UPDATED: All along the issue, the really big issue, was whether the striking writers would still feel united if some of them went back to work and others stayed on the picket lines. I've learned that was just one of the many worries voiced by the WGA to the posse repping Worldwide Pants when it applied for an interim agreement allowing the two late night shows it owns, The Late Show With David Letterman and The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, to return to the air on January 2nd fully staffed with scribes. "It was a tough decision," a source close to Letterman acknowledged to me just now. "This happened by the slimmest of all possible margins." So tough that Dave's negotiating team didn't know whether the pact would be approved by the WGA until the very last minute today.
It was, finally, at midday following several meetings and a lot of phone calls, sources say. The Letterman camp -- which included Worldwide Pants CEO and longtime Late Show exec producer Rob Burnett, ex-CAA partner and now Worldwide Pants exec Lee Gabler, and the Hollywood entertainment law firm of Jackoway Tyerman and Wertheimer -- was sworn to secrecy until the WGA could first talk to Jay Leno and his writers and then produce a press release. But the news leaked out early, reputedly from Leno's side.
"I am grateful to the WGA for granting us this agreement. We’re happy to be going back to work, and particularly pleased to be doing it with our writers,” Letterman said in a statement issued by his company. “This is not a solution to the strike, which unfortunately continues to disrupt the lives of thousands. But I hope it will be seen as a step in the right direction.”
On the one hand, this is the first side deal cut by the WGA with a producer since the strike began on November 3rd as part of its new and articulated "divide and conquer" strategy. "Worldwide Pants has accepted the very same proposals that the Guild was prepared to present to the media conglomerates when they walked out of negotiations on December 7," the WGA said in its annoumcement today.
But I'm told the WGA leadership was particularly worried how Leno's writers would react since it gives Letterman's show a real leg up on late night competition for guests like celebrities and politicians (i.e. Democratic presidential contenders who don't want to cross picket lines). "I don't think they wanted to upset Jay or those writers because they've all been incredibly supportive of the WGA during this strike," an insider explained to me. "But it's not Jay's writers' fault that Dave's lawyers made a deal for him to own his show and Jay's lawyers made a deal for him to be an NBC employee."
Indeed, the WGA statement announcing the deal took care to note how "it’s time for NBC-Universal to step up to the plate and negotiate a company-wide deal that will put Jay Leno, who has supported our cause from the beginning, back on the air with his writers.”
But a statement by SAG prez Alan Rosenberg hailing the deal underscored the huge advantage which Letterman's two shows will have booking big celebrity guests -- an endorsement by the actors guild itself: "Screen Actors Guild members will be happy to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson with union writers at work and without crossing WGA picket lines," Rosenberg made clear.
Another argument against granting the interim agreement was that Worldwide Pants didn't control the New Media rights to Letterman's shows. But CBS said in its statement issued tonight: "CBS controls the Internet exploitation rights for both programs, and will comply with any eventual negotiated agreement between the AMPTP and the WGA." But then Letterman's side showed that its company and not CBS is the one responsible for paying residuals to the WGA writers for Internet use of the shows.
Still another argument, and perhaps the most convincing, was that by granting the interim agreement the WGA would enrich CBS which collects the ad revenue from Dave's shows and therefore help the AMPTP. Indeed, the AMPTP's own statement accused WGA's negotiators of "misrepresenting the fact that Worldwide Pants is an AMPTP member".
But inside the WGA, a source told me, "the question was whether the hurt felt by NBC in late night would be worse than the benefit given to CBS. Some people didn't accept that. Those people also wanted to make a side deal with a much bigger company than Worldwide Pants," an insider told me. "But there was an actual strategy behind today's decision."
That strategy goes something like this: In order for this gambit to work to the WGA's benefit, two things must happen: Leno's writers can't go Financial Core, and SAG has to tell its people to only go on Dave's shows. "Then you have Jeff Zucker in huge pain. You also have to remember that Les Moonves has very little power in the AMPTP. Jeff Zucker and Jeff Immelt have much more power in the AMPTP. If they see their Tonight Show franchise going down the tubes, they'll put a lot of pressure on the other CEOs to return to the talks," a source explained. "In the final analysis, they hoped this is a watershed." (I can confirm that, at one point, Dave's camp argued that NBC would break ranks with the AMPTP and do a side deal with the WGA in order to save its late night lineup, especially with Conan O'Brien about to succeed Jay Leno. But, in the end, no one at the WGA bought into that, so Letterman's side dialed it back.)
But now there may be rifts within the WGA over the deal.
Before today's announcement, I received phone calls and emails from some well-known WGA members, especially feature film writers, angry that the WGA was even contemplating such an agreement while at the same time dumping those issues important to screenwriters like possessory credit, free rewrites and endless meetings without pay. They told me they planned to stop picketing and possibly go Fi-Core over what they see as a strike that's become more about television that movies.
Tonight I've managed to reach one of those successful screenwriters who phoned me and he's furious. "I'm going back to work," he said, asking me not to use his name. "I have gotten five phone calls tonight from feature writers and every single one of them has said some variation on, 'Bullshit on this. Why am I looking at staying out of work until April when these guys are going to start picking up paychecks on Tuesdays?'"
The writer continued: "All you're doing every time a movie or TV star goes on Letterman is making money for a member of the AMPTP. If you're going to strike GM, then you strike GM. You don't say, 'We're going to give a waiver to the guys making pickup trucks because they're really good guys.'" You don't maintain solidarity by letting a handful of guys go back to work. So what's next: Lorne's people go back to work? Then Colbert's people go back to work?
"I read the reasoning behind this on your site just now that they're trying to break Jeff Zucker. Are they out of their minds? NBC Universal's numbers are a rounding error in the grand scheme of General Electric. All GE has to do is sell one power plant in Dubai and it covers the entire revenue stream of NBC Universal."
But another successful feature film writer, Mike Werb (The Mask, Face\Off, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) just told me he applauds the Letterman deal and doesn't see it as divisive. "I'm thrilled for the Letterman writers and for Letterman that as one of the most important people in the entertainment business he can take this stance. From my point of view, I don't see any negatives in this deal. To me, it just serves as an example of how a side deal can be made. Personally, I applaud Worldwide Pants whether there's a domino effect or not to be seen. If the deal is acceptable to the guild, it's completely acceptable to me. That's why I was one of the 90% who voted to empower this strike and my partners in this, which is the negotiating committee."
Werb noted that during the last writers strike in 1988, he was working for a firm that also secured an interim agreement with the WGA, Sam Arkoff's AIP, and recalled no controversy over that deal. "You never heard any arguments. People seemed happy." Nor does Werb think there's a movie vs TV writer schism developing. "I can tell you that during this strike now I've been on the picket lines every day and the spirit is significantly stronger this time than then. I've met so many screenwriters and TV writers all fusing together."
Here are the various statements about today's decision:
First, the WGA's email to its own members about the decision:
To Our Fellow Members,
We are writing to let you know that have reached a contract with David Letterman's Worldwide Pants production company that puts his show and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson back on the air with Guild writers. This agreement is a positive step forward in our effort to reach an industry-wide contract. While we know that these deals put only a small number of writers back to work, three strategic imperatives have led us to conclude that this deal, and similar potential deals, are beneficial to our overall negotiating efforts.
First, the AMPTP has not yet been a productive avenue for an agreement. As a result, we are seeking deals with individual signatories. The Worldwide Pants deal is the first. We hope it will encourage other companies, especially large employers, to seek and reach agreements with us. Companies who have a WGA deal and Guild writers will have a clear advantage. Companies that do not will increasingly find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Indeed, such a disadvantage could cost competing networks tens of millions in refunds to advertisers.
Second, this is a full and binding agreement. Worldwide Pants is agreeing to the full MBA, including the new media proposals we have been unable to make progress on at the big bargaining table. This demonstrates the integrity and affordability of our proposals. There are no shortcuts in this deal. Worldwide Pants has accepted the very same proposals that the Guild was prepared to present to the media conglomerates when they walked out of negotiations on December 7.
Finally, while our preference is an industry-wide deal, we will take partial steps if those will lead to the complete deal. We regret that all of us cannot yet return to work. We especially regret that other late night writers cannot return to work along with the Worldwide Pants employees. But the conclusion of your leadership is that getting some writers back to work under the Guild’s proposed terms speeds up the return to work of all writers.
Side-by-side with this agreement, and any others that we reach, are our ongoing strike strategies. In the case of late-night shows, our strike pressure will be intense and essential in directing political and SAG-member guests to Letterman and Ferguson rather than to struck talk shows. At this time, picket lines at venues such as NBC (both Burbank and Rockefeller Center), The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and the Golden Globes are essential. Outreach to advertisers and investors will intensify in the days ahead and writers will continue to develop new media content itself to advance our position.
We must continue to push on all fronts to remind the conglomerates each and every day that we are committed to a fair deal for writers and the industry.
Best,
Michael Winship
President
Writers Guild of America, East
Patric M. Verrone
President
Writers Guild of America, West
Then the WGA's public statement:
“The Writers Guild has reached a binding independent agreement today with Worldwide Pants that will allow The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson to return to the air with their full writing staffs. This is a comprehensive agreement that addresses the issues important to writers, particularly New Media. Worldwide Pants has accepted the very same proposals that the Guild was prepared to present to the media conglomerates when they walked out of negotiations on December 7.
Today’s agreement dramatically illustrates that the Writers Guild wants to put people back to work, and that when a company comes to the table prepared to negotiate seriously a fair and reasonable deal can be reached quickly.
It’s time for NBC-Universal to step up to the plate and negotiate a company-wide deal that will put Jay Leno, who has supported our cause from the beginning, back on the air with his writers.”
From David Letterman's Worldwide Pants:
Worldwide Pants Incorporated, David Letterman’s independent production company, announced today that it has agreed to terms with the Writers’ Guild of America on an interim agreement that will allow The Late Show With David Letterman and the Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson to resume production on January 2, 2008, with the writing staffs of both shows.
"I am grateful to the WGA for granting us this agreement. We’re happy to be going back to work, and particularly pleased to be doing it with our writers,” said Letterman.
“This is not a solution to the strike, which unfortunately continues to disrupt the lives of thousands. But I hope it will be seen as a step in the right direction.”
“This is a positive result, both for the WGA and for our shows, and we are appreciative that the leaders of the Guild dealt with us reasonably and in good faith,” said Rob Burnett, President and CEO of Worldwide Pants and Executive Producer of The Late Show.
The January 2nd original episode of The Late Show With David Letterman will air at 11:37–12:37 AM, ET/PT on CBS. Guests will be announced at a later date.
And finally from the AMPTP:
"While it is good news for viewers that the jokes will be back on the late night shows, the biggest joke of all appears to be the one the WGA's organizers are pulling on working writers. The people in charge at WGA have insisted on increasing their own power by prevailing on jurisdictional issues such as reality, animation and sympathy strikes. Yet today the WGA made an interim agreement to send writers back to work that by definition could not have achieved these jurisdictional goals -- gains that would at a minimum require the company making an agreement to actually produce reality and animation programming. WGA's organizers are also misrepresenting the fact that Worldwide Pants is an AMPTP member. Today's agreement is just the latest indication that the WGA's organizers may not have what it takes to achieve an industry-wide deal that will create a strong and sustainable economic future for writers and producers alike."
From Screen Actors Guild president Alan Rosenberg:
"We are pleased that Worldwide Pants has reached an independent agreement with the WGA and The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson will be back on the air with their WGA writing staffs. We hope this encourages all of the talk shows to follow suit and use only WGA writers. Screen Actors Guild members will be happy to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson with union writers at work and without crossing WGA picket lines.”
- WGA Met With Reps For Worldwide Pants
- Official: Stewart/Colbert Return Jan. 7th
- Dave's Company Meets Friday With WGA
- Dave's 'Only Focus' On Air With Writers
- WGA Reminds Returning Jay And Conan: No Monologues
- Dave Cooks Up WGA Deal That NBC & ABC Won't Enjoy
- WGA On Monday Will Say To Moguls: "Let's Make Individual Deals"
- The Line To Break Mogul Ranks Is Here...
On balance, I think this is a plus for the WGA.
The downside is that it helps CBS increase its earnings somewhat. As for “some writers going back while others strike,” that’s an unavoidable consequence of the divide-and-conquer strategy, and the striking writers have to hold the line while the return of Letterman and Ferguson works its poison on the unity of the AMPTP companies.
The upside is that CBS’s advantage puts pressure on the other networks. Leno’s and O’Brien’s shows are co-owned by NBC and thus any deal with the writers would cover all NBC Universal production. Jimmy Kimmel’s show is co-owned by him (Jackhole), ABC Studios and Touchstone, so again, no separate deal can be cut.
The WGA needs to lean hard on SAG and DGA members to stay off Leno’s, O’Brien’s and Kimmel’s shows. The WGA definitely needs to picket those shows thoroughly so that any guest has to cross a picket line to appear (not to mention any crew member having to cross to work the show).
And Letterman’s writers need to bring their A-game, to make it painfully obvious to viewers that a late-night show with writers is a class above one without them.
Comment by Stuart Creque — December 28, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Dave will change everything. He’s a real guy, and one of my heroes. Those assholes won’t be able to shut him up, and the world will finally hear the truth, rather than the near zero network coverage and AMPTP website propaganda.
I know this part of our lives isn’t that significant, given what’s going on in the REAL world. But it’s important. The monoliths must be taken down a notch. Working people (and that’s just what writers ARE) must be paid what they’re worth. Corporations aren’t designed to take such things into account.
So FIGHT, dammit. My heart is out to you all. You creative people are my heroes too…
And Nikki? Your post on Xmas eve should not have been done, in my opinion, after thinking about it for days. It was only disheartening, at the very worst time. This thing is NOT over.
Joe in San Jose
Comment by joe — December 28, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
Wonder if any of those free-market studio executives will laugh next week when the Late Show(s) monologues are delivered and Jay and Conan are left doing a soft-shoe on the desktop?
Comment by warrior ant press — December 28, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
Rock ON, WWP and WGA!
The precedent has been set and the dam is cracking. Watch: more companies will turn their backs on the AMPTP and make independent deals with the WGA.
Best news all month.
Comment by Awww yeah — December 28, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
I’m a WGA member, though not a prominent one, and I’m fully in favor of Dave’s writers going back to work. It might seem like bad luck for Jay’s writers, or bad news for all of us, but this is part of something much bigger. As far as I’m concerned, this is a step in the right direction.
Comment by Andy Reaser — December 28, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
This was the correct decision to make.
Leno’s Writers should CONTINUE to be upset with GE, NBC Universal and the AMPTP not the WGA. WGA offered to make deals with individual Companies and they kept their word. Finally. This is NOT a Coup for Moonves, it is a humiliation because that show is paying Writers fairly and contrary to the AMPTP strategy under the CBS banner, the only Network to do so. So, in fact, CBS is airing a show which meets with WGA approval. And it allows Actors to appear on Dave’s show without crossing the picket line. I hope SAG sanctions ONLY this show for its members to appear on. The other show should be struck by Actors as a sign of Solidarity.
The point here is Fairness and Respect for Writers and Dave should be applauded for his efforts. I have posted here how I believed Dave was probably very upset at the uncertainty of the back and forth with WGA, knowing Dave is truly supportive of ALL Writers. In fact I doubt he would have wanted to put a show on the air at all without them and may NOT have so I don’t think it was fair for WGA to put him in that position in the first place.
I hope John Bowman will be announcing more deals with other Companies as he has hinted he would do.
Now, Dave can put on a superior show.
This is an important decision and I hope it is just the beginning.
You want to business with the WGA, not a problem, deal with us fairly and you will be rewarded too.
Comment by PJ - Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Definitely a risky maneuver - a divide and conquer strategy that risks dividing one’s own side - but one with potential for a high yield. Here’s to hoping for the best.
Comment by S. A. Bonasi — December 28, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
Anger doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. As a features writer I’ve already feel like this strike was a WGA fight for TV writers (I will say though that some of my best friends are TV writers) and that I was just an outsider–like being the black sheep or the illegally adopted step-son in the family…
And I’ll confess, even though I’ll be back on the line come 7 January, I’m going to be even more grumpy than normal and it won’t be just at the AMPTP.
Comment by Jake Hollywood — December 28, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
I also applaud our Sister Guild, SAG…
SAG topper Alan Rosenberg issued a statement hailing the deal with Letterman’s company.
“We hope this encourages all of the talk shows to follow suit and use only WGA writers,” he said. “Screen Actors Guild members will be happy to appear on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ and ‘Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’ with union writers at work and without crossing WGA picket lines.”
Right On Alan!
Comment by PJ - Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
This is a vital and necessary move by the WGA. It’s necessary to divide the companies and the only thing I take issue with is the statement from the guild that “Jay Leno has been incredibly supportive.” Excuse me, but HE’S A WGA MEMBER WHO’S CROSSING THE PICKET LINE IN 4 DAYS. HE WAS THE FIRST REAL LATE NIGHT HOST TO ANNOUNCE HIS INTENTION TO CROSS! HE’S A SCAB. STOP THANKING SCABS FOR THEIR SUPPORT, WGA! Who knows, if Leno didn’t announce he was crossing maybe Conan, Letterman, Stewart etc would stay off the job.
the fact that according to Nikki’s story Leno’s team “leaked” the story early, before the guild announcement, proves he’s not on our side.
Aside from that I think this ratchets up pressure on the other major networks. It’s important for the guild to stay united at this time and to not allow dissension to get the better of us. This is step one. Now we need to sign other small to mid level production companies, which will pu pressure on the majors.
Comment by Matthew Moore — December 28, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
WGA did the right thing by giving Letterman and co. the allow the interim agreement. I wouldn’t doubt if the writers give their pay to a guild fund. No matter, the WGA NEEDS to alert the public of this crucial strike, and you can bet it will get a voice on these shows.
Comment by A Comment — December 28, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Let’s see: Jay Leno is strike breaking, crossing a picket line of his own writer, to act as a scab on his own show, and we are supposed to worry about he’ll react to David Letterman negotiating a fair contract directly with the WGA? I get that Leno doesn’t own his own show, but that doesn’t alter the fact that he is the strike breaker, not Letterman.
In fact I’m hoping that Letterman’s action will make the WGA stronger, that his contract will inspire others to negotiate directly with the WGA and by-pass the AMPTP. Nick Counter isn’t representing the interests of the companies in the AMPTP and it is time they turned their backs on him and wrote fair contracts directly with the WGA.
Comment by Marian Martell — December 28, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
This agreement ought to shake things up in a positive way for the WGA. Say what you will (and no doubt there will be miles of posts, including mine), until the shows actually air, all we can do is hold our breath.
Comment by Friday Night Strike — December 28, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
This is, IMO, the smartest thing the WGA could have done, because by showing that their proposition, which the AMPTP refused to even consider, is not as unreasonable as the moguls wanted to make it out to be and that there is a way for this strike to be settled amicably and fairly, they have placed the ball squarely in the court of the AMPTP and the BIG 8. If they could work out a fair deal with Worldwide Pants, then why not with the AMPTP? Because it’s not about money anymore, but about power. The AMPTP doesn’t want to relinquish one iota of its deathgrip on the throat of the industry, but by making this deal with Worldwide Pants, the WGA may have very well taken the first step in exposing the chink in the armor of the moguls. By making a deal with one independent studio, then another, then perhaps a bigger one, it is perhaps only a matter of time before the AMPTP begins to crack and the great bastion comes crumbling down. Keep chippin’ away at ‘em, WGA. You’ll wear ‘em down. The next thing you need to do is go after NBC and work out a deal for Leno and the other NBC owned talk shows, and that will really create a rift in the AMPTP. Cut ‘em off at the knees and they’ll come crashin’ down like Goliath with a bruise on his forehead.
Comment by Its about time — December 28, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
Well, at least it will cause some kind of disruption in the status quo. As it is, it seems the AMPTP is content to do nothing. This might alter that. I get the possible damage to the strikers’ solidarity.
Hopefully it’ll pay off. Dave’s shows will be sharp and Jay and Jimmy and Steve and John’s shows will suck. Time will tell.
Comment by chichi from texas — December 28, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
“SAG has to tell its people to only go on Dave’s shows.”
This is exactly the essence of my comment a few weeks ago (when you first reported this news), which you never bothered to post. And I don’t think anybody else echoed it, Nikki. So let’s try this out -
Dave’s writers need to figure out their working expenses - ie. travel, daycare, and so on - and then contribute 90% or so of the balance to a WGA strike fund. That’s the only way they can demonstrate that they are still in solidarity with their striking bretheren. Why not 100%? Their time is no longer theirs. Striking writers, one assumes, have time to pursue other kinds of renumeration, whether it be via blogs, beginning that long put off novel, journalistic pursuits, or that assistant position at Borders.
Comment by JJ — December 28, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
Whoever the theater writers in this are, they are fools.
Dave’s -company- made an agreement. If CBS wanted to argue for their own agreement, I’m sure they’d get some attention too.
But having Dave on the air, with writers helps the theatrical writers most. Whether they realize it or not, studios have a backlog of scripts they could produce for the next 18 months. Having a source where people can promote those scripts - you know, the ones that will get made/have already been made, means that those movies make more $$, which helps keep their name in circulation and gets them rep to continue to sell their product, plus increases their worth.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that no one else was willing to come to the table and negotiate, but the comparison is invalid.
If United AutoWorkers go on strike against all motor companies because of unfair standards, and Kia comes out and says “Hey! Don’t punish us like Ford, GM, Chrysler, we want to meet all your demands!” and they do, then workers will immediately go back to work for Kia.
One thing you get with Dave coming back with writers is that WRITERS will have a platform where they can help shape the message and get A-List guests who will come on and promote their cause: this is what you get “WITH” writers. The stark contrast helps get the message across to the viewing public.
It also helps show the PUBLIC that the writers are not throwing out numbers and concepts that are “unmanageable” and will “Bankrupt companies” as the studio heads want to point out; in fact, the demands are so reasonable that a small production company could meet them and smile - something I’m sure Dave and his writers will point out.
This may be the best possible chance for the writers to get a continuous pulpit to show the legitimacy of their cause and their willingness to work with others.
Comment by Chris — December 28, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
Fuck ‘em. I’m not maxing out my credit cards and getting an ulcer while they get to work.
Comment by Soon To be Working Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
Love that these “feature writers” are using Letterman’s bonafied deal with the WGA as an excuse to go back to work… these folks have no idea what the strike is really about and probably haven’t been on the picket lines since day one anyway — if they were, they’d know this is what all of the pain and giving up our paychecks has been for — to break these mofo’s called the AMPTP. Good on ya to go Fi-Core guys/gals — just know we’ll remember who you SCABS are this go-around.
Comment by Danzig — December 28, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
I could understand being pissed off if thousands — or even hundreds — of writers are going back to work and you (and I) aren’t. But we’re talking about what, 20 people? How many writers do you think Letterman employs? If this will put pressure on other companies to make a deal (or show ones thinking about it <that it’s really possible), then I don’t have a problem with it.
Frankly, the pissed off writers sound like they think this strike is all about them, or should be. It’s about all of us.
The same sort of breaking of ranks is what cost us the home video (now DVD) deal in 1988. TV Writers didn’t think home video would ever be worthwhile for them. It was strictly a feature writer issue and they didn’t want to be on strike for those other guys. Now it’s feature writers who think this is all about television. It’s not. It’s about the future of distribution. (By the way, how long do you think before the studios decide that sending their features to theaters via high speed internet connection makes the movies promotional?)
This is all of our battle: TV writers, feature writers, actors, directors, grips, costumers, everyone. If you think because 10 or 20 or even 50 guys are going back to work this isn’t your fight any more, you’re selling out your friends, your family, and your future.
Comment by Craig Miller — December 28, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
I’m sorry, but it is the same thing every time. Old union hardliners convince everyone to strike, and in the end everyone get hurt and nothing is gained.
SAG commercial strike is a living example. We were told we had to strike, and in return we would get per air residuals on commercials for cable tv.
In the end, we struck for six months, didnt get pay per play on cable and over half of the commercials either permanently left or are now non union.
Same thing will happen here.
no one is going to win
Comment by John — December 28, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
nikki - did someone at the WGA tell you their strategy behind this move is to put pressure on zucker? if that nugget came from someone else, you should be clear about that. so that angry writers like the one you quote dont think that’s the whole story.
because it aint. there are lots of moving parts here. NBC is only one of them.
Comment by nikki fan — December 28, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
A few big name writers going Fi-Core will mean nothing in the scheme of things. As a produced and currently studio contracted feature writer, I get the issue. But the WGA saw this coming; there’s no way they didn’t expect some resentment and action. Still, the strike goes on and I’ll be out there.
Comment by GFL — December 28, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
I can understand the why film writers may be having problems with this side deal, but to me as an outsider, it looks like the first positive news we’ve heard in a while. This isn’t just about TV, but deals have to start somewhere. I can only hope this will help other production companies break the ranks and make deal on their own.
Comment by Light on the Horizon — December 28, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Hey, “successful screenwriter”
Please don’t go back to work. Your reasoning, well, sucks.
GE will not be happy about eroding their one evergreen and most profitable franchise, the fucking TO-fucking-NIGHT SHOW. Jay’s been ahead of Dave for a decade, now that’s all going to change, just when Conan is supposed to take over. And using your reasoning, if NBC is a rounding error to GE, then it stands to reason that SETTLING THE STRIKE IS EVEN LESS THAN THAT.
Therefore it is entirely possible to view it this way: is GE, that bottom-line-minded faceless corp really going to take a few million in savings on residuals vs. the possible erosion of their most important and money-making franchise?
I’m not saying it’s a slam-dunk, but it’s a worth finding out.
People like you going back to work of course, will make this all moot. That will be just be perfect for the companies. Divide the Guild, strike over, nothing gained.
I hope you understand that this is not about favoring anybody and only about strategy.
Comment by Steve — December 28, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
I’m a feature writer, and I know I’m supposed to be upset by this…but I’m not. I think this shows that our negotiators are not simply “organizers” who want to strike for the sake of striking. There is a deal to be made with signatory companies who want to make a deal with us, simple as that.
This doesn’t make me want to stop picketing. In fact, I’m ready and willing to get right back out there after the break. Maybe that makes me a sucker, I don’t know.
Comment by A-Dub — December 28, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
There was a prediction for 2008 in Forbes mag. that GE will sell the NBC/Universal since it’s not making from it.
WGA worst move ever was to put the reality/animation TV on the table when the only thing left to negotiate was the downloadable content. Now everyone J. Leno+ Conan+Others will get back to work and the rest of the writers don’t have a leg to stand on and be forced to go back to work.
BTW when you get back to work please write something worth watching.
Comment by PostProd.Guy — December 28, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
NBC is a division of GE, enormous company; Fox, News Corp., pretty large; ABC, Disney, also diverse. But the Viacom split left CBS heavily dependent on network TV. Of all the AMPTP companies, I’d bet CBS would be the most eager to settle. So it would seem the decision to make a deal with Letterman implies that the pressure on the other parties to make a network-wide deal b/c Letterman will be beating them late-nite outweighs the loss of the pressure on CBS to force an AMPTP deal or make a separate deal covering all of CBS. Personally I don’t agree with that conclusion, I thought it was better to leave CBS out to dry. This sense has made no sense financially from the AMPTP’s side; now the WGA is making questionable moves as well.
Comment by Adam Smith — December 28, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
What a way for the WGA to alienate its own members! How does this help negotiate a new contract? Someone please tell me…please! Also, how many DVDs and Internet watchers are there for Letterman or Ferguson? At this point it seems that both the AMPTP and the WGA do not care at all about people keeping their jobs or working…. what the hell is going on here???
Comment by RR — December 28, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
Well done by the WGA and Worldwide Pants. These writers who are complaining need to get their heads together and think this through. This is a crucial moment in the strike and how they handle it will speak volumes about what the outcome will be. Will they stay united and force the AMPTP to break apart or will they let anger cloud their judgement and split apart. STAY WITH THE STRATEGY WGA! YOU CAN WIN THIS!
Comment by Tuckenie — December 28, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
This is good news for WGA! They’re splitting up the AMPTP as a negotiating entity! Stripping support away from the enemy is the right move.
This is a small but powerful victory. The only way it could get fucked up is if individual bitchy writers decide to pout about other people going to work instead of taking the strategic view. Look at the momentum, people: piece by piece the AMPTP companies are peeling off and surrendering to the WGA. Other shows and networks are going to get jealous when WWP does well for a month and then they’ll all start caving in.
Their only hope is if the writers fall apart out of jealousy.
Comment by Larry — December 28, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
If it’s true that some feature writers are going to use this as an excuse to go Fi-core, it will confirm my worst fears about writers in this town; that they are essentially short-sighted, cowardly and selfish. (Yes, I’m a working guild member)
This strategy of the WGA making side deals may work or it may not. But the one, sure-fire, guaranteed way to make it fail is for some of us to get up on our self-righteous high horses and ride off into the sunset, pissed-off that we’re not going to be getting paychecks next week like those lucky Letterman writers.
Think about all the problems people face in this country, from foreclosures to dying in combat, yet here on the cushy westside of Los Angeles we’re throwing hissy fits because we may not be able to afford to spend spring break in Hawaii.
Comment by Mike — December 28, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
To that anonymous writer who made the GM comparison. That’s really the point isn’t it? The AMPTP is the equivalent of GM, Chrysler, Ford, and hundreds of smaller parts manufacturers negotiating as one entity. The guilds are in a stronger position if they can deal with each of the studios/networks separately, as our UAW brothers and sisters do.
The interests of the studios/networks are not in full alignment. Fox - with American Idol - stands to gain in the short term against the other networks. Sony is apparently interested in driving down the value of CBS to make it a more affordable buy. The Worldwide Pants deal helps to underscore all of this.
Also, there is precedent for this. Carson cut an interim deal with the WGA during a previous action. And given how pro-Guild Letterman is, and that he was happily acceding to all of the WGA’s demands, how would it have looked to shine him on? Talk about being unreasonable….
I hope cooler heads prevail within the WGA’s ranks.
Comment by Mheister — December 28, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Well I’ve been saying this all along. As soon as some people get to go to work while others are expected to continue walking around in circles on the pavement, the smell of shit would get too much and those unable to pay the bills would go fi-core in order to make a living.
It’s a joke to think that there wouldn’t be trouble if some are allowed to work and some aren’t.
No different if there was a food shortage and you saw your neighbors shoveling food down their throats while your family starved.
The thing about Jay Leno’s people not pushing to make him an owner of the show reminds me of that HBO movie about him and Letterman that aired in the 1990s. The scene in particular where Kathy Bates (as his agent) tells him something like “You want me to bring you a steak but you don’t want to know about the cow being hacked to death.”
That’s always been Leno’s problem. He’s too fucking passive.
And he wonders why Letterman owns his own show and now has writers on his show during a strike.
Comment by Ruby Redlips — December 28, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
Nice try, AMPTP. “Worldwide Pants is not an AMPTP member.” No, but Worldwide Trousers, the WWP subdivision that produces the Late Show, is.
Comment by Domino effect — December 28, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
I don’t get how this is a problem. World Wide Pants agreed to WGA terms. They’re leading the way for all production companies to do the same. This shows that the WGA is making reasonable demands. The argument that CBS is making money is ludicrous. That money is chicken feed as is any money they stand to make or lose regardless of who goes back to work, or if no one does. They don’t care about money. They only care about power and control. This move disrupts their power and breaks the monopoly. It’s a tough break that Letterman is one of the few with balls enough to run his own company and be in this position. But that’s what you get for signing with who you choose to sign with.
Comment by Jon Raymond — December 28, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
I see this as a good move, if only because there is no longer any doubt that the contract presented in December is economically feasible. If it is possible for a relatively small company like WWP, it is definitely possible for the companies in the AMPTP. So any rhetoric they spin about how the WGA’s demands are impossible have been proven wrong. Notice how the AMPTP response is an attack on the WGA leadership, and says nothing about the contract that was the whole point of this strike in the first place.
I really hope that the WGA can stand together. I can understand being upset that others are working while you aren’t, but I can’t understand not being able to see the bigger picture and get over it. I fully admit that I’m not in Hollywood, so maybe I’m missing something…but it seems to me that it was inevitable for writers to go back to work little by little as opposed to one big mass. To respond to that one analogy, no, if you strike GM you don’t make separate deals for separate workers…but the auto unions deal with GM first. Then with Chrysler. Then with Ford. So, if you’re a Ford worker, you have to watch two groups go to work before you and still stand strong with the knowledge that it’ll be your turn soon, and when it is, you’ll be better off than if you just walked into the factory yourself.
Comment by A Guy From MA — December 28, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
I’ve been against this deal because of a reason that I thought was fundamental - WWP does not control the Internet exploitation rights for its programs. CBS does.
However, it turns out that there may be some hair splitting involved. WWP states it “is responsible for paying residuals to [its] writers” (per this Variety article) regardless of who can broadcast the shows on the Internet.
That clarification makes me more willing to accept the deal, but WWP wasn’t the point of “divide and conquer.” The point was to get at least one major to ink a deal independent of the rest of AMPTP. That would start the dominoes falling. This probably won’t.
All the visitor comments in other posts about shareholders being upset about company losses during the strike is pure fantasy. The #1 stock market issue is home foreclosures, potential home buyers’ lack of access to credit for mortgage loans, and the resulting problems those things create. The WGA strike is never going to impact the stock market (or even individual conglomerate stocks) in that way, and nothing about the WGA strike can impact CBS/Paramount/Viacom because Sumner Redstone controls the majority interest in those through National Amusements.
It will be an unfortunate irony if the WGA’s “divide and conquer” strategy results in dividing itself rather than AMPTP.
Comment by Still Not the Best Idea — December 28, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
My first concern is the analogy to striking General Motors. To the person who gave that quote, I say this: Is Ford allied with General Motors? If not, then if you get an agreement from Ford, go back to work at Ford and continue to strike General Motors.
If I were a writer, I see if there’s an opening for a writing gig on Letterman. There’s probably only so many, but I try at this point to make NBC come to the table. To do that, you must make CBS look good in comparison, but be aware that NBC Universal is a small piece of a conglomerate. There needs to be an embarassment factor on top of this to get General Electric to take notice. I would dare suggest a GE boycott and demonstration. I would also, as mentioned several times in the solution suggestion thread, go after the AMPTP in the courts - collusion, antitrust, and bargaining in bad faith. Since it is now clear that the AMPTP does not care if they wither and die over the next year, you’re going to have to be creative in making them. I wish them luck.
Comment by Nicholas Eckert — December 28, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
Do you have this right?
Screenwriters are upset because maybe two dozen writers, who took the first hit of the strike and immediately lost paychecks, now have the chance to go back with a deal that sets a template for future deals?
I’ve walked the picket lines in New York for weeks now with screenwriters and none of them voiced this sort of petty fi-core bullshit. Everyone was grateful to the Late Night guys for walking every day, when the issues in this strike were hardly make or break for them. Indeed screenwriters are the ones who stand to lose any chance on ancillary income if the guild doesn’t get internet coverage.
If someone goes back to work because of this deal, they were looking for an excuse to scab. Good riddance. The rest of us will wish the Letterman group godspeed, while we wait for our fair deal.
WGA East on the line
Comment by Anonymous — December 28, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
Amended:
This is a mess. The Writers’ Guild picked the wrong time to strike, economically speaking, and now…they are paying for it. Ellen and Carson Daly have gone back to work, absent an agreement with the writers, and now Leno, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel and John Stewart…etc., are all coming back to the air waves without a contract with the Writers’ Guild– Letterman, his company and their exclusive contract deal with the WGA…being the sole exception. The result??? The Writer’s Guild’s position will be drastically weakened in these negotiations.
Even worse, their (The WGA ’s) failure to grant waivers to award shows like the Golden Globes and the Oscars will lead to an implosion of the sympathies that many throughout the industry have given the WGA with respect to the strike, and set-up a number of increasingly split loyalties. Failing to grant those waivers is a tactical mistake…as was the ridiculous decision to strike during this period, our nation’s economic downturn, one that is fueled by the ongoing real estate market crash. Hello folks??? Writers have morgages to pay just like anyone else. When they begin to face foreclosures on their homes, as I suspect a good number already have, and are…strike, or no strike…well, many will soon be forced to cross the picket lines, and that isn’t a prediction…that is a reality. The studios and networks know this…and are moving to cause as much pain and suffering to WGA members as possible…by either busting or weakening the union…serving to put the fear of hell into other entertainment guilds in terms of negotiations, hence, thwarting future strike efforts, by intimidation and example.
In the end, all I can say for certain is the following: The leaders of the Guild need to seriously re-evaluate their positions, as well, the members of the WGA must re-evaluate their union leadership, as their strategies…again, that of the leadership, have been lacking at best. As I said in a prior post…this is a worthy strike, however…they chose the wrong time to strike, in respect to the short term, and long term financial well being of their members. By the time this strike is resolved, the writers will be forced to accept a contract with the studios, networks and producers that will be drastically less in its worth than the contract they would have gotten if they had waited another 2 to 3 years from now to strike, when the country’s economic outlook would have been much brighter, giving the writers some much needed financial leverage (strength), thus helping them to hold-out during a lengthy strike, if needed. Now as things stand, the writers will take a major loss, one that is going to result in this whole strike being a sizable bust for them. The writers, and all artists…who create content which the studios, networks and producers exploit, deserve much better.
Writers, actors and directors…must pull together to form their own companies to create films and television series, and other “creator owned” content, that they exclusively control…absent the participation of third parties, save for Angel Investors. Owning content (the product…such as film prints and authorship of scripts/stories) will put the creative community back in charge of itself, rather than continue to play convenient court jesters for greedy Fortune 500 Companies that buy their way into Hollywood via seemingly never ending corporate mergers, year after year. That is where the writers’ royalties are going to, financing the “Golden Parachute” deals of film and TV company executives (corporate raiders/criminals) who are stealing the futures of the Hollywood artists (writers, actors, directors, etc.) and that of their families…and most insultingly, their children.
It is time to take back Hollywood, through creator owned content–this through establishing independant film companies and networks that the artists own. In addition to creating the content therein, the artistic community can seek out distribution through alternative means…,i.e., Netflix, Apple’s new I-Tunes Online movie service, Blockbuster Online, Independant Theatres, and Independant Film Distributors–so on, and so forth. This is the wave of the future…and studios, networks and producers need to be told, in no uncertain terms, that the artistic guilds…and their membership are prepared to do what they must in order to protect their royalty interests…even if it means going partially or completely independant of studio and network management, so be it. It is the ultimate scorched Earth Nuclear option that the WGA and other creative artist guilds can play in these negotiations which the powers that be in the executive suites can appreciate, and fully understand. If they, the studio and network management, fail to act as honest negotiation partners with the unions and their members, in respect to fairly sharing royalties, then that very creative community will move to become their direct competition in the marketplace.
Comment by Metal Water — December 28, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Any screenwriter who thinks this is an excuse to say “To hell with it, I’m going back to work,” doesn’t understand this strike and probably has been just waiting for an excuse to say that anyway. We’ve gotten what we wanted from Letterman’s company. Why shouldn’t they be rewarded with going back to work? At worst, it clearly says that our demands are not unreasonable. At best, it shows the companies who won’t make a deal with us as greedy and intransigent. Which they are.
Comment by screenwriter — December 28, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
“WGA’s organizers may not have what it takes to achieve an industry-wide deal that will create a strong and sustainable economic future for writers and producers alike.”
The leaders don’t have anything going for them except ire. The WGA will fracture by Jan 15 and get NOTHING. Quoted for truth.
Comment by Screwed The Pooch — December 28, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
Feature writers are angry? What a joke. Features have been shooting throughout the strike. Writer/directors are “deleting” scenes, not “writing,” on films that are scheduled to start this spring. TV writers have been carrying the strike. Your anonymous feature writer is being incredibly disingenuous.
Comment by EB — December 28, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
I’m a produced feature writer with a quote in the high six figures. I’ve worked continuously for the last eight years. I’m not ready to go fi-core yet but I agree this strike has been all about TV and feature writers have largely been hung out to dry. It would only take a few high profile names to go fi-core for me to go the same route.
Comment by Produced Feature Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
The GM analogy is flawed and actually works against the point the reactionary feature writer was trying to make. Auto unions negotiate with individual companies, not an organization of competing companies who collude against labor at a single negotiating table. The WGA deal with WWP is actually more in keeping with traditional labor negotiations than not. Would that the entertainment industry negotiated with unions like the auto industry does, because a strike would probably have been averted altogether.
Comment by The berserker feature writer doesn't speak for me.... — December 28, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Check with Leno???? WTF??? Jesus Christ! We don’t need to be giving backrubs to scabs here. The only point in making this deal was to then picket the hell out of the scab shows and try to get all the actors on Letterman instead. If we’re going to be too busy offering pony rides and hair braiding then this deal is not only pointless, but idiotic. What the hell are we doing? Jesus, if Leno is really that supportive, but not supportive enough to stay off the air where it really counts, then what he can do to help is to publicly refuse to book any A-listers until this is over and tell them to go on Letterman instead, rather than having his executive producer out mocking the idea that they’d have a tough time booking SAG members. Ditto for Conan and Craig Ferguson. Sorry dude, but there are more important issues here than how much money you can make for the company that shitcanned your ass and your personal rivalries.
Comment by WTF? — December 28, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
Yet today the WGA made an interim agreement to send writers back to work that by definition could not have achieved these jurisdictional goals — gains that would at a minimum require the company making an agreement to actually produce reality and animation programming.
Someone please explain to me how this isn’t true? This deal seems like a very bad mistake on the part of WGA leadership.
Comment by ExplainThis — December 28, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
I’m a successful screenwriter who fully supports the guild. We shouldn’t point fingers at each other and characterize this as a “TV Strike” or any of that nonsense. This is a Writers Strike — for the benefit of all writers, including those of future generations.
By the way, did that AMPTP release suck, or what? It’s almost unreadable.
Comment by Guild Forever — December 28, 2007 @ 8:45 pm
Real Quick…
I’m a little unclear here on who these name writers are. While I don’t doubt you spoke to them, what confuses me is that they seem more interested in sending you e-mails than they are in attending WGA Strategy Meetings called to inform everyone what’s going on with the strike.
Here’s a quick recap for you and all those writers who are too busy complaining to attend the pre-Christmas Meeting…
1) Although it was announced that negotiations with Worldwide Pants were beginning, David Young had serious reservations. His point was the only deals that were going to carry any weight, were those with major signatories…
2) He further said that any such deal would still have serious repercussions, in that it would allow some writers to go to work while others would be forced to stay on the line and they would only make such a move if they thought it would make a difference in the long term…
In short, the strategy of talking with individual members of the AMPTP was discussed and negotiations with Worldwide Pants was placed in context of the bigger strategy…
Everyone in the auditorium seemed to understand the issues and the stated goals of the negotiating committee (despite the obvious disagreement on whether or not they should be talking to Worldwide Pants at all).
Now I don’t want to speak for the negotiating committee of the WGA, but it seems to me that since every talk show was heading back on the air regardless of whether or not they had writers (Leno, O’Brien, Kimmel, Stewart, Colbert and even Letterman). Now, that being the case, they all were going to be having the guests your friends were complaining about.
It seems to me, if they were all going back anyway, why not broker a deal with the only host who has repeatedly and incessantly attacked his corporate masters whenever he got the chance. Don’t you remember Letterman’s last year at NBC, after they had screwed him out of the Tonight Show? This is DAVID LETTERMAN we’re talking about, you think he won’t go after Rupert Murdoch and Summer Redstone every night till he’s blue in the face and do you really think his writers, our brothers in arms, won’t supply him with plenty of material?
And at the end of the day, how many strikers have we lost? 20? Out of the thousands of members that are on the line every day?
For the first time since the strike began we’ll finally have a voice on National Television and that’s got to be worth something. To me, it’s more than worth losing a few “big name” writers who can’t even be bothered to call their own Guild to see what the reasoning was behind their move and further, can’t even see the potential public relations boon this gives the Guild in light of mass return of Late Night as soon as January 2nd…
As a screenwriter for 8 years, whose worked for 5 major studios, as many mini-majors, and who has only recently begun working in Television, I can only say I’m disappointed by any working writer that takes this moment to walk away from the fight of his generation.
Comment by Craig — December 28, 2007 @ 8:47 pm
This is either great news…………or a pending disaster?
Comment by anonymous producer — December 28, 2007 @ 8:47 pm
It’s far too easy to spot the AMPTP posse posting here. We all know the Letterman deal is a good thing. He’ll educate the rest of the nation regarding the strike and do it in a way that helps the WGA. There’s no greater TV personality to have on our side and on the air at this time. Please don’t talk about Carson Daly or Ellen as pieces of the WGA’s crumbling strategy - that’s a load and it does not shake any of the writers on the picket line. If the AMPTP really thought the WGA’s strategy was not working then they’d stop jumping up and down with their bullshit statements. These guys sound like such spoiled old men who are so furious they aren’t getting their way. “How dare these lowly WGA members defy us and strike!” Sheesh.
Writer, outside the gates… applauding the Letterman news
Comment by outside the gates — December 28, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
“The WGA will fracture by Jan 15 and get NOTHING. Quoted for truth.”
Does anyone expect us to take these apocalyptic declarations seriously? I’ve never been a conspiracy theorist, but comments like these are why I’m convinced there’s a school of AMPTP cuttlefish waiting to spray ink every time the guild makes a smart move and Nikki posts it.
“…this strike has been all about TV and feature writers have largely been hung out to dry. ”
And if that’s not designed to drive a wedge into the guild, I don’t know what is. More and more, I see the X’s and O’s of the AMPTP playbook in these posts, and I’m not buying it. I wholeheartedly support our leadership and the Letterman deal.
Comment by Skull Leader — December 28, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Bottom Line — with the DGA about to hit the conference room, the Guild needed someone to validate our offer. Letterman negotiated the best talk show deal in town, proving himself an excellent businessman. By accepting our terms, he destroys the argument that our demands are economically untenable. This deal, as modest as it is, guarantees we’ll get at least some sweetening over the DGA agreement.
Yeah, reality and animation don’t really apply to the WWP agreement, but then the Guild has explicitly and repeatedly stated its main focus is new media, and that it would not allow R&A to be a deal breaker.
Comment by writer — December 28, 2007 @ 8:54 pm
Those guys really are in fantasy land. What a crazy, desperate move. Letting Letterman go back to work with writers is going to break Jeff Zucker? Could they possibly be that stupid? Sure, Letterman will get a bump at first, but middle america has consistently picked Leno, and will continue to, even if this a-list deluge of names hits Letterman…which I doubt will happen…do you see any a-listers shutting down production on their movies in support?
But at least this will be over soon once the water starts flowing through this crack in solidarity the WGA leadership opened up with this.
Comment by tv editor — December 28, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
I love how the AMPTP statement hits all their talking points once again rather than focus on the fact that Worldwide Pants has agreed to everything the WGA wants in terms of new media. And new media, not reality or animation, not the sympathetic strike clause, and certainly not some made up theory that Patrick and David are power-crazed, is the thing this entire strike is about for both feature and TV writers (as under the AMPTP plan both movies and TV are to be shown online in their entirety with no payment to writers as it’s simply “promotion.”)
I just hope Alan Rosenberg asks SAG members to honor the picket lines (on late night and at the Golden Globes) because if the actors don’t help out now, in six months they’re going to be on the picket line, too.
Feature writers, TV writers, all SAG members and yes, even many DGA members all face the same issue– New Media. We are all in this together.
Thanks Dave for being the first one to treat us fairly!
Comment by WGA Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 8:57 pm
I just don’t understand how the Guild could have gotten everything they want from the AMPTP from Worldwide Pants. WWP can’t give them jurisdiction over reality and animation, can it? WWP can’t cut them in on distributor revenue streams. And, by the way, if WWP has given its writers “sympathy strike” power - does that mean they can walk out at any moment, since the rest of the writers remain on strike themselves? And if they don’t turn around and walk out, then what the heck value is there in sympathy strike power, anyway? If this be solidarity….(what would Lech Walesa do?)
Comment by Keep My Day Job — December 28, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Doesn’t this “interim deal” just turn into whatever the real deal is when it gets made? So what does WWP care what the new media deal they agree to now is? They pay it for a few months and end up with whatever ends the strike.
Comment by confused — December 28, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Craig @8:47pm, that was pitch freaking perfect. Thank you.
Comment by your newest fan — December 28, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
What deal did WWP agree to?…….the press release says” the one we were just about to present…” but does anyone have any idea what deal that was? (Where is Donald’s boy Patrick when we need him?)
Are the six AMPTP walkaway issues in this deal? Or did the WGA just agree to what the AMPTP wanted? Sure sounds like it…..
Verrone and Young - did you get everything we went on strike for - or did you get a deal, any deal?
If the six issues plus added DVDs are not covered it will be voted down if you push it on all of us.
We walked for everything - not a partial deal.
Comment by Bad Deal Fear — December 28, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
I have to point out one thing here, and that is the assumption that because Letterman will have his writers that he will get better ratings. I don’t believe this will be the case, I believe the ratings are largely driven by the likeability of the host, and the guests that they book. Leno will be back on the air, and he will do his best to put on an entertaining show. The people who like his brand of comedy (and let me be clear that I think Letterman is a better written show, always has been) will still tune in to see him. Also, if Letterman does use his “bully pulpit” as some think he will, there will be a portion of the audience who will tune that out. Of course all the industry people will laugh and applaud his jokes, but Joe Sixpack probably won’t want to hear about this every night. Jokes about internet residuals just can’t be that funny, and Dave has been poking “fun” at his corporate masters as long as he’s been on the air, indeed its part of his schtick. I predict the ratings will be largely as they were pre-strike once everyone is back on the air, and the actors will follow the ratings, picket lines be damned. I’m not happy about this, but I think it will turn out to be true.
Comment by AnotherThought — December 28, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
WTF? - One minor point of clarification. Craig Ferguson’s show is off strike now, as it is owned by WWP.
As I’ve already said, I’ll not be watching any of the still-struck late-night shows until after the AMPTP sees a cranial proctologist and seeks a cure for its odd medical condition.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to Dave and Craig!
Comment by mheister — December 28, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
Dear Produced Writer –
How have the screenwriters been hung out to dry? We have simply not been as visible — certainly it is the loss of the television season that has been news, that is where the conglomerates have been the hardest hit. It is only in a long strike that the conglomerates will feel it on the feature side. But the benefits that are being fought for will be for everyone. I do not mean to seem cynical, but whenever I read about someone considering going fi-core in such a cavalier manner I can’t help but feel they are perhaps not exactly who they say they are.
Comment by phinneas — December 28, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
Troll alert — reading too many comments from ‘confused’ readers who don’t get how WWP deal solves reality, animation, or sympathy strike deal points, as if those were the Guild’s focus.
To the Trolls — your boss is lying to you. Writing these bogus, disingenuous comments will not put you on an executive career path. You are the chum of the PR industry and will never be taken seriously by any of your employers. Why sell your souls at AMPTP rates, i.e., nothing? You deserve better than that. Everybody does.
Comment by writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
Outside the gates wrote: “We all know the Letterman deal is a good thing. He’ll educate the rest of the nation regarding the strike and do it in a way that helps the WGA.”
Others above have talked about ol’ Dave putting it to Sumner Redstone and Rupert Murdoch every night, he and his crack writers and a parade of SAG guests turning the show into an hour of agiprop every weeknight. (”What would really be great would be if we could Stewart and Colbert back too!”)
Are you people grown-ups?
I’m filing these foolish comments away for a week or two. As someone above said, time will tell, won’t it?
Comment by Old Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
What happened to “WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER”?
I am not a feature writer, I’m a TV writer on a Fox show.
I’ll be DAMNED if I’m going to continue this strike while other writing staffs are getting paychecks. I’m picking up the phone TOMORROW MORNING and calling my fellow writers to begin organizing a mass fi-core. If enough of us go, we can get our show back on track.
Comment by tvwriter — December 28, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
Who, outside of the lawyer who wrote AMPTP’s press release, can figure out what the hell they’re saying without having to read it twice? Is that seriously intended for the general public? Yeah, there’s a human face behind the AMPTP, all right. He lives in a closet huddled around reams of “New Economic Partnership” drafts, chewing on chicken bones and staring at a computer screen. Somebody get that glass of water and walk him around the block.
Comment by Say What? — December 28, 2007 @ 9:24 pm
What happens if Leno, without writers, still gets better ratings than Letterman? America, for some unknown reason, prefers Leno. Won’t it be a huge embarrassment to the WGA if he continues to win the ratings war?
I prefer Letterman, but I want to watch Leno’s show during the strike. It’ll be more exciting watching Jay struggle than seeing predictable Dave.
Comment by Will It Float? — December 28, 2007 @ 9:25 pm
The berserker feature writer doesn’t speak for me…. makes an excellent point. The auto makers are actually in competition with each other, they don’t form a giant cabal where they collude with each other against their employees and shareholders. How many truly independent networks exist? How many independent feature producers don’t rely on the major studios for distribution? We can’t make any independent deals whatsoever without making money for AMPTP members or, uh, having writers go back to work, that’s kind of the point. And uh, feature writers never stopped working (and there’ve already been rumblings that we’ll splinter the guild plus piss off btls if we try to shut down film production, you know the way we’ve already shut down TV? so *shrug*).
“WGA worst move ever was to put the reality/animation TV on the table when the only thing left to negotiate was the downloadable content.”
More bs. Reality/animation was always on the table, and as far as the only thing left to negotiate? Uh, not so much. The AMPTP won’t actually negotiate anything with us, period. First we made a major concession in order to reach an agreement on downloads. Then they reneged on that agreement. Then they refused to negotiate at all. Then they so benevlently agreed to to sit down, but failed to make a counter to our offer and again walked away. Nice try, though. Gosh, we were *this close* to making a deal.
Comment by Anon — December 28, 2007 @ 9:25 pm
When strikers didn’t shut down Ellen’s shows and Caaron Daly’s show it was all over. Did any one vote for this “Divide and Conquer” strategy? Can someone show historically where this has worked as a union negotiating strategy. There are hundreds of production companies. Will the WGA slowly make individual deals with all of them? Its absurd. I’ve never heard of a strike where some workers get their jobs back while others are on strike. Leno is a scab. He should have been condemned for that alone. He should be stripped of his WGA membership for life as should Stewart and Colbert. Sorry. If the Guild had not made this side bar deal with Letterman at this time, they could have thrown their full weight behind the shutting down of the Leno show. Now they have muddied the waters. The studio move to put these shows back on was to counter the Letterman deal. No one in America will know the difference folks! It will be “Honey, the shows are back on. Yes, all of them.” You don’t think Leno with his faxes and Stewart with his wit can write their ownh shows? Ha! You are underestimating these guys. The WGA has lost the “hearts and minds.” Sorry, but its true. That move broke our own solidarity as you can see by many of the above comments. When they didn’t stop Ellen it was over. They got squeamish? Who knows. A strike is a strike. Period. “Divide and Conquer”? Sounds like a harebrained scheme that will backfire (or a new buddy cop picture!). I think it already has. I think a lot of us thought this would be a long haul strike, but the Letterman side deal shows that the Guild leaders got scared and buckled. Too bad. We could have won this thing. See you next contract.
(Screenwriters need their own guild. Something to think about.)
Comment by Mark Groubert — December 28, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
to writer @ 9:18:
You do yourself and your cause a disservice to brush off the comments of anybody that doesn’t agree with you as the rantings of an “AMPTP shill” as you guys always like to call them. Many people have many different points of view, and opinions. There are over 10k writers…all completely different people, and not all of them will hold your exact same beliefs. There are hundreds of thousands of others that work in the industry who all have different points of view and different opinions. To discount anything other than your narrow view only makes you look like the irrational nutbags the AMPTP is trying to paint you as, and marginalizes your cause.
What’s next, everybody that doesn’t agree with the war in Iraq gets labeled un-patriotic?
Comment by tv editor — December 28, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
I have no problem with any writer going back to work on a show that gets a WGA-approved deal. As for Jay, Conan & the rest, I will be picketing them with gusto.
Comment by Jennifer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:37 pm
I’ve read several comments about how the Letterman show, once it gets back on the air with union writers, actor guests, etc., will have a chance to talk about the strike and the writers’ interests frequently on the show. Trust me, if this happens, viewers will flee in droves. Regardless of the rightness of the cause, late-night television comedy viewers don’t tune in to listen to political propaganda of any flavor.
Comment by C.J. Burch — December 28, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
“Worldwide Pants is not an AMPTP member.” No, but Worldwide Trousers, the WWP subdivision that produces the Late Show, is.
I think this is an important enough fact to be included in the body of the story.
Comment by JS — December 28, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
Here’s one feature writer who’s hanging on… they said that either the AMPTP breaks up or the membership does. I’m staying strong to the bitter end. As long as it takes.
Risky and bold. But hey, that’s how I like it.
Comment by Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
Hey Nikki, how about changing the headline from
“Will this divide the guild” to “will this divide the networks”
Comment by Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
I’m guessing that when the AMPTP says this deal is bad news for the WGA that means… it’s not.
Comment by tv and feature writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
tvwriter@9:22 pm
You obviously weren’t at the Dec meeting where they talked about this in detail. They said their new strategy would mean that for a time, some of us are working and some of us aren’t– but it’s part of an overall tactic to break them apart.
The down side is it runs the risk of breaking apart the membership if they’re dumb enough to not see the overall picture.
You get petty and go fi-core, you fuck everything up for every one of us and ultimately for yourself and the creative community at large. The strategy is to divide THEM. Show them the benefits of working with us and the peril of working against us. That means for a time, some of us will work and some won’t. And in the end, we’ll win.
But our side has to stay strong. Let Letterman’s writers work under OUR terms. That’s already a partial victory for all of us. The rest will come so long as long as we stick together.
Deep breaths. It’s part of a strategy, dude.
Comment by Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
I’ve just found out that Leno’s first picket line crossing guest on Jan 2nd is going to be Gov. Mike Huckabee. I’m a little bit shocked that ANY presidential candidate would allow themselves to be photographed crossing a picket line!!! Even a Republican…. Wonder if he will cancel now…
Comment by Bob Frankel — December 28, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
I love Letterman, and I completely support the deal which the WGA has struck with him, however…if the waivers fail to be granted for the award shows by the WGA…the actors will not be able to broadcast a message of support for the writers guild…thus, the strike will fall further under the public radar, save for mostly negative press that will most likely hurt the WGA, not the AMPTP. The waivers will help to put the writer’s issues back in the major media, where it belongs–while protecting solidarity between the writers’, actors’ and directors’ guilds (the major entertainment unions).
The award shows are typically used as a spotlight for the actors and directors, above all others, and their accomplishments in film and or television. If they begin to feel that they have been progressively undermined by the WGA’s failure to grant those waivers, which, again…will allow the awards season to go uncancelled, the actors and directors are certain to be splintered in regard to their continued support of the strike…and that is bad for the WGA.
The answer??? Grant the waivers and implore the actors, directors and WGA members, etc., to use the alotted time for their award presentations (as presenters) and via acceptance speeches, to give a vow of support to the unions, namely the WGA…and remind the public and the media that most union members in the entertainment industry are not wealthy people…rather, most are underpaid average “Janes” and average “Joes” who are financially struggling to make it, just like most Americans, and other citizens of the world…irrespective of national borderlines. Actors and directors can also use their time on the red carpet and during press interviews–preceeding, during (backstage–post award wins), and immediately following the awards broadcasts to re-assert their support for the unions. Yes, instead of discussing who you are wearing, tell the press who you are supporting in the strike. Trust me, if you believe that nightly pro-union Letterman talkshow monologues will help the unions, the public and media, at large, seeing a flood of famous actors and directors dedicate their award wins to the unions, one after one…win after win… will be a triumph for the WGA, and all major entertainment unions that will act to stun every eye in the available viewing audience, worldwide.
Comment by Metal Water — December 28, 2007 @ 9:54 pm
Was it just me, or does that AMPTP release have you scratching your head? After reading several well-thought-out press releases and quotes from WGA, SAG, Letterman, et al, over these very sensitive issues, I am still trying to understand what point the AMPTP is trying to make. Sounds like their statement was written by an eight-year-old. The studios’ public credibility has gone into a serious downward spiral with the AMPTP’s representation.
Comment by thom taylor — December 28, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
“What’s next, everybody that doesn’t agree with the war in Iraq gets labeled un-patriotic?
Comment by tv editor — December 28, 2007 @ 9:34 pm”
Hey “tv editor” that same line has been used to death by people who are clearly AMPTP shills, both here and in comments at United Hollywood.
No doubt the PR boys thought the following: “Let’s see, a lot of Hollywood writers are liberals, let’s shame them by comparing them to the Bush Administration!”
What an amazingly transparent idea.
And what’s even more amazing is that the AMPTP is actually paying them to come up with this stuff.
Get some fresher material. You’re giving yourself away.
Comment by lenn — December 28, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
I’m a Features Writer and I have no problem with this and frankly I don’t know many Features Writers who do.
I don’t even know where all that came from. We know what is at stake, we planned for a 6 month strike to secure our future and quite frankly our financial freedom from these monolithic Corporate Monsters.
We need to start making more deals with any Company who wants to benefit from our Services. Producer Owned Shows, Independent Film Companies, etc.
Plain and simple.
This deal helps our cause, it blows the AMPTP PR bullshit machine out of the water. Read their latest statement, it reads like an impudent child wrote it. It is truly laughable. Yeah, they ARE pissed because it exposes that very core issue: Fairness. And they can’t spin this any other way.
Dave changed all that. Dave is one of the few old Schoolers who truly admired and respected Johnny Carson not for the Entertainer he was, but for the man he was. Johnny I’m sure is winking to Dave right now because he did what he knew was right.
WGA asked for a fair deal from WWP and it was settled fairly easily. Our Demands are not only reasonable, they are good business. We need to picket the shit out of the other Late Night shows with SAG at our side. There is absolutely no doubt about that and we must be merciless…
Bargain fairly with us and you will benefit, try to fuck with our future and suffer the consequences.
I know no Features Writers who don’t understand that.
Comment by PJ - Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 10:00 pm
I dont really underestand the meaning of “fi-core”?Can someone explain it to us illiterate writers?Thanx.
Comment by Jack Sprat — December 28, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
As has been pointed out before, by the WGA coming to an agreement with WWP, it shows that the WGA’s demands aren’t unreasonable. And that the WGA wants to negotiate.
To the writer who is going to organize a mass fi-core movement, I’m not going to accuse you of being an AMPTP shil or agent provacateur because I have no proof one way or the other. But, if you are from the AMPTP, you should be ashamed of yourself for resorting to such low-down, manipulative, (for lack of a better word) soulless tactics. If you are a writer, then I beg of you to look at the bigger picture. Yes there are maybe 40 or 50 writers at the very most who are going back to work, but they are going back under a WGA-acceptable contract. Fi-core is going back on the studio’s terms. Yes it sucks that the writers on WWP shows are lucky enough to go back while you are not. But every group has to have a champion somewhere, so as long as the writers can remember that they are still fighting for the WGA and that they should use their ability to use up CBS’ airtime, this is a step in the right direction.
Writers, I urge you to remain strong. Together you guys can do this. You can effect change. As we all know, it isn’t pleasant and it isn’t easy, but it IS important.
Comment by Annie — December 28, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
I don’t understand why some writers are upset about this, other than childish jealousy. The whole point of the strike is to get a fair deal for the writers, and that’s what just happened for the Letterman writers. Don’t be mad at them. Be mad at whichever AMPTP company you used to work for that refuses to make the same deal with you.
Comment by Fan — December 28, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
It’s nice that a dozen white male writers get to go back to work. Too bad there are no women or minorities on Letterman’s writing staff to join in the fun.
Comment by a writer — December 28, 2007 @ 10:10 pm
I think this is a great, positive win situation for the WGA on many levels, especially the public relations fight, which is looking bigger each day the strike continues. The deals tells the public the following:
“WGA IS reasonable - writers DO want to work - and, WGA union leadership IS reasonable in terms of negociating with producers.”
The producers’ group have really tried to paint the WGA union leadership as a bunch of raving lunatics. It is important for the benefit of all writers that the positive public perception of WGA remains at the forefront of the public relations war.
Consequently, I hope any producer who can negociate an interim settlement will quickly follow Dave Letterman’s lead, if acceptable to WGA, so that more and more writers return to work - and the WGA continues to win big on the public relations front.
This is really important.
Comment by Susan — December 28, 2007 @ 10:10 pm
The WGA is making the best of a tough situation. Now, if they can get SAG members and politicians to boycott the shows produced by companies that won’t negotiate (so all except Worldwide Pants at the moment) then it pays off.
As others have pointed out, most people watch these shows because they like the host generally and that night’s guest specifically. These shows have large sections that are unscripted and have nothing to do with the sharpness of the writing.
America, which has preferred Jay to Dave for years, isn’t going to stop doing that suddenly. But if no SAG actors go on Jay and Conan, it will help. And that’s not that I have anything against those hosts — just their corporate bosses.
On January 2nd, if you’re in L.A. or NYC and are a WGA or SAG member, please get your butt over to NBC (or 30 Rock) to get this picket off to a strong start in the new year. Let any actor who goes on these shows, (who unlike Jay and Conan are not keeping a crew from getting fired) that they are hurting their own cause and helping the very same companies who plan to screw them come June.
Comment by George Glass — December 28, 2007 @ 10:11 pm
If anyone thinks the AMPTP is going to fold they are seriously deluded. The film and television business (especially for independent producers on the film side) is an increasingly unprofitable endeavor. Product is produced more to fit a distribution need versus being a profitable, stand-alone endeavor. With that in mind, there’s little justification for these companies to perpetuate an unprofitable system. In all honesty, writers should be given a stake in New Media and new technologies. However, at the same time there should be roll-backs in residuals, minimums and a few other areas to reflect the current market realities (no different than what the airlines have done to save an endangered industry). In addition, the animation writers should be organized if they cannot establish a fair market value for themselves, but organizing Reality is just plain silly because that programming only exists because it’s “cheap” to produce … if it gets to be too costly, then the whole format will be eliminated and even more jobs lost. It would be tantamount to organizing infomercial writers. If the writers are looking for a better deal, then they need to make some concessions as well (like creating a $5-$15M film budget threshold with lower minimums and fringes). There should also continue to be free re-writes because the current system encourages professional writers to hand in mediocre first drafts in order to get the re-write fee. Bottom line, the whole system needs to be tweaked on both sides.
Comment by Eric G, — December 28, 2007 @ 10:11 pm
This is absolutely good for the cause.
I feel for the folks looking at this and feeling bad that they don’t get to go back to work yet. I do.
But mainly I think that this is a very small first step in breaking the monopoly bargaining position of Big Media. And that’s good for everyone. (Well, except for the moguls, but cry me a river guys.)
Comment by velveeta — December 28, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
Please, screenwriters, go fi-core. Then when you watch your films being played on the internet for nothing, feel free to complain to yourselves.
Oh, and welcome yourself to the world of hate.
Comment by DA in LA — December 28, 2007 @ 10:21 pm
Glad this deal got done, but I do understand the potential problems it could cause with screenwriters. I hope no schism evolves. This should be seen as a positive and as something done after much consideration about this issue form the Negotiating Committee, which is comprised of both.
The only late-night shows I used to watch were The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. David Letterman (and possibly Craig Ferguson… no harm in giving him a DVR record once or twice and then making a decision) will not replace those shows until similar interim agreements or an industry-wide contract is reached.
Comment by Wanna-Writer-Be — December 28, 2007 @ 10:25 pm
I wish people would stop calling Leno, O’Brien, Stewart, and Cobert scabs. As I understand it, they are still WGA members, and as such will not be doing any writing for their own shows. They went back to work as hosts so that their non-writing staf could keep their jobs. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, though.
Comment by Fan — December 28, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
From the AMPTP statement:
“The people in charge at WGA have insisted on increasing their own power by prevailing on jurisdictional issues such as reality, animation and sympathy strikes. Yet today the WGA made an interim agreement to send writers back to work that by definition could not have achieved these jurisdictional goals — gains that would at a minimum require the company making an agreement to actually produce reality and animation programming.”
Roughly translated into somewhat coherent English: The WGA doesn’t actually care that much about reality and animation jurisdiction.
And so the AMPTP contradicts their #1 argument over the last month.
Comment by below the liner — December 28, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
As a feature writer with two indie features currently in limbo because of the strike, I say GREAT that the Letterman writers are getting a WGA deal, and I hope my producers–and frankly everyone capable of getting financing and distribution outside the studio system–do the same.
I hope the networks and studios sink into the La Brea tarpits along with the rest of the dinosaurs and sabertooths if they won’t cut a fair deal with those who are their life blood, the writers, directors and actors. UA started when “united artists” decided to control their own fate. If we mean nothing to GE, then F*CK them and let them make their money with other product. Let’s make our own.
Comment by Robin — December 28, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
If Letterman really wanted to help his writers financially, he would have allowed the Late Show reruns to be shown on some cable channel. At least, those residuals would have amounted to something.
As it was, he gave away next to nothing.
Sure, he’s sympathetic to the guild, being a long time member and all, but all other shows go back to work too.
The absence of writers will hurt Jay more - longer monologue - than help Dave. SAG will picket but there are too many shows to bust. Within two weeks, every big time actor-director-quasi-celeb will be on Jay, Conan and maybe even on Jimmy (not that they would go on Jimmy even when they is no strike)
Zucker, Fox and ABC won’t follow WWP either - they have reality and news and are in it for the duration.
There’s little downside to WGA for striking the WWP deal separately but having all the talk show return at once can’t be good either.
The PR from this deal won’t last. If there’s no deal by February, the feature people will be going back to work, having worked at home on scripts anyway while the pilot season will be canceled. The TV scribes may have had more to win but they have arguably already lost more than they could have won.
Studios and networks still have plenty of inventory to offer.
If this was settled after 2-3 weeks, this would have been a good strike. As it is, this will create too much hardship and ill will.
Verron expected an easy win but he instead got a Waterloo.
Comment by Dan — December 28, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
I shake my head when I see some of our fellow writers threatening to go fi-core and go back to work. They’re using this Letterman deal as an excuse to go back to work. Just an excuse. These are the people who would have abandoned us anyway. I hope they do go back to work. At least then we’ll really know who our ffriends (dare I say comrades?) are. Let’s face it, not everyone is willing to go the whole mile. There are members of this guild who are looking for any excuse to jump ship and this one will allow them (they believe) some cover.
I knew people like this back in high school and not much has changed in adult life.
The Letterman deal gives us the first solid weapon against the studios and networks. Night after night, as his audience grows and Jay and Conan retreat back into the mist, Letterman - who called network execs weasels during the last strike on a daily basis - will be a thorn in Jeff Zucker’s side. He’s going to be forced very soon to appear on the Guild’s version of “Deal or No Deal.”
Jay and Conan would do better to show some backbone and resist the urge to go back without their writers. They will look pathetic and let’s face it, the staffs of every other show on NBC aren’t getting paid, so why should the staff of the two late shows get paid because the stars of the shows - both WGA members - are scabbing?
Letterman’s staff, on the other hand are working for a company that is NOT scabbing. Far, far far from it.
If Worldwide Pants can stomach our demands, imagine how stupid the big corporations, which could EASILY absorb the financial hit, are going to look.
Comment by anotherWGAriter — December 28, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
I’m behind the WGA a thousand percent.
I agree with this move, and even if I don’t agree with all of them, I will stand firm behind my union.
Comment by muststaystrng — December 28, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
“Today’s agreement is just the latest indication that the WGA’s organizers may not have what it takes to achieve an industry-wide deal that will create a strong and sustainable economic future for writers and producers alike.”
This sound like anyone who wants to come to the table. I am so tired of this bullshit, I think the WGA is saying” if you don’t want to negotiate, will do it with out you. ” Lets see how the popular girl likes NOT getting invited to the party>
Comment by dealingwithanutcase — December 28, 2007 @ 10:36 pm
Thank you, David Letterman. You are, and ever shall be, the true class act.
Thank you, Alan Rosenberg. Your wife’s hot, but she’s the lucky 1.
Craig, you rule.
TVWriter, et al (if you’re not a troll/shill, you’re tragically superficial & pathetically ignorant of the big picture), you suck!
We’re gonna win this, you guys. Hang Tight & Tough!
Comment by e — December 28, 2007 @ 10:36 pm
Feature Writers - soon all theaters will be digital too - and the companies will claim that’s internet. There won’t be DVD’s in a couple of years, everything will be streaming. This is a fight for all writers. TV is just where it hits the studios first.
Stand together no matter what type of writing you do, and for all no matter what type of writing they do, and you will secure the future for all.
Comment by Seriously People! — December 28, 2007 @ 10:41 pm
To the feature writers who feel this is all about TV: You do realize that your films can be streamed via that extremely new internet thing for free with what the AMPTP is proposing, right?
and I have a question. I’ve heard many times that this strike was timed badly… I’m curious as to when a good time to strike would be? During the summer when the networks can revise their fall lineups? or the spring when most of the current season is in the can? Granted this is the time that hurts the most people, but it’s also the time that hurts the studios the most.
Comment by Jerad — December 28, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Not that it’s likely to happen…
But it’d be pretty funny if Worldwide Pants started developing reality and animated stuff under their new interim deal.
It’d be even funnier if they put together a new late-night talk show and got it set up on some cable network that wants to take advantage of the moment. If they’re the only team in town that can make money under a WGA deal, there’s no reason they have to limit themselves to two shows.
Heck, they could develop pilots, even. What would the AMPTP do if WWP were to start cutting into their other business…?
kdb
Comment by Kurt Busiek — December 28, 2007 @ 11:00 pm
Leno’s and Conan’s writers should absolutely go fi-core now they’re fools if they don’t go back to work. Same thing for the Saturday Night Live writers. NBC has been a lot better to all of them than WGA has.
I predict a floodgate of writers will be going back to work fi-core style by the end of January. This really was a TV strike to start with and that FOX TV writer who wants to organize his fellow staffers into a fi-core group has the right idea. The strike won’t be settled until April at the earliest. Quite possibly June.
Why should those writers who need money continue to walk in circles when other writers are going back to work? Ridiculous to expect this type of blind support. The auto workers analogy is accurate here. If the UAW can make a deal with Ford but GM refuses to give their workers the same deal you better believe those GM workers would want to start making Fords instead of Chevys.
Comment by Anonymous — December 28, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
Does anyone really think Letterman going back on the air with writers is going to bring “pressure” on the AMPTP? Why would one late night comedy show signing an “interim deal” with the WGA cause major corporations to rethink their strategy?
As far as the public is concerned, the whole strike is about late night television. (Most of them think it’s over.) Why would the Guild soften its own strike by allowing Letterman to have his writers?
What evidence is there that signing side deals with individual companies has any effect on the AMPTP? Isn’t the AMPTP trying to bust the union? Isn’t that why they won’t talk to us?
The AMPTP is inflexible, uncreative and humorless. But they aren’t weak. We’d better come after them with something better than a side deal.
And if you think Letterman is going to be leading the strike from the Ed Sullivan Theater, guess again. He’ll make a few cracks and then get on with Stupid Human Tricks . . .
Comment by The Write Stuff — December 28, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
I would say the 4 or 5 writers threatening to go Fi-core should do it. You few seem thrilled with your six-figure incomes and your assistants have convinced you shouldn’t have to pick up your own dry cleaning. It’s made you comfortable, cowardly, and whiny. The people at the very top who lack big-picture awareness in any field often start to turn on the Unions that forged the way for them to get the fair compensation and win the battle for all workers for the 40 hour work week, overtime, health insurance etc. The point of a Union is it’s not about “you” it’s about “us.” So go Fi-core or shut up. The sound of your voice does not interest the world as much as your assistants would have you believe. And I love you Nikki, but quoting “unnamed sources” and protecting their identity for hard useful info. on how talks are going is one thing, letting cowards whine with anonymity is just shoddy journalism and you know that.
Comment by Zackery — December 28, 2007 @ 11:12 pm
I’m a feature writer, but it feels a little petty to belly-ache about a handful of late night writers going back to work. Seriously, are we really just that petulant and selfish?
I say good for WWP and the Late Night writers. They’ve gotten more coverage in the MSM than any WGA rally to date and as soon as grumpy Dave shows up with an arsenal of angry writers coming up with jokes for him, our side of the fight is going to be beamed into American households every night and put pressure on NBC to get the AMPTP back at the table.
This helps us. Sure I wish I was working, but I grasp the strategy here and appreciate it. I’ll be back on the picket lines in the New Year and supporting our friends at Late Night.
Comment by DLJ — December 28, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
Part of being in a union is doing what’s best for all of us, even if some individuals don’t see an immediate benefit. Sure seems like the union has a plan and I hope it works. And anybody going back to work without the WGA say-so ought to know- doors will close to you forever. People will not forget.
Comment by John Q Public — December 28, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
I am only a consumer and as such my only real stake in this is to have the shows I like back on the air. That being said, I have done everything I can to support this strike from the very beginning. I want all writers to get a fair deal and go back to work. I do confess I want the moguls taken down a peg or two or three or….
My real motivation for this post is to say I support the writers and am asking all of you to think before you break ranks. I don’t know if this deal with WWP was a good or bad strategy but it’s done so I’m asking that all of you move forward and stay solid together.
For everyones sake.
Together you may or may not get all of what you need but I guarantee that apart you all will get nothing!
Comment by Ilike2think — December 28, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
Thank you WGA and WWP for not just thinking outside the box, but making a deal outside the box.
There are MANY feature writers out there in complete solidarity. Please do not allow one voice to speak for all of us or “divide and conquer” us. We are all writers. It doesn’t matter where the origin of our material begins - TV or movie theatre - it will ALL end up being downloaded on the Internet.
Comment by Another Feature Writer — December 28, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
We’re all in this together. Except those that get to go back to work.
This mindless robotic following of our hapless negcom strategy would be humorous if it weren’t so disheartening.
We’re all in this together. We’re all in this together. Just keep repeating that. A good mantra will pay the mortgage.
Comment by longtimeWGA — December 29, 2007 @ 12:06 am
Any “screenwriter with a six-figure quote” who states they’re going Fi-Core either:
A: needs a great deal of help managing their income;
B: needs to take a chill pill & a serious look at what going Fi-Core really means to their future once this strike does end; or
C: maybe, just maybe, they’re not really screenwriters with a six-figure quote.
Pay attention, y’all: the trolls have scurried out from under their bridges & they’re posting nasty messages everywhere. This agreement did not hurt the Guild - but it certainly seems to have hit a nerve somewhere…
Comment by exbucks — December 29, 2007 @ 12:34 am
Yes, there is a lot of knee-jerk labeling of people with contrary opinions as AMPTP shills. But, then again, there truly are number of disingenuous folks here blowing smoke for no other reason than to stir the pot in the studios’ favor.
A case in point would be this 9:22pm posting by so-called ‘tv writer’, who posits:
=============
What happened to “WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER”?
I am not a feature writer, I’m a TV writer on a Fox show.
I’ll be DAMNED if I’m going to continue this strike while other writing staffs are getting paychecks. I’m picking up the phone TOMORROW MORNING and calling my fellow writers to begin organizing a mass fi-core. If enough of us go, we can get our show back on track.
Comment by tvwriter — December 28, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
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Besides the Protesteth-Too-Much thing, giveaway use of CAPS, and template mouthing of Everything AMPTP Wishes TV Writers Would Be Thinking, this would-be clever little Howard Beale Jr. wants us to believe that if he actually were what he claims to be, his fellow writers would get all NETWORK-y mad as hell along with him, lose their common sense as well as their common dignity, and go fi-core en masse so they can ‘get their show back on track’.
Um, yeah, sure, buddy. Whatever you say.
But, tell you what, for the sake of argument, let’s go ahead and pretend you’re an honest-by-God ‘TV Writer on a Fox show’. It’s a stretch, but we’ll try…
Tell me this: Say you do pick up your mighty phone and call your fellow writers. What happens when nearly every one of them hangs up on you after calling you out for being self-centered and short-sighted and then goes back to the picket line with even more determination thanks to your nifty little pep talk? You going to fi-core it alone then? If so, what happens when the strike ends sooner than you’d figured and suddenly you have to show up for work with these same people who hung up on you and would like nothing better than to see to it that your career nosedives into the toilet and stays there? Put a camera in the room for that first story meeting and, finally, there’s a piece of reality programming I’d look forward to watching.
Hmmmm, the more I think about it… yes, yes, please, by all means, make those calls. And don’t stop with just your fellow staffers. Call everyone you know. I mean everyone. Just make sure you stick to the script and tell them what you just told all of us, preferably word for word…
Comment by Are They Really Too Frightened and Desaparate To Be Credible? — December 29, 2007 @ 12:40 am
“If the UAW can make a deal with Ford but GM r