Living in balmy Los Angeles where only occasionally WGAW pickets get rained on this time of year, it's easy to forget the hardship of frigid weather that WGAE strikers are enduring back in NYC. 
For instance, the WGAE last week picketed in intermitten snow squalls and wind chill that made temps of 31 to 33 feel like the high teens. Yet the picketers still turned out in Rockefeller Plaza last Wednesday and in front of News Corp last Tuesday. (That media giant owns My Space TV which came to town to hear pitches for new shows for its website). The NYC picketers walk the line bundled up against the cold in layers of clothes, including two pairs of gloves.
Which is why it's all the more impressive that comedians and performers lending support that week have included Jerry Stiller (see photo left), Buck Henry (see photo below), Richard Belzer, Paul Shaffer, Alan Zweibel (see photo below), Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, Richard Belzer. Plus, the writing staffs of all the NY-based comedy/variety shows -- Saturday Night Live, The Late Show With David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. In addition, screenwriters Terry George (see photo right) and Andrew Bergman, and writing producers David Chase, Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, Warren Leight (see photo below).
Hot coffee and donuts were on hand for the picketers at HBO last Thursday on the coldest day yet of the week -- 24 degrees and windy. More than 200 WGAE striking writers were joined by members of the WGAW, SAG, DGA and AFTRA. The crowded swelled to the point that NYC police were forced to extend the barricades into one lane of the very trafficked Avenue of the Americas to accommodate all the picketers. In addition to the striking writers, on hand were Rob Morrow, B.D. Wong, Griffin Dunne, Evan Handler, Rachel Dratch and Seth Meyers (see photo above), Linda Dano, Ilene Kristen, and Gilbert Gottfried. One of the day's chants was "Hey, hey, ho, ho; HBO, show us the dough." David Letterman's Late Show head writer/producer Eric Stangel gave out hand warmers. "You want to wrap up this strike quickly? Make the WGA and AMPTP negotiate outdoors in these conditions," he wrote on lateshowwritersonstrike.com. "This sumbitch would be signed sealed and delivered before lunchtime." Great idea. Maybe the locale for the next round of negotiations needs to be the hotel's meat locker.
Just wanted to say, for all the WGA writers reading this website, that you’ve still got a lot of support from us out here in fan world. It’s a crying shame writers in general have to struggle so much to make a living wage, and it’s a bastard move by the AMPTP to walk out on you just before Christmas.
I used to pay for downloads through iTunes and watch the live streaming episodes of my favorite shows on the web…a LOT. Now I don’t. Neither do my friends. Too bad, producers. There’s no way I’m going to tune into TV if all they put on is reruns I could just as easily check out from my library. More likely, I’ll just catch up on reading and play some video games. Educate myself on classic movies. I’ll only be back when my favorite writers are getting some of the money I pay.
BTL workers–it sucks that you’re in the middle, but the AMPTP is the group off on Christmas break while the WGA clearly want you guys back to work as soon as possible. Maybe the next benefit could be for the BTL workers?
I hope everyone involved (AMPTP excluded) has the best holidays possible, and stays strong until a fair deal is struck. Don’t let the internet go!
Comment by Missing 30 Rock Already — December 9, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Believe me, we think about the WGAe picketers every day. It’ll be about forty degrees tomorrow morning at six when I show up at Sony, and I’ll be thinking it could be worse. Instead of Culver City, it could be New York City. Keep up the good work, WGAe and supporters!
Comment by Lorelei — December 9, 2007 @ 9:13 am
Here’s the truth, the colder it gets, the longer our line gets. Most days there are so many of us, there isn’t room to walk. Other writers seen multiple times last week: Richard LaGravenese, Kevin Wade, Rafael Yglesias,Tony Kushner, Amy Sherman, Julie Martin, Charlie Rubin (hell, all the Law and Order writers in New York), Tony Gilroy, Doug McGrath, Adam Brooks, Walter Bernstein. Everyday we are joined by more SAG members as well.
We are holding firm back East. We know the issues, the Negotiating Committee and David Young have our support.
Solidarity,
WGA East on the line
Comment by Anonymous — December 9, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Tina Fey is by far the best dressed WGAE member on the picket line. Week before last in front of Time Warner at Columbus Circle it was 30 degrees as we walked in the wind. Dandruff flew off the heads of most of the crusty writers but she looked rad in her great boots and groovy hat, scarf and mittens. She stayed longer then the 10 mins that Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon usually put in on their way somewhere else. She rocks.
Comment by snoopfrog — December 9, 2007 @ 9:55 am
Works for me. Now find some one to force the AMPTP back to that icy table.
Comment by Caitlin — December 9, 2007 @ 11:01 am
Does SAG have a clause that prevents them from striking with us? Even if they did, the actors can engage in a massive “sickout” to side with the WGA. Instead, actors are full steam ahead making movies.
In order for this strike to really affect the studios, the industry TRULY needs to be shut down, like the Broadway stagehands SHUT DOWN Broadway. The reality is that the movie industry hasn’t shut down, and the TV industry, with its reality slates and mid-season shows, hasn’t really shut down either. This is why the strike isn’t packing as powerful a punch.
Anyway, my question is - why to we even have a “sympathy strike” clause on the negotiating table? It’s worthless…
Comment by WGA member wondering — December 9, 2007 @ 11:17 am
Yes to Tina as best dressed, although the competition is not keen. Also, Seth Meyers has been there I think every minute of every day, and dresses in a seemingly thin leather waist cut jacket.
WGA East on the line
Comment by Anonymous — December 9, 2007 @ 11:33 am
My hearts go out to those freezing in NYC.
My hearts go out to those writers who are aversely affected by this strike, and to those BTL workers who are collateral damage from this unfortunate circumstance.
Where are those showrunners and show creators who actually have professional (even personal?) relationships with some of these CEOs? It seems like the showrunner on the show I work on isn’t as angry as the rest of the writers, and the other writers I know on some other shows echo the same sentiment. The creators of these scripted shows, and the showrunners, not to mention the big feature writers, should be calling the Peter Chernins and really getting back-channel talks going.
Where are Ben Affleck and Matt Damon? Not hunting for good will that’s for sure. Where’s JJ Abrams? Oh yeah - off making a movie. Where are the powerful people that can actually apply pressure to studio heads? What the hell are they doing? Tina Fey, can you not call Jeff Zucker?
Not only that, where are the talent who come out to the picket lines during lunch time for photo-ops? Steve Carrell - why aren’t you calling Jeff Zucker? Kiefer Sutherland, why aren’t you calling Chernin? Oh yeah, you’re in jail.
Why isn’t there more going on??!???!??!!
Comment by THE COLD SUCKS — December 9, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Thank you, dear WGAe members and supporters! I think about your guys when I pull my 5 am shift at Warner Bros. and I am inspired by your stamina!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Comment by jennifer — December 9, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
WGAe - YOU guys rock! I look forward to walking the line with you when I’m back East for Christmas!
Comment by Strike Grrrrl — December 9, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
Given the upcoming plans for reality shows and the appearent lack of desire by the networks to resolve the strike, I’m wondering if they are trying to break the union. At this point the writers are suffering more than the networks. The networks may believe they could survive until fall without new scripted shows.
Comment by Patrick McNamara — December 9, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
I was in NYC this past week too. It is freakin’ cold!
Comment by Trott Felipe — December 9, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
Damn…seeing all those bundled up picketers makes me want to run up to NYC with endless gallons of hot chocolate.
Hey writers, us fans are really trying to do our part and show our support in any way we can, however small. We’re trying to hit the networks where it hurts…advertisers! There are letter-writing and e-mailing campaigns going on now, not to mention endless phone calls to networks and big-name companies who are advertisers, especially on the streaming internet videos.
Though in the grand scheme of things it may not seem like much, but I think we all sort of feel so helpless that we’re trying to do whatever we can, in our own ways, to let you know we support you and are fighting for you too! Stay strong, stay warm, and stay united! Don’t let the AMPTP MindF*&king work!
We miss you all so much and your wonderful words and stories…we can’t wait for you to come back!
Comment by Lisa — December 9, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
I hope the WGAE took the necessary precautions for the coming winter, these people need to be properly organized for a winter campaign, right now.
Respectfully,
PC
Comment by PubliusClodius — December 9, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Benign post. I’m sorry, but Jerry Stiller looks so adorable that is just kils me. Anyone who ever workd for/with him knows what a great GREAT guy he is. So I can I at least express this meaningless sentiment to say that just seeing him warms my heart and resolves our support for this cause. Jerry, we love you. Young and old alike, you are an icon to us all.
All our love,
KOQ and Seinfeld crew, and I’m sure the Stiller/Meara fans as well.
Comment by KOQ Crw, cast and writers — December 9, 2007 @ 11:47 pm
Thanks for blogging about this. Nobody’s bringing us churros either!
Still, we remain, the tip of the proverbial spear.
Comment by WGAEESH — December 10, 2007 @ 3:12 am
Hey guys, I’ve been reading the blog for a couple of weeks now but this is my first comment here. I’m just a fan, but, like Missing 30 Rock Already, I understand what the writers are fighting for, and there are many more of us out there. Please remember that us fans understand and appreciate all the writers do to entertain us, and that we are pulling for you to get all that you deserve and are entitled to.
I hope our love and support is some sort of small consolation for you all this holiday season.
Comment by SG — December 10, 2007 @ 6:16 am
“Does SAG have a clause that prevents them from striking with us? Even if they did, the actors can engage in a massive “sickout” to side with the WGA.”
Most union contracts have a “no strike, no lockout” clause and a massive sickout would be considered a wildcat strike which would put the contract in breach. Also, right now if you choose not to cross the line or call in sick you will be replaced and lose your spot. It is a tough choice to make at this time of year.
Comment by Bill — December 10, 2007 @ 7:33 am
Hey just wondering - why doesn’t the DGA align themselves with us. They have all the issues we do. I heard from an inside source that their negotiating committee met last week and are now setting up secret talks with the AMPTP. What gives? Could this really be true?
Comment by WGA member — December 10, 2007 @ 9:28 am
somebody commented on one of the other articles how whenever they see the posted name as ‘disgruntled writer’ they know its a troll of the AMPTP. Yeah, makes total sense.
Along those lines makes me think that when I read the posts by ‘Fan of TV’ who claims they are boycotting DVDs and cancelling their cable subsciption - I know that it’s some wannabe writer out there.
Sorry WGA but you’re going to have to try harder than that. Oh yeah, by the way, there are no trolls for the AMPTP here…that’s your deep paranoia that has them rolling on the floor comment after comment that they read. Keep it up - they’re not going to be coming to the negotiating table anytime soon due to the fact that they have been immobilized by the laughter pains.
Comment by nicetryWGA — December 10, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Finally Nikki gives some love to my guys on the lines in the WGAE!!
To all the Criminal Intent writers (Warren, Eric, Charlie, Julie, Siobahn), to the zany guys from The Daily Show (hugs to Rob & Jason), to the Colbert and Conan crews, to my idol Tom Fontana and to the Late Show Writers On Strike (who keep me laughing and have proved to me that they love Richard Belzer even more than I do which I didn’t think was possible!), stay warm, dry and strong. We viewers & fans have your backs in this fight and we’re in it to win it!
Go Team WGAE! Strikey will triumph over Grabby in the final act!
Comment by VDOVault — December 10, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
I’m just a fan, not in the WGA, but I have a vacation next week. If the WGA East goes and pickets somewhere, can I picket, too?
Comment by a spouse — December 10, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
Just wanted to point out that the little old man behind the guy in blue with the megaphone, is none other than Walter Bernstein! He was blacklisted in the 1950’s but continued to write under pseudonyms. We have some amazing people walking the picket line! I’m proud to be there even if its freezing - which it is. Thanks for the support.
Comment by saltedlightly — December 10, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
It could be a lot worst for the WGA!! Lucky them theyre not up here in Montreal Canada!! We get in the minus sometimes… and with the windchild! Dont think about it! But my support is still with you guys from the WGA!
Comment by Carolyneyne — December 11, 2007 @ 3:36 am
Stay strong and stay warm WGAE. When I say union you say POWER!
Comment by sidelined — December 11, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
If Europeans walked off their job wayy across the ocean ,with slogans; Your fight is Our fight’ ,We should give u even more support . Its time for public independent news on TV.
Comment by kkkkeelly — December 18, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
Stay strong and keep up the good fight!!!
Comment by Janice Foote — January 21, 2008 @ 7:01 am