Come to think of it, I wonder if any of them DID think to do this?”

Can’t speak for anyone else, but we did do this on our show.

There’s no evidence that Shonda didn’t do the same for her BTL staff and crew. But given the language of the letter, I would tend to doubt it.

The AMPTP are dicks. But they’re not responsible for the strike, the people striking are. If the WGA didn’t decide to strike these people wouldn’t be out of work.

That being said, the strike is a noble one, and you WGA members deserve what you’re asking for, it’s only fair. But I do feel to push this all on the AMPTP is kinda like someone saying

“Yes, I shot my boyfriend in the leg, but he forced me to do it because he was cheating on me”

the guy definately deserved it, but ultimately it was their lover that made a very conscious decision to pull the trigger.

The AMPTP don’t owe those people money because if they could have it their way everyone would be working tomorrow, the writers would still be getting the shaft, but the wheels would be turning.

This whole situation reminds me of that commercial where the CEO says he wants to “stick it to the man” and his assistant reminds him “You are the man!!!”

Yes, the big bad corporations have all the power and money…a given. At the same time, I have been in this business for 25 years and have seen many a writer/producer go from obscurity to multi-millionaire overnight (so to speak).

I’m sure you all read about Les Moonves’s multi-million deal and got angry. Did any of you get angry when Phil Rosenthal signed a five year $50 million development deal 3 years ago? Just asking!

All of this David and Goliath ranting is getting old for a lot of us below-the-line. It is unconscionable
that 3 weeks went by over the holidays with no talking
on either side and none on the horizon.

Whatever it takes….Get back to the table, please!!!!!!

It’s easy shoot off a note saying how sorry you are things are rough, but would have been far nicer if something were included. There is a long social tradition that supports someone in Shonda’s position, with her wealth, giving some form of money gift to employees beneath her.

As for you, WGAWRITER @ 11:54PM, your post is full of S#*&! Your facts are wholly inaccurate and you sound like an air headed cheerleader.

Happy New Year! Lets hope this ends soon.

Doesn’t she give the crew Christmas bonus checks or gifts every holiday season? Out of respect and thanks for what they do the entire year? Didn’t she budget for it?

Yes, the strike has been distrupting lives for 2 months but what about the rest of the year when the crews/staff worked for her?

It doesn’t mean she is cheap - just that she lacks an understanding of being a true manager, boss and leader.

Many shows have still given their traditional holiday gifts to their crews/staff……they get that a LONG successful career in this town is built on relationships. Staff, cast, crews, writers, producers are a team.

Look at the pounding Gavin has taken on this site - he gets the numbers, can pick successful scripts and can somehow get the deal done but then always screws it up because he doesn’t get the human side of the business.

Shonda rethink this one - the strike will end - and where will this put you?

Seriously, I get more embarrased by the commenters here every time I come.

What gall.

I have a question to all those BTL’s who whine about Shonda… how many of you sent cash to your show’s PA’s? Or give money or food to your studio’s security people (who are paid a hell of a lot less than you)?

Let me guess. Zip. Zero.

Becuase it’s easy to bitch about not getting, but much harder to give.

She wrote an earnest letter. To respond to it with such cynicism is so… depressing. And off the mark, in my opinion. And to all those BTL-ers demanding compensation from showrunners: Where is your pride? Hard workers want a job, not a handout. Don’t succumb to fighting over beans, while the moguls dine on steak.