The Golden Globes broadcast owes the ratings success of its telecasts to this: the presence of stars, stars and more stars, and all the spontanity that goes with them. So I have to ask: without the actors, just who will be on stage -- a bunch of studio moguls who are hardly household names? It's absurd that an NBC spokesperson just told me, "We are prepared to move forward with the Golden Globe telecast on January 13th." Even after SAG President Alan Rosenberg announced today there is "unanimous agreement" that the actors will not cross WGA picket lines to appear on the Golden Globe Awards as acceptors or presenters. This includes the more than 70 actors nominated by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Immediately, the striking writers issued a statement of gratitude. Their union also is keeping at arms length any side agreement with Globes producer Dick Clark Productions because, as everyone knows, the awards show is really nothing more than a black-tie worldwide marketing tool for studio and network product. So, as I've been saying over and over and over again, this bogus show put on by an ethically challenged group is totally screwed. HFPA president Jorge Camara tonight sure seems to acknowledge that:
"The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has been placed in an extremely difficult position with the ongoing Writers Guild strike. We are making every effort to work out a solution that will permit the Golden Globes to take place with the creative community present to participate. We hope to announce a resolution to this unfortunate predicament on Monday."
And another statement of disappointment from Dick Clark Productions:
"Dick Clark Productions has reached out to the WGA on numerous occasions, from the very beginning of the WGA strike, and offered to enter into an interim agreement similar to the agreement reached by Worldwide Pants on behalf of The Late Show with David Letterman for the Golden Globe Awards -- as well as all of our other programs. We are disappointed that the WGA has refused to bargain with us in good faith. It is apparent that we are being treated differently from similarly situated production companies."
Here's the statement from SAG's Alan Rosenberg:
"After considerable outreach to Golden Globe actor nominees and their representatives over the past several weeks, there appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross WGA picket lines to appear on the Golden Globe Awards as acceptors or presenters. We applaud our members for this remarkable show of solidarity for striking Writers Guild of America writers."
Immediately WGA Patric Verrone issued a statement of thanks:
“We are grateful to our brothers and sisters in SAG for their continued solidarity and support. The entire awards show season is being put in jeopardy by the intransigence of a few big media corporations. We urge the conglomerates to return to the bargaining table they abandoned and negotiate a fair and reasonable deal with writers to put this town back to work.”
Meanwhile, in an act of rather surprising partisanship for a group of flackeries, top Hollywood publicity firms sent this letter to NBC Universal topper Jeff Zucker:
"Dear Jeff,
"We represent a majority of the actors, writers and directors nominated for a 2008 Golden Globe Award, as well as many of those invited to appear as presenters on the January 13, 2008 broadcast. After much discussion with our clients, we have concluded the vast majority of the talent we represent are not comfortable crossing a picket line.
"Our clients are extremely grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and would love the opportunity to be recognized for their work, but will only do so in the event NBC/Dick Clark Productions reaches an interim agreement with the WGA for the Golden Globes.
"Respectfully,
42 West
BWR Public Relations
Bragman, Nyman, Cafarelli
ID
Image Management Public Relations
Patricola Lust Public Relations
PMK/HBH
Rogers & Cowan
Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc.
Stan Rosenfield & Associates
True Public Relations
Wolf, Kasteler and Associates"
In his statement, SAG prez Rosenberg also clarified the actors union stand regarding late night TV:
"We have also been asked about our position regarding network talk shows. We urge our members to appear on the two programs that have independent agreements with the WGA, The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. However, actors who are asked to appear on the struck network talk shows will have to cross WGA picket lines, creating the same situation that has led to the consensus among actors to skip the Golden Globes.
“As I have said since this strike began on November 5th, we must stand united with our brothers and sisters at the WGA.”
Why did the WGA refuse Dick Clark Productions when they offered to accept the same terms as WWP?
Comment by Melissa — January 4, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
I’m curious as to how the WGA works out an agreement with one party and refuses to allow other parties to take on those same terms. The strategy baffles me, though admittedly, I am not an expert on these matters.
As a viewer, I look forward to a quick and amicable end to the strike.
My thoughts are with the writers who are getting hit the hardest by the strike.
Comment by gandalf18 — January 4, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
It’s pretty easy, actually. They’ll have the producers of the films and TV programs for which the actors were nominated come up to accept the awards. I am sure each of them will make a moving speech about how they hope this terrible labor dispute gets resolved soon… subtly (or not so subtly) laying blame on the WGA.
Comment by Stuart Creque — January 4, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
I have no doubt that NBC is “prepared to move forward with the Golden Globe telecast on January 13th.”
Whether or not they actually do move forward is a different question.
Comment by Benny Ace — January 4, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Maybe they’ll have Jay write the show, and then claim he was told it was okay. NBC can then agree with him.
NBC is reportedly in deep negotiations with ABC/Disney to have Muppet replicas of all the nominated stars appear to accept their awards.
kdb
Comment by Kurt Busiek — January 4, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
And why the hell does the WGA really not want the award shows to go on? Yeah, it costs the network 3 hours of advertising time. It’s also costing middle America’s exposure to movies and TV shows that they would likely go see or buy DVD’s of, costing the writers residuals they would have earned on those sales.
Comment by Greg — January 4, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
That makes me feel much better about everything - I’m not usually a conformist or eager for group identity, but SOLIDARITY RULES!
Battle On!
Comment by Bob D. — January 4, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Wow. That’s quite a show of support from SAG. Who knew they’d be so supportive of the WGA’s “crazy” leadership and efforts to organize reality (which hires so many actors) and animation? It’s enough to make you wonder if the AMPTP has been mischaracterizing the strike…
Comment by Marc Guggenheim — January 4, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
Alan Rosenberg is the hero of our little tale. Even some of the SAG members who initially said they’d honor the lines have been backing off a bit, I’m sure that this is thanks mostly to him.
Thank you Alan, we love you! Thank you SAG for doing the right thing (that goes for electing the right guy, too).
Comment by anon — January 4, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
This is good news, at least to me. With the Globes gone and other award shows in jeopardy, hopefully some kind of blow will be felt by moguls. I like the Oscars, but I wont watch it if they air without stars, Jon Stewart, or WGA backing. Lets hope this does enough damage that the studios will need to rethink things and come back to the table. And with the apparent SAG solidarity, this should make the process quicker. Now if only the DGA would get a good deal or follow SAG, then I feel this good be dealt with nicely.
Best of luck to everyone out there feeling the effects of the strike (minus the studios) and find some fair resolution.
Comment by A Nobody — January 4, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Looks like the AMPTP has a SAG problem.
Comment by uh oh — January 4, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
Yeah. It’s easy for Rosenburg to say that. He’s not nominated for anything.
And shut the hell up Verrone! The award show season is being put in jeopardy by YOU! No one told you to picket these shows. And really, you aren’t hurting anyone but the actors who now will not be able to pick up the awards, and the millions of fans who, unlike Finke, like watching these shows. You really think the AMPTP gives a crap about a few award shows? Please.
Comment by David — January 4, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
The HFPA will end up having the ceremony without the presence of cameras. Instead it will just be a dinner without NBC producing a show. The WGA will not picket if it is no longer a show, and all of the actors and writers will attend. I’m sure this will be announced on Monday.
Comment by Golden globes — January 4, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
God bless SAG
Comment by ArizonaKid — January 4, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Looks like the AMPTP has a LOT of problems. They’re just flushing themselves down the toilet.
Comment by Danny — January 4, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
Maybe Jay will attend with Patrick Verrone, seeing as how they get along so well.
Comment by Vanna Witeout — January 4, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Who shows up at the Golden Globes, the Leno contretemps, the late night kerfuffles…none of this signifies, folks. Who cares. It’s all sideshow. We’re entering our third month of this strike and there are no negotiations in sight. Wake up.
Comment by real world resident — January 4, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Maybe this will be a nail in the coffin for the Golden Globes. Lord, I hope so. They are so absurd it angers me. They haven’t changed a whit since Pia Zadora’s husband bought her a GG years ago.
‘Course, maybe I am just hanging on to a similarly absurd belief the Oscars matter. When no one acknowledges films like CHILDREN OF MEN as the masterpieces they are, do any of these awards matter at all?
Comment by Tom Provost — January 4, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
If I did PR for AMPTP, I’d tell them that between the Globes & the arrival of award season, current late night fiascos, the travesty of allowing the strike to continue over the holidays, the pilot season, and the present delay of TV & film schedules, it’s time now to go in and do the right thing - for the studios, TV AND film, above & below the line talent and crew. If you need reasons (face-saving or otherwise), you got plenty of ‘em.
If I did PR for AMPTP, I’d tell them that this is when you show them you give a damn. Because you aren’t faceless, megalomaniacal institutions. And you’re not robotic, fearful minions, the sort who did McCarthy’s bidding and created that sordid period in Hollywood history. You’re individuals, people who do give a damn, who love this industry, and are proud of it.
The industry is changing. Inexplicably, AMPTP, you have heralded these changes and their new revenue streams to Wall Street and advertisers, while denying them to your guilds, who provide the content for those revenue streams.
If I did PR for AMPTP, I’d tell them don’t do that! Don’t think big and think small at the same time! Don’t let yourself fall into the stereotypical trap of greedy, uncaring big business. Because you do care, and you know this is a business unlike any other. Because the world is feeling pushed around enough by corporations and governments - and Hollywood is supposed to be above that - it must be. This industry is about giving people all over the world a respite from all that. Others might create an impasse or build walls - but this is where you go to rise above them, or break them apart. When the world gives us the Third Reich or the Depression or prejudice or government and corporate corruption or personal despair - you give us Casablanca and It Happened One Night and To Kill a Mockingbird and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Silkwood and Good Night & Good Luck and It’s a Wonderful Life and 40-Year Old Virgin. You can’t try to break the WGA AND make Norma Rae. It doesn’t work that way.
You know those Sorkin-penned words at the end of The American President? The ones where President Shepherd says, “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship.” Well guess what? Hollywood, when it’s done right, is advanced citizenship, too. And you, AMPTP, can be leaders of men, or you can be something else entirely.
If I did PR for AMPTP, I’d tell them that you are an integral part of show business, and the number one rule of show business is : The show must go on!
It’s time to make that old Hollywood magic happen, first by sitting behind a table and honoring your guilds.
So whaddya say? How about - Lights! Contracts! ACTION!
Comment by wtf — January 4, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Poor David. His fav award shows are being canceled in favor of what — something as trivial as whether people will be able to provide a living wage for their family in years to come. Damn those writers! Why don’t the bend over for Peter Chernin or Les Moonves so I can watch whatever it is I watch so I don’t have to contemplate the fact that I’m dumb as a stump.
Comment by Bonnie — January 4, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
I agree with David the WGA leadership is smoking dope and the SAG leaders mush have forgotten that they still have not recovered from the commercial strike.
The AMPTP is a large group of international conglomerates to think you can hurt them is silly. The only people being hurt are the crews. Happy New Year we will all be back to work in June. Thanks so much WAG. You should have waited until March 1 when the AMPTP would have committed millions of dollars on pilot season deals,sets,salaries etc. But that would have taken real thinking,leadership and knowledge of our business.
Comment by peter giuliano — January 4, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
If Golden Globes wanted to make same deal as Letterman, why is it not okay for them and it’s okay for Dave?
Comment by WGaRiter — January 4, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Hopefully this will be the end of the sham that is the HFPA. I don’t get how no one ever bothered to look behind the curtain of what they say they stand for.
As someone involved in film in Europe, not with press though, it makes me angry to see those people pretending to be representatives of legitimate movie-related publications. They’re no critics with a reputation or knowledge or anything, just some photographers e.g. employed by WireImage, and a few freelance gossip columnists who are experienced in accepting bribes - gift baskets and other swag - which not so subtly steers them in the right direction, who to nominate and later vote for.
And it makes me angry how they pretend to get steamed up about something that is decided behind their backs anyway, by agents, studios - Big Money.
How this could ever get so important is beyond me, so I’m happy to hear the WGA is not issuing a waiver and threatens to picket if anything goes ahead.
Comment by Nanea — January 4, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Nice job, SAG.
If this drags into Oscar season, will they refuse to cross then too?
Comment by One Time Sitcom Writer — January 4, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
And now the Sarah Connor prem goes up against…bupkis…
FOX “wins” because of the strike again…
Not everyone feels the burn the same way.
Comment by Mister Eight — January 4, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Peter Guiliano writes:
“The AMPTP is a large group of international conglomerates to think you can hurt them is silly” and “You should have waited until March 1 when the AMPTP would have committed millions of dollars on pilot season deals,sets,salaries etc.”
Which is it, Peter? That it’s “silly” to think the AMPTP can be “hurt”? Or that they could’ve been hurt more if the Guild waited ’til March 1?
Comment by Marc Guggenheim — January 4, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
Why did the WGA refuse Dick Clark Productions when they offered to accept the same terms as WWP?
I am not really sure what agreement DCP wanted to have with the WGA, but I doubt that they wanted it to expand on all their ventures. DCP is much larger than just the Golden Globes, like licensing footage from movies and tv shows. I doubt that DCP’s owners (RedZone Capital and Six Flags) want that covered.
Comment by Anonymous — January 4, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
I’m sorry but If I was nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe, I would damn well be there, because there is that slight chance it could never happen again! Think Sly Stallone haha
Comment by Anonymous — January 5, 2008 @ 6:43 am