That the studios and networks have been twisting the truth about the WGA strike to suit their own purposes looks to be standard operating procedure during this strike. That happens on the other side of this labor dispute, too. But no company seems to be doing this more than Disney/ABC. For instance, all comments (not just some) that are even mildly friendly to the WGA are quickly deleted from ABC.com. Here is one striking writer's experience on Tuesday: "I was on ABC.com today when I saw the Leno story and that there were comments where writers were being bashed and scabs promoted. I defended writers and less than two minutes later the comments were deleted. I tried again and, once again, my comments were deleted. Talk about ABC/Disney censorship."
The above wouldn't seem as scary if Disney didn't own an international news operation, ABC, which is supposed to report accurately and consider both sides of an issue.
But it gets worse.
ABC recently held a "Strike Educational Seminar". Its purpose was described thusly: "With each day of the WGA strike, more articles and opinions circulate in the media. Now is your chance to hear the real issues in question. Please join Mark Pedowitz and Marc Sandman for a brief discussion of the strike and its challenges." According to an account of the seminar from a Disney/ABC employee who wishes to remain nameless but whose identity I have confirmed, very little about this presentation was truthful.
[But, first, a personal note: I'm told during the seminar I was called "Tokyo Rose" -- a reference to the English-speaking female broadcasters used by Japan to disseminate anti-American propaganda during World War II. This is not merely a garden variety insult. This is an odious comparison with all its implications to use against anyone, much less a journalist.]
Here is the account given me of the ABC strike seminar:
"I went for selfish reasons, hoping to get the answer to the question, Will I lose my job? But I also wanted to hear what these folks had to say, and I was shocked. Sandman, a labor lawyer here, did not refrain from editorializing every chance he got. Rather than discuss what this meant for the studio in a pragmatic sense (2008 pilots, jobs, bonuses, etc.), he totally BASHED the WGA at every turn. These were some of the salient points this little blowhard spread to no less than 150 employees:
"1. The Guild wanted to strike way back in July. The AMPTP was ready to bargain then, but the WGA refused.
"2. They never spend more than 3 hours at the table, and this is the Guild's fault. Basically, says he, Verrone and Young are novices who've never done this before and as such read from a script at the table, then leave. When talks broke off the last time it was because the WGA handed the AMPTP their proposals, then left. According to him, the AMPTP was ready to work things out.
"3. The main issues for the WGA, which the AMPTP considers unacceptable are: 1) sympathy strikes; 2) reality and animation; and 3) the issue of distribution, which says that the WGA is insisting on a provision whereby no network or studio can acquire a product unless the writer(s) of that product are complying with WGA rules. This is what he had the audacity to say. He also said that in terms of streaming and downloads, the AMPTP has a proposal that is absolutely workable.
"4. The DGA is a much more responsible, reasonable union. The DGA had one tiny strike in the last 40 years, while the WGA strikes every chance it gets.
"5. The main reason the WGA is striking is political. The main reason the Guild wants to unionize reality and animation is to create more revenue stream through dues. (!!!!!!) It has nothing to do with caring about writers. And, he said, because Patric Verrone used to write for animation, he has a particular beef with that.
"6. He referred to the strikes as a "traveling circus".
"The thing that killed me is that people in the audience were buying it. During the Q&A, questions such as "What can we do to to help the studio's cause?" were asked. I almost lost it, and my cheeks were so red I felt like I suddenly had a 104 fever. The way this information was presented -- in addition to being complete bullshit -- was absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible. This asshole was given a theater to act out his own personal vendetta against the WGA to an audience that doesn't know any better. It was awful.
"Feel free to spread this far and wide, to Writeraction and Nikke Finke (who he referred to as "Tokyo Rose")."
Why is it bad that ABC/ Disney is censoring posts on their website, but you (Nikki) do it ALL the time? Many posts that are pro-AMPTP aren’t posted…the few that do get through are bashed by the writers as “posted by shills”. Isn’t it possible that there are other voices out there that want to be heard? Nikki, you should stop censoring and post the voices of your readers. Let the public make up their mind on who is right in this fight.
Comment by Frank Grimes — December 19, 2007 @ 10:00 am
Nikke, you are like ABC.com in the sense you post only Postive WGA comments and refrain from posting postive AMPTP comments.
Comment by UltraV — December 19, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Good to know that even in the Iger era, Disney has remained the over-the-top evil corporation that Eisner made it. Any chance we could get Roy Disney to leave a flaming bag of poop on that lawyer’s doorstep?
Comment by Nick — December 19, 2007 @ 10:02 am
Tokio Rose - I like it.
It is rare to see such biased reporting as you manage to turn out every day.
Comment by Tokio Rose — December 19, 2007 @ 10:08 am
The WGA really should fine Disney for this. 10% more than any other studio/network when the individual deals are struck (and they will be). If they ask why, the answer is “for Tokyo Rose.”
Comment by anotherWGAmemberer — December 19, 2007 @ 10:08 am
This, to me, is the real crux of this who issue.
There is a side in this battle that is very willing to fight dirty. Really dirty. Much of the tactics probably got them the wealth and power they enjoy, and they have no problem lying, cheating, stealing, anything they have to do to stay in power. They have done it before, and they will do it now.
Because they honestly believe they deserve the power they have. They honestly believe they are the good guys, and that the world falls apart if they lose their power. They honestly believe they are smarter, more worthy, and more talented…otherwise, why would they have all their money and power at all? They earned it.
If this sounds familiar, look to the White House for the prime example.
The writers are still clinging to the idea that the truth will win this battle. It should. But will it? Is it more powerful than the lies wrapped in money?
Or will they be roped into the same practices of lying and deceit themselves? Will this really turn into a political campaign of mudslinging where no one has any idea what is really true anymore?
Will it brew apathy? The best friend of those already in power?
Hmmm….
Comment by JIMMY — December 19, 2007 @ 10:15 am
“Tokyo Rose”?
I fully expect the propaganda, the ’stretching’ of truth and credulity and the ‘fuzzy’ accounting to be used by both sides during this strike. I even expect and tolerate some name calling but to use a term like ‘Tokyo Rose’ in a situation such as this is repugnant.
I am not a writer, I am not a studio person. I am an actor who is sitting in his house waiting for his show to re-start…. or not.
Whether you agree or not with what Miss Finke reports, whether you agree or not that she has unbiased journalistic integrity should not bring you to use terms such as this.
For me it diminishes the valiant and brave work of our fighting men and women not only in World War 2 but also in the conflicts of today.
It is an abhorrent comparison and even though it was made without press and cameras present it should be addressed and a statement of explanation should be forthcoming along with an apology. Not only to Miss Finke but to the people that a comment such as this offends, which should be us all.
Let us hope that “Tokyo Rose” is not the thin edge of the wedge and that we are about to embark down the road of hysterical historical comparisons. That never ends well. I would hate to see someone lob a Goerbles grenade over the fence.
Comment by sidelinedactor — December 19, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Hey Mark, I’m one of those writers you want to get along with and like you.
I have a very long memory.
Comment by Just a nobody — December 19, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Disney/ABC is dispicable. I honestly feel sick after reading this shit.
Comment by Future Writer (Hopefully) — December 19, 2007 @ 10:24 am
To be called Tokyo Rose by the writers or by some impartial entity might be an insult but to be personally vilified by the heavy-handed propagandists at Disney is a high honor few can aspire to achieve.
Think how heavy your heart would be now if Disney had labeled you “Disney sympathizer Nikki Finke” or “AMPTP-friendly Nikki Finke” or worse, “Honorary Cast Member Nikki Finke”, (Disneyland doesn’t have employees, they have cast members.) You’d demand a retraction.
Comment by Perry — December 19, 2007 @ 10:28 am
None of this should surprise you. This is how Corporate America operates (or any powerful entity for that matter). They will only present their side of the story, not all sides. Remember these are suits, not journalists, and they have every right to do and say what they’re doing. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but that’s how they are. I admire the person for speaking out and revealing this inside tidbit. In the grand scheme of things, unfortunately, it won’t matter much. This is a small part of a larger counter-campaign to discredit the WGA. The hiring of a combative PR firm, the ads in the trades, the seminars… they’re meant to do one thing: take back public opinion. What concerns me is the longer the strike is, the more it works in the “Company’s” favor PR-wise, UNLESS the WGA has an ace up its sleeve. Just remember: don’t believe everything you read — believe everything you know for a fact.
Comment by dawgski — December 19, 2007 @ 10:32 am
I’ve said it before… Now that the WGA is willing to negotiate individually, they simply offer the first taker the best deal on the internet. Every studio/network after that will pay incrementally higher rates. If the moguls are afraid to be the first one, this structure will give them the ability to say, “Hey, we got the best deal and our competitors are paying a higher rate.” Do you really think shareholders of the other companies would stand for losing more of their profit margin to a shittier deal? I think not. This is the way to break the ‘alliance.’
Comment by John — December 19, 2007 @ 10:33 am
I guess this just reinforces the general thoughts among the membership that the AMPTP isn’t interested in negotiations, but, instead is actuality interested in busting the union. And they’ll do anything, say anything, and use anyone, to achieve their ends.
And apparently, Mr Sandman has mistakenly remembered history, Tokyo Rose was on the side of the enemy, she was not a journalist doing her job…
Welcome to the AMPTPs smear campaign, Nikki, they don’t care who they paint with their brush.
Comment by Jake Hollywood — December 19, 2007 @ 10:34 am
I wonder if Disney consulted with their PR hacks before they put on this little presentation–cuz if this is the advice they’re getting, Iger should demand his money back.
Is it just me, or does the AMPTP actually WANT to make their members look sleazy?
Comment by Hammerjack — December 19, 2007 @ 10:37 am
I’m trying to be sympathetic to the cause, but Verrone and Young are novices compaired to the DGA’s team.
The WGA didn’t do enough research into this either. The DGA spent the past year figuring out what real numbers would be lost/gained where as the writers waited until it was too late.
You rip people who are one sided, but you are guilty of that yourself. If you were a “company man” you would be presenting your side of that arguement.
Comment by Want to work — December 19, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Of course you are Tokyo Rose to Bob Iger and the people at Disney. They know WWII and Intellectual property very well. They know these things because the founder of the company was such a strong Nazi Sympathizer who built his company on the stolen ideas of Ub Iwerks. Iger and crew still have the tapes of Rose and listen to them during the holidays when they are feeling Nostalgic for the Fascist “Old Times”.
Comment by ReelBusy — December 19, 2007 @ 10:41 am
A college friend of mine works there. She says the employees refer to Disney Corporate Headquarters as “The unhappiest place on earth.” Now I see why.
Comment by goodbadandugly — December 19, 2007 @ 10:41 am
I would like to see the WGA refute (with facts) those points made by Disney.
Comment by Anon — December 19, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Don’t think you can expect to have it both ways, Nikki. You are a very accomplished journalist, but you’ve totally shown a bias for the writers (which is completely your right as you are now a blogger). But with headlines like this “AMPTP Statement Recycles Same Old Shit” if the shoe fits…
Comment by Tired of your WGA pandering — December 19, 2007 @ 10:45 am
I feel sick reading this and knowing I’ve been in business with these liars. How will we ever go back to work for these people again after the lies they tell? That’s the real question. I don’t know Sandman, but Pedowitz, you, sir, are a scumbag.
It looks like the trolls were just waiting for you to post this, Nikki, so they could be first with their responses.
Comment by ABC asset — December 19, 2007 @ 10:46 am
It’s not just ABC covering up the truth. It’s NBC, too. We had that 5000 member march on Ave. of The Stars and there was not one NBC news story about it all day long. Not one. What else are we not seeing on our news? This isn’t just writer versus producer, this is about Free Speech and Censorship. This is also a moral issue: How much is enough ENRON? Our gas has tripled. The cost of a house has tripled. Has anyone’s salary tripled? We’re asking for a lousy 3% a year. Hardly a “fair deal” for writers, yet entirely doable by the producers who are making 10% more a year. Heck, just pay us what The Golden Compass cost to make. We’d make 4% a year!
Comment by FREE PRESS — December 19, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Yo Mr. Grimes and UltraV, and the two Marcs at the session, you do Ms. Finke much honor by comparing her blog to the entire news apparatus of Disney/ABC. She has her point of view and is advocating it. Disney/ABC better make up their mind as to what they are advocating before we the general public make it for you. Ya’ll are a bushel of schmucks.
Comment by P. Lee — December 19, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Well, well, back to the USSR, or at least Putin-like tactics to suppress the truth and spead lies…
To keep a grip on to Power.
It’s the old Political game, lie enough, over and over and maybe the sheep/public opinion will accept it as the truth.
Only this is NOT Putin’s Russia, but the AMPTP’s Demagogues trying to become an Oligarchy with their push to further consolidate and become a Monopoly. They are doing it right now with their latest efforts to “Buy”/Lobby for an FCC Rules/Regs reversal. I recommend everyone who doesn’t adhere to these tactics to contact Diane Feinstein’s Office ASAP. She is trying to block it and there is an ongoing petition drive you can check out at unitedhollywood.com.
I have friends who work for Businesses loyal to, dependant on and beholden to “The Companies” and you would not believe how brainwashed they are. I have to correct the facts and argue the truth with them, over and over and over. They are definitely being told only what the companies want them to believe and it is a shameless, if not illegal practice.
And who do the Companies choose to Rep them in this PR battle? A Political PR Firm specializing in smear tactics, lies, disinformation campaigns, opposition research ( i.e. politics of personal destruction) and now, it seems, Corporate Brainwashing… maybe that is why you see more and more of this going on now.
The truth will win out here, there is no control over information in THIS Country… or world for that matter. At least not the last time I looked.
Comment by Pj - Writer — December 19, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Tell me Ugly Betty is technically owned by someone other than these assholes. I want my show back. How did they get all the good progreams? Damn them, damn them, damn them.
Comment by Caitlin — December 19, 2007 @ 11:00 am
I took the trouble to forward this piece to Boxer, Feinstein and Waxman. I hope they see it.
Comment by howard — December 19, 2007 @ 11:04 am
I love this website. Nikki’s connections make her the Drudge Report of the writers’ strike.
I don’t care about the rhetoric, though. I care about what’s actually happening. It doesn’t suprise me that a corporation would try to spin its employee in this way. It’s to be expected. And it’s not wrong. The perspective is wrong, not the tactics.
The Tokyo Rose bit, though, is slanderous on a number of levels. Not only is it sexist and racist, it presupposes that the information on deadlinehollywooddaily.com is propaganda. I guess that would make the AMPTP the Allies? Who is Hirohito?
I guess this is what happens when Disney suits need to write their own material…
Comment by GimmeBackMyShows — December 19, 2007 @ 11:11 am
How dare one of the studios take the time to address its employees on the status of the strike and then give a one-sided assessment that is pro-them. I mean, the WGA would never bring a group of their membership together in a rally and then do nothing but spew venum against the companies that have made them all rich.
If it’s so horrible to work at a studio let me remind you…the guards at the gate aren’t there keeping you in. You’re welcome to leave at any time.
Comment by Why bother... — December 19, 2007 @ 11:21 am
They even censor the shows’ message boards. No one EVER moderates those boards, except when threads about the strike are published, in which case messages simply dissapear.
Comment by Mary — December 19, 2007 @ 11:28 am
disney has always been known as the “sweat shop”, k-mart studio
nikki is not biased
when she reports the amptp view, it simply turns out they are using her not to express an honest pov, of which they are incapable, but use her to further their machinations and manipulations
they do play dirty, that is how they got where they are, if people buy into their propaganda it will continue, although these particular men are on their way out as they are destroying the congloms they run
Comment by amptp insider — December 19, 2007 @ 11:31 am
without nikki there would be no other pov .. rock on, nikki!
wake up, america, your news outlets and public airwaves have been hi-jacked by corporate agendas
corporations are telling you what to think, giving you the news that serves them, distorting, lying…
and it just got worse yesterday when shock of shocks kevin martin at the fcc handed corporations another giant holiday present - more media ownership
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hlYj9ojD7umgLJiTK_I0DfwU50iAD8TK5UBO1
Comment by media buyer — December 19, 2007 @ 11:37 am
So Mickey’s a big baby: Nothing new here, keep moving.
Great turn-out at City Hall today. Plus… we all got a crash course in (one aspect of) the fight over the, uh, “re-development” of Skid Row.
(Did anyone get the sense that “Ms. Ling” has ruffled a few developer-feathers? Or some of their partners in City Hall?)
Affordable housing?! Can you find a new condo down there for less than 500k?
Comment by Brando — December 19, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Funny - the first time I saw a shill/troll post on this site, the words that leaped to mind were “Tokyo Rose.”
The taunting tone, issued from a safe distance, seemed to fit perfectly.
Comment by NYCstriker — December 19, 2007 @ 11:46 am
The name “Tokyo Rose” is most often associated with Iva Toguri D’Aquino (born Ikuko Toguri, July 4, 1916, Los Angeles, California). A U.S. citizen by birth who was visiting relatives in Japan at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, she was unable to leave after the start of hostilities. She refused to renounce her American citizenship and was subsequently treated as an enemy alien.
Toguri risked her life smuggling food into Prisoner of War (POW) camps and subsequently gained the trust of the American and Australian inmates. To support herself she took work at the Japanese radio show The Zero Hour as a transcriber and later as an on air announcer. After she indicated her refusal to broadcast anti-American propaganda, Toguri was assured by her producers that they would not write scripts having her say anything against the United States.
After the war, she was investigated and released when the FBI and the U.S. Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps found no evidence against her. “Tokyo Rose” was actually a legend generated by allied military personnel for the amalgam of female broadcasters working for the Japanese government who spread falsehoods to help undermine the Allied war effort. At no time did Toguri call herself “Tokyo Rose” during the war. Further, no anti-Allied propaganda was found in her broadcasts.
However, upon her return to the United States, the influential gossip columnist and radio host Walter Winchell lobbied against her. She was charged and subsequently convicted of treason and given a sentence of 10 years. She was released after serving six years. It was then discovered that the men that had delivered the most damaging testimony against her had been coerced and admitted to lying under oath. On January 19, 1977, she was pardoned by U.S. President Gerald Ford, who also restored her citizenship.
Gavin Polone would be a far more appropriate illustration of a true “Tokio Rose” inspired propagandist and traitor. It is Polone, not Nikki Finke, that has appeared on the conglomerate-owned FOX News in an attempt to reach the masses with his disinformation. Nikki is simply reporting the stories and the facts, even if they don’t meet the approval of the tyrannical AMPTP. It’s called right and wrong… reporting the news (Nikki) or spreading lies (Gavin).
- Sloop John B
Comment by Sloop John B — December 19, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Okay, I was actually at the meeting in question …and in fact, I was the guy who asked what we (the Evil Corporate Employees, that is) could do to help …and while yes, Marc Sandman may not have been the most eloquent of speakers, he was certainly not spewing any of the wretched nonsense some of you seem to have heard. Do the Studios have their side? Of course they do, and so does everyone else. The bottom line is getting back to work! Yeah, WORK! (*That’s what most of us have to do for a living …even us lowly little Corporate minions.) Work is what this “strike” continues to take away from many hard working folks in this wonderful Industry of ours. So to that, I say shame on all of you. You are equally as RESPONSIBLE for people loosing their jobs as the Studios are. So please, for all of our sakes, PLEASE …sit back down and start behaving like the highly educated adults that you are. Work it out. FIND A WAY!!! PLEASE! YOU can put people back to work. But if you insist on “Striking” …then at least have the intestinal fortitude to do it ALL DAY. Stop leaving at 2pm. And if have any self-respect at all, stand in the rain! Or stop calling it a “strike”!
Comment by Lowly Studio Employee — December 19, 2007 @ 11:55 am
“Verrone and Young are novices who’ve never done this before and as such read from a script at the table, then leave.”
I highly doubt that, but at least they have a script! Where’s your scripts AMPTP? What couldn’t write one?
“Tokyo Rose” is really a mean term to throw around. For a journalist, that’s the worst. That’s like calling an actor “Carrot Top” or a singer “William Hung.”
Comment by M. M. — December 19, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
I don’t understand point 5. Even if the strike was political and the move to unionize reality TV and animation was as well, the obvious tactical reason for this would be so that all shows are bargaining chips for any future strikes/contract negotiations. Getting more union dues as a reason seems preposterous.
Comment by confused — December 19, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Does anyone have any kind of intelligent retort to the points brought up on behalf of the AMPTP by these execs?
Comment by Darkwing — December 19, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
I just know this…America’s Hero Thomas Payne would be ashamed of our modern press. To subvert the news because it might make them look bad.
I think it’s time for Congress to split off the news divisions from these megabiz because where we at now, it’s just terrible have a few men control global media.
What I find so very interesting is that without the writers, who are the foundation of this business there is none.
Also the AMPTP is pretty much saying the DGA is a weak union and can control them. I mean, why would you say and think the DGA would accept anything the AMPTP would offer to them over New Media, that the MegaBiz would trumpet a deal is in place already or that they are easier to control.
If I was in the DGA, I would be insulted that are needs are easy to manage and that we would have accepted that one time yearly $250.00 per one hour show and are works could be called promotional anytime the producers deemed fit.
The DGA what a great union…so great that the AMPTP didn’t mind outing you as their bitch!!!
Comment by boo — December 19, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
If I were you I’d wear that Tokyo Rose slur as a badge of honor. It means you’re getting to them. I am so far removed from this event, I’m just a watcher of television, but even I can see the studios are being assholes. I’ve been to both the WGA and AMPTP websites, read through their stuff, and still come away with the notion that these studio guys are utter jerks.
Comment by Jimmy — December 19, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
A Drudge Report comparison is better than Tokyo Rose?
Comment by Jenius — December 19, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Yes, Nicky Finke is biased… biased toward the truth! (waits for audience to stop gasping, then:)
The AMPTP can’t seem to decide whether Patric Verrone and Dave Young are Machiavellian geniuses or blundering buffoons. I’ve known Patric personally for many years and I can report he is as devious as a banana, but also almost as smart as me. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter. The negotiations are run by the Negotiating Committee, which is packed with heavy hitters with years of experience both as writers and producers. To counter them, all the AMPTP has is Nick Counter.
The WGA has made a bunch of proposals, all of which would be good for writers. (If you don’t think reality jurisdiction would be good, ask yourself how Fox would be feeling right now if American Idol was going to be shut down in January.)
The WGA proposals would cost the companies money and/or power, so they don’t like them. But, they’d cost a lot less than their lost advertising revenue, or Les Moonves’ salary, or Jeff Zucker’s suits. And a reasonably generous deal to the WGA would buy the companies 20 years of labor peace, until the next crazy technology comes along to mess things up. So all we have to do is bank on the intelligence of the American corporation…
Did anyone ever go broke banking on the intelligence of the American corporation?
Comment by WGA Westy — December 19, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
Nikki, did you ever stop to consider that whoever sent you this account of what occurred in the meeting at Disney may in fact also be “twisting the truth?” Why are we so readily willing to accept that this is an accurate account of what went down?
Comment by Beatrice — December 19, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
It’s a little more than ’spin’ if Sandman actually said that the WGA handed in a proposal and then WALKED AWAY from the talks. It’s an outright lie, contradicted by the AMPTP’s own statements on their web site.
The danger here is that almost no one in this industry is bothering to find out what’s going on for themselves. And if one of the seven major corporations involved in this action is completely and unabashedly lying to their affected employees and then advising them that a journalist who isn’t cowtowing to the conglomerates is somehow the bad guy (and by the way — I was told by an ABC executive recently that they were told not to read this site at all), then how is an agreement ever to be reached?
And, for all the flamers on here, if the AMPTP’s position is so fair and reasonable, why do they keep lying about it?
Comment by WGA Ed — December 19, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
I have a friend who used to work at Disneyworld, and she was chilled to the bone by the place. She said that she and her fellow employees referred to the place as “Mouse-shwitz.
Unlike Disney/ABC, at least the NBC/Universal website doesn’t censor pro-WGA comments. At least, it doesn’t seem like they’re doing that.
Comment by AnotherWriter — December 19, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
Writers existed long before studios and will exist long after the studios have become obsolete. With the rapid improvement in quality and decrease in cost of consumer production equipment, I’m really starting to wonder why we don’t abandon this system and start creating content and reaping rewards without the interference of middle men.
Studios have a stanglehold over classic distribution channels like theaters and TV, but the internet is rapidly emerging as a means to provide creators with a low-cost platform with which to market and distribute their material.
Young adults are spending more time on the internet and watching less television. Also, the improvement in home entertainment technology and the inevitable rise of video piracy loom as threats to the current production and distribution model.
So why do we keep whoring ourselves out to a bunch of suits who place their interests over our own? Right now it’s a money issue. Studios have money. Studios control the channels that generate the big bucks for the real talent. As long as they can throw cash at writers, they’ll find writers willing to accept it. But…
Writers are the golden geese. And while it’s nice having these salesmen to help us manufacture and market our products, it’s important to remember that they cannot exist without us.
As the nature of the business continues to change, there may come a time when we find that we no longer need their services. Perhaps that time is upon us.
Comment by Josh Goldstein — December 19, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Comments not posted?
That’s news to me, but could explain a comment I submitted a few days back never appearing. I just assumed I’d forgotten to hit “submit.”
I’m a WGA member. I’ve worked steadily for a decade, and I think the Guild has good, fair points. I also believe we were herded into a strike, and I have to say the signs of that came early in publications such as Written By, which was chock full of propaganda by mid-summer.
But it doesn’t matter now.
I can’t blame Disney for presenting a BS town hall meeting, because it’s simply business, and politics, as usual. I feel certain our side would do the same, on the flip side of the coin.
This strike is a f-ing mess. If the DGA doesn’t solve it for us, which gives us a humiliation-free way out, it’s going to stretch on for months. And I for one miss writing, miss the producers, and miss the checks. Is the AMPTP full of villains? No. Are they greedy? Of course. It’s their nickels that fund the production. It’s their machine. They’re trying to protect it. We should expect to get screwed, and simply navigate to the kindest, least abrasive screwing possible.
Not a shill. Just…bored with this.
Comment by Harris — December 19, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
Where are the A-List writer/actors??? Why are they not shouting from the tallest mountain? Where is…
Ben Aflick - acadamy award winning writer
Matt Damon - acadamy award winning writer
Jerry Seinfeld - emmy award winning writer
George Clooney - acadamy award nominated writer
Bill Maher - emmy nominated writer (did he win?)
Most of those men will tear apart our administration (i agree with them) for wanting to destroy the middle class. Yet they will not come out and voice their disgust during our strike???
None of these men ever have to worry about working again. Yet they are quiet while we walk day in and day out.
Shame on them!
Comment by Lola — December 19, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
Dear “Frank Grimes” and other shills,
There is only ONE issue. Internet. As soon as the AMPTP addresses it, the strike is over and everybody goes back to work. Internet. That’s it. I promise you, every writer I know wants to get back to work, but the offer of 250 dollars for a year of streaming reuse makes it impossible.
Comment by Andy Gordon — December 19, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Tokyo Rose? LOL! You’re well within your rights to take offense, but come on Nikki! There’s a certain degree of fabulousness there that cannot be denied. Nikki Finke, femme fatale!
Comment by Tennyson E. Stead — December 19, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
Sorry you’re so bored with “this,” Harris, but it’s not exactly like the strike is unjustified. And I’ll thank you not to include me in the ass-rending you seem so eager for, no matter how kind or unabrasive.
Comment by Fly on WGA Wall — December 19, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
I see anti-WGA and anti-Nikki posts all of the time in here. How can you call that censorship? Ant the use of the words “Tokyo Rose,” is like the “N” word to journalists; it’s just uncalled for. I would expect more professionalism from the multi-million dollar suites than to resort to name calling. Nikki, I’m an avid reader and my only complaint is the use of the occasional profanity. Other than that, keep it up.
Comment by shark — December 19, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
I checked some of the strike coverage on ABCNews.com, and I saw numerous pro-strike comments among the anti-strike comments. I don’t know if your correspondent was referring to ABC.com proper, or ABCNews.com, but at least at the latter, if there is comment censorship going on, it does not appear to be universal. (No studio pun intended.)
If it’s true, the Tokyo Rose thing is just low, especially considering that you’ve been critical of the WGA on many occasions. You’ve just been MORE critical of the AMPTP — usually, from this complete outsider’s opinion, when they entirely deserved it.
Comment by N.A. — December 19, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Harris,
Really. The WGA wanted a strike? Do you mean, we wanted the studios to come to the table with 32 pages of rollbacks? Do you mean we wanted them to suggest a New Economic Partnership that offered writers 250 dollars for unlimited downloads? Do you mean, if the studios had proposed a fair deal, we’d have refused it?
Or do you mean, you don’t know what you’re talking about?
No further questions.
Comment by an L and O writer, on strike until we get a fair deal.
Comment by Anonymous — December 19, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
Apart from the richness of that accusation, I’m left with the same feeling I’ve had all along. Studios are not the only way to make a movie, and their motivations are predictible. Someone who understands their goals, which unilaterally are to raise shareholder value, can take advantage of them to milk resources while building a future on his or her own terms. Distribution has never been as accessible as it is today, even apart from the internet, and I don’t understand why folks are so fixated on forcing the old ways of doing business to work on equitable terms for everyone in an industry built on individual self-expression. If we all produce our own content, the only people that wind up jobless are the very same people with whom the WGA is negotiating, and who everyone is accusing of unethical business practices. I hope to sell a few scripts to the majors, because they pay the most. But I have other, possibly more profound sources of income as well, and rather than live day to day off the winnings, I’m building a future and making art. I support the principles of the WGA, but we’re building on shaky foundation here - and the more institutions there are that rely on the old way of doing things, the more resistance there will be to change. In it’s way, the WGA is validating the overall business practices of the studio system, by seeking to modify that system rather than see it simply be replaced. Them’s my two cents. Writers, directors, whoever - please take some risks and start producing! The best way to get exactly what you want is to build it.
Comment by Tennyson E. Stead — December 19, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
This is from the network that airs the brilliant Lost.
The network’s statements make me sick!
Comment by Adam T. Martin — December 19, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
sounds a lot like what you’re doing with anti-WGA, pro-AMPTP comments.
Comment by nothappynikki — December 19, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
To Harris and all the other bored writers,
Nobody works for free and I know people like to see the short term but…
What happened to Radio shows…they died.
So now it appears another evolution is here…the Internet.
My prediction: Television of today is on the path of extinction just like 1940’s radio.
Comment by boo — December 19, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
To those who think the AMPTP-pro comments are being deleted, they aren’t. I don’t think most people, in their right minds, would support the AMPTP so there are less of those comments on this site. If you do want an AMPTP-pro side, read the trades. In my experience, the only comments Nikki deletes are those that go off-topic. Besides that, this isn’t a pure news source. Nikki is paid to voice her opinion on anything Hollywood she feels like through this blog and her LA Weekly column. The only thing that is pure information is when she gets the hot breaking stories/romors.
Comment by Jessy S. — December 19, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
Kudos to ABC.
Bad Robot!
Comment by A. Fox — December 19, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
Good post by Josh Goldstein. Maybe still some years away, but the modeling for it should be NOW.
Comment by Kuck's GF — December 19, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Well Nikki hasn’t posted ALL my comments either (even pro-writer comments) but the difference between Deadline Hollywood Daily and ABC.com is that DHD is owned by one person whereas ABC is owned by an entire network.
I’m not surprised ABC.com would delete negative comments considering they are directed AT THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE WEBSITE (so, duh, of course they’re going to be deleted) whereas comments directed at writers or the AMPTP is not directed at Nikki Finke.
Comment by Sherilyn — December 19, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
“The above wouldn’t seem as scary if Disney didn’t own an international news operation, ABC, which is supposed to report accurately and consider both sides of an issue. ” Since when did any “news” organization fairly and accuratly “report” anything? Its common knowledge that all political stories are nothing more than liberal leaning thinly veiled editorials and I never see the “writers” speaking out that ABC slammed the republicans.
Comment by Steve — December 19, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Harris, I’m not in the WGA so clearly I can’t comment from an insider’s perspective, but I’m surprised to hear you say that you were “herded” into a strike given that 90% of the membership voted for authorization. I understand how the richest and poorest of the Guild might have a tendency to be more bullish since (respectively) they could better afford to ride it out or just wouldn’t have their income affected much one way or another… but 90% means that it had to also have been favored by the men and women somewhere in the middle, the occasionally employed members who would feel the impact the most. Now, I understand that voting for authorization isn’t quite the same as marching right over to the Universal lot with picket sign in hand, but it’s close — I can’t imagine many people were under the impression that the AMPTP would grant a favorable deal simply because the WGA asked politely for it. Nor, do I imagine, was there a popular opinion that a strike would bring the Companies to their knees in a matter of days or weeks.
From where I stand — again, outside the beltway, so to speak — the kind of strike you’re in right now is the only kind that can possibly be effective against the moguls: long, costly, and with no end in sight. I believe there will be a point at which a sort of perfect storm comes along, with TV ratings tanking and shareholders revolting and parent companies calling in daily asking how much they’re going to have to “adjust” next quarter’s projections… and when that time comes, the WGA will be ready and waiting with a proposal the AMPTP can no longer deem ludicrous. Let’s be frank here, if these companies can logically convince people that films grossing $500 million are still in the red, then they should have no trouble showing up in the boardroom the day after the final negotiation with charts and graphs that demonstrate how giving the writers their fair share will actually result in increased profits.
Comment by Nick — December 19, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
so this is where we are at? we can have rallies vilifying the other side but if they do it, they are evil and liars? come on, both sides need to grow up and do it fast. there are thousands of innocent people losing jobs, cars, homes, etc., who have no dog in this fight. it’s not just us. sometimes you have to take less for the good of everyone. at the end of any negotiation, both sides should feel good about some things and pissed about others. you never get every thing. and that’s what worries me.
because the truth is, our negotiators are inexperienced. don’t flame me as a hater. i’m a working guild member for the past 12 years. but we hired a guy who is an organizer, not a negotiator, and has no previous experience in our industry. it doesn’t mean he’s not smart in what he’s done before but this is not the time for on the job learning. would you hire a writer to run your room whose never written a script.
the studios of course want to give us nothing. welcome to business. so don’t whine about it, fight for it. stay in the room. refuse to leave. invite the media, hold a vigil that we are still sitting there and studios won’t come back.
the dga is going to strike a deal, and despite the strong rhetoric of union power at the rallies, every working writer who put their property taxes and xmas gifts for their kids on their visa bill, is going to start questioning this process when those bills come mid-january. both sides have painted themselves into a corner and it’s time we had some movement.
letterman is willing to sign whatever they want and the wga still won’t grant them a waiver? that’s because they have not thought out all of the ramifications of what that will mean so they’re just holding pat. this is the same strategy as a studio exec saying “no” because it never gets them fired. but that is the wrong strategy. we need to let dave rail against these guys every night.
and this idea that “how can we work for these type of people” is ridiculous. who do you think they were beforehand? do you think you’ve never been lied to in this business before? if that is your standard then you can’t work for or with any studio/executive/producer/actor/showrunner ever again thats lied to you. let’s drop the moral hand wringing and stop pretending we are a coal miners striking over safety issues.
Comment by tired of this shit — December 19, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
“We should expect to get screwed, and simply navigate to the kindest, least abrasive screwing possible.”
Harris, I know you “miss the checks”, but d’you mind if I ask you why it is you’re so damned resigned to this buggering? And why you’re having such a hard time finding it in yourself to “blame” Disney for presenting what was, in your own words, a “BS town hall meeting”? These people lied, after all — they lied through their teeth — they keep on lying — and I, for one, am not quite ready to go shruging that off as “business as usual.”
These “suits” are grown up sentient adults, right? (despite appearances) You’ve got to concede that much. Many of them have kids, and presumably, they spend a good deal of their waking life trying to instill in those kids a sense of ethics and responsibility…a sense of fair play. So what do they do, these “ethical” mothers and fathers, but get up on a platform and coldly, deliberately, and with a straight face offer up slanderous information they know to be harmful…know to be destructive…know to be wrong.
Mind you, I’m not talking about dodging the issues here, or equivocating, or “spinning” the facts to their advantage. That I could live with. I’m talking about lying. Shamelessly. Over and over and over again.
So how, precisely, is that not “villainous” behavior?
Comment by David B. — December 19, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
What Harris said
– 11 year WGA member
Comment by BBrian — December 19, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
You keep saying you aren’t hearing the truth from the Corporations…so why don’t you tell me what the truth is? What is your truth? Why did you reject the offer that the AMPTP proposed on Nov. 29 without taking the time to review it until Dec. 4th like you said you would? Why didn’t you keep the talks and negotiations going on the 29th regarding the proposal to try to gain some kind of common ground? I am not saying you shouldn’t get what you deserve as an artist, but there are others out there suffering from both sides, while you continue to thwart negotiations.
Someone said in the comments that they wanted what it cost to make The Golden Compass. Well that film will most likely lose a tremendous amount of money for the Corporation but the Writer will always be paid the same amount guaranteed to him/her. Here is my question to you…do you take into consideration how much money is spent on not just making the movie but on Marketing? The Corporations probably lose money on 9 out of 10 films put out, yet Writers get the same amount of money no matter how successful or unsuccessful the film or television show becomes. There is no gamble for you. Would you be willing to give up your salary if the project isn’t successful? The truth is…this Industry is a Team Effort and no one can do their job without the other and I am talking about the entire crew. My heart goes out to every crew person that has lost their job due to this strike and continues to not get ANYTHING out of it. They don’t get residuals to keep them going when times are tough…yet you as Writers wouldn’t have residuals to receive without all of their hard work and contributions!!!!! If you want all the money and glory then WRITE A FUCKING BOOK!!!!!! This is not the Business for YOU! There are plenty of others waiting for their chance to do something they love AND get paid for it.
Comment by Another Artist — December 19, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
Hey, by the way, where the hell is Bryan Lourd? He insinuated himself into the middle of this thing — couldn’t he give an objective view of what’s happened? Anyone out there repped by him? I’d like to hear his perspective.
Comment by WGA Writer — December 19, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
This website is the worst WGA propaganda out there. For someone that was actually at that meeting and very low on the totem pole here (I make less than the least paid working writer), I can tell you that you are missing the bulk of what was said there in your “report”…you only took the inflammatory bits and all out of context too. Saying you are being fair here is like saying Fox News is unbiased reporting. Shame on you, Nikki Finke. You’ll probably delete this too, but you really should take the Tokyo Rose comment to heart. This is irresponsible journalism and even calling it journalism here is generous…grow up.
Comment by Disgusted with the ignorance — December 19, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
Douche (AMPTP) + Bags (WGA) = Douchebags
Hohoho
Comment by scCREWed — December 19, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
So Disney is wholly evil? That’s like saying the world is round.
I did enjoy the part about the people who were asking what they could do to help the studio. Very grassroots for a multi-national, richer-than-god conglomerate.
Comment by Mike — December 19, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
I no longer live in LA and I have some bad news for both sides — fly-over viewers (the people who buy the products sold by the advertisers who buy the spots that ultimately pay your salaries) don’t care any more. They believe we’re all overpaid and that this strike is some sort of elite vs. elite pissing match. Their favorite shows have run out of new episodes and they’re turning their TVs off…some permanently. Get this thing solved NOW or you will permanently damage the industry. The AMPTP needs to stop being dicks and the WGA needs to stop being smug. Get in a room and work it out. Get Bert Fields or John Wells to negotiate for you. Are you more determined to be right at any cost, or to be paid and working and getting residuals?
Comment by retired writer — December 19, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Dear “Tired of this Shit” -
You write:
“the dga is going to strike a deal, and…every working writer …is going to start questioning this process when those bills come mid-january…”
Here is a reply -
Of course the DGA is going to strike a deal. And, it is very possible that the deal they strike will be good enough for the WGA and SAG to buy in.
Does this really surprise you? Don’t you see what is going on here on the meta level?
The studios have not yet begun to negotiate. They gamed the strike from the beginning. Their strategy has been to use these last couple of months to see if the WGA could be broken…or at least softened and persuaded to take a very bad deal that would allow the studios to pocket billions and billions of dollars over the next twenty years. Having tested the WGA and seen the WGA as a strong, united movement, the AMPTP will realize that they must make some sort of deal - one that is good for the WGA and SAG. It is likely that the upcoming negotiations with the DGA will provide the perfect venue for such a accommodation, with an added “face-saving” component.
If the DGA is able to “broker the peace”- - it is not because our side has bad negotiators or good negotiators (they have had little occasion to actually negotiate) - it is simply because the DGA is a third party.
But, it will be important to remember that the DGA is not in a position to make a great deal EXCEPT for the fact that the writers (and actors) have been united and shown a willingness to sacrifice for the future.
— Patient Writer
Comment by Writer/Producer — December 19, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
“would you hire a writer to run your room whose never written a script.”
*shrugs* I’d hire a writer who knows the difference between “who’s” and “whose.”
Comment by Anon — December 19, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
I’ve been a WGA member and a working screenwriter for over 15 years. We need to get a piece of new media, that much is indisputable. The AMPTP are behaving like assholes. Again indisputable. But whining about their “villanous” behavior and lying is pointless, immature and in some respects hypocritical. As writers we help perpetuate the very system we are always complaining about. How many of us turn down jobs rewriting other guild members? How many of us stood up to the studios when they started offering one step deals? They treat us crappily because we let them… for the money. And they know it. Does that make them right? No. But we need to see ourselves as we are seen by them, if we want to be savvy in our negotiations.
Comment by Just a screenwriter — December 19, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
How about talking, whether via e mail or phone, and agreeing on an agenda. I.e. - Topic one - DVD sales. Talk it out to some kind of satisfaction before moving to Topic 2 (exp) - Internet revenue.
Then both sides get to make the announcement that an agreement has been reached on what to talk about, and in what order.
Then set a nice, safe start date. Like Jan 3. Then turn down Dave and Jay, make them wait until after a significant amount of progress is made on the first topic. It won’t take long.
Yours in soidarity;
Eastgate
Comment by Eastgate — December 19, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
Whew. I figured I’d get slammed…but…
I said I feel the Guild’s points were fair. But I will stand by the herding, the push to strike as at least a “sensation” even if in fact it was only saber rattling as a negotiating tactic. I am not ignorant of the facts. And I can dismiss Disney’s meeting as EXPECTED. Again, they’re just doing what any corporation would do. The reactions here just mirror what I often feel like as a writer: you’re at the bottom of a heap and you’d love to say FU to the big guy. However, saying FU by forwarding sites that mock the other side of the table, etc etc…doesn’t seem like a wise move to me.
Comment by Harris — December 19, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
I have, many times, not had my comments posted. Although, I have to say that some of the time I am grateful for that.
Yes, I do believe that this site is biased. And I do not always agree with the reporting. But the AMPTP site is also biased. Anyone that goes to either site goes of their own free will. I don’t think anyone is standing with a gun to your head forcing you to visit DHD.
In a way, and I don’t think either will like it, Nikki and Gavin are similar. They say what they want to say and people can react to it however they choose. If you don’t want to read it. Just don’t read it. It’s your choice. If you disagree and don’t want to come to this site, don’t come.
Sometimes I come here to get news and sometimes I come to stick my tongue in my canchor sore and get all annoyed by people’s ignorance. And the only reason I think they are ignorant is because they don’t agree with me. Does that sound familiar to ANYONE here? And sometimes, I read a comment from someone I have always had opposing opinions with, but then they express something that makes me take a step back and think that they actually have a point. And I learn something. I use my own filter. Biased or not, there is still something to learn here. If you are open minded.
p.s., With all the comedy writers that visit this site, I would expect some more entertaining comments. If you’re going to insult people at least be funny.
Comment by Shill — December 19, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
“Dear “Frank Grimes” and other shills,
There is only ONE issue. Internet. As soon as the AMPTP addresses it, the strike is over and everybody goes back to work. Internet. That’s it. I promise you, every writer I know wants to get back to work, but the offer of 250 dollars for a year of streaming reuse makes it impossible.”
Um, then why did the last negotiations fall down over “reality” and “animation” (that and the AMPTP leaving the table). That is not the only “ONE” issue, not according to the WGA or Verrone. Hello!
Comment by Anonymous — December 19, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
If Disney is the big, bad studio, why is it that the last 5 shows shooting were ABC Studios shows (and still have the only tv show in production currently)?
Before you listen to Nikki’s propaganda and biased coverage, seek out any writer who has a deal at ABC Studios and ask them how they’ve been treated…
Comment by studio guy — December 19, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Many of my comments haven’t gone through, and I’m most certainly a WGA supporter.
Nikki’s just one woman. Deal with it. Jeez, crybabies…
Comment by Captain Obvious — December 19, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
The studio chiefs are disgraceful. They have fogotten their immigrant roots. They have forgotten and forsaken their fathers and grandfathers who were union members. Who were part of the quickly disappearing middle class that were able to send their fathers and themselves to college because of union jobs. Here’s my big question: why not pay us more? Why not give us, the directors and the actors, the small amout that we’re asking. To give what the 12,000 members of the WGA are asking for would cost less than each of these CEO’s make per year. If it’s all about maximizing shareholder profits, why don’t they agree to do like Steve Jobs and make one dollar next year? The answer is because, unlike Jobs, they have nothing original to offer. No bold ideas. They’re just (mostly) short little men with Napoleon complexes who measure their worth in money and money and convince themselves that this makes up for the inadequate penises (penii?) that they were born with.
Their ancestors would be ashamed.
Comment by Sociologist — December 19, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Maybe ABC news isn’t reporting on the strike because its not news. I left LA for Florida for the holiday where I have yet to hear people talking about the strike because the rest of the country doesn’t care. So there is no new 30 Rock, people turn to something else or god forbid do something other than watch TV. I have to say I have started to watch alot of random programs that I never cared to watch before and its been quite fun and educational.
Also, I work for a studio where we negotiate deals for writers. We made at least 50 writer/development deals last year with the average price for a script or rewrite was $150K. We also only made 7 films last year. Its hard for me to feel bad for writers when I continually see these deals. I think people have a tendency to see the studio as this awful greedy corporation but fail to see or know exactly how much it cost to operate one of these greedy studios. They also fail to remember the spec script they sold that will never get made but are enjoying the fat sum they were paid.
Comment by joe blow — December 19, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Anon,
that was funny. Agreed with the other guy, but still enjoyed your comment.
Comment by Shill — December 19, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Patient Writer–
I appreciate your thoughts and i do see what is going on in the big picture. i know what the studios are like as i deal with them all the time. in fact, from these dealings we (not just me but all writer/producers) should all be used to having to get things from people we don’t necessarily like/trust/respect but have to work with. we do it every day in pitching, notes, casting, wardrobe, casting, etc…
my point is that though i believe in the issues of the strike, i think we have to realistically look at what we can get that benefits us but does crush the working people in this town. when you run a show, it’s not just the 8 writers you are responsible for but also the 125 plus crew.
in my opinion, the dga will settle not because of what we have done, but because they have a different agenda, superior negotiators and a better researched strategy. i could be wrong, we will see.
and i would be shocked if there is any “facing saving” option for this leadership. not a lot of precedent in the history of mankind for things resolving so nicely.
oh and anon, let me know if you find any other typos or grammatical errors in this. i guess we all see what your role is in the room. every staff has one.
Comment by tired of this shit — December 19, 2007 @ 6:35 pm
Dear 5:47 anonymous, I don’t believe for a second that talks broke down over reality and animation. That was a tactic to confuse the issues and create the illusion that this isn’t a simple battle over the one, real issue. Internet. The second the AMPTP decides to actually discuss the internet and bargain in good faith, the strike is over.
I will say, the tactics have been pretty effective. Even my mother called to ask why I would strike over reality shows.
Anyway, 5:47, I hope if you’re a real person, you’ll try to cut through the smoke and see what the real issue is, although I sort of assume you’re a shill.
Comment by Andy Gordon — December 19, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
“Anonymous” -
I appreciate the levity, but in your haste you confused Andy Gordon’s comments. What Gordon is saying in so few words, is the “internet” is THE issue at hand. Settle it - and all the rest will fall by the wayside.
Along those lines - do you really think the WGA is hellbent on the reality & animation issues?! It’s a negotiating ploy, they’re just throwing shit at the AMPTP the same way as it’s been thrown at the WGA. A little hardball, however transparent.
Comment by B. Real — December 19, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
Nikki getting called “Tokyo Rose” by the AMPTP is an honor in the same way that being on Nixon’s “enemies list” was an honor back in the late Vietnam War era. Congratulations, Nikki!
As for this site being biased in favor of the WGA, I saw, “Yes, sometimes the facts are biased.” If she were a science reporter instead of an entertainment industry reporter, she’d probably be biased in favor of gravity.
Also, let me point out that I’m not the “Steve” of 1:42 pm. I wouldn’t write that sort of thing unless I were trying to satirize Faux News. The non-Fox major media are not at all left, they’re just left of Fox; they’re right elbows while Fox is a right middle finger.
Comment by Steve S — December 20, 2007 @ 2:52 am
Anybody want to ask Disney/ABC about using the strike to take the opportunity to dump even more of their workforce onto third party payroll services, effectively ending their benefits? If that’s not the high road, I don’t know what is.
Comment by Concerned — December 20, 2007 @ 10:34 am
WGA: “The studios are evil!” Studios: “Writers are greedy! We’re poor!”
And for every writer striking there are ten below-the-liners out of work who won’t see a freakin’ dime either way. There won’t be a way out of this until both sides act like adults and start talking again.
Comment by You're all Children — December 20, 2007 @ 10:57 am
Why do you think industry insides call it MOUSEWITCH.
Comment by fFord Prefectore — December 20, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Hey tired of this shit,
Cut the “we” crap. Your posts are right out of the Lehane & Fabiani playbook. STFU and enjoy your nice little PR paycheck. At least someone’s still got a job in all this.
Comment by abc asset — December 21, 2007 @ 1:07 pm