Strike, days 73 and 74
I was out sick this morning (on the mend, thank you), and will be headed to a conference in Arizona tomorrow. So I’ll have no news from the picket line for the rest of the week. I predict it will be dark and cold, with some good conversation that I’ll sadly miss.
The general consensus is that there will be some kind of DGA deal announced soon. Could it solve the strike? Maybe, if the terms included make meaningful strides in internet residuals. It’s hard for the studios to claim they have no idea how they’ll make money off the internet when all six majors signed on to Apple’s new rental service.
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January 17th, 2008 at 1:11 am
What conference in Arizona? Just curious, as I live in Arizona.
January 17th, 2008 at 2:31 am
You’ll love this. Murdoch owns Fox Studios and TV, right? But what your readers in the States may not know, including fellow strikers, is that Murdoch also owns one of the biggest newspapers in the UK, The Times. A story posted online by Chris Ayres (http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/artsandentertainment/film/article3197607.ece) features a load of nonsense that could have come straight from the mouths of the studio bosses. Strike over soon? Or is it sour grapes?
Chris Ayres use of the Lew Wasserman quote fails because first, the plumber didn’t make the toilet but only installed it and second, if Wasserman was such a talented studio head, why didn’t he install the toilet himself? Afraid of doing some real work?
January 17th, 2008 at 6:28 am
If the DGA announces a deal, would it exclude WGA coverage of animation and reality? It seems like directors wouldn’t have a stake in that particular fight.
January 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Hey John! Llooooong time reader of your website. It is in fact one of the great moments in my day. Just wanted to say welcome to Arizona for your visit! If you are solely staying/conferencing in Phoenix (aka el horrible)… I apologize for the traffic and the useless shopping centers that extend as far as the eye can see (Edward Abbey is rolling around in his unmarked desert grave…) But if you are visiting either Flagstaff or Tucson you should have a marvelous time. Flagstaff is covered in snow while Tucson is covered in construction, but both are very pleasant towns, having lived in both and currently living in the latter. Drop me a line if you are looking for some insider info on the good restaurants… Thanks again for the awesomely informative site!
~Will
January 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
simply wanted to say that i hope you feel better soon. i enjoy reading this site daily and the next few days without strike information will be missed. enjoy your conference.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Mandate Pictures and Steve Zaillian’s production company “Film Rites” have supposedly joined the party by making an interm agreement with WGA.