URGENT! Talks Day #4: Producers Present New Media Proposals To Writers; WGA Responds It's A Rollback & Rejects; But Is This The Whole Offer Or Just 1/2 Of It?

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(Keep refreshing for the latest...) 

THURSDAY PM UPDATE: I'm told WGA negotiators are still waiting for the other "half" of the AMPTP's Day #4 new proposals (the half that presumably contains the missing terms on ESTs, electronic sell-throughs?) which agent Bryan Lourd said should be in their hands by Tuesday if not before. Then the writers will make a counter-offer to producers on Tuesday. Here's the WGA West and East email to members critical of today's New Media offers by the AMPTP on streaming, content made for new media, and programming delivered over digital broadcast channels:

To Our Fellow Members,
After four days of bargaining with the AMPTP, we are writing to let you know that, though we are still at the table, the press blackout has been lifted.

Our inability to communicate with our members has left a vacuum of information that has been filled with rumors, both well intentioned and deceptive.

Among the rumors was the assertion that the AMPTP had a groundbreaking proposal that would make this negotiation a "done deal." In fact, for the first three days of this week, the companies presented in essence their November 4 package with not an iota of movement on any of the issues that matter to writers.

Thursday morning, the first new proposal was finally presented to us. It dealt only with streaming and made-for-Internet jurisdiction, and it amounts to a massive rollback.

For streaming television episodes, the companies proposed a residual structure of a single fixed payment of less than $250 for a year's reuse of an hour-long program (compared to over $20,000 payable for a network rerun). For theatrical product they are offering no residuals whatsoever for streaming.

For made-for-Internet material, they offered minimums that would allow a studio to produce up to a 15 minute episode of network-derived web content for a script fee of $1,300. They continued to refuse to grant jurisdiction over original content for the Internet.

In their new proposal, they made absolutely no move on the download formula (which they propose to pay at the DVD rate), and continue to assert that they can deem any reuse "promotional," and pay no residual (even if they replay the entire film or TV episode and even if they make money).

The AMPTP says it will have additional proposals to make but, as of Thursday evening, they have not been presented to us.  We are scheduled to meet with them again on Tuesday.

In the meantime, we felt it was essential to update you accurately on where negotiations stand. On Wednesday we presented a comprehensive economic justification for our proposals.  Our entire package would cost this industry $151 million over three years. That's a little over a 3% increase in writer earnings each year, while company revenues are projected to grow at a rate of 10%. We are falling behind.

For Sony, this entire deal would cost $1.68 million per year. For Disney $6.25 million. Paramount and CBS would each pay about $4.66 million, Warner about $11.2 million, Fox $6.04 million, and NBC/Universal $7.44 million. MGM would pay $320,000 and the entire universe of remaining companies would assume the remainder of about $8.3 million per year. As we've stated repeatedly, our proposals are more than reasonable and the companies have no excuse for denying it.

The AMPTP's intractability is dispiriting news but it must also be motivating. Any movement on the part of these multinational conglomerates has been the result of the collective action of our membership, with the support of SAG, other unions, supportive politicians, and the general public.  We must fight on, returning to the lines on Monday in force to make it clear that we will not back down, that we will not accept a bad deal, and that we are all in this together.

Patric M. Verrone, President, WGAW
Michael Winship, President, WGAE

UPDATE: Here's the AMPTP official statement from Talks Day #4:

LOS ANGELES, November 29, 2007 - "The AMPTP today unveiled a New Economic Partnership to the WGA, which includes groundbreaking moves in several areas of new media, including streaming, content made for new media and programming delivered over digital broadcast channels.

The entire value of the New Economic Partnership will deliver more than $130 million in additional compensation above and beyond the more than $1.3 billion writers already receive each year. In response, the WGA has asked for time to study the proposals. While we we strongly preferred to continue discussions, we respect and understand the WGA's desire to review the proposals.  We look forward to resuming talks on Tuesday, December 4.

We continue to believe that there is common ground to be found between the two sides, and that our proposal for a New Economic Partnership offers the best chance to find it."

EXCLUSIVE BULLETIN: The AMPTP presented what its sources just told me are "a number of New Media proposals" today at Talks Day #4. strike-talks-day4.jpg"This is the day it shook loose," a relieved insider just told me minutes ago. (This is also what I was reporting in my explusive post, Moguls Supposed To Present A Better Offer To Writers At Talks Today.) I've learned the AMPTP presented the WGA with "new terms involving streaming, made-for, Internet, and other issues". The networks and studios are claiming that WGA requested a suspension in the talks until Tuesday December 4th to study the new proposals. My sources say this came as something of a surprise to the moguls' side because their negotiating team was "ready to keep bargaining through the weekend". On the other hand, the AMPTP side finally presented the terms with so much fanfare that it really surprised the WGA negotiators who'd been increasingly doubful they'd ever see anything new. But let's not be overly optimistic or naive, either. The big questions now are: Are these truly "new" proposals or just newly packaged "old" proposals? And are they good enough to get this strike settled by Christmas?
Let's hope...

  1. Moguls Supposed To Present A Better Offer To Writers At Talks Today
  2. Talks Day #3 'Stalemated'
  3. Talks Day #2 Still Friendly But Unproductive; "Game Of Chicken"
  4. Talks Day #1 Productive; "Reasonableness Ruled The Day"
  5. Dare We Hope A Deal Has Been Struck...?
  6. Talks Restarted At Agent Bryan Lourd's Home After Weeks Of Quiet Backchannel
  7. LET'S STRIKE A DEAL! Both Sides Agree To Go Back Into Talks 
« EXCLUSIVE: Moguls Supposed To Present A Better Offer To Writers At Talks Today   DHD Update: Illness Delayed Posting »

180 Comments »

  1. No 90 minute cock tease waiting for the news, nikki? You going soft on us?

    Comment by damn — November 29, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

  2. Dec 4? Why can’t they review tomorrow and get back to talks on Saturday?

    Comment by No Nikki — November 29, 2007 @ 4:01 pm

  3. Why is the WGA breaking off talks? Are they quick writers but slow readers?
    Keep talking while you study it. Don’t leave the room. You are talking to the people who can answer questions.
    Do writers have to picket the WGA to keep the Guild talking?
    Why is the WGA stretching things out? I’ve heard of the war on Christmas. This is war on Christmas bonuses.
    We’re out of work. Settle this now.

    Comment by What are they waiting for? — November 29, 2007 @ 4:03 pm

  4. At this point we should really just focus on Christmas. The Strike will not be resolved before the 25th and I’d rather just relax and enjoy the holidays. Let these guys hammer it out and we can all get back to FAO Schwartz for a little bargain hunting.

    Comment by Family Guy — November 29, 2007 @ 4:05 pm

  5. I’ll be curious to see what the proposal is.

    I know jack about writing and producing, but new media?

    :D

    Good job, WGA, backing off once you had the offer.

    (What can I say, I’m pro-balls.)

    Comment by Max Bell — November 29, 2007 @ 4:10 pm

  6. Nice! Real, concrete good news. I’m going to stay cautiously hopeful. At least this is the first sign they might actually be negotiating in good faith, so let’s please at least try to keep the killjoy-ing within limits, okay? It’s not a solution, but it’s progress. I’ll take it.

    Comment by Caitlin — November 29, 2007 @ 4:17 pm

  7. Can we now finally stop whomever on here is beating the tired old drum of “force majeur?”

    The game is so much bigger than letting go a few million in overall deals that didn’t turn out so great.

    The companies have realized, as has the guild, that we must end this, and soon, or we will all suffer enormous losses that cannot be made up.

    Seriously, let’s try to be patient because now, for the first time, we are actually negotiating. We aren’t being asked to pretend that the kooky interweb the kids are all so crazy about is no way to make real money.

    It sounds as if everyone is acknowledging that the net is the way all content will soon be delivered, and trying to reason out how best to fairly compensate creatives, using the old models of syndication and DVD (or video) as the template.

    It actually won’t be an easy task, but now everyone is focused on figuring it out, with reason, and at least the pretense of respect, which is, let’s face it, as good as it will get at this point.

    Smart management, finally, from the companies. Let’s make sure that the writers don’t get caught up in playing the victims. We’ve won the PR war, it turns out that yes, we’re the ones who can entertain. Our videos are funnier and smarter than their non-existent videos.

    The AMPTP and the WGA don’t actually, at this point, have the option of divorcing each other. It doesn’t matter if we truly like or trust each other. It’s just about numbers.

    Now let’s focus on being boring businesspeople, and making a reasonable deal.

    Comment by WGA Writer with Business Sense — November 29, 2007 @ 4:20 pm

  8. “Why is the WGA breaking off talks?”

    They’re not, idiot.

    Comment by bill — November 29, 2007 @ 4:22 pm

  9. I hope the WGA makes a statement explaining the suspension of talks. I get they need time for review, but I say lock the door and through away the key until these boys emerge with a resolution - around the clock hammering is in order. That super union AMPTP( make no mistake they are a union) will wag their collective finger saying WGA slowed the process down - AMPTP is ready to deal. The clock is ticking on force majeure and the ill will is mounting as more lay offs are coming down this Friday and the merchandisers keep reminding us to get into the holiday spirit. Before Christmas is tomorrow as far as I’m concerned. Let’s get a fair deal and all of us can go back to work and then go shopping.
    Semper Fi

    Comment by Semper Fi — November 29, 2007 @ 4:23 pm

  10. Jeez. Going back on Monday wouldn’t kill the WGA? I don’t see why they don’t just try to plow through and get this done. I’d give them tomorrow to review this with talks to resume on Saturday at the latest.

    Some of us don’t have the wiggle room to drag this out any further.

    Comment by Average Joe — November 29, 2007 @ 4:24 pm

  11. My theory: Talks are being called off to cancel the press blackout so the WGA can discuss the proposals openly if they’re worth taking or debate them openly if they’re not.

    Comment by Captain Obvious — November 29, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

  12. Interesting that they had a press statement ready to release right after they announced their proposal… Seems to me they had this whole thing planned to go down exactly like this. Hopefully they actually presented something of value as opposed to making an empty gesture in an attempt to turn the tide of the PR war.

    Comment by Brian — November 29, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

  13. AMPTP’s site words it, “…while we strongly preferred to continue talks…”

    Comment by stuck in development — November 29, 2007 @ 4:33 pm

  14. I thought there was supposed to be a news blackout on the talks. Why is the AMPTP issuing statements?

    Comment by Josh — November 29, 2007 @ 4:33 pm

  15. Nice press release, AMPTP. So has this press blackout been downgraded to a brownout…?

    Comment by Norm A. Rae — November 29, 2007 @ 4:34 pm

  16. How is this a media blackout?
    I thought neither side was supposed to talk.. especially with official releases.

    Comment by not quite "middle" America — November 29, 2007 @ 4:34 pm

  17. Nice artwork! I bet Drudge is so jealous of your triple alarm bell thingy! His siren is so ‘06 now.

    Comment by Ted — November 29, 2007 @ 4:38 pm

  18. Comment by Family Guy
    “At this point we should really just focus on Christmas. The Strike will not be resolved before the 25th and I’d rather just relax and enjoy the holidays. Let these guys hammer it out and we can all get back to FAO Schwartz for a little bargain hunting.”

    How nice for you to be able to take the month off! I guess it is this kind of backbone that gain repsect for the rest of those “below the line.

    Comment by Teamstermans — November 29, 2007 @ 4:40 pm

  19. how can they put out a press release when there is a media blackout?

    Comment by wonder — November 29, 2007 @ 4:40 pm

  20. What happened to the “Media Blackout?” Anyone forgetting that the AMPTP called for it? Why do they get to make an annoucement when they finally get off their duffs and do something?

    Comment by Picket Guy 19557 — November 29, 2007 @ 4:43 pm

  21. Uh, isn’t there supposed to be a news blackout?

    Comment by No way — November 29, 2007 @ 4:43 pm

  22. Nice press release…

    I am now concerned, as all striking writers should be. this is nicely worded…concilitory. We run the risk of looking like the pissy ones now…and may have made a mistake taking “the weekend.” There’s a time to let go of your egos and work for those of us who’ve been pounding the pavement. This is the first round that looks like it’s going to the producers…

    and that makes me nervous.
    wgaStriker

    Comment by uh-oh... — November 29, 2007 @ 4:49 pm

  23. The AMPTo statement and numbers are lies — want proof, well weren’t they supposed to have a press blackout — which they have of course renegaded on in order to get out the first propaganda. — there’s an honest broker in the room now. Brian Lourd, Nicki you should check the veracity of the offer and the statement with him. This disinformation will last for the few hours it takes to put foward what really went on today. And it was the MPTP who said they needed until tuesday.
    Greg Teer

    Comment by Anonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 4:51 pm

  24. There are two sides to every story, and the AMPTP’s side is usually a lie. Let’s wait until the official Guild response before we start speculating…

    Comment by Devil's Advocate — November 29, 2007 @ 4:52 pm

  25. I love how they throw numbers around like they mean a damn thing without seeing the terms. Do they really think the public is that gullible?

    Is the public that gullible?

    Comment by T — November 29, 2007 @ 4:56 pm

  26. Everyone take a deep breath, relax. Much better. Before we go leaping to conclusions, let’s wait and see what the offer is. We have to trust our guild leadership to respond intelligently, as I’m sure they will. One major caution. It’s entirely possible that AMPTP has made a poor offer in hopes of confusing the public and causing fracture within the guild. This is no time to lose our resolve. Or our heads.

    Comment by ScreenVet — November 29, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

  27. Isn’t there a media blackout in place? The fact they released a statement, praising their own proposal seems fishy and underhanded at best…

    Comment by Say Whaaaat? — November 29, 2007 @ 5:02 pm

  28. Meanwhile, the moguls will give themselves another payrise of about $10 million.

    Comment by disgusted — November 29, 2007 @ 5:06 pm

  29. With the late presentation in regards to new media, it makes sense to take a calm rational look at the proposal.

    pb, measure twice, cut once when cutting new wood.

    Comment by pb — November 29, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

  30. Calm down. My gut says there’s a good chance this is more PR bullshit

    Comment by Rational Man — November 29, 2007 @ 5:09 pm

  31. Writers have been complaining for weeks that “WE didn’t walk away from negotiations — the Producers did!”

    Then they get an offer that — from outside appearances — seems fair. If nothing else, there’s no denying it’s a big step forward.

    The WGA response? Give us a week.

    Maybe the WGA doesn’t understand — PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK BECAUSE OF YOUR DECISION TO WALK.

    Is the proposal written in Ancient Sanskrit? Figure it out, people. Read the damn thing. Maybe try working through the weekend. If the deal sucks, you should know it right away. If the deal doesn’t suck — you’d better sign the damn thing on Tuesday.

    (non-)Working Hollywood is counting on you to end this.

    Merry Christmas from a below-the-line crew member who is out of work by the time you get back to the table.

    Comment by Ang Li Cru — November 29, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

  32. I don’t get this 3 day or 6 week thing. When a show first airs on TV there is a finite number of potential viewers. It airs in a specific time slot for only that designated time period until it’s made available to view again. For something like this to work on the internet you’d have to make the show available in a first run phase, take it down and make it available later for a residual phase.

    There are no repeats for streaming content though-each view is unique. The internet is global and available 24/7, the potential number of viewers is everyone in the world who has a computer and internet access. The show should be made available indefinitely and you get a flat percentage per view.

    People need to stop trying to apply the TV model to the internet, it’s a whole different animal.

    Comment by AnthonyDe — November 29, 2007 @ 5:17 pm

  33. Gotta admire good old Variety. Headline:

    “Writers Balk in Talks”

    Comment by Dave — November 29, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

  34. I understand taking Friday as a break from talks. I understand that WGA teams are probably working through the weekend to dissect the proposal.

    What I don’t understand is what they are doing on Monday.

    This was an opportunity for the WGA leadership to make a huge statement. Come back first thing Monday morning and declare the proposal crap, or announce that they’re bringing it to the membership.

    When this is all done (hopefully next week), I’d LOVE to hear a REAL reason why they needed the extra day. Cos let’s face it — that basically kills any chance of crew members returning to work next week.

    Both sides need to get this worked out and let the rest of us get back to work.

    Comment by Local 695 — November 29, 2007 @ 5:29 pm

  35. Well, I admire how the AMPTP played this — three days of buildup, accompanied by strategic press leaks, followed by a splashy release of a cheery-sounding counterproposal. It’s not just a set of numbers — it’s a New Economic Partnership(TM)! (Since when do offers at the table have brand names? Has the WGA missed out on something here? Should their offers have each had a special name? The Very Reasonable Offer, Son of the Very Reasonable Offer, The Very Reasonable Offer III: We Can’t Believe You Still Haven’t Given us Digital, etc.) And I admire the AMPTP’s strategy in giving it a name — the New Economic Partnership(TM) has a ring of finality, a take-it-or-leave-it quality that a simple counteroffer wouldn’t have. They played the week well — they rolled this proposal out like it was “Cloverfield”.

    Now the question is, what’s in TNEP(TM)? Is that $130 million figure for real? And, just as important, where’s that money located? Is it in areas that are going to grow, like digital? Or is it in areas that are shrinking? I’m as anxious to get back to work as anyone. But I don’t want to jump on this offer till it’s been thoroughly studied, because I don’t want to get stuck with a lousy deal for the next 20 years. And if it takes four days to parse it, so be it.

    Comment by K — November 29, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

  36. The 4 days is to read the proposal, understand the language, and make a counter. Rushing it would cause mistakes. I’ll give them the time it takes to make it right and as bullet-proof as possible.

    Looking forward to the 4th.

    Comment by writer on strike — November 29, 2007 @ 5:40 pm

  37. I suppose the WGA could study the deal faster than 4 days but then the AMPTP wouldn’t be able to kill your career with force majeure and get so busy with DGA negotiations to sit down with the WGA.
    Let’s snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
    Drag it out.

    Comment by "hey hey ho ho" is all we known — November 29, 2007 @ 5:41 pm

  38. Give them the four days to read the proposal, dissect the numbers, and come up with a counter strike.
    I’m willing to not rush and make mistakes like in the past.

    Looking forward to the 4th!

    Comment by strikingwriter — November 29, 2007 @ 5:42 pm

  39. Anything to stop the YouTube videos

    Comment by Kim's Video — November 29, 2007 @ 5:43 pm

  40. ‘New Economic Partnership’… anything this nobly titled can only be bs. it’s going to be a long cold winter.

    Comment by Skeptical — November 29, 2007 @ 5:46 pm

  41. I’ll wait to hear back from our Guys. I wish they (WGA) put a team together to go over this tonight so we can get a better sense of what the AMPTP’s first lowball offer is. We really don’t need all this time to go over the numbers. And that AMPTP “Statement” seems more a PR move than anything else.

    Don’t get fooled, they have a strategy in place…

    Comment by PJ - Writer — November 29, 2007 @ 5:48 pm

  42. If the bulletin the WGA just sent out is anywhere close to believable (and I have no reason to think otherwise), we are barely any closer to a resolution than we were a month ago.

    - $250 for unlimited online reuse of TV

    - $0.00 for unlimited online reuse of film

    No internet jurisdiction.

    No DVD increases.

    See you on the picket lines Monday… and January… and probably beyond… hope that ‘force majeur’ is worth losing this season and next.

    Comment by Norm A. Rae — November 29, 2007 @ 5:55 pm

  43. I think somebody’s might be in need of an update. Have you taken a look at the e-mail the WGA just sent to the membership

    Comment by Cynic — November 29, 2007 @ 6:01 pm

  44. FORCE MAJUER. I told you guys. Seriously, learn already. I know what I’m talking about.

    Comment by ChuckT — November 29, 2007 @ 6:03 pm

  45. Go, Verrone.

    If it were me, I’d call this a “no”.

    Comment by Max Bell — November 29, 2007 @ 6:07 pm

  46. “Media Blackouts” and “Gag orders” only create rumors and obfuscate the truth.

    How about we are all adults. Tell us what is going on.

    Comment by redblack — November 29, 2007 @ 6:10 pm

  47. do all you writers wear tinfoil hats? or is it just the poor ones?

    Comment by Anonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 6:17 pm

  48. BAD NEWS - The Strike Continues.

    http://www.unitedhollywood.com

    Comment by Lanny Grant — November 29, 2007 @ 6:20 pm

  49. If this doesn’t end soon I’m going to have to find an on strike writer and move in (I hope you all have nice homes and extra sleeping space.) ALOT of us are on our last savings and without the lecture about you’re evil, no you’re evil, no your not giving us what we want - whatever -

    Do I want to move in with a mogul? Sure, I don’t care I WANT TO WORK AND PAY MY RENT & BILLS.

    Save the guild/AMPTP party line for someone who still cares…

    I get any work, reality/anything, I’ll cross the damn picket line. I wonder if it is possible to file a class action suit ending this crap - “we as the suffering parties demand monetary damages and punitive punishments.” hmmmmm

    Comment by below the line — November 29, 2007 @ 6:22 pm

  50. The producers claim they’re offering $130 million a year increase. The WGA says what they are asking for amounts to $151 million over three years ($50 million a year). Clearly someone’s math is off here.

    Comment by Picket Boy — November 29, 2007 @ 6:25 pm

  51. Language of AMPTP release smacks of touchy-feely Hill and Knowlton arsenic candy. ‘Groundbreaking’ offer? Maybe if by ‘groundbreaking’ they mean the result of a gravedigger’s shovel…

    Comment by writer — November 29, 2007 @ 6:28 pm

  52. yeah what the heck is up with the 130 million vs. 151 million discrepency??? Knock knock? Who’s there? MISERABLE PESSIMISM…

    Comment by FUZZY MATH INDEED — November 29, 2007 @ 6:34 pm

  53. The WGA just received a detailed proposal with a lot of legalese in it. They are doing what any wise entity does in such a negotiation - giving their legal team a sleepless weekend. :)

    Oh, and Ang Li Cru - They’re taking the weekend, plus a Friday and Monday. That’s only two business days. Given that this is first real New Media deal for the WGA, and given how badly they frakked the ferret with VHS and DVD, it seems reasonable and prudent for the legal team to have the weekend to work on it, the WGA team some time on Monday to hear their analysis and talk it over, and a night to sleep on it before going back to the table Tuesday.

    I don’t know that that’s their exact process, but you get my point.

    Comment by mheister — November 29, 2007 @ 6:34 pm

  54. So “New Economic Partnership” means “We get to make a crapload of money off your work on the internet. You get $250.00. Thanks for playing.”

    Thanks. I’ll pass. How about dropping the Orwellian BS and giving us a real offer?

    Comment by WGA vet — November 29, 2007 @ 6:36 pm

  55. I hear banjo music.

    Comment by Lorelei — November 29, 2007 @ 6:38 pm

  56. The AMPTP is not going to settle until after the new year…don’t do anymore black out and continue to picked Wall Street and those Stores. Go to Congress and sue them like Sumner is suing youtube.

    The producers don’t think you can last til the Sag talks…

    But you are making progress with the advertizers and if you continue to be vocal and let the public know how greedy the bastards are…this is about Union busting. Pure and simply….to IATSEA stop whinning you knew the strike was coming…so buck up!

    Comment by Jeanette C. — November 29, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

  57. To quote our Deadline Hollywood Daily host Sista Toldja… Toldja! I toldja last week that they’re Lucy and they’re gonna pull the football away again. The AMPTP is back at the table to divert the guild leadership away from strategizing on how to shut down tv and then film production, WHICH IS THE NUMBER ONE THING WE NEED TO BE DOING, and instead the guild leadership has to spend all their time in negotiations and reviewing proposals. Plus, they are trying to get the showrunners back in to get at least another episode of every show by acting like they’ve returned to the tables in good faith. It’s time for all those militant tactics that David Young told us he used in his previous gigs, and sooner rather than later.

    Comment by Anon writer — November 29, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

  58. I’m starting to strongly suspect that some of these hysterical comments by distraught ‘crew members’ are actually being posted by flacks for AMPTP.

    Comment by ScreenVet — November 29, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

  59. Hey, Ang Li Cru, go do what every other “rich” writer is doing. Wait on tables. I’m getting sick of production people blaming the writers for them losing their jobs. I’m not getting paid a buck on my studio deals, so I’m in the same boat, pal. Pass the gruel.

    I was afraid this would all turn out to be AMPTP bullshit and no, I guess we see it was.

    Seriously, it’s time to try to drag the mogul’s asses into a senate hearing. These guys are trying to break this and every other union and it’s starting to get to a point where the writers are going to assume a scorched earth policy. The AMPTP still doesn’t seem to take us seriously. We have to change that. It’s time to start calling for the viewers to boycott the networks in incredibly tight targeted manner. Tonight it’s “don’t watch CBS night” etc. Maybe it’s time to make them realize the public is still behind us, which, despite the shills who keep popping up on the site, I believ they are.

    Comment by a — November 29, 2007 @ 6:44 pm

  60. jeff at 6:09 is right

    Comment by SR — November 29, 2007 @ 6:45 pm

  61. I never want to receive another letter from Patric Verrone again. A pox on all their houses. Christ.

    Comment by Sammy Glick — November 29, 2007 @ 6:46 pm

  62. And that’s $250 for an hour long show. I’m sure it’s half that for half-hour.

    The real offer better come before Christmas or it’s bye-bye this TV season and the next.

    Hope you all want to watch the CW’s upcoming reality show “Farmer Wants a Wife” because that’s all you’re going to get. Yee-haw, we get to watch UPN go bankrupt again!

    Comment by Klaatu — November 29, 2007 @ 6:47 pm

  63. We’re all riding up and down so wildly with each new press release. All the people who were asking “Why four days?” now have their answer — because there’s nothing on the table to work with. Breaking things off turns out to have been a wise idea. It’s time to trust the negotiating team — to trust that they know what they’re doing and aren’t either going to sell us down the river OR stonewall in the face of a reasonable offer (which hasn’t even remotely come up yet). As much as we want this thing to be over, we can’t get too excited ’til we hear “Yep, this is it, guys!” or else we’re going to exhaust ourselves.

    I say let’s really come out in force on Monday — picket the crap out of all our locations and show them we’re not backing down and we’re not going away. We havve the courage of our convictions, maternal-unit-fornicators!

    Comment by Kip Russell — November 29, 2007 @ 6:51 pm

  64. It’s time to put this all in perspective. Disney paid Ovitz $140 mil in severance for 15 months’ work and that was a few years ago. Take the yearly bonuses of the top 3 guys at each conglom and it would be way beyond what the Guild is asking for.

    This is what America’s become. Executive pay, which once bore a reasonable relationship to worker salaries, is now obscenely off the charts. And yet, so many are anti-union.

    One of the most disheartening aspects of the strike is to hear writer/actor/guild bashing from BTLs.

    If you have such utter contempt for your co-workers, why not work in construction?

    The only way we’ll counter the congloms is to stick together.

    I hate to hear about anyone losing a job, but remember that more Guild members are out-of-work than working at any given time. For us, these residual streams are essential for our livelihood. For most, they’re not a luxury!

    Comment by WRITER WHO'S WRITE — November 29, 2007 @ 6:52 pm

  65. The new ‘groundbreaking’ deal is a rollback? I’m just going to assume that someone’s math is off. See, we do need math because this is one of the times they need to use it.

    Comment by Kevin — November 29, 2007 @ 6:53 pm

  66. I am not a “shill” for either the AMPTP or the WGA.

    Wait on tables? Wow, that’s supportive, shouldn’t the Guild be working on the disparity between “poor writers … waiting on tables…” and “Rich Writers (who eat at those restaurants where the ‘poor’ writers work.)

    Bottom line, if this strike continues there won’t BE any restaurants hiring, nor will there be a television season worth watching, NOR will there be any re-coupment of loses for all concerned. All concerned is inclusive of Poor Writers, Rich Writers and the Production Staff/Crew who are irritating your poor conscience…

    So, at which restaurant are you working? I’d like to get a free meal - but I don’t have a WGA card.

    Comment by below the line — November 29, 2007 @ 6:58 pm

  67. The funny thing is, the more they dick us around, the stronger my emotions get. I’ll walk all damn day - my body’s used to it now.

    And, ultimately, who cares that much about picketing? What matters is they aren’t getting my work.

    But it will be interesting when they piss away TV 08 and have to go to the upfronts with nothing. Once those ad dollars go, they’re not coming back. They can’t lose that.

    See y’all in June…

    Comment by girl scribe still walking — November 29, 2007 @ 6:59 pm

  68. Jeanette:

    Why do you assume all crew/staff is IATSE?

    Comment by Crew Member — November 29, 2007 @ 7:02 pm

  69. You know, I’m not a guild writer, so I don’t really reap in any of these benefits - however, I’m on the side of the writers and I have to say that the producers deal is a load of crap. $1300 per 15 minute web original content? And what if that little 15 minute short becomes a TV series or movie?

    Comment by the other pJ — November 29, 2007 @ 7:09 pm

  70. If I hear one more “This strike is going to last months/until the studios decide it’s going to end”, I’m going to scream. If that’s true, then is it really worth everything that’s going to be lost? Could you not have planned this any better, done anything so that this isn’t just screaming at a brick wall and then coming here to whine? However, I don’t think it’s true. You have leverage. Lock the AMPTP in a room and tell them it’s either a fair deal or court. Coming here to bitch and moan and berate others about hoping the strike can be resolved quickly does nothing more or less than being optimistic. GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND PLAY HARDBALL. You can grumble and point fingers about how you’d be happy to work but the AMPTP won’t. They’re asses. They’re thick, ignorant, selfish morons. We KNOW that. But in what you’re saying you don’t sound any better, not to the general public. And maybe they are full of idiots, but they’re the ones who’ve got your backs right now. (Those last two words are the key ones) You *can* do something. Screw how drastic it is, there are lives on the line. Take it to court, bring it before the world, berate them until they cave. Yes, it’s easier to say instead of do, but if you don’t do, you should never have started this damn strike in the first place because we’re all going to be screwed out of a lot more than what you’re trying to get. I’ve heard it all already. No more excuses. Do something. I love you, WGA, but this is exactly what I was afraid was going to happen. Your support won’t last forever, and bitching about people being naive won’t change that. Like it or not, you’re the ones who have to take the measures. So do it. If you do, you can get what you deserve. Otherwise, we’ll all get nothing.

    Comment by Caitlin — November 29, 2007 @ 7:10 pm

  71. The studios have just shot themselves in the foot. It will take them awhile to realize it, but their hubris is a sign of weakness, not strength.

    Solidarity.

    Comment by Anonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 7:12 pm

  72. Keep in mind that this is a negotiation. AMPTP lowballs, WGA counters and it goes back and forth until eventually everyone finds a number that doesn’t make anyone happy and they agree to it.

    Comment by encurtido — November 29, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

  73. Stop being such drama queens. This is what negotiating is all about. Corporation submits a lowball offer they know won’t be accepted…workers badmouth that offer and come back with high offer they know won’t be accepted…corporation badmouths that offer and submits slightly higher offer than last time hoping maybe it’ll get some traction….workers badmouth that offer and submit slightly lower offer than last time…lather, rinse, repeat until there’s a deal neither side likes, but can live with.

    I’m begging you people, for just one week, take the part of the day that you’re not picketing and read up on business negotiating tactics, union/corporation negotiations, and things like that. If anything, it’ll keep you from the daydream good vs. evil fantasy land you seem to be living in where you run these guys in front of the Senate or some such nonsense.

    It’s a business negotiation…this is how these things work.

    Comment by c'mon people — November 29, 2007 @ 7:24 pm

  74. Hey, BTL people

    Not even going to try to reason with you about how railing against the writers is misguided, or how we all know our jobs are always precarious in this business be it from strikes, show cancellations, etc

    However, the more you rant against the writers, the longer YOU are prolonging this strike. AMPTP is counting on BTL to pressure writers into caving into a bad deal.

    The more you rant against writers, the more AMPTP believes (wrongly) that their tactic of using you against the writers is working and they will continue to prolong this strike.

    The bad PR has taken AMPTP down. Rant against the AMPTP and contribute to their bad PR. That will help expedite this strike.

    Comment by union experience — November 29, 2007 @ 7:29 pm

  75. A and Screenvet,

    Does anyone really believe that posts from crew members are fake. These people are hurt and pissed and make a tiny fraction of what the writers make and they are going to lose their houses and have a horrible Christmas/Holiday Season. I know you aren’t crying any tears for them because you think you are fighting the good fight. But you ARE NOT in the same boat so at least show a little sympathy. The crew members don’t even have a dingy, let alone a boat. You don’t deserve a single honk from the teamsters who will eventually be dragged down with you as well.

    I was feeling some solidarity with the writers but posts like that just make me want to throw up all over your bags of money. The only writers eating gruel and waiting tables are the ones that weren’t working already and they deserve sympathy too. Poor baby isn’t getting paid on his Studio Deal. Waa Waah. It’s a good thing you guys are posting anonymously because you would have a lot of spit in your craft service and special ingredients in your lunches from the PA’s if you do work again. Ahhhh, Force Majure! Finally it has an upside.

    Comment by ohmigod — November 29, 2007 @ 7:39 pm

  76. The new “deal” is as shitty as the old. They obviously don’t know Bowman has an MBA from Harvard and might actually figure out their fancy numbers and formulas.
    Sigh.

    Strike on.
    Solidarity.

    Comment by LKB — November 29, 2007 @ 7:43 pm

  77. I read a comment here a few days ago. At the time I thought ….. paranoid fantasy.
    The gist… The AMPTP would return to the talks and table a rehash, an insult.
    Purpose?
    Force the WGA to walk again.
    Then trumpet it to swing a 360 on the negative PR Tsunami effectively vaporizing the WGA’s public support. AND, as an added bonus, use the breakdown as an excuse to toss Counter under the bus.

    I keep hearing the opening fanfare for Highway Patrol … Broderick Crawford? … Never mind.

    Comment by timbrehse — November 29, 2007 @ 7:59 pm

  78. Okay, gut check time everyone. This is a shitty ‘deal’ offered by the companies. They’re putting lipstick on a pig. And I’m sorry that that means we’ll be walking in circles for a long time, but I, for one, haven’t been sacrificing my time and paycheck to be paid LESS in the future.
    To those of you whining about ‘not being able to make it much longer or you’ll be hungry or lose your house or whatever, again, I’m sorry. This thing has a long way to go and if you thought it would all be resolved in less than four weeks, you simply didn’t plan ahead. Very few of us can afford to live without a regular paycheck, but come on, one month out of work and your crying about losing your houses? Sounds like you’re worse at numbers and math than the AMPTP.
    No, this is gonna go on well into January and probably February. The way I see it, the companies have no real motiviation to resolve this until then. But there is hope in February. See, these companies can’t go to the May upfronts and say, ’sorry, no new shows this year. Take your advertising dollars and save them for mid-season ‘08.’ When they realize that the Guild’s resolve is strong, we will win this thing. In the mean time, listen to your strike captain and strap it on. We’re gonna be marching for a while. I don’t like it any better than the rest of you, but do you really want to walk away empty-handed or worse after 3 1/2 weeks? I thought not.

    Comment by Matty — November 29, 2007 @ 8:01 pm

  79. They’ll wait for force majeure to kick in and then make a deal before the end of the year. The studios can claim a victory — they saved lots of money by cutting development deals — and the Guilds can claim one too.

    Long term, the studios are going through all this hassle so SAG and the DGA see how beat up the writers got and don’t ask for as much when their turn comes up. If SAG asks for a lot, the studios lose real money.

    Comment by Hopeful Futurist — November 29, 2007 @ 8:24 pm

  80. I’ve only been in the guild for about six months — so I don’t claim to know a lot — but I honestly can’t believe that people are that surprised by this latest news. Namely, because:

    1) Put yourself in the studio’s shoes for a minute –fat cat imagery aside. You just had a union walk away from your proposal on the table, and run an effective and strong strike for three weeks following. If you were a studio would you really run right back to the negotiating table and give the union everything they wanted? I think not. You don’t want to look like a foolish weakling in front of your shareholders, or to other unions for that matter, lest the DGA and SAG negotiations become equally disastrous. It’s only logical to (even if there is a better proposal locked away in some closet) stretch it out for a couple more weeks, if not longer.

    2) Go back to work before Christmas? Really? Not that I wouldn’t be jumping with the joy of the holiday spirit if we did, but again –logically it doesn’t make too much sense. TV show supports staffs have been, for the most part, laid off. Why go through the trouble of doing start paperwork for them a few weeks before the end of the fiscal year? Not to mention the erratic scheduling of working two weeks, and then having two off. January would seem like the most “natural” time to get back to work.

    3) I know it’s a tired old song — but force majeur also sounds like viable motivation to me.

    Still logic aside — I hope this thing doesn’t drag too long into the new year…

    Comment by A Newbie — November 29, 2007 @ 8:25 pm

  81. clear to everybody now that the WGA negs are in over their heads?…can this be a surprise when we’re led by the same people who failed to deliver on reality and animation despite the rhetoric?…and then got sandbagged into giving up the DVD percentage on the last day of pre-strike talks?…it’s one thing to organize a strike and another to pull off a deal…which is what we need them to do…

    Comment by skeptic — November 29, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

  82. Below the Line: No offense, but you’re playing right into the hands of the people we should be united against. There’s no point in writers and below-the-line getting into a pissing match over who’s poorer or blaming the WGA for the disparity between rich writers and poor writers. The fact of the matter is that corporate position is indefensible and the only tool the studios have is to try to shift blame for the strike onto the writers, a position that too many people seem too eager to accept. Writers have just as much of a right to fight for a fair contract as everyone else.

    IMO, if the WGA memo is correct, then this deal sucks and as much as it hurts me to say, I hope they don’t take it. You want to be pissed off at someone, that’s great, you should be — but we should be focusing our anger on the corporations, not each other. I’d post more, but I have to be up early tomorrow. For a job interview.

    Comment by DLJ — November 29, 2007 @ 8:36 pm

  83. As a below the line IATSE member who will be unemployed after next week because my showrunner won’t cross the lines, my support remains with the WGA. The WGA must not accept a subpar contract. At this point they are fighting for all of our futures. I will find a way to pay my bills, or I will go deeper into debt, but I still support the strike. We all knew that this was a strong possibility, so those that didn’t bother to have a strike fund have made their own beds. Good luck to all.

    Comment by KW — November 29, 2007 @ 8:40 pm

  84. This strike was doomed from the start because what Verrone is asking for isn’t nearly enough. You WGA members need to up your demands by a very large amount and prepare for a one year long strike or fold now and go back to work so all the below the line people can pay their bills.

    The Guild strategy is pathetically weak. They are lousy negotiators. They should be asking for ten times the amount they are currently begging for. Since they don’t have the guts to do this they are between a rock and a hard place and they put themselves there. Lousy leadership for the Guild and perfect low-ball stonewalling by the Congloms.

    You Guild members need to decide this weekend what you want. Are you willing to walk the picket lines for an entire year or longer to get real results? If not it’s time to take the bad deal and try again three or four years from now. Sorry to be so harsh but these are your choices. It’s time to wake up and get real.

    People are being hurt by your strike and the studios and networks don’t care about them. They will stonewall forever if they have to in order to focus the blame on the Guild’s leaders. So make up your collective mind. If you want real profits then you have to be willing to stay on strike for another 10 or 11 months.

    Comment by Anonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 8:47 pm

  85. So at this point they’re arguing over $21 million dollars over 3 years?
    How many millions are being lost each day the strike goes on?
    Think people!

    Comment by Jack24 — November 29, 2007 @ 9:28 pm

  86. Below the line, there are a vast number of BTL people supporting us because they realize that if the AMPTP gets away with the crap they are trying on us, they’ll be next. Metaphorically, there are vast number of Americans who’ve watched corporate nabobs rape this country, steal the pensions of workers, engorge themselves and even reward screwing up with golden parachutes that would make Midas choke with envy. But the writers, the people who are thought of as almost Hobits by most of the world, the nerdy, fat, skinny, mushroom-complexioned nebishy writers are standing up and saying “enough is enough.” Sure there are some amazingly rich writers, but you know what? Compared to the renumeration the heads of studios get, writers, even the richest, are peons.

    We’re sorry as hell if other people get hury but again and again, WE’VE been ready to negotiate since day one. We aren’t the ones firing the weakest people on the food chain. We didn’t hand out pink slips, we didn’t put actors on hiatus, we haven’t threatened the showrunners with lawyers letters and we won’t invoke force maguere.

    If you want to get mad, join us on the line. There’s lots of anger to go around.

    Comment by anotherWGAmember — November 29, 2007 @ 9:34 pm

  87. Why is the WGA leadership not learning anything from the Democrats of yesteryear (and next year)? Being right isn’t going to win crap. Neither is picketing, though it may keep outsiders mildly impressed that writers are not all on vacation.

    And when do the writers stop getting vaguely patronizing emails from their leadership and start getting a real breakdown of how the discrepancy between the amptp’s +130 million dollars and the guild’s -150 million dollars works out?

    It’s sad that it seems that all the WGA can do is react. And, if they’re doing more, they should clue the public in.

    Finally, the below the liners need to finally accept what they don’t want to face: they have jobs in this business because a writer thought up something that created their job. Period.

    Comment by tf — November 29, 2007 @ 9:45 pm

  88. Knew it. Pat’s letter is disconcerting at the very least. Seems like they just repackaged the Nov proposal. It’s shoddy. It’s bullshit. It’s so transparent it’s pathetic. All this for nothing.

    See you in June, dickheads…

    After We

    1) Block your proposed reversal of the FCC Regs to Consolidate your Monopolies.

    That’ll cost you a few Billion over three years.

    2)Sue you for the false accounting of our project income statements to deprive us of our residuals.

    That’s at least a Billion, collectively…

    Keep it up. Maybe you can figure out a way to make yourselves obsolete by June too.

    Comment by PJ - Writer — November 29, 2007 @ 10:00 pm

  89. I think the showrunners should just bind together and do what the Quarterlife folks did. Start a bunch of webisodes and then turn the studios back into distributors.

    Comment by Tweety — November 29, 2007 @ 10:11 pm

  90. “- $250 for unlimited online reuse of TV”

    Because, you know, it’s not like there’s actually any advertising revenue on the internet.

    Comment by s — November 29, 2007 @ 10:12 pm

  91. That is… crushingly disappointing.

    Really, Tuesday instead of Monday seems like it won’t make much of a difference, since with this offer- it’s gonna be a while. It seems the AMPTP don’t even want to cede a low percentage, which would be treating internet revenue like DVD and theatrical revenue and so on. And since that’s sort of the key issue, well, here we are.

    Even “0.01%” would have been a starting point, this is nothing.

    Comment by Evan Waters — November 29, 2007 @ 10:47 pm

  92. ‘I’m told WGA negotiators are still waiting for the other “half” of the AMPTP’s New Media proposals’? So does this mean the Guild walked away without getting all the proposal? What’s to think about? Get back in the room!

    Comment by Still waiting for some common sense — November 29, 2007 @ 11:00 pm

  93. Zero dollars for a year of streaming of feature films???

    $250 dollars for a year of streaming an episode of television???

    Just this morning I read in Variety that Netflix and NBC Universal have entered into a partnership to sell episodes of Heroes online the day after they air. The site is going to stream them.

    Here’s the link: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117976691.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

    And here’s a quote from the article: “For NBC, the Netflix deal is the third prong in its off-network “Heroes” strategy, which gives the online movie rental service the exclusive subscription video-on-demand rights to the show.”

    “This deal reflects the changing landscape of the entertainment marketplace and our objective of finding new buyers that complement our traditional customers,” said NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution exec VP-general sales manager Frances Manfredi.

    Yegads, studios, you are in the press trumpeting the new ways that you are making money off “new buyers” and yet you offer 250 dollars A YEAR to compensate writers for this??

    Comment by 'nonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 11:11 pm

  94. Here’s what’s shocking to me. If the producers are saying they will outlay 130 million a year, and the writers are saying the producers need to outlay 50 million a year, whichever one is right can only say one thing to me.

    Are you shitting me?

    The dueling math in the press releases is beyond bizarre, but for the moment let’s move past that. Either amount, spread over all of the studios, is a hilarious pittance. Far, far, far more than that has already been lost by the strike by the companies.

    Is this a bad dream, a lame joke? We cannot possibly have arrived at this place over such small amounts of money.

    When you are talking about network advertisers (a 45 BILLION dollar a year business!) for the first time in history considering asking for cash back instead of make goods because the eyeballs are not there, AND potentially no product to show to them at upfronts, it seems insane to me that the companies would actually risk all of that for either 130 million a year or 50 million a year DIVIDED UP BY ALL THE STUDIOS.

    Unless someone has misplaced a zero in those numbers, this seems like a bad, bad, bad joke. Does anyone here know what a big difference there is between a million and a billion?

    Put it in perspective. 130 million is the production budget of one failed tentpole picture. 50 million is only 15 million more than the production budget for the currently failing low-budget “Lions for Lambs.”

    And that’s shared over every studio in town?

    Seriously, tell me we aren’t ruining people’s lives and potentially destroying an entire industry over what amounts to pennies in the agregate.

    And please, please please for God’s sake stop going on and on about Force Majeur. We’ve already established that the amount of contracts that they might care to get out of is also TINY in comparison to the lost revenue. What a boring red herring that is.

    They’ve already lost more revenue on advertising on the downed late shows than what we’re talking about here.

    Wake me when this is over. Brian Lourd, please, please get these people to end this psychodrama and maybe bring in a pocket calculator while you’re at it. I don’t care who didn’t get hugged as a child, make this a real negotiation and let’s be done with this.

    If these numbers are even close to accurate Wall Street must be laughing their asses off. According to the Wall Street Journal, the major companies involved here have already lost way more than the amount discussed in the drop in their stock prices since this started.

    I hope this is the convoluted third act plot twist before the happy ending.

    Comment by WGA Writer with Business Sense — November 29, 2007 @ 11:17 pm

  95. Why is the AMPTP waiting to hand over half of their proposal? Why don’t they hand it over now?

    Comment by VC Writer — November 29, 2007 @ 11:21 pm

  96. Sorry, but the numbers make no sense. The WGA says its proposal will cost $ 151 million over three years==call it 50 million and change a year. The AMPTP says their offer is $ 130 million “above and beyond the $ 1.3 billion the writers receive each year.” If the $ 130 million is “each year,” it is far richer than the WGA proposal. The numbers make no sense.

    Something tells me it is the AMPTP that is fudging their numbers, anyone want to bet I am wrong?

    Comment by math major — November 29, 2007 @ 11:30 pm

  97. How can WGA write an email saying the AMPTP offer is a joke and then still take 4 days to analyze it?

    Comment by stranger — November 30, 2007 @ 3:40 am

  98. How can the WGA call these “ROLLBACKS”? We may not have gotten the deal they wanted yet, but this term is deceptive and manipulative. They are only rollbacks compared to broadcast rates and the WGA cannot expect these rates for online work where the ad rates are much lower. While the AMPTPs deal is very low, it is something. Call it a very low offer and move forward with the negotiations. Simply engaging in a manipulative war of words that uses deceptive language will lose the WGA the upper hand they have had with the public and its membership. We must keep the public’s trust on our side through honesty and a willingness to quiet the rhetoric and get down to the business of striking a deal.

    Comment by writer — November 30, 2007 @ 3:42 am

  99. Very simple.

    If people can access a second showing of a TV show over the Internet as well as on TV, it’s a short step to simply not repeating it on TV. Because people can watch it on the Internet.

    Voila. Instant rollback.

    Comment by Piers — November 30, 2007 @ 4:50 am

  100. Interesting…Variety has yanked the “Writers Balk in Talks” headline on their website (still shows up in their search engine but the article doesn’t say that any more)…I wonder if they’ve been taking heat over their visibly slanted coverage?

    Comment by bill — November 30, 2007 @ 4:57 am

  101. WGA business sense,

    You’re forgetting that the WGA is fighting not only for the next three years, but the three years after that and the three years after that and so on.

    Also, they aren’t fighting over hard numbers. 151 is a projection based on the percentage the WGA wants. That number can decrease or increase depending on New Media’s success.

    Percentage people. All these hard numbers are just estimates.

    Comment by No NIKKI — November 30, 2007 @ 5:24 am

  102. I give thanks to Bryan Lourd.

    Comment by Lourd Help Us — November 30, 2007 @ 5:43 am

  103. “How can WGA write an email saying the AMPTP offer is a joke and then still take 4 days to analyze it?”
    You know what they say. Nothing kills a joke like analysis.

    Comment by Rather Be Writing — November 30, 2007 @ 5:46 am

  104. NPR is reporting that AMPTP is offering millions of dollars to writers, which sounds very deceptive. How could a writer turn down millions of dollars? Anyone want to do some media outreach?

    Comment by Casey — November 30, 2007 @ 6:13 am

  105. FORCE MAJUER. I told you guys. Seriously, learn already. I know what I’m talking about. You keep picketing while the producers get the letters ready. Some writers are going to lose shows before this is done.

    Comment by nice — November 30, 2007 @ 6:40 am

  106. Enough with the force majeure talks, folks. The studios have no interest in getting rid of the vast bulk of their overall deals. The vast bulk isn’t such a vast bulk these days. And most of those deals are two-year deals, so the ones that didn’t work out will expire soon anyway. And the dollar volume of these deals is dominated by agreements with ridiculously successful writer-producer-creators with whom the congloms want and desperately need to be in business. J.J. Abrams’ deal with WB alone probably accounts for a significant chunk of the dollar volume of overall deals. And WB’s not looking to get rid of him anytime soon. Same with Carlton and Damon of Lost, Greg Berlanti, Neal Baer, Marc Cherry, Shawn Ryan et. al. - - - there’s not that much dead wood in the development deal shed. Especially not in terms of dollar volume.

    Yes, there may be more dead wood in some sweetheart deals in the feature world. Probably a lot of those are with former execs who were given soft landings after deciding they wanted to “spend more time with their families.” And would the current crop of studio/network execs want to set a precedent of killing these deals - - - the same deals they’re looking forward to when it’s their time to reacquaint with their kids and grandkids?

    And most of all - - - let’s not forget what “force majeure” means. It means “greater force”. A “greater force” such as an Act of God or war that “changes everything” such that the congloms have the ability (and yes, moral leeway) to get out of their commitments.

    This strike ain’t exactly 9/11, or a tsunami, or Katrina or WW II. Rest assured any deals “force majeure”‘d will be subject to extensive and expensive litigation (and discovery!) by those whose deals are ended. They would have a strong argument that the force majeure wasn’t a force majeure but a willful act by the congloms to worm their way out of deals.

    This argument would be only stronger if there were, say, a record of AMPTP dithering until the six-week mark passed, deals were force majeure’d, and then, presto, the strike were settled. So factor in the litigation costs and settlement costs all of a sudden any money saved by jettisoning these deals through force majeure is even less impressive.

    So enough with the force majeure, folks. This strike isn’t about the past. It’s about the future.

    Comment by grimes — November 30, 2007 @ 6:52 am

  107. Can any writer think of something else to call us besides “Below the Line People?”

    It comes across as negative to be described as beneath others all the time. Also, a lot of us are now living below he poverty line and we don’t want to be reminded about it constantly.

    Comment by editor — November 30, 2007 @ 6:53 am

  108. The real negotiations won’t begin until SAG/DGA are in the mix next spring. Until then, all we can do is wait.

    Comment by yetanotherwriter — November 30, 2007 @ 7:00 am

  109. WGA Writer with Business Sense, you got to be kidding me. This strike was never about money, it’s about Union Busting and Greedy men who has no problem paying themselves billion dollar salaries in the terms of Stock Options and mergers.

    The writers had to strike now because MegaBuxs are investing and buying up as much of the internet they can get. And WGA/SAG need to keep pressing the Democratic Congress about the consolidations of the media. My opinion they should be broken up…but that’s my opinion.

    When the strike started the AMPTP didn’t even respect the writers let alone any unions, but after the past weeks that is starting to change.

    Even Wall Street (CNBC) has a whole different perception of Hollywood and how this industry underpins so many other businesses. And for once people are really seeing how greedy these MegaCorps are…Bollywood anyone.

    Comment by Jeanette C. — November 30, 2007 @ 7:01 am

  110. Let’s never go back to work!!! That’ll show ‘em!!!

    Comment by jim — November 30, 2007 @ 7:07 am

  111. Nikki, Could you please ask your WGA sources when they first heard the AMPTP throw out the $130 million number? And if the answer is, they first heard about it in the AMPTP’s press release, could you please ask your AMPTP sources why they didn’t offer up that number in negotiations sessions with the WGA - - - and walk the WGA through it?

    Because if I was the AMPTP and I was offering up such a “sweet”, “jaw-loosening” deal” I wouldn’t wait for my press release to reveal it! I’d trumpet it to the WGA negotiators. That’s not a ball I would hide! I mean, talk about burying the lead.

    Unless of course it was bull….

    Comment by grimes — November 30, 2007 @ 7:09 am

  112. I hope the New Economic Partnership (NEP) is not inspired by the New Economic Policy (NEP) of Vladimir Lenin. According to Wikipedia, in essence, the 1921 decree required the farmers to give the government a specified amount of raw agricultural product as a tax in kind.

    The results weren’t all too hot.

    Comment by Blair Kurwitch — November 30, 2007 @ 7:09 am

  113. I’m just disgusted by the AMPTP press release. Shouldn’t the WGA (being writers) be able to twist language to their benefit as well as these guys? Why isn’t the WGA better at playing the “dirty” game? And please don’t let the word integrity enter this discussion. It’s Hollywood folks. Let’s PLAY like it’s Hollywood. Let’s ALL sink into the mud and get it over with.

    Comment by gottasayit — November 30, 2007 @ 7:14 am

  114. The only writers on the entertainment side that are making a steady income (yearly) are the talk show (day and late night) and the soaps. Even if you are at the top of the food chain in that pack and you’ve been at it for 15 or more years, you are probably topping out at a million, maybe 1.5, and they are looking for ways to get rid of you to save money. If you are that guy or woman in a seniority position, you are probably in your late 40s, early 50s. Enough said about your future in Hollyweird. The disparity is HUGE between salaries in upper management on the corporate side and all the workers, even those writers at the top, who are creating the product that allows the CEOs to paint a profitable forecast for their shareholders. Take it to the street, WGA. Let them crack open those books for the shareholders. Let’s see those personal and corporate returns, then follow the money. It’s for certain you won’t find it lining the writers’ pockets. I agree totally with “Writer Who’s Write.”
    Semper Fi

    Comment by Semper Fi — November 30, 2007 @ 7:19 am

  115. “The AMPTP is back at the table to divert the guild leadership away from strategizing on how to shut down tv and then film production, WHICH IS THE NUMBER ONE THING WE NEED TO BE DOING, and instead the guild leadership has to spend all their time in negotiations and reviewing proposals.”

    hey “anon writer” it sounds to me like your end game here is REVENGE, not a fair settlement. isn’t the purpose of a strike to force negotiation and ultimately make a deal? i guess you don’t want the leaders of your guild to have to sit down and actually do the hard work to try to make a fair deal; everyone should bow down to content creators and hand them everything they want on a silver platter or you’ll take your ball and go home, shut down production and put thousands of people out of work. this arrogant attitude is the reason this strike will cost many innocent families their homes.
    we all know the studios don’t play fair, it’s a given to anyone who has been able to survive in this business. your cause is just but your strategy sucks! go back to the table and don’t leave until you figure it out!!

    Comment by lineproducer — November 30, 2007 @ 7:25 am

  116. Ah, hell…I suppose it’s time I started watching those DVD sets I bought of The Sopranos after all, huh? This looks to be a long, dull winter…

    Comment by Bill C. — November 30, 2007 @ 7:33 am

  117. Just throwing this out there. Obviously some Congloms are affected more than others, but, based on the current status of the negs, we are well into the next fiscal quarter of this strike…

    Posted on UnitedHollywood.

    A reader emailed us an interesting observation about the stock prices of the four companies we’re striking against whose core businesses are entertainment (ie: not GE and Sony). From day one of the strike (Nov 5) until yesterday, the stock prices have all declined:

    CBS -4.5%

    Disney -6.4%

    Viacom -3.8%

    News Corp -2.0%
    Source: CNNMoney.com

    Of course, many things factor into a company’s stock price, but if you’re a shareholder, you might suggest to your board that one way to boost confidence would be fostering productive, mutually beneficial relationships with the creators of some of your biggest revenue streams. A crazy notion, we know!

    Comment by PJ - Writer — November 30, 2007 @ 7:40 am

  118. Let’s not get all hysterical here. No, this isn’t close to the offer we want, but it is an offer that includes new media. Let’s just all accept that FINALLY we are at the beginning of a real negotiation and go on from here. This could still be settled before Christmas, and I think it will be, with compromises on both sides and a fairer deal on new media.

    Comment by Kitty — November 30, 2007 @ 7:54 am

  119. I think this is excellent news… seems like run of the mill labor negotiations to me…Agree with previous poster regarding low ball initial offer… has anybody here bought a care before?… Can anybody actually believe that the AMPTP and WGA just exchanged an offer that included real dollar figures in reference to streaming internet content? Yes low compared to traditional media, but this is a negotiation and am sure the guild will get more than $250… Smart move to take the weekend to prepare for counter-offer. This is a good negotiation, the AMPTP is using language like “common ground” and partnership. The WGA will stand firm to get the best deal possible. When they do, a true partnership will emerge between the studios and the guild, and the WGA will have gotten a revolutionary contract. Here’s one for a change… keep up the good work.

    Comment by Kevin — November 30, 2007 @ 8:08 am

  120. My prediction. The WGA will piddle around taking 4 days to study half a proposal. The AMPTP will move on to the DGA and they will set a precedent the WGA will hate. How will the DGA hold out for a good deal? If the past is a precedent, consider past Hollywood labor actions.

    2000 Commercial actors strike, nearly six months.
    1988 Writers Guild of America strike, over five months, 22 weeks.
    1987 DGA directors strike, 3 hours and 5 minutes.
    1985 Writers strike, two weeks.
    1981 Writers Guild of America strike, three months.
    1980 Actors strike, three months.
    1960 Actors strike, led by SAG President Ronald Reagan, six weeks.
    1952 Actors strike, two and a half months.
    1945 Set decorators Hollywood Black Friday strike, six months.
    1942-43 Musician’s strike, thirteen months plus.

    Comment by get set for a long road to nothing — November 30, 2007 @ 8:13 am

  121. Was the federal mediator there? Where is he?

    Comment by we need all the help we can get — November 30, 2007 @ 8:14 am

  122. Hey writers…if you are so mistreated and underpaid to begin with by the studios and you feel you must act now or forever miss out on the future potential of the internet, then why not have extended your contract til June at which time you could have joined forces with SAG and DGA who surely must share in the same plight as you against the big evil coporations. Seriously, did you think you were going to do this all alone? How selfish is your strike right now? Did you have to strike right now? Or could you have waited until SAG and DGA and WGA could have all created such a threat of immediate work stoppage of all commercials, TV, and features that the studios would have been forced to make a realistic proposal. You should have taken a page from the DGA and negotiated way in advance of your contract expiration. Can you blame the BTL’s anger towards you?

    So all you writers on this site keep digging your heels in and saying brace yourself BTL for the long haul, see you in june, etc. Why didn’t you guys wait until June…and then all of this could have been avoided.

    Idiots.

    Nice going gang.

    Can’t wait till this is all over and you come back with your tails between your legs. How are you going to face the room of dept heads at productions meetings ever again.

    I’m looking forward to the WGA and its members suffering.

    Comment by DGA member — November 30, 2007 @ 8:14 am

  123. so why does it take four days to get back to them if they know it’s a crappy deal? say it right there. show some balls. say this is shit, it’s what you offered before so what else have you got for us? we’ll stay here all night waiting. never leave the room until you get a new offer. these guys think they are playing stratego. are in over their heads.

    Comment by annoyed writer — November 30, 2007 @ 8:39 am

  124. AMPTP’s proposal blllloooooows.

    Nick Counter, your strategy is showing its age and obviously isn’t working this time. Hope you’re getting paid well for costing your clients billions of dollars.

    Comment by NBC Striker — November 30, 2007 @ 8:42 am

  125. re Force Majeure …

    As an agent representing over a hundred top writers/producers/actors, I think the discussion of ‘force majeure’ is beyond overblown on this site and the comments sections. I have at least 50 clients with suspended deals right now. But given the marketplace for writers and producers over the past 5 years, 90% of our overall deals are people working on established series that will return post-strike. In other words, they wont be terminated by studios.

    Further, most ‘development-only’ deals either have hot pilots going into production, or represent valuable assets for studios (eg JJ Abrams/Warner Bros TV) that they wont terminate.

    That leaves a few — and when I say this, I mean about 1-2 deals on each lot — deals where a writer/producer is in the ‘development’ year tacked onto a long standing staffing assignment, or a deal built around a show where a writer crapped out, or a pure development deal where the mood has changed. We’re talking small potatoes here. Given that most studios paid 10-20% upfront for those deals (which all got signed in October, btw), their exposure is another 6 months of weekly checks.

    It’s not enough to justify holding writers out. If Les Moonves wants to delete a deal for $3 million with 2 writers, does it make up for the loss he’ll experience when he has only 18 episodes of CSI, or 19 episodes of TWO AND A HALF MEN … doubt it.

    There is some validity to waiting till January 1. Corporate statements will show the short term benefit of ALL deals that have been suspended (Weekly checks have stopped flowing, while production is still moving). Once January 1 comes, the AMPTP will get more realistic, but check any deal with SAG — they wont tolerate a 2nd strike in June.

    Prepare for the long haul. The issues behind the strike have merit; the studios mission is to maximize profit and secure intellectual property without regard to any individual (ie companies dont have feelings). That said, the reality is beginning to set in that the tv writers, showrunners in particular, are bearing the brunt of this strike financially; as in 1988, their mettle will determine how long an effective strike will last.

    Comment by TV agent 72 — November 30, 2007 @ 8:52 am

  126. Stop looking at the numbers. None of them (from either side) make any sense out of context. $150M or $130M over what time period? Growing to what? Percentages on declining revenue streams or growing revenue streams?

    Without knowing the details and laying it out in a spreadsheet with all the assumptions on both deals, no one can make heads or tails of these proposals. THEY MEAN NOTHING OUT OF CONTEXT.

    That rant being said, I’m sure the Alliance is totally full of crap.

    Comment by T — November 30, 2007 @ 8:53 am

  127. Where is everybody today? We need to be hitting the picket lines even harder but not too many of us are out here. Don’t be scared by a little rain. Get your ass back on the line!

    Comment by Walking Away — November 30, 2007 @ 9:25 am

  128. Does anyone out there know how much the studios and networks have made so far from all internet usage, vs what WGA members have made? It’s for something I want to post up. Cheers!

    Comment by Four Cent — November 30, 2007 @ 9:33 am

  129. $151M is what this is about? Really? That’s about $4,575 per WGA member per year. I say cut a huge super-sized check to WGA and make it all go away. What am I missing here?

    Comment by JD — November 30, 2007 @ 9:48 am

  130. Are there any adults left in the WGA leadership?

    Comment by Longtime WGA — November 30, 2007 @ 10:46 am

  131. No pickets today? A little rain and you sugarplum writers melt!? Hilarious…

    Comment by jack — November 30, 2007 @ 10:52 am

  132. Anyone else feel like the AMPTP just multiplied $250 by the number of episodes of all scripted television on all network and cable TV over the course of a year, and - viola! - $131 million? Clearly, the math here is shady and misleading. What’s that saying about a bridge for sale…?

    That said, if any of this is even the least bit surprising, you haven’t been paying attention.

    Comment by Not Surprised — November 30, 2007 @ 11:25 am

  133. 1) Bottom Liners keep in mind that not every writer makes more money than people on the crew. We’re not being paid either and a lot of writers are starting to suffer financially. Also, why are you yelling at the WGA when you should be yelling at the AMPTP? The producers have begun talks with their typical low-ball offer. THEY are the ones holding up the deal process. THEY know they have at least a little time (2-3 weeks) before they have to offer anything substantial. With the holidays coming, most shows wouldn’t start shooting again until mid-Jan. So why not use the time to make the WGA squirm? And remember, BTLers, the money we get from this deal is your money as well.

    Bottom line for bottom liners: don’t forget who created this strike in the first place. The AMPTP. They purposefully offered us absolutely nothing on Nov. 4th. They pushed us into a strike to see if we would strike, and how much support the strike would get. Now those questions have been answered. It’s up to the AMPTP to step up, be reasonable and end this strike. This is THEIR strike, not ours.

    2) As someone already mentioned, if this deal is that bad (and it appears to be, especially with NO EST figure whatsoever), why does the WGA need to study it so long? My theory? The WGA wants to make the AMPTP squirm as well. Time is eventually not on the side of the producers. If the strike lasts through January, there will be major loss in ad revenue and the pilot season becomes endangered. Maybe the WGA wants to run out the clock, too. This might be a strategy to force the AMPTP to bring more realistic proposals to the table sooner.

    3) Honestly, I don’t necessarily trust the WGA NegCom to be that smart. Or the leadership. I think the timing of the strike was done perfectly. But there’s been a number of things mishandled since the start of the strike. I can’t say that the WGA people are going about this badly, either. I just don’t have enough information to base an opinion on. I hope they will be competent, but I won’t blindly trust them to be great negotiators.

    4) Asking for way more than what the WGA is asking would not be a good strategy. That would motivate the AMPTP to endure a longer strike and it could be used against the WGA in the PR campaign. These are HUGE precedents being negotiated. We need to establish those precedents and the way to do that is not by asking for a lot more.

    5) Both writers and BTLers need to be a little patient. There’s no reason to cave in to a lowball proposal after only 4 days of talk. I mean, c’mon people, put yourself in the AMPTP’s shoes. What are you going to initially offer? A great deal that the WGA accepts immediately? Or are you going to nibble at the corners, and wait a while to see if you can get the WGA take a crappy offer? That’s negotiating 101.

    Writer With Business Sense is right. The AMPTP has their back against the wall. The media buyers are breathing down their necks and they are in jeapordy of destroying pilot season along with their current business model of the upfronts. However, I would tell WWBS this, the AMPTP has some wiggle room left. With the holidays coming, they know that most shows are not going to be shooting again until mid-Jan. So WHY NOT use a week or two now to low-ball the WGA, apply pressure via the hopefully growing resenment of the bottom liners, even use TV writers’ guilt over the fact that their crews aren’t working, let the rumors and speculation build along with the anxiety of the WGA membership. Again, it’s negotiating 101.

    And keep in mind, this is precedent-setting stuff we’re getting into with these negotations. Neither side is going to rush a deal. Because it is a deal both sides will be stuck with for a long time.

    I still predict a deal before Christmas, but not much sooner than that.

    Comment by Kit Sargent — November 30, 2007 @ 11:26 am

  134. How stupid does Bryan Lourd look right now?

    I wonder how CAA feels about being played by the AMPTP.

    Comment by dave — November 30, 2007 @ 11:55 am

  135. WARNING - Please be aware that several assistants and execs at various studio “media relations” departments have reported and confirmed that the AMPTP is now employing “TROLLS”, that is paid employees, to troll the internet for blogs and comments sections like this one and post anti-WGA/pro-AMPTP comments. These trolls have been instructed to identify themselves as writers, fans, and viewers. The purpose is to attempt to create a perception within the membership that the membership’s unity and resolve is begin to crumble. Don’t believe it. Anyone who claims to be a associated with the writers and questions the wisdom of taking time to carefully examine the New Partnership proposal is very likely not who they claim to be. This particular comment was specifically refferred to by the AMPTP leakers as their most powerful and immediate “Troll” strategy. When you consider the timing of the proposal’s release you can begin to see their strategy.

    Comment by WRITER McSTRIKEY — November 30, 2007 @ 12:20 pm

  136. It is so unbelievable to me how many AMPTP’ers have commented above. I love their “aliases” too. “Average Joe” or “Person from Middle America,” etc.
    Writers they are not.
    The AMPTP is a bunch of selfish, evil pricks. How do I know? Because this was ALL PLANNED. Get the hopes up by agreeing to talks, string them along, insult them with yet another insulting offer, and then act like the WGA’s the problem.
    The AMPTP’s the problem. They’re the reason there won’t be Xmas for so many kids of below-the-liners this year. That is just plain evil.

    Comment by Shorty — November 30, 2007 @ 12:30 pm

  137. All I can tell is that someone’s math is off. Boy, math teachers all around the world are throwing a tantrum right now.

    Comment by Kevin — November 30, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

  138. Another WGA Member -

    I agree with 99% of (your well thought out and written) comments. However, the Strike -and I do feel both sides are at fault- has resulted in those of us in the lower food chain getting pink slips.

    Someone has to blink - don’t care who it is, why can’t (and someone PLEASE respond without the vitrolic tone that is rightly prevalent) the Writers go back to work, allow negotiations to be ongoing but set another deadline that if there is no deal they’ll be another walk out.

    The strike is killing those of us who are not union/guild. It has ruint my Thanksgiving, due to concerns about my future (no comments about construction, restaurants or working at Target.) and will most certainly result in a very very lean Christmas.

    I do support the Writers, I do believe that the WGA deserves the increases in the new media/internet/itunes etc. I do not support my lack of job, my fear of paying bills and my concern that not only the industry but satellite industries will be adversely affected. This also affects my happy home-life and I’m sure I’m not in this boat alone.

    There is NO magic bullet - but something has to give and standing out in the rain (to-day anyway) won’t make the AMPTP move faster - I doubt they’re even noticing the pickets. Are there pickets at the AMPTP in Encino?

    Sigh.

    Comment by Below The Line — November 30, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

  139. “Why is the AMPTP waiting to hand over half of their proposal? Why don’t they hand it over now?” - Comment by VC Writer

    Because they thought it would be more dramatic to put the rest of their proposal in a bag, set it on fire, leave it on your mat, and ring your doorbell over the weekend….

    Comment by sb — November 30, 2007 @ 1:35 pm

  140. I’m confused - are we still waiting for the 2nd half of the deal to be presented, or is it all in?

    Comment by Confused — November 30, 2007 @ 1:49 pm

  141. The only two good things I can see as a result of this strike:

    1 - Hollywood kills itself by forcing the talent with business sense to start their own studio/distribution idea at which point the moguls will be left in the dust.

    2 - The majority of people in the business will quit, move out of LaLaLand and get real jobs, leaving a lot more jobs available for the rest of us.

    Comment by Sandy Daley — November 30, 2007 @ 1:49 pm

  142. I thought the agents where “finessing” each sides demands? What happened? We can’t accept any contract saying they can show all of a show and not pay if it’s a promotion. I’ve been screwed by CAA before, but at least ther repped me at the time!

    Comment by Adam Lapidus — November 30, 2007 @ 2:14 pm

  143. Re. Studio Accounting — Who exactly would be financing this proposed litigation to expose the books? Your Uncle? Grandmother? Nobody will, of course, so why bring up such lunacy? Unless you’re willing to put your money where your mouth is, keep that nonsense to yourself. That said, good luck to the writers. You deserve a good deal.

    Comment by Say What? — November 30, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

  144. I’m told by someone involved in the negotiations that it’s a misconception that the AMPTP’s proposed $250 flat fee applies to television episodes that are streamed online. It applies to original made-for-web content. The offer on the table for residuals for streamed TV shows is still a free window (around six weeks) and then a revenue percentage (around 1%). The email the WGA sent out was, apparently, misleading on this point.

    Comment by WGAmember — November 30, 2007 @ 2:55 pm

  145. Writer, or should I say studio mogul plant…

    what part of “In the near future your TV and internet will be one and the same” don’t you get?

    This is a deal for the future, not just this second! Your TV will have a freakin’ internet connection. SOON! You will download shows and movies on demand….again…from your internet.

    Maybe, just maybe we should have a deal in place before that happens?

    Comment by Jaimie — November 30, 2007 @ 4:15 pm

  146. Well, that’s about half of the release from AMPTP. Nick didn’t seem fit to publish the whole thing. And how serious are the WGA, a little rain, and they’re not picketing? Teansters would’ve been out there with raingear and waterproof donuts. ;)

    Comment by cindymindy — November 30, 2007 @ 4:17 pm

  147. The rain has nothing to do with there being no picketers today. Fridays are reserved for events and meetings. There hasn’t been picketing on a Friday since the strike began.

    Comment by DLJ — November 30, 2007 @ 6:59 pm

  148. DGA Member –

    Thanks for the tip on waiting to June. ‘Cause nothing prompts swift action on the studios’ part like knowing they have two months to kill before they need to start shooting their TV shows. And as for negotiating well in advance — what do you think the WGA was doing for all those months when the AMPTP had its steaming turd of a proposal on the table — you know, the one where writers wouldn’t be paid until a project was profitable? The AMPTP just submitted the offer they should’ve started with six months ago, and the only party to blame for that is the AMPTP.

    Comment by K — November 30, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

  149. I posted the following statement several days ago but, apparently, Nikki felt you all could not handle it (the truth hurts). In light of the latest developments (the writers being offered a bum deal), I am going to attempt to post it AGAIN:

    This is December. Just wait until the dark, depressing days of January/February gets here when the full realization of a weakened dollar/economy hits the nation (a nation of people who have just spent money they don’t have over the holidays and will go into debt for it AGAIN). You all are going to sound and look like spoiled, bitchy brats to people who don’t make a quarter of what many of you do (and who certainly don’t enjoy the perks of working in Hollywood - reality check: a LOT of people in this country who work full time don’t even have medical insurance!!). The tables and the public will turn against the writers. It is human nature and economics. Force Majeure is NOT primarily about the money. THEY WANT TO GET RID OF THE DEAD WEIGHT ON THE DEVELOPMENT SIDE SO THEY CAN REDIRECT THEIR ENERGIES TO NEW MEDIA. They do this by CLEANING HOUSE and saying to shareholders, “We’re restructuring and moving into a new phase.” DUH. Also, after many of you lose your deals, you’ll be looking at WGA management for blood. Force majuere will divide the WGA. THAT is what the studios want. Again, DUH.

    The reason I don’t have respect for the WGA and its constituents is because the writers are basically asking the Producers to screw them with a slightly bigger vibrator than the one they had last year (and this is 20 years after you got screwed the first time). It’s a dependency on an old revenue model that’s dying out. It’s pathetic. Come on guys. You’re creative. Have you learned nothing in 20 years? Where are the visionaries amongst you who can pave the way to the new media pot of gold (because they sure aren’t sitting at the negotiating table).

    Comment by ChuckT — November 30, 2007 @ 7:04 pm

  150. Dear CindyMindy,

    There was no picketing scheduled for today, Friday, except at Sony. Please refer the picket schedule on the WGA website before your run your ignorant mouth off. We will be on the line in the pissing rain on Christmas Day if our Guild asks us to — tell that to your “Teansters”

    p.s. Spell check — look into it.

    Comment by Picket Coordinator — November 30, 2007 @ 7:18 pm

  151. Is the WGA missive to the members posted online where non-WGA-members may read? If so, link please?

    I’m hearing what the AMPTP is saying is the truth and nothing but….and I’m hearing edited versions of the WGA e-mail (?) I’d like to read that if it isn’t confidential.

    Comment by below the LIne — November 30, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

  152. Well, if anything, picketing has strengthened my resolve. Not weakened it. I’m a only a few years into my career, so I feel like I definitely have a dog in the fight.

    They blow for laying people off and not negotiating in good faith, but I’ll be here in Jan.

    Comment by girl scribe still walking — November 30, 2007 @ 7:26 pm

  153. Attention assholes: There is no picketing scheduled on fridays. It’s got nothing to do with weather, it is about maximizing members’ time on other, more effective strike related projects and demonstrations.

    But you already knew that, because you’re assholes.

    Comment by One guy, two cups — November 30, 2007 @ 7:29 pm

  154. To Below the Line -

    The problem with the writers going back to work and setting another deadline is that once we go back to work, the AMPTP will offer nothing again. At this point the strike has at least gotten the AMPTP to offer actual money for internet, as small as it is. Going back to work will only get them to do less.

    Folks maight forget that the AMPTP had 3 years to come up with this plan. That they only took the “get rid of all residuals and do a study” plan off the table the Thursday before the strike deadline AFTER the 90% vote. Writers would LOVE to go back to work while this was negotiated, if they thought they would get something even close to a fair deal. Remember, there’s lots of writers not cashing checks now too.

    But there’s no way we’d get anything if we went back to work. We’ve only gotten the scraps of offers we have because the big writer-heypenates held out faster, longer and stronger than the studios expected. I know it’s a drag, but it is clear the only time movement comes from AMPTP is if we don’t work.

    And if we don’t address these issues SAG will have to. Actors REALLY can’t afford 250 bucks for second run of network shows. Top of show is 4 grand or so. And fewer and fewer actors even get that. That first run is crucial to actor’s healthcare.

    So, we’re out. We’re going to stay out until the studios toss enough crumbs that we can at least feel that convergence won’t wipe out our income completely. So the writers are going to buckle down, get those crumbs set once and for all - or for the next 10 years or so anyway - and then we can all get back to work.

    Comment by Scott Kraft — November 30, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

  155. The only picketing scheduled for today was at Sony, from 10-12.

    Comment by Slabberdabber — November 30, 2007 @ 8:00 pm

  156. I respect people for making a stand for what they believe in - good luck.

    I have been studying/working with Entertainment Companies for a couple of years and think that the dynamics have changed quite a bit since the 1988 strike. Some of these changes may not be in the favor of the WGA.

    Most of the major AMPTP firms have diversified operations which will help to weather this strike quite a bit.
    - Disney has ESPN, Theme Parks, Consumer Products and int’l operations that will not be impacted by the strike
    - Sony has a huge electronic division which is their primary growth driver
    - News Corp has Fox Sports, Fox News, Fox Business Network, MySpace, American Idol and int’l satellite platforms
    - Time Warner has several cable networks built on sports and reruns, AOL, magazines
    - NBC/Universal has the 2008 Olympics coming up and the advertising associated
    - CBS and Viacom could be in trouble - but they have Nickelodeon, MTV, BET which rely on a lot of reality

    Every single one of these companies has invested heavily in international operations which are beginning to build local content not impacted by this strike. I have done some work in this area and know that programming/customers outside of the US is a big focus.

    There was a comment about the stockholders of these companies and how they will rebel. There is so far no indication of that. The entire stock market is down so there has been no indication that the market cares about this strike. It has been expected by most analysts and given the diversification by the many of the entertainment companies it is not the biggest issue. In fact, in most recent earnings release conference calls the strike was barely mentioned.

    Did the AMPTP want the strike - probably not - it is a bother that they probably wish that they did not have to deal with. The strike may allow them to dump a bunch of old practices that they feel trapped in - like upfronts, pilot season and the traditional TV season/order patterns. There are many reasons why a strike is not the worse thing for the AMPTP. They do not want it, but they have the financial balance sheets to weather the strike and use it to shake-up the traditional way they do business.

    A lot of us in industries that surround entertainment hope this clear up soon - but given some of the dynamics it may be a long winter.

    Good Luck again to all sides.

    Comment by Finance — November 30, 2007 @ 9:13 pm

  157. I think the only way we can speculate is if we know the details of the ‘new deal’ that was offered to the WGA. Numbers lie. There could be that dreaded fine print.

    Damn I wish I was a fly on the wall in their negotiating room.

    Comment by Kevin — November 30, 2007 @ 9:35 pm

  158. JEANNETE C

    Who are you kidding? Of course this strike is about money! That’s why I’m striking. Enough with whining writers wanting respect. Get self respect. It’s about money. That’s why we’re talking numbers. Get a clue.

    Comment by workingwriter — November 30, 2007 @ 9:38 pm

  159. I just want to know, from both sides, where these numbers are coming from. I don’t suck that much in math, but it’s not making sense.

    Comment by KH — November 30, 2007 @ 9:39 pm

  160. Dear Lineproducer,

    You must be one crappy line producer if you think there’s merit to sittinng at a negotiating table with someone who won’t negotiate.

    If you don’t like this business, go work for IBM.

    Comment by Anon writer — November 30, 2007 @ 10:02 pm

  161. I was at the Sony picket today. It was cold. It was wet. It was packed. I’m constantly impressed by the willingness of our union’s writers to come out and stand up for a fair deal.

    Comment by (nont)workingwriter — November 30, 2007 @ 10:37 pm

  162. ChuckT,

    Wow, now that I know there are paid trolls on this thing, I pick you as the Tokyo Rose of Deadlinehollywooddaily. “Hey Joe, it’s all about Force Majeur…your kids are going to go hungry, why don’t you come off the picket line and come sit in this nice easy chair?”

    I hope you’re getting paid well. I remember getting paid by the studios, I loved it!

    Though the whole fake freak out of Force Majeur was so nimbly addressed by TV Agent 72 who clearly knows what he/she is talking about, you still beat it like the drum you’ve been paid to keep hitting.

    The fact that certain people keep bringing up the obviously moot point here suggests to me a concerted effort at agitprop that is supposed to get everyone here sniping at each other, and forgeting who is really being unrealistic and intractable here.

    As usual, Kit Sargent makes the most sense. This is basic dick-waving negotiation. Low Ball insult, outrage, competing offer, increasing pressure on both sides, bla, bla, bla, it’s as predictable as kids at a Junior High dance.

    The fact that people above, below and between the so-called line are extending their lines of credit, and calling the “Bank of Dad,” as well as warning their kids that Santa wants to reduce his carbon footprint (or whatever excuse they are coming up with for the empty stockings) isn’t really of interest to the egos that are now 100% committed to fighting the fight for as long as possible so it looks like the fight was a good idea in the first place.

    But I agree that the fight cannot extend beyond Christmas without serious, business altering reprecussions from Wall Street.

    This will end before Christmas. Even the managers of these conglomerates who have enjoyed a cushy monopoly for so long cannot be so foolish as to tank their own sweet situations by attracting the attention of their stockholders and of the Federal Government. If they get even more unpopular, they will find themselves where Martha Stewart found herself. In Camp Cupcake for “lying” which isn’t even a Federal crime.

    Believe you me, the accounting of the companies will not look pretty in the light of a Senate Hearing room.

    But that’s nothing compared to the wrath of the network advertisers.

    Mark my words, it will be tense, it will go down the the wire and have plenty of third act twists and action, but soon we will all have ourselves a Merry little Christmas, now.

    Comment by Writer With Business Sense — November 30, 2007 @ 11:12 pm

  163. It is also in their best interest to expose weaknesses in the WGA and break the WGA leadership down NOW before they REAL money from the internet starts rolling in within the next three years. Again, Force Majuer is not so much about money as it is about what you all become scared shitless and desperate.

    Comment by ChuckT — December 1, 2007 @ 4:34 am

  164. PJ,

    As someone who’s married to a former Wall Streeter, I can assure you that those on Wall Street are just as corrupt and greedy and overpaid as those in Hollywood. Same group. Same M.O. Same filth.

    So exposing Hollywood to Wall Street would be as useless as exposing Michael Richards to the KKK.

    Comment by Sherilyn — December 1, 2007 @ 6:08 am

  165. “But I agree that the fight cannot extend beyond Christmas without serious, business altering reprecussions from Wall Street.”

    Comment by Writer With Business Sense — November 30, 2007 @ 11:12 pm

    Wrong. Conglomerates are quietly making the case that their business models need reworking. Most “Wall Streeters” (so-called) agree. If the media companies deliver on the promise, their shareholders — and share prices — will benefit. That’s “if,” of course. But the disposition of this strike, at least over the next six months, is irrelevent.

    Bottom line: Wall Street will bring no “pressure” to force the companies to compromise. Speculation to the contrary reflects wishful thinking on the part of those who don’t really know what they’re talking about.

    And, no, I’m not on the AMPTP payroll.

    Comment by Mr. Wall Street — December 1, 2007 @ 6:23 am

  166. Hey, Finance. You really have no clue about this business.

    “The strike may allow them to dump a bunch of old practices that they feel trapped in - like upfronts, pilot season and the traditional TV season/order patterns.”

    Exactly. The networks are trapped by the upfronts, a practice which allows them to fill ad b