On the line
Yesterday, I took my first tour of duty as a picketeer, joining a crew of fellow writers (and allied SAG members) at the front gates of Paramount. Later in the afternoon, I was redeployed at Sunset Gower Studios, where they shoot Heroes. 1
Since most readers will probably (hopefully) never go on strike, I thought I’d share some observations.
You recognize a lot of people. I walked in circles with D.V. DeVincentis, Chris Brancato, Tim Kring, Jeph Loeb, Jesse Alexander, J.J. Philbin, Thomas Lennon, Ben Garant, recent guest authorship-opinionator Howard Rodman, Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal, along with special guest stars Kristin Bell and Dax Sheppard, who stopped by to chat.
Chanting has pros and cons, fans and haters. The Melrose Gate was very much into doing chants. Properly led, chants are fun and energizing. In the hands of a bad chant-leader, it’s a real drag, like forced karaoke. My afternoon shift included some chant-refugees, who fled overzealous, underinspiring chant hordes.2
Please honk. Really. A honk of support is surprisingly empowering, particularly if you can get a chain of cars to do it.
UPS is union. Several UPS drivers declined to cross our picket lines. I choose to believe those UPS drivers were carrying essential packages that deeply disrupted studio operations.
The signs are lighter than you’d think. When you first pick one up, you think, “How the hell am I supposed to carry this for four hours?” But it’s surprisingly not fatiguing.
I can advise while walking. I spent half an hour on the line answering questions from a young comedy writer who was going though the development process at Warner Bros. I’m happy to do it for blog-readers, by the way, if you care to join me at Paramount. I’ll be picketing afternoons there all this week.
Anyone can do it. WGA members need to sign in when they get there, but anyone interested can pick up a picket and start marching. If you fall into the “aspiring screenwriter” demographic, it’s a good way to get to know some working writers…while they’re not working. If you’re an aspiring actor, well, there are a lot of showrunners hitting the pavement.
On top of all the strike fun, I’m dealing with a sick toddler and some site-hackery, so apologies in advance for slow updates. It sometimes feels like I’m going in circles.
Oh, that’s right. I am.
- The journey from Paramount to Sunset Gower was about a 20 minute walk through parts of Hollywood I’d never seen on foot. It made me appreciate why disability-rights advocates get so frustrated with the sidewalks in Los Angeles. In many cases, they’re way too narrow, with a giant electrical pole right in the middle. ↩
- A good chant is simple. Often, the witty ones don’t really work, because they lose their comedy after the third repetition, and are then merely stupid. ↩
Articles
November 6th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Be honest, John. The going in circles comment.
That one hurt, didn’t it?
It hurt me.
On a more serious note - wish I was out there to picket. As is, I’m telling folks about the cause. I’m still trying to figure out where I stand on all this, but as I read more and more of the stories surrounding the strike, I think the cause is worthy, even if leadership on both sides has made some mistakes.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Only in Los Angeles do people use a strike to network.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Howdy, so you all know I am against this particular use of a strike. I take no sides, all are punished. Especially us third party guys. I feel like I voted for Ralph Nader.
That being said, I have a lot of friends who are writers. It was the birthday of the EP of our show today, who is out on the line. We brought him cupcakes and everyone sang him happy birthday on the line. They were really happy to see us.
I get the feeling a lot of people on all sides feel just sort of - stuck. We all have to play out our parts, but this is one show I wouldn’t mind seeing close soon.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
So, I’ve never commented on your blog before (maybe once?) but I’m a long time lurker. I’m an assistant in development, so technically I am on the dark side here, but I support the writers in this strike 100%, and am contemplating taking a day or half day to come picket with you. I guess it doesn’t hurt that I’m also an aspiring writer, but I feel like the sacrifices you guys are making now will help me later on, and I want to show solidarity.
Also, as the daughter of a long-time union woman (teacher’s union, foreign country), it almost brought tears to my eyes to hear that the UPS drivers wouldn’t cross the picket lines. Damn near renewed my faith in humanity.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Ah, reminds me of strikes I had as a journalist against our oppressive corporate masters. Actually my favourite picket sign from those days probably works well in the current climate: “We’re not battery pens”.
November 6th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I think this whole thing is kind of exciting, though obviously strictly from an outsider’s viewpoint. Marx would be so proud.
I read up a little bit more about what’s going on, and I think you guys are being perfectly reasonable. I’m actually surprised you’re having as much trouble as you are, but I’m sure there’s reasons the AMPTP won’t budge.
I wish I could join you guys, but sadly I’m stuck in the Mid-West. I’ll keep up with everything, though, and I wish you guys the best of luck!
November 6th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
People are actually using the Strike to network?
I’m a writer. Hopefully one day I’ll get paid for it. But I just can’t see myself out there trying to make contacts while the guy next to me is worrying about losing his car, job, house, etc.
I’m sitting on three screenplays that need to be sent out to studios. Of course, if I send them now, I can wave goodbye at any chance of being a WGA member in the future. They’ll have to wait until the strike is over.
If I do join the writers on the line, it’ll be because I want to support them, not pimp my work.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
I love the way the signs overlap in that picture - “Riters Guild of America On Strike” - sort of ironic.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
John,
Thanks for the informative update. The big question I’m getting from folks is, “I don’t live in LA or New York, what can I do to support the strike?”
Don
November 6th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I felt the 1988 strike very hard. New in the business for a few years then and just had a baby. It was really hard to make a living. I have no sympathy for you writers. Those of you who write full time, yes of coarse but many of you have other jobs and income. We who are self employeed and depend entirely on the movies we work on are hurt much more. I remember many friends who lost their business due to that nine month strike. Once I heard you were going to strike again I panicked. Resolve your issues quickly. We little guys don’t have a union and must work out our own deals every day.
rick
November 6th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Hey John,
I was at Paramount yesterday morning until about noon. I’m not in the WGA and neither is the person I dragged there with me but we wore red shirts and carried signs. Sometimes we chanted. Sometimes we critiqued the chants. I’ll likely go back later in the week.
Suz
November 6th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
ummm… get over the small amount of money you writers are bitching about, and just make a deal, more people are losing money and work than what this is good for, it’s about a few itunes downloads, seriously, this is lame.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
You have a toddler? I want stories!
November 6th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I want to thank all the writer for striking….Now we are all out of a job.
from a lighting tech on a Disney TV show
November 6th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
To Derek (#12),
This is about a lot more than a "few itunes downloads." It is about artists being paid for their work whenever it is shown. The AMPTP is exactly what is wrong with America. Those on top seem to believe that they are entitled to EVERYTHING--We should all be lucky to have the leftover scraps.
Nevermind that without the writers, there would be no product. PERIOD!
Just seeing people organized, speaking out for what they believe to be fair and true….brings a smile to my face. Hell, I wish our political leaders could do something this noble.
In my fantasy, this strike spreads throughout the land….where all workers in all industries say “enough is enough”.
My job ends this week, and as a writers’ assistant I will have a hard time finding a job until the strike is over.
But you can bet your ass I will be out there on Monday morning (and writing my ass off Monday night).
To Rick (#10)– If you little guys don’t have a union to protect you….perhaps you should organize one.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
I live in an area that has a decent film industry (not in NYC or LA), but the picket lines haven’t started yet. I’m only a film student and aspiring screenwriter, but as soon as the lines start forming, I’m joining them!
November 6th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I’m not a writer, nor involved in Hollywood in any way. But I’m so tired of people saying that the writers are just “bitching” and need to get back to work. The work these people have done is being sold and they’re not making money from it. The technology changed faster than their contracts, and the compensation needs to keep up with how the works are being used.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hi John,
Thanks you for sharing your Paramount experience! I’ve been at Warner Bros. so far…
Day 1, Gate 2, 3: The vibe of solidarity is strong, although there’s a whiff of disappointment that the strike is necessary for writers to even have a chance at a fair contract. Spotted: Mike White.
Day 2, Gate 2, 3: More supporters out today. Spotted: stars from ER (inc. John Stamos, Maura Tierney, Mekhi Phifer), John Cryer, and numerous showrunners, inc. Lee Aronsohn, Miles Millar and Alfred Gough. At one point in the afternoon a group of us (and as had occured throughout the day, so I’m told) walked over to where Desperate Housewives was shooting on location. Because of our picketing, not only are they going to have to pay for ADR, they also lost 5 pages on the day. Chants included: “Eva Longoria who’s gonna write your storia?” and “Marcia Cross don’t cross the line.”
At the end of my shift at 5pm I dropped off my sign and picked up a waiting burrito from Loteria (yum!).
Although the circumstances are less than ideal - DUH - mingling with united writers and showrunners is an exhilarating, inspirational experience.
(proud future member)
November 6th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
As an aspiring actor this can be death for me and i doubt i will get many auditions in the comming months, and as a fan of tv this will be hard to swallow but this is about the bigger picture and hearing that Ellen DeGeneres cancelled her monday show to support the writers made me feel good. I’m glad you guys are striking just you can afford to live becasue unless your Paul Haggis I know you’re all not making millions per script. I hope it gets resovled quickly and fairly.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I’m sure it must be tough to fight for your livelyhood at the cost of your livelyhood. I admire you and your colleagues for what you are doing, and can only hope that I would have the courage to do the same.
Thomas Jefferson said, “Eternal Vigilance is the price of liberty.” As times change, technology advances, and business practices adapt, we must never relent in our pursuit of a fair shake from those who would otherwise marginalize us.
Thank you John.
Sincerely,
young cinematographer.
P.S. I guess I’ll be shooting documentaries and student films until the studios come to their senses.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
It’s odd, though not surprising, that comments in the scribosphere have been filling up with anti-writer sentiment. It’s usually so quiet around here, but I can appreciate wanting to put a face, however inappropriate, on whatever caused you to lose your job.
Still, I’m a little surprised by, say, #14 (Anonymous). Several writers I know of are also IATSE members, and in general I would imagine all WGA members I’ve met to be supportive of IATSE or other unions in a similar predicament. Of course, that may just be because the current situation is making writers who normally never think on such things turn pro-union.
In the case of IATSE and other workers out of a job due to the strike, I imagine there is a bit of a disconnect, since they are only paid once for their work. The concept of residuals is foreign to them, and that could breed more resentment. I wish that there had been more done to convince all the unions, not just SAG and DGA of the importance of the strike. But if wishes were fishes, and all that.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I don’t know if any of us say it, but thank you John for blogging.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
this is stupid why punish the avarage american by being greedy u wanna strike fine but dont expect me or a lot of other americans to understand and come back next season and watch your shows see how much money u make an f’n commys the least u children can do is finish the current season before crying like two year olds not only are u punishing millions of avarage americans by forceing them into a season full of reality tv shows but also costing 1000’s of people jobs which might not even be there when u grow up what about them?
November 7th, 2007 at 2:04 am
I like that “Please honk” idea… it gives you support from the outside
There should be some people with some very terrible honks, like the ones from The Waltons or one playing a stupid melody… this may get those producers pay! Haha!
November 7th, 2007 at 10:15 am
I find it rather amusing that Death (#23) is calling the writers babies for striking for a contract that impacts their compensation and yet he/she’s complaining that the strike punishes average Americans by forcing them to watch a full season of reality TV shows. You’re entitled to your opinion - and believe me the last person that I want to pick a fight with is Death - but I find your argument funny. But what about the AMPTP? Are they not greedy for refusing to give the writers a fair share of the revenue generated from their work? Any way, although the airwaves may be filled with reality TV and reruns if the strike drags on, and there could be a loss of interest in shows that are left hanging in the lurch, my guess is that viewers will be anxiously awaiting the return of scripted shows if they keep filling the air with crap like I Love New York (ugh).
November 7th, 2007 at 11:06 am
HONK! HONK!
(virtual honks to show my virtual support)
November 7th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Does anybody remember this one episode of The Simpson’s named KING SIZE HOMER where it says “Honk if you’re h*rny?”
November 7th, 2007 at 11:39 am
are u kidding me Fair Compensation i’m sorry but i think 200 grand a year for a season (for most shows) is more then fair and yes the networks producers actors and directors may get more then writers but there the ones with the most to lose if a show doesnt catch on a i mean come on a writer can bounce from show to show without missing a pay check if a show fails a producer,actor,director can lose everything extremely fast and i hate to say it but in AMERICA we do our jobs and honor our contracts (either word or written) and its not like any of these writers crying didnt take a check at the beginning of the season for a full seasons work what about that should they get paid to strike i mean come on u writers signed on to these shows knowing how much u were gonna get paid and what u were and were not gonna get paid for so i say quit crying and get back to work if u can even call writeing work and no i dont think i networks are being greedy there the one’s who put up there own money to fund these shows so they should get the most back from it thats the way the world works GET OVER IT
November 7th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Anyone else feel more like correcting Death’s postings than addressing the actual comments? There’s this thing called “punctuation” that you might want to investigate one day.
John: not a big fan of unions myself and there seem to be a lot of differing opinions as to who’s right and wrong, but if you believe what you’re doing is right, then more power to you.
November 7th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Did anyone see a period (.) in “Death’s” post?
I’m sorry, I just find it funny that Writers are debating with someone that obviously can’t write. I wouldn’t have the patience lol.
Of course he/she won’t understand the plight of a Writer’s Guild, just like I wouldn’t understand the plight of a Thieves Guild (if there were one).
I’m sure you get my point.
November 7th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
who gives a crap about punctuation this is a message board not an english class second off this shows that hollywood writers serious could careless about the avarage american who puts food on there table i personally hope the networks come up with some way to do away with greedy writers maybe use scabs then fire any union writers and blacklist them then sue the unions for monitary damages and breach of contract and 3rd why is it that the writers with the least to lose the one’s makeing millions are the one’s crying sounds like a bunch of crying hypocrites i mean seriously what are u writers gonna do if hollywood and the big networks either use scabs or come up with a lot of decent reality shows are u guys seriously prepaired to not work for what could be a longggggggggggggggggggggggg time and risk your futures for what pennies on the doller on dvd’s and itunes all i can say is u dont see the producers directers and actors loseing any work by strikeing do u?
November 7th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
The entire film industry is overpaid. It’s crazy that actors get paid millions for their performances when firefighters that save lives make a pittance. Throw baseball players into the overpaid barrel while we’re at it.
However, saying that the writers are already overpaid doesn’t negate the fact that they deserve to be compensated for the new ways in which their work is used (ie: iTunes). The studios are making more money off digital distribution - the writers should too.
November 7th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I would think most people could understand fair compensation for work done. In the case of the downloads (itunes) the writers are not getting paid at all. Now that seems “unAmerican!”
November 7th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Yeah, I don’t think I’m really debating Death - I just thought that his post was funny. He’s calling writers names for trying to negotiate a better contract while complaining that the unfairly strike punishes Americans by forcing them to watch reality TV. He contradicts himself - he seems to hate writers because they want to a better contract (and therefore are greedy) and yet he seems to love them because he want to watch their shows (and not be subjected to the torture of reality TV)? I also fail to see the connection between how a WGA strike affects the “average American struggling to put food on the table” (outside of those directly impacted by the shows that have been shut down). Does watching reality TV somehow make it more difficult to provide for your family? Maybe after a few mind-numbing hours infront of crappy TV you somehow are not able to concentrate at work, resulting in your termination??? But any way…
November 7th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I wasnt saying the writers strike was affecting the avarage american as far as putting food on the table i was saying this just shows that hollywood writers dont care about the average american who puts food on the writers plate but this stupid strike is costing 1000’s of people who work in television industry work so that proves that u writers are just being greedy by costing 1000’s people jobs and not really even careing all because u guys SOLD your scripts to a network who puts it on itunes to help recoup there money tell me if a show gets canned who loses the most money not the writers not the actors not even the directors its the networks and producers who put a lotttttttttt of money into these shows so why shouldnt they be able to get some of there money back by selling something that doesnt belong to u writers anymore and i dont love the writers shows seeings how the writers dont put any money into the show well atleast true in 90% of the cases there not the writers show they belong to the producers and the networks get over it u sold your work u were paid ectremely well u dont deserve any more money because the scripts dont belong to u once u cash that check there the networks to do what ever they want with if u dont like it then u should have read your contracts better and not signed them
November 9th, 2007 at 2:14 am
anyone who hasn’t already read “the world is flat” probably should…it would seem that content is finally seeing the impact of a technologically flat world and writers should be aware of what that implies…
perhaps they’ll begin to see this issue a tad more clearly and realize pitch meetings may soon be with google or directv or at&t…it’s a game of distribution and the studios are rapidly becoming more and more obsolete…look no further than the complete failure of go.com to realize that in this brave new world, the studios simply might not be necessary anymore…
but for now the wga must negotiate, and if i was out there with a sign, this would be my chant:
“stop all the proctology, you didn’t invent the technology!”
November 26th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
I’m not in the guild right now, was an associate member for three years but found it tough going to turn the one episode sale into more. Anyway, I’m usually a script coordinator so I’m writer support when I can’t be a writer… and I’m a writer by profession. I’ve been out on the picket lines and every time I’ve asked if they want me to sign in, they say yes. I’ve been told it’s how they count their numbers. Also been at headquarters making signs.
The honking is great, but one time when I was out at Universal, this huge truck honked at us and nearly took out my eardrums. It felt like an earthquake.
I’m a little shy at walking up to strangers on the picket line because it feels a little like using it for networking, but when I have been able to talk to other writers on the line, it has been so beneficial. I’ve learned about a lot of stuff I’d have no access to any other way.