Strike, day 71
This is how disoriented I was this morning at 4:15 a.m.: I nearly left the house without glasses or contacts, simply assuming that my foggy vision was due to sleepiness rather than mildly astygmatic myopia. Fortunately, I remembered that I wear glasses before I got behind the wheel, and was able to enjoy the easiest drive to Burbank in memory.
I’d picketed WB once before, but at five in the morning, it’s obviously pretty different. We had big numbers, even at that early hour. My hope is that the turnout continues to be huge throughout the day, so that more of these everyone-in-one-place events occur.
After signing in at Gate 2, my Paramount crew was sent to Gate 4 (the big one, with the water tower). It’s a crosswalk gate like the main gate of Paramount, so one’s picketing consists of waiting for the light, crossing, then waiting for the light again. Dull? Yes. But with so many more people, there were a lot of different conversations and introductions to make. Time flew by.
The feature contingent of the Disney Writing Fellows came, with good spirits despite the fact they’ve been let go.1 Rob Thomas told me the complicated saga of his two post-Veronica Mars gigs, in the process reminding me why I’ve steered away from television.
Reader Oliver was newly arrived from upstate New York, having cavalierly ignored my advice that this was a generally terrible time to arrive in Los Angeles. We discussed his Hassidic zombie comedy, and his work for Heeb. I implored him to look in earnest for a day job, because if the strike goes on much longer, venues of reasonable employment will get scarce.
Beyond that, the other conversations were mostly about preschools. I apologize to everyone walking near this contingent of toddler parents, because it must be maddening to hear the 19th parent exclaim, “The whole thing is just so crazy! It’s preschool, for godssake!” before that same parent explains in detail his hopes for gaming the system and getting his kid into Larchmont Charter School. (Or The Center, if rich.)
Tomorrow, I’m back at Paramount, my normal shift: 5:45 to 9 a.m. If you’re coming, dress warm.
- Basically, sort of, for the most part. The circle of confusion around their employment status has always been sizable, with everyone from Disney to the WGA to Jane Espenson and me trying to get it to focus and resolve, to no avail. ↩
Articles
January 14th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I look forward to reading your blog even if the story, at the moment, has a sad patina. If there is better compliment to a writer than “I want to read what you write”, please let me know. Given the circumstances, my sentiment might be like telling a brilliant hand surgeon that he prunes rosebushes “pretty good.” I hope not.
Salutations are discouraged in blog posts. But what I mean most to express is: be well.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Poor Rob Thomas. If you see him again, let him know there’s a sizeable Veronica Mars fandom still crossing their fingers for a movie.
I often do that with my glasses, although I rarely have the excuse that it’s 5 in the morning.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I was equally pleased to see such a high turnout this morning, too. It’s a good sign of our unity and commitment. And contrary to some reports about fi-cores and the disgruntled attitude toward the leadership, most of the writers I talked with seemed upbeat and positive.
A couple of us compared this strike to the one in ‘63–in which residuals were the main issue and writers were out for twenty-two months–and we agreed that this strike is one of those special moments in time that will alter the future of not only the Guild, but the industry as well. None of the writers I talked to thought this strike will approach ‘63 numbers, but we still feel that no matter what there’ll be a settlement and fair agreement on the table before too long.
Anyway, it was nice meeting you John–wish we had time to talk, but we got into our own little groove and the opportunity passed just as quickly as the morning.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I meant to come this morning but ended up absolutely unable to get out of bed. I think I’m enjoying unemployment a little too much (don’t tell).
January 14th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Here’s a question for you John. I know that you’ve participated in “pitch fests” as a speaker and I wonder what your advice is to us neophytes who are looking to break in by attending a pitch fest. In February there’s one which I’m supposed to attend and I’m concern that by doing so it will jeopardize any future chance of joining the WGA (if by some off chance that someone gets interested in my script). so what should I do? Go or not got?
Hope this strike gets settled soon.
January 14th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
John -
I just want to say thanks for what you’re doing. I support you wholeheartedly. I didn’t watch, but did hear about the Golden Globes. It’s so ridiculous that the corporations would put on the show without any of the relevant people - as if they can do it without the writers, actors, and everyone else.
I just dropped off my application to film school today, so I definitely have a stake in everything you’re working for. I wish you all the best, and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person to help support you and the other writers.
Keep up the good work!
January 14th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
With you in spirit. Thanks for the updates; they’re always interesting to me.
January 14th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
John, sorry about your eyeball fog. I wondered why there were no picketers at our gates here at the Mouse this morning and now I see why, all of you were at WB. Nobody ever really besieges Disney, don’t know why. Are we too far away? Does animation not count? Even remakes of remakes need a few new and freshly written lines.
Anyway, look forward to seeing you guys back here. Glad I didn’t bring doughnuts this morning, I would have had to eat them all myself. Or give them to the studio execs, perhaps with a some post-purchase laxatives added for good measure.
Kidding.
Cheers, Sean
January 14th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I liked this blog better when there wasn’t any strike talk, when Journeyman wasn’t canceled, when my fave shows didn’t end after 13 or fewer episodes, when reality TV wasn’t taking over TV (even though it pays my bills… and they’re easier to pay now) and when I could look forward to the next JA project!
But at least Heroes go to finish early so the writers could have the time to re-think their direction.
Let’s hope this all ends soon — and the writers get their demands met — so that the only time John has to et up at 4:15 is when he is inspired by some dream to start typing away!
January 14th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Rumor is that the deal with DGA is done and that they’ll announce as soon as tomorrow or wait for sundance.
Prepare to be underwhelmed (my opinion, not what I heard rumorwise)
That is all.
W
Update: Craig Mazin weighs in at http://www.artfulwriter.com - I don’t agree with everything he says, but he’s 100% right that calm, careful consideration and open discussion over these terms are preferable to an all-out fist fight within the guild. Hold fast to the railing, steady yourself, and above all, try to stay calm…
January 14th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I’d heard the same rumor, Waldo, from a source who stopped speaking as soon as I looked at him and asked “What?” He didn’t seem at liberty to elaborate.
So… How about those Golden Globes??
January 15th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Sean (#8): Don’t animation writers have their own guild? It wouldn’t make much point having WGA members picketing a place that doesn’t even use the WGA… (I’m assuming, of course, that the Disney place you’re talking about is purely animation… possibly not?)
January 15th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Dear John!
I’m a Swedish screenwriter. Used to go to school in L.A., and I’m back there every now and then to take classes. Saw you speak once at L.A. independent film festival at the DGA. Ever since Go, I’m a big fan of your writing. One of the first scripts I ever read was Go. It was such a good read, really inspiring and entertaining. You wrote character descriptions, slug lines and dialogue that I will always remember. I still giggle when I get reminded of your splendid, very descriptive information on the Valley High school couples: “They’re all breaking curfew�. Awesome.
Anyways, I’m writing an article for a Swedish news paper about the strike. I’m hoping you could share your expertise, insider’s perspective and insight on the topic. Your blog entries are great information. I would quote and refer to you in the article. I’m behind the strike and support the cause. The article will cover the background, the writer’s demands, the consequences, the union work, short historical perspective and latest news. Most that has been written about the strike in Sweden concerns the immediate cancelation of the late night shows, nothing much has been contributed on the writer’s specific demands, the negotiations, the background, the history behind the residuals, etc.
Here’s a few questions that I hope you could answer:
First off, the Golden Globe ceremony got cancelled. What do you think will happen to the Academy awards, will it also be cancelled? Will the actors side with the screenwriters once again?
What are the consequences of the strike? Long term? Short term? Will reality shows be slated for production as a consequence?
When do you se an end to this strike? The last strike lasted for 5 months, how long can it possibly go on? For how much longer can the AMPTP not meet the writer’s requirements? How much longer can the WGA stick to their demands? What happens if the writer’s demands aren’t met? If they are met, what then? Will other film crew members go on strike?
I totally understand if you don’t have the time to answer. If you do, I’d be super happy if you’d answer the questions here on your blog. If you rather answer me by email, that’d be great. I hope you take the time. Thanks in advance. Take care. Good luck at the picket lines. Best regards /Jimmy Lindgren
January 15th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Yes, they probably do, and I was being silly. But seriously, somebody still has to write the stuff, unless animation has had their own writers guild all along that I am unaware of!
January 15th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Sean: A quick search found me this Reuters story from when the strike was in its early days… According to it, a large amount of animation writing is covered by the IATSE rather than the WGA (although some animation, the example used being The Simpsons, is under the WGA). When the strike first started, the WGA said that they would throw anyone who wrote for animation out of the guild, but rescinded this after the IATSE complained.
January 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Hugh, very, very interesting. And complicated. Were the Bugs Bunny cartoons from the 30’s and 40’s also IASTE written? This could account for their brilliance. Unless it was merely drinks at the Smokehouse during lunch. I’ll have to look that up.