WGA STRIKE Options

[SUZIEBILLS]

After catching up from the last few days of entries, which were very interesting to say the least, a few thoughts and a question came to my mind. First the question. It was written in one of the entries about the increase in technology having an impact on viewership medium (ie internet viewing ect for those like myself who may not be able to watch live TV). Remembering how the moguls seeing the high potential development of the internet and DVD related income were able to fanoogle the WGA into a lesser contract, could the WGA be thinking the same possiblity here? In other words is the WGA more resistent to a contract that is not keeping pace with increased technology and therefore increased revenue?
Regarding the actors going on vacation during the strike. I have varied thoughts on this topic. The pro views are that the actors might not have much of a vacation time if for some reason the season is filmed past the usual April-May time period. Take the opportunity and leave for a short break of a week or 2 and come back to the picket line. I realize this may sound kinda cold and non-supportive. It is not meant to be. I have read that GE and WP have picketed in support of WGA since the strike began. They most probably don't know any more then we if they will be asked to do so many episodes to close out season 8 which could then extend the season to Jun. The semi anti side is if they expect the writers to stand side by side them if they strike for as long-will they be as amenable to the writers going on vacation while they are picketing? Regarding WP and MH possibly leaving. All I can say is I hope not. If it requires both doing fewer episodes in a season I would be fine with fewer episodes. A part of me truly believes that JF will be back for season 9 and I hope 10,11,12 ect. If that is the case which I hope it is, then WP and MH can take turns for appearing in the show and the rest of the crew can maintain the tempo. I would not want to see someone try and replace someone for a period of time like they did last season. That was a mini disaster. All they need to say is so and so is at a Forensic conference or something and let the team do its magic.
Finally, and I know I will get yelled at for this, but I feel I need to point it out just the same. The comptrollers strike in the early 80's was a national security issue which involved the potential loss of human life due to air collisions. We also had the Lockerbie terrorist attack in that same time period. While I fully support the WGA in their current contract strike, I did not and still do not support the unions who were air traffic controllers for striking as they did. Their actions literally put people's lives at risk as well as National Security. President Reagan did what he had to do for the welfare of the people and the nation as a whole.

I was saying that they should stand with them now and not go beyond the normal filming times for the season (hence make a half S9 come Aug or whenever).

I didn't think going over was ok since people may have summer plans much like schoolteachers or parents do. Holidays and plans for the summer (Billy doing Stretch in June etc.) are all set and it wouldn't be fair to change that.

With them having a long break (and it is a long break compared to most people), they should stick around for the next X number of months until they get their normal couple of months off.

I don't think they should have a break now AND a full normal summer break.

Our darling that is Mr Rambo has said that morale is low on the picket lines so they need the actors now more than ever when they are close to a resolution.

Again, just my opinion and I will leave this thread now.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear before. I absolutely believe that the actors should be supporting the writers both on and off the picket line. I just feel that if an actor takes a short holiday away for a week or so then they shouldn't be crucified for that. When they are back they should be walking the line again. The actors can also show their support in interviews or in any other public means as well as walking the line with the writers. OK. I'll go away now.

[JAYCEE]

I just posted this over at the Season 8 thread, and thought that it might cheer you all up here.


I have just been reading some e-mails that a couple of Guys got on GRISSARARTALK from David Rambo, i thought i would bring them here for you to share thumbsup.gif
Dear Wanda,
Thanks for writing, and for your words of support. With luck, a deal
between studios and writers is on the horizon. Let's hope we get a
fair contract soon so we can get back to work on this amazing season
of CSI.
Sincerely yours,
David Rambo

Charlotte,

Thanks for your message, and especially for your words about
"Butterflied." As for the spontaneous proposal, William Petersen
always felt that Grissom would propose on the spur of the moment,
probably at work. I spent a day with a beekeeper to research what
Grissom would do with the beehive he collected in "Go to Hell." As I
was suited up and we opened one of the bee frames, I realized that
Sara would be fascinated with that sight, and also sensed that Grissom
would be enchanted by that fascination. It seemed like the right
moment, especially with Sara's escape from death so recent, for
Grissom to propose a real future together. I hope you enjoyed it.

Sincerely yours,

David Rambo

This man could not be Loved any more

How about we flood him with Valentine's cards next month

[Gibby]

After catching up from the last few days of entries, which were very interesting to say the least, a few thoughts and a question came to my mind. First the question. It was written in one of the entries about the increase in technology having an impact on viewership medium (ie internet viewing ect for those like myself who may not be able to watch live TV). Remembering how the moguls seeing the high potential development of the internet and DVD related income were able to fanoogle the WGA into a lesser contract, could the WGA be thinking the same possiblity here? In other words is the WGA more resistent to a contract that is not keeping pace with increased technology and therefore increased revenue?
Regarding the actors going on vacation during the strike. I have varied thoughts on this topic. The pro views are that the actors might not have much of a vacation time if for some reason the season is filmed past the usual April-May time period. Take the opportunity and leave for a short break of a week or 2 and come back to the picket line. I realize this may sound kinda cold and non-supportive. It is not meant to be. I have read that GE and WP have picketed in support of WGA since the strike began. They most probably don't know any more then we if they will be asked to do so many episodes to close out season 8 which could then extend the season to Jun. The semi anti side is if they expect the writers to stand side by side them if they strike for as long-will they be as amenable to the writers going on vacation while they are picketing? Regarding WP and MH possibly leaving. All I can say is I hope not. If it requires both doing fewer episodes in a season I would be fine with fewer episodes. A part of me truly believes that JF will be back for season 9 and I hope 10,11,12 ect. If that is the case which I hope it is, then WP and MH can take turns for appearing in the show and the rest of the crew can maintain the tempo. I would not want to see someone try and replace someone for a period of time like they did last season. That was a mini disaster. All they need to say is so and so is at a Forensic conference or something and let the team do its magic.
Finally, and I know I will get yelled at for this, but I feel I need to point it out just the same. The comptrollers strike in the early 80's was a national security issue which involved the potential loss of human life due to air collisions. We also had the Lockerbie terrorist attack in that same time period. While I fully support the WGA in their current contract strike, I did not and still do not support the unions who were air traffic controllers for striking as they did. Their actions literally put people's lives at risk as well as National Security. President Reagan did what he had to do for the welfare of the people and the nation as a whole.

I was saying that they should stand with them now and not go beyond the normal filming times for the season (hence make a half S9 come Aug or whenever).

I didn't think going over was ok since people may have summer plans much like schoolteachers or parents do. Holidays and plans for the summer (Billy doing Stretch in June etc.) are all set and it wouldn't be fair to change that.

With them having a long break (and it is a long break compared to most people), they should stick around for the next X number of months until they get their normal couple of months off.

I don't think they should have a break now AND a full normal summer break.

Our darling that is Mr Rambo has said that morale is low on the picket lines so they need the actors now more than ever when they are close to a resolution.

Again, just my opinion and I will leave this thread now.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear before. I absolutely believe that the actors should be supporting the writers both on and off the picket line. I just feel that if an actor takes a short holiday away for a week or so then they shouldn't be crucified for that. When they are back they should be walking the line again. The actors can also show their support in interviews or in any other public means as well as walking the line with the writers. OK. I'll go away now.

I honestly don't think anyone is crucifying the actors for not staying in L.A. while the strike is going on. I mean, they shouldn't flaunt it if they're enjoying themselves at Sandals Barbados, but it's not up to them to be striking every day. Generally, actors have not spoken against the writers at all and have been very, very supportive. I mean, all the actors nominated for Oscars seem to be absolutely unwilling to participate unless things are resolved. That's huge. Imagine getting an Oscar nomination and knowing that if you do get the Oscar, there's a chance you'll find out at a press conference and not get to thank everyone and enjoy your moment, even though you worked just as hard as everyone else who won and got to accept their award last year. The fact that the people who are nominated seem to be standing together in support of the writers is huge, instead of just going, "Let us have our moment! We earned this!"

[cabooklover]

Yup, the stars express their support here.

About the only non-supportive comment was this one:

"I don't think you can postpone it, it's not like a wedding. They're saying it's going to happen. If they throw the party, if they open the door, I'm going to go." — Lianne Halfon, one of the producers of best-picture nominee "Juno."

I found this on IMDB.com, what a weak excuse!

Oscar-nominee Julie Christie would love to boycott next month's Academy Awards, but she's scared it would destroy her career. The actress - who first won an Oscar his 1965 for her role in Darling - has picked up a new nod for her role as an Alzheimer's disease sufferer in Away From Her. Speaking before discovering her nomination on Tuesday - the 67-year-old confessed she is tempted to make a stand and stay away. She said, "I just don't have the guts not to go. It's pathetic, truly, to admit this, but even now I don't think I could deal with pissing off the media and all they'd say. I mean, what if I won and wasn't there? I don't care about pissing off 'Hollywood' because it really doesn't exist anymore. But pissing off the media? It was difficult when I was a girl, and they're not any kinder now. I just hate not being strong enough."

This post has been edited by cabooklover: Jan 23 2008, 05:50 PM

[milla]

Charlotte,

Thanks for your message, and especially for your words about
"Butterflied." As for the spontaneous proposal, William Petersen
always felt that Grissom would propose on the spur of the moment,
probably at work. I spent a day with a beekeeper to research what
Grissom would do with the beehive he collected in "Go to Hell." As I
was suited up and we opened one of the bee frames, I realized that
Sara would be fascinated with that sight, and also sensed that Grissom
would be enchanted by that fascination. It seemed like the right
moment, especially with Sara's escape from death so recent, for
Grissom to propose a real future together. I hope you enjoyed it.

Sincerely yours,

David Rambo

This man could not be Loved any more

How about we flood him with Valentine's cards next month

Oh yeah we really should send him Valentine's cards.
When did he send you this letter?

[spuffy]

Argghhhh Julie Christie! *waves fist* She really was amazing in Away from Her but that's just weak.

[Mrfreeze]

Interesting, but not too surprising :


FACT OF THE DAY: Almost half of those surveyed in a new MindShare poll said they were spending more time online as a result of the repeat programming they have encountered because of the strike. More than 60% of viewers said their favorite shows were now in repeat mode.

[spuffy]

Lionsgate Signs Deal With Writers

In a move that will put two high-profile cable television shows back into production in the midst of a 12-week-long writers strike, Lionsgate, an independent film and television studio, has signed an interim agreement with the Writers Guild of America, the guild announced Thursday

.
.
.

Separately, the WGA also announced yesterday an interim agreement with Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., which is producing movies such as "Captain America."

conts...

The two shows are Weeds and Mad Men.

full article here

This post has been edited by spuffy: Jan 24 2008, 09:55 PM

[contrarymontion]

But they might not have a choice! These actors may have already intended not to renew their contracts at the end of the season, and they may not decide to change their minds simply because of the WGA strike. Because if they changed their minds just so that their characters could have some kind of resolution, they would have to wait around for the next contract to expire... I'm not saying that is gonna be the case, but I know Billy probably doesn't intend on sticking around too much longer, especially with Jorja gone, and a shorter Season 8 isn't gonna be enough for him to change his mind!

Bolding mine.

I believe what most people meant by "come back for a few eps" was just that - as a guest star and paid probably as such (if not more). Billy, if he wanted only to do a few eps, would probably either sign on a episode by episode basis or like what Jorja did at the begining of this year - she didn't have a contract for the year, but she signed on for what was it, 8 eps? It wouldn't be like waiting for the next long contract to expire.



This post has been edited by contrarymontion: Jan 25 2008, 05:27 AM

[zero2aries]

I know this is a CSI board (D'uh) and I love CSI - but my first love was, is and ever shall be Xena.

Thought you might like to see that CSI fans are not alone in their support for their writers.

There's a Xena convention in Burbank this weekend (I couldn't afford to go *sob*) and the Xena writers (who've moved on of course but still attend conventions because the Xenaverse is pretty damn' loyal) are (naturally) picketing.

The fans (in association with the Xena writers and some of the Xena actors) arranged a special Xena day to coincide with the convention and in spite of the rain the fans turned up. Some in costume (gotta admire the Callisto-costume lady's guts in that outfit in the rain!!)

Picture here

And info & more pics here

[mcHnelson]

http://www.variety.com/VR1117979534.html

Missed this article the other day on my trawl for WGA news. Interesting theory about moving seasons from September-May, and how long certain shows might take to get back up running. All speculation.

[babydoll]

Wow, they really take the Sept-May season stretch seriously over there don't they?

In the UK we have seasons starting and ending all year round, can't think of a time where there aren't new episodes of something, and Holby City and Cas tend to run right through the summer, while a lot of shows have a Jan or Feb season Start, ending in July.

But this is good, it's looking positive... looks like the strike's just about over!

[daphne dangerlov...]

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to check in on a few things.

First, if you haven't already, you have about a week to send me pictures (of you, your hometown whatever you would like) for the book that I am putting together to send to the writers. (I will take pictures of it before I send it so you can see it.) I have some fabulous stuff already, including some scrapbook pages, wonderful cards, notes and letters as well all all the pictures! I would love to have more especially since it seems the end of the strike is looming and I think it would make a lovely momento of how CSI fans supported the Writers during the strike.

The current plan is to have it delivered on Valentine's Day to the picket lines. (If we are lucky, we might be able to arrange a personal delivery via one of our members!) If the strike ends before then, I will have it delivered to the CSI offices as part of a Welcome Home gift. There will also probably be something else in the works to welcome them back so you can let me know if you'd be interesting in participating. (Please use PM or email.)

Thanks and let me know if you have any questions!
daphne.

[milla]

Wow, they really take the Sept-May season stretch seriously over there don't they?

In the UK we have seasons starting and ending all year round, can't think of a time where there aren't new episodes of something, and Holby City and Cas tend to run right through the summer, while a lot of shows have a Jan or Feb season Start, ending in July.

But this is good, it's looking positive... looks like the strike's just about over!

Same Here, In France season start all over the year.
Right now Channel which air CSI schedule 2 episodes each wednesday night at 11 PM and they began 2008 with rerun of season 4. They announced that they are going to aired all new Season 7 episodes in March.
Earlier in this channel we have rerererun of Beverly hills. That's all what we got, instead of all new shows we have rerun of old shows that we ever have seen thousand times (Beverly hills, the nanny, Little house on the prairie) and plus they aired German shows (Sorry for the german on this site but Derrick ) which are really old.

That's why I look shows on internet and I know that's one of the main reason for Writer's strike (new Video media) and I support them from the beginning.

[contrarymontion]

I think the reason that hollywood is so bound to the sept-may season is because of the union laws. I don't know much about them, but they do stipulate that cast and crew have hiatus sometime. I guess the easiest time to do this would be from june-july? It sort of makes sense to take the hottest months of the year off...it certainly will save on the air conditioning bill! Plus actors with kids in school will have to make other arrangements if they're still working.

The other reason it could be so is because of habit. Sept Back-to-school usually is accompanied by new pilots and season openers that are exciting so that people can get into a habit of watching a certain show at a certain time and carry on throughout the season. Schedules are still flexible at the beginning of the year, so perhaps this is hollywood's way of capitalising on it. Schedules for most people probably get thrown slightly out of whack in the summer months.

Just some theories...

But to make this post on topic, I'm happy to say that over at DHD, Nikki has a post about...optimism