sign? Like maybe something big has taken place with her scoop that simply isn’t allowing her to post? Don’t take her for granted.

Comment by Late Night TV Intern — November 6, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Wow, people. Remember, Nikki is a journalist. She’s taking her time to get facts and to report to us in as timely a matter as she can do. SHE DOESN’T OWE us a fifteen second story. Her job is not to feed your addiction when you cry like a baby for a bottle. Please have some respect for her. If her story takes an hour to write or two or three or whatever, that’s what it takes. Good reporting takes time. I know those of us spoonfed by the main stream media aren’t used to having to wait, but too bad. We’re on HER site. We are guests. Have some manners.

and thank you Nikki, you are a voice of reason in the sea of bias entertainment reporting and I very much appreciate how professional you are at your job, even if you make me wait for the goods.

Comment by metinker — November 6, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
I have a quick question… Can anyone who is not a writer or in the industry walk the picket lines?

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Don’t tell/tease me at 2pm that your updating a story like your live blogging a fresh report and then post nothing new through at least 5:30pm. If your teasing us for a series of false hits for your advertisers and to up your CPM then I shall just check the site once a day for the “fresh” news since that’s all we’re going to get anyway.

Comment by A Reader — November 6, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
I’m going on strike from this blog…until Nikki posts something. Can someone please email me as soon as she does?

Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
First, this is taking WAY TOO LONG, Nikki. Three hours and counting!!!! Second, to “not a writer”: there is no truth to the notion that the internet is too new a format for us to get paid. Studios are already making money. There are commercials when you watch shows on-line. The studios are not just being generous and playing those ads free of charge. What we want is simple: if they get paid, we get paid, and they’re getting paid. Running a program on-line with paid advertising can’t be considered promotion by anyone. How do you think studios would react if advertisers said, “We’d like the network time slot we paid for to include unlimited runs on-line”? That’s what we’re being asked to do.

Comment by slowcooker — November 6, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Bueller….?

Bueller….?

Comment by GryphonLA — November 6, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
“Not a writer,” the internet is not too new to determine a writer’s fair compensation. The companies are running our shows free of charge on their websites, but collecting advertising money while they do it. Our request is simple, if the studio gets paid, the writer gets paid. And they’re getting paid!

Comment by slowcooker — November 6, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
LOL, give Nikki a break guys! She’s been reporting to all hours the past few days. She’s earned a little patience.

Not to get hopes up…but if there are talks going on right now, you’d have to bet the “media blackout” might be even more serious this round.

She might be respecting her sources.

Let’s just let it play out…

Comment by JImmy — November 6, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
What the eff? You’re killing me.

Comment by whatdoessoonmean — November 6, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Aarrrgh! What’s the word, young lady?

Comment by Joe — November 6, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
nikki — posting a “breaking news” headline and not paying it off for hours — about a strike that people care so deeply about — only to get clicks — sucks it. it sucks it long and hard but make no mistake… it sucks. please, no one here click on any ads. any news from this site can not be taken too seriously with this kind of bs.

Comment by complete and utter — November 6, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
come on guys, it’s not about clicks, it’s about uniques (as in unique visitors) so you refreshing you’re browsers isn’t going to do anything for her traffic numbers. also it’s going to do little for the site’s actual ads since they probably have a frequency cap

but seriously Nikki, enough with making us wait, we know you never leave your apartment, so what gives?

Comment by jcpbmg — November 6, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Hopefully, this is the last time Nikki, who has done SUCH a great job will play a Perez Hilton (”If you’re REALLY offended don’t click here.”)

This is driving me NUTS.

Comment by A writer — November 6, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Must not be very breaking if we’re waiting four hours later..

While we are waiting though, an update on that poor guy that got run over while picketing would be nice. Is he alright? Did anybody get the license plate?

Comment by Paul William Tenny — November 6, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
“BREAKING NEWS” …..now just wait 4 hours and I’ll tell you what it is!

Comment by michael — November 6, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
The writers are missing an opportunity in their picket signs. They need to use all the great movie quotes written by WGA members. There was an ad campaign a few years ago that did this. From “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” to “My Mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.’” . These words will serve to remind the public of the impact a film or TV writer has on culture as well as remind everyone what billion dollar franchises are created for them by these writers. One quote per sign, please. And if you could get the person who wrote it to hold it that would be a great photo op. Image is everything people get your PR going right ok?

Comment by ReelBusy — November 6, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
After waiting four hours for SOME kind of news re your “Breaking Strike Talks Story” (which is an unprofessional, ridiculous, grammatically incorrect phrase), I’m done. All afternoon, as I walked the picket lines (didn’t see you out there, Nikki), I and MANY others wasted time and energy and $$$$$ trying to refresh your site. FOR NOTHING. Because you neglected to do your job this afternoon. We all know that you know how much your site is counted on by people whose livelihoods depend on timely reporting. So what prevented you from DOING YOUR JOB this afternoon? I hope you enjoy the money you made off all the clicks today.

Comment by StrikerJane — November 6, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
For goodness sakes. It has been 4 hrs. What is the big development? Are they going to start talking again? This has gone on long enough. What is the big news? Is there some hope?

What is taking so long? Post the story.

Comment by Suzanne — November 6, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Hey, why don’t you just either print the info you have or wait until you DO have it… these teases are really lame attempts to get people to keep hitting on your blog. It is truly a reprehensible thing you are doing to us.

Comment by BrianBrBrian — November 6, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Whats the deal? Its 4 hours later - the breaking news is already broken by now. Sheesh.

Comment by Me at a Studio — November 6, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Now why weren’t all you commenters on the negotiating committee? We could have had this contract negotiated in time for lunch on day one!

Great work Nikki!

Comment by new plan — November 6, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
please Nikki, this is driving me insane!!

Comment by Kevin — November 6, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Nikki, I’ve loved your site since this strike coverage started. But at least you would serve us with a little bit of the story then update as things happen. Every time I click refresh and see nothing I think you’re just being mean. I feel used!

Comment by AnxiousAsst — November 6, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
LEAVE NIKKI ALONE SHES TRYING HER BEST. I CANT STAND ALL YOU. LEAVE HER ALONE

Comment by MIKKI FINKE — November 6, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
What’s the breaking news??

Comment by Joe — November 6, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
More Breaking news: people sit by computer waiting for breaking story, waste day… story developing…

Comment by Chimmy — November 6, 2007 @ 6:44 pm
Slowcooker,I didn’t say no one is making money on video online….my point is that no one knows what it’s worth yet. Nets and studios are still researching the best way to make money online. Is it content with paid commercials? Is it paid content with no commercials? How much will advertisers pay to run in online content? Will they pay a premium for online content, or do they expect to get it at no charge or a reduced cost for advertising on-air? How do you figure costs for online ads that are part of an on-air buy? How much will consumers pay to buy a TV show they can watch on TV for free? Would they rather pay less to rent the DVD than watch the show on a computer? The content providers are still ironing out the best way to make money with this new medium, and I’m just saying that if the WGA is smart they shouldn’t rope themselves into a long-term deal until they know exactly how much this medium is worth.

Comment by not a writer — November 6, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Also, to Slowcooker….you wonder what nets would do if advertisers said “We’d like the network time slot we paid for to include unlimited runs on-line.” The fact that you ask this question leads me to believe you’ve never worked in TV sales. These are exactly the kinds of things advertisers ask for, and because TV revenues are plummeting (especially on the local side) and broadcast TV is dying, the advertisers have the sales reps over a barrel. Don’t kid yourself. Nets may be raking it in, but not like they used to. Broadcast TV as we know it will be dead in 10 years, and this strike is the nail in the coffin.

Comment by not a writer — November 6, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
I do believe anyone can picket, yes. I’m not yet in the guild and I can picket as much as I like. the more, the better. the more honking, noise, disruption to inbound/outbound studio traffic, the better.

Comment by outsidelookingin — November 6, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
INT. BACKCHANNEL ROOM

WRITER: Right now you’re reaching tens of millions of viewers, making billions of dollars, right?

STUDIO HEAD: Right.

WRITER: With the internet, you’re looking at billions of people, potentially making you-

STUDIO HEAD: Trillions.

WRITER: So let’s work together. With my talent and your money we can do some amazing things.

STUDIO HEAD: How much is this going to cost me?

WRITER: Pennies.

STUDIO HEAD: I love you, man.

WRITER: Me too, sir.

You’d think it would be this easy.

Comment by Just A. Writer — November 6, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
don’t post headlines like, “breaking strike talks story” unless you have a story. clearly you are trying to generate buzz just to get clicks and refreshes on your site to boost ad revenue

Comment by anonymous — November 7, 2007 @ 2:15 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Advisory: Breaking Strike Talks Story

94 Comments »

Leave a comment

Top Ten Movies

Film Spotlight

TV Spotlight

Latest Posts

Archives:

Categories: