TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

I found this article pretty interesting.

Strike threatens Hollywood; reality shows loom   

Story Highlights
Writers, producers have been negotiating since July; little progress

If writers strike, possibly as early as Thursday, late-night shows 1st to get hit

Networks getting ready to put on reality shows

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- TV viewers hooked on cliffhanger episodes of hit shows such as "Heroes" and "Grey's Anatomy" could be left dangling if writers walk off the job.


"CBS is not going to go blank," CBS head Les Moonves has said regarding the possibility of a writers' strike.

With Hollywood writers poised to log off their laptops as soon as Thursday, TV networks were bracing for the need to fill the airwaves with reality shows, game shows and even reruns if a threatened strike devours their script inventory.

Viewers could start seeing an onslaught of unscripted entertainment by early next year, when popular series such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Heroes" run out of new episodes.

"I was in a network meeting today, and they were referring to the fact the timing is really good for reality producers," said producer Mark Cronin.

He and partner Cris Abrego have been consistently busy with shows such as "Flavor of Love," "I Love New York" and "The Surreal Life."

But "it's going from 50 mph to 70 mph," Cronin said, adding that networks must "protect themselves and fill their airspace."

Members of the Writers Guild of America and the group representing film and TV producers were set to meet Tuesday with a federal mediator after scant progress in contentious talks that have dragged on since July.

With the current contract set to expire at midnight Wednesday, negotiators remain far apart on the central issue of raising payment for profits on DVDs and shows offered digitally on the Internet, cell phones and other devices.

More than 5,000 members of the Writers Guild of America recently voted, with 90 percent authorizing negotiators to call the first strike since 1988 if necessary.

"I'm willing to put my family on the line for what's right," said Mick Betancourt, a writer on the NBC show "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit."

Betancourt has a 4-year-old son and a baby due in December but says he is ready to walk a picket line if asked to do so.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the group that negotiates on behalf of networks and studios, has said networks will continue to air quality programming.

"CBS is not going to go blank," CBS Corp. President and CEO Leslie Moonves has said.

If writers walk out, the effect wouldn't be felt immediately. Networks have enough episodes of shows such as "Ugly Betty" and "CSI" written and in production to last at least through the end of the year and possibly into next February, industry executives and analysts said.

But after that, schedules will run into trouble.

Producers already have tried to hurry shooting in preparation for a strike but not always successfully.

The CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" was asked by 20th Century Fox Television to shoot an extra episode during a planned production break last week.

"It simply would have been impossible, so we said no. That was pretty much where it started and ended," said Jamie Rhonheimer, a writer-producer on the series.

A strike could also leave the hosts of the big Hollywood awards shows speechless.

The Academy Awards, set for February, January's Golden Globes and other shows rely on teams of writers to fashion quips and monologues.

A prolonged writers strike could also affect next year's TV season. Pilots for next fall are being written now and the development process, which includes rewrites and casting, extends through the spring.

"When we stop working, it's going to be a lot of catch-up," to get pilots back on track for the fall, said Patti Carr, a writer who has projects in development with ABC and CBS.

Networks are busy mulling proposed reality projects that aren't governed by guild contracts.

The shows have the advantage of a quick production timeline, said producer Abrego, with a series able to go from "concept to pitch to air" in just a couple months.

Abrego expects to see networks going straight from a pitch to a series order, bypassing the time-consuming production of a pilot.

Viewers like reality shows but may be so angry at interruptions to their favorite prime-time programs that they turn off their sets in disgust, some observers fear.

"You don't want viewers turning away from television, because it can be hard to get them to turn back," said Charles Floyd Johnson, an executive producer on "NCIS."

Advertisers, too, would suffer from a long strike and would make networks share their pain.

Advertisers are "not going to get what they paid for," said analyst Shari Anne Brill of ad buyer Carat USA.

"There will be severe under-delivery (of viewers) on the schedule if you get repeats and less-desirable reality shows," she said. "It puts the networks in a horrific make-good situation."

Ad rates are based on predicted ratings; if a show falls short, networks have to make good the difference with additional commercial time.

She noted that ad revenue already was down from predictions, even before the season began.

In May, when the fall network schedules were introduced, advertisers committed to about $8 billion for prime-time commercials, compared to $9 billion just two years ago.

Film production would not immediately suffer the effects of even a prolonged strike because of the long lead time required to make features.

Still, studios could soon be wrestling with plots and endings for unfinished 2009 blockbusters such as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and the next James Bond flick.

Once a film is in production, changes occur almost daily, with writers being asked to create new scenes, punch up dialogue or accommodate an actor's ad-libs or vision for a part.

None of that would happen once writers hit the picket line.

"What they are looking for is a script as close to a locked script as they can find," said Duane Adler, a writer who has been rushing to finish a 2009 movie for 20th Century Fox studios.

It's not a good time for Adler to go on strike, but he is ready to walk out if asked.

"I've got a movie coming out, I've got one I want to direct and one that is being fast-tracked," Adler said. "It's a bad time for me personally. But these things are secondary."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/29/hollywood.labor.ap/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/29/hollywood.labor.ap/index.html)

If it happens I doubt it will last long.  And if it does, I have plenty of DVD's to keep me busy.   :metallica:

I think it's going to happen.. that's the vibe I'm getting from the industry... last time in 88 the strike lasted for 22 weeks, from March 7 through Aug. 7, the writers did not write and television ground to a halt. I remember that time and it was horrible.  Yes we do have DVD's but no new TV episodes would really be bad. Let's just hope if it does happen.. it's over quick.

Still...I'm suprised that the networks are being this stubborn....its going to cost them big if they don't fix it.  Course, it doesn't really affect me as I haven't watched TV in about a month.  Last show I saw was a new show on Comedy Central that made me nearly kill myself with how disgusting it was.  But not that close ;) 

King Linksr

WGA Strike Update

http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2007/10/30/wga-strike-update/

To add misery to heartache, there is new development on the possible WGA strike front.

Now it appears that the Teamsters Union, which represents more than 4,000 Hollywood drivers, location managers and scouts, casting directors and animal wranglers is giving the WGA's strike plans a major boost with a show of solidarity that could seriously disrupt local production, according to Variety. The Teamsters will call for all of its members to honor the WGA picket-lines and not cross them.

If the Feds can't work out a viable solution between the Guild and studio/network management then the strike will occur this Thursday.

Wow! We all may actually get to experience what it is to leave a dark room and go outside our homes and theaters for fun and entertainment.

It's really sad that in the year 2007, human adults can't settle their differences in a more civil manner.  Sorry to hear about this Kenny.

Well it's official the writers are going on strike.. they just approved it. It's a sad day for   the Entertainment world..

Well, if your life is centered on entertainment then it is a sad day. However, for me I have other interests that can keep me occupied and judging by the quality of writing to come out of Hollywood of late I hope the suits don't give in too soon!

Kevin

/sigh.  Now I have to find something else...oh wait, no TV=not a problem XD lol

Still, its a disappointment.

We'll see how it goes.

King Linksr

Quote from: Ktrek on November 01, 2007, 10:24:48 PM
Well, if your life is centered on entertainment then it is a sad day. However, for me I have other interests that can keep me occupied and judging by the quality of writing to come out of Hollywood of late I hope the suits don't give in too soon!

Kevin

I don't know if you meant to sound condescending... but I take offense to your comment. Entertainment is a big part of my life as I love my TV and movies, but I do have other interests. When I said it was a sad day I meant for all the people who work in the Entertainment industry, as I am one of them and have many many friends. You do realize that thousands and thousands of people make those TV shows and movies.. and they will be effected by this strike... but you don't have to concern yourself with that... you have other interests....lucky you.

Let me give another perspective.  I live in Michigan.  For about the past 10 years this area has been economically devastated by the downturn in the American auto industry.  Plant closings, job losses, strikes, a state government that is bankrupt, etc.  For those not in Michigan this most likely wouldn't concern them very much.  Many just continued to buy non-American cars which just drove the industry further into the ground.  All of the above has directly impacted my life.  It also gave me a greater concern when others have these types of situations and it also made me appreciate what I have even more.  Fortunately in the last year or two the tide is turning and people seem to be discovering American cars are as good or better than their foreign counterparts.

Now, while I'm sad that this possible writer's strike will impact the lives of many, frankly there isn't a lot I can do about it.  I still think it's a foolish way to solve problems.  I will say that in general most of the American public sees Hollywood as a very greedy and overpaid industry.  I don't feel that way because I know several people in the business that work very hard and frankly make less money than I do.  But most people do not think about the average Hollywood worker when these things happen.  They just hear about superstars that make millions.  So I think they have a hard time having any sympathy for something like this. 

Just my thoughts and viewpoint.

Does this mean Lost might not end until 2011 ?  Later ?

Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on November 01, 2007, 10:49:13 PM
I don't know if you meant to sound condescending... but I take offense to your comment. Entertainment is a big part of my life as I love my TV and movies, but I do have other interests. When I said it was a sad day I meant for all the people who work in the Entertainment industry, as I am one of them and have many many friends. You do realize that thousands and thousands of people make those TV shows and movies.. and they will be effected by this strike... but you don't have to concern yourself with that... you have other interests....lucky you.

No Kenny...I was not trying to be condescending but only saying that the strike will not affect me personally much if at all. I'm sorry that it will affect you though whether directly or indirectly. However, I have found that things usually work out for the best. It's always dark before the dawn. Good luck and take care!

Kevin

Strikes are never good for any of the parties involved. It's unfortunate it had to come to this and many people in the industry will be adversely affected. It may take a reasonable amount of time for the entertainment industry to get back on its feet if this strike goes on for long.

Personally, I won't be pleased that new TV won't be coming out for the next little while, but I guess I'll have to console myself with more WoW.

Quote from: Rico on November 02, 2007, 04:46:07 AM
Let me give another perspective.  I live in Michigan.  For about the past 10 years this area has been economically devastated by the downturn in the American auto industry.  Plant closings, job losses, strikes, a state government that is bankrupt, etc.  For those not in Michigan this most likely wouldn't concern them very much.  Many just continued to buy non-American cars which just drove the industry further into the ground.  All of the above has directly impacted my life.  It also gave me a greater concern when others have these types of situations and it also made me appreciate what I have even more.  Fortunately in the last year or two the tide is turning and people seem to be discovering American cars are as good or better than their foreign counterparts.

Now, while I'm sad that this possible writer's strike will impact the lives of many, frankly there isn't a lot I can do about it.  I still think it's a foolish way to solve problems.  I will say that in general most of the American public sees Hollywood as a very greedy and overpaid industry.  I don't feel that way because I know several people in the business that work very hard and frankly make less money than I do.  But most people do not think about the average Hollywood worker when these things happen.  They just hear about superstars that make millions.  So I think they have a hard time having any sympathy for something like this. 

Just my thoughts and viewpoint.

You're a wise man Rico.. thanks for your perspective. It's true the most people see Hollywood as greedy.. but truly that's 5% of the industry. The rest of us work hard to make ends meet.

Quote from: billybob476 on November 02, 2007, 05:41:14 AM
Strikes are never good for any of the parties involved. It's unfortunate it had to come to this and many people in the industry will be adversely affected. It may take a reasonable amount of time for the entertainment industry to get back on its feet if this strike goes on for long.

Personally, I won't be pleased that new TV won't be coming out for the next little while, but I guess I'll have to console myself with more WoW.

Yea, thats going to me too.  This is a pity, but we'll survive, i just don't see the Entertainment business doing so well.

King Linksr

This is the one and only time that I'm glad I work in Reality TV.

The strike would be good for me if they would let me scab.  I could write a good episode of something.  Sign me up!

I agree that it is sad when Organizations go on strike, as even though they are fighting for their rights, it has adverse effects on others. From a few strikes I have seen, sometimes I think both parties comes out the losers in the end, as the people striking most likely never make back what they lost well on strike if it goes on to long, and business owners loss business that is hard to get back. Up here in Canada the one that always bothered me the most are when Teachers go on strike, as the students are the ones who suffer, and it seems like they could be set at a disadvantage to other students who are able to continue their education.
I know a few years back, the NHL went on Strike/Lockout for the whole season. There was a lot of press on the Players losing money, but it was much more sad for the people who worked for the teams, the league, the arenas, and other industries that support Hockey. My wife worked for a picture framing company, and a major part of their business is sports pictures, and mostly NHL, their business was affected even though they are not directly related to NHL. I fear this writers strike will have the same affect on people who might be indirectly involved, and maybe not even notice they are. Here in  Canada they film a lot of shows, so if they stop producing the shows after they run out of scripts, less money going into the economies, and people out of work. If it drags on to long, then when they do come back, they will have to really work to get viewers back, could take years, if ever.

Its just like importing materials from other countries.  (oil too)  Its going to affect a lot more than just the entertainment business.  Its going to damage video stores, DVD sales, and stores that sell things related to this area like posters and such.  Sorry, just not many examples, but this is going to hurt everyone and it will have lasting effects. 

In my opinion, strikes only work 1/2 the time.  At least from what I've observed anyway.  Maybe 2 years ago, my hometown (Tillamook Cheese Factory) company had a strike on its hands.  Although, not as big a deal, they eventually had to return to work cause they couldn't afford it.  Whats annoying about strikes, is that ppl like farmers have to go there because they are not affected/don't work for the union.  But as they past the picket line, ppl...weren't happy.  I even heard some got cursed at.  /sigh.  Its terrible, but ppl have to work if they aren't part of the union. 

Wish there was a better way, but I guess there really isn't.  Whats going to be annoying, is that commericials on TV are going to be twice as long....so shows are only going to 1/2 hour for an "hour-long" broadcast.  Which is bs....oh well...its the way of the world.

King Linksr

Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 02, 2007, 12:40:30 PM

Wish there was a better way, but I guess there really isn't.  Whats going to be annoying, is that commercials on TV are going to be twice as long....so shows are only going to 1/2 hour for an "hour-long" broadcast.  Which is bs....oh well...its the way of the world.

King Linksr

They won't shorten episodes for more advertising.. if the strike goes on for a long time and they run out of scripts then we will see repeats and alot more reality shows (since they technically don't have writers.) Hour shows will still be roughly 43 minutes long and half hour shows will be roughly 21 minutes long. The good thing is that there has been grumblings for a while so the have stock piled scripts.

Let's hope it doesn't last as long as the last major strike.

Idk Kenny, I'm going to start setting a timer on some shows because it feels like more than 1/2 of it is commercials.  But thats another story.

King Linksr

Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 02, 2007, 12:59:24 PM
Idk Kenny, I'm going to start setting a timer on some shows because it feels like more than 1/2 of it is commercials.  But thats another story.

King Linksr

Well there are FCC rules on how much time can be used from advertising.

Hmm, well, the last shows I watched before leaving for college, I swear, no joke even my parents think so, it was 3-5mins, then COMMERCIAL for about 5mins, then 2mins, then commercial, and it went on and on and on to the point where I just left and played wow or something.  Its getting terrible.

King Linksr

I only have one question. Does this mean Flash Gordon will get better without the writers?

Quote from: space_invader64 on November 02, 2007, 09:42:18 AM
The strike would be good for me if they would let me scab.  I could write a good episode of something.  Sign me up!

Doubt the strike will affect Flash Gordon series.   I mean, come on !!   

yeah.. i mean they never had writers to begin with :)

I was thinking at a scab might swoop in to save the show in the zero hour, but as an bladly scripted sci-fi show, I think that they can film scriptless shows and still not have a noticable difference. If so, that was a good move on the part of Sci-fi to pick up the show.

Just to throw my two cents in here, even though I know my thoughts will meet with resistance!

I think the whole strike thing stinks. The only real victims of all these shenanigans are the "consumers"! Yea! That's right! The writers care nothing about all the trickle down effect their demands will have on the industry as a whole. Ultimately if the producers give in and meet their demands for residuals who is going to pay? WE ARE the CONSUMERS! We will pay in higher cable rates, DVDs will be more expensive (like they are not already high enough!), advertisers will be charged more to advertise to make up the losses and it will be passed on to consumers in price increases. All because the writers think they are "owed" something.

I give you this parrallel...

Rico is a chemist right? Rico probably has a contract or an agreement with the company he works for to produce a "product"...right? Does Rico "deserve to have a share in the profits of anything he develops for said company while he is employed in said company for "residuals"? No! He is employed to perform a job and he does the job he does so that the company he works for continues to make a "profit" so said "profit" will guarantee, or at least ensure, his future employment. I see no reason that Rico would be able to lay claim to a residual any more than the guy who raises cows for slaughter for McDonald's deserves a residual for every hamburger sold! I certainly have never gotten a residual for contributions I have made in the industries I have worked in!

Now, if you are the "creator" of a TV show I think perhaps you may have some right to residuals but when you are hired to do a job then DO IT! I think that residuals should be something "earned" NOT a guarantee just because you worked on a show. If you have been in the industry and over time you have "proven" yourself valuable as a gifted and talented writer then, and only then, should you be able to negotiate your contract, with your agent, to get residuals as a benefit for your continuance with a project. It should be something earned because of your proven worth NOT a given just because you were a second or third rate writer on a successful TV show!

This strike is wrong in more ways than one! I won't even go into the moral reasons I believe it to be wrong!

But as I said earlier...my life goes on whether they strike or not! If their actions lead to less jobs available because of less advertisers, higher costs of DVDs, translating to sluggish sales, and less expendable cash, so be it! I owe nobody anything except my mortgage and I will be fine but millions of Americans will not and they won't soon forget those who helped boost our already sluggish economy further into a slump.

If I were those in charge of the industry I would tell them they can take their unions and shove them! I would scout college campuses for fresh, new and invigorating talent that can lead the industry forward into this new century! It wouldn't take long after that before many of those who think they have to strike on principle would come crawling back home to just have a paycheck (like the majority of us poor citizens out here)!

The ultimate victim in this and any strike is the consumer! We will always be the ones to have to pay for others greed!

Kevin

Hear hear!!

*slams table*

I agree with that statement 100%

King Linksr

The reason for residuals are simple. Every book a writer writes, they make a profit on. Every time a musician sells an album, everyone involed makes a profit. Residuals are a simple truth of entertainment.

You wouldn't expect a novel writer, musician, or any other entertainer to only be happy with the sells of concert tickets and producers get all profits from the albums that come from the live tour.

Entertainment is not chemistry and some chemist do get residuals as do other in many other fields. It all depends on how you work your contract.

Sure some farmers don't get paid for the burger, but they are set up to be paid to not grow certain crops or to only sell a specific amount of produce a cycle.

Residuals were created because EVERYONE involved in shows like TOS don't make any money what so every for the show since the second or third showing. Companies that had nothing to do with the production of the show are now bring in 100% profit with not a dime going to anyone involved in the creation of Trek.

If a television station can contine to make money off of a product and that money becomes almost all profit after two showings, then it is only fair that the people involved in that product continue to get a cut.

Books and TV shows and movies are not equivalents. When an author writes a book, other than the editor, he is the sole person responsible for it's contents. By your reasoning above then every single person involved in the creative process deserves residuals. Everyone from costume designers, cosmetic artists, grips, cameramen, or anyone else associated with the creative process. Writing is an occupation. Do writers of newspapers get residuals? How about the guy who designs and writes advertisements for companies? No the fact is that the majority of writers in Hollywood are usually unemployed and this is a move to guarantee a steady income even while no longer employed. I'm certainly not against writers being able to individually negotiate for residuals. I just don't think it's right to pressure the producers to pay residuals across the board. Just because you work on a project does not give you rights to that project or product. And it goes without saying that these are my opinions. You don't have to agree with them!

Kevin

Truthfully in most industries workers don't get residuals of any kind.  You do a job, get paid for it and move on.  Now Hollywood is a little different beast and millions of dollars can sometimes be up for grabs - so sure writers want more money.  But frankly it all has to do with contracts.  Some writers get a flat fee, some a percentage, etc.  Same with actors, directors, etc.  So if they say write a film script for a set amount of money, that's the deal.  If the movie makes hundreds of millions, well maybe a different contract the next time would make more sense.  It's a complex issue of course, but I think in some cases they are trying to renegotiate a deal that has already been struck.

Oh, and for the record most (if not all chemists) that work for a company just get paid a flat salary.  If you invent something that makes your company a lot of money (I have direct experience with this), you still get paid your flat salary - period.  If you are very lucky a small one time bonus might be tossed your way, but even that is rare.

You spoke of other industries not having residuals, but many companies are promoting their profit sharing practices and that's exactly what residuals are.

A set token residuals should be paid across the board because the writers did create that story. Steven King doesn't need to work either, but he does. The fact of the matter is that a story is not a story without the writers. Actors are a dime a dozen. Actors have been replaced with little notice or outcry on a show. Replace the writers and the show you loved starts to change.

Look at it another way. Writers are paid per script and don't get medical or dental with that. For them to make a living off of writing the shows that you watch and enjoy, there must be a benefit package that allows them to actually earn a living. Residuals do that.

The argument they are having isn't even about the residuals. It's about being able to get residuals from DVDs and direct downloads, technologies that didn't exist when the last contracts were hammered out.

All they want is for the production companies to pay what they owe. DVDs and downloads shouldn't be a loophole to short them out of residuals that they would get if it was being shown on the air or VHS.

this is my opinion because I am a writer and I know what it's like to suffer for your craft. As does anyone in any entertainment field. The lion's share of the profits always go to those that help to put the work out and ignoring the people that actually create the work.


Hollywood just needs to pay what they owe. Pay the people that create the product fairly and there would have never been a need for a strike.

Residuals are simply profit sharing for those that help to create a entertainment product.

Boy, this topic is a hot one. 

As we should all know by now though, is that the big man on campus, or CEO, or whoever is above you, is going to get all that you deserve via $$.  This goes from Education to Jobs to the Government.  The higher up someone is, the more $$$ they think they deserve so they are willing to screw with the lower levels of w/e they are in to get it.  Only a couple examples I've seen show that they don't.  Its an unfortunately fact of life.  I honestly think that in some cases, the $$$ paid should be reveresed so that the CEO gets less than its workers.  But then again, we would never have management.  Its a complex problem all around.  \

King Linksr

Writers Strike Already Affecting TV Programming

http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2007/11/07/writers-strike-already-affecting-tv-programming/

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)

As the writers' strike enters its third day, the ripple affect is beginning to be felt across Hollywood.

Yesterday, Jon Stewart announced he'd continue to pay his "Daily Show" writing staff for two weeks out of his own pocket to help ease burden of the strike to them.

Also, in the past day, several sitcoms have announced they're shutting down production because sit-coms don't keep as many scripts in the can. Shutting down are "Two and a Half Men," "Back to You," "The New Adventures of Old Christine," "Til Death," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Rules of Engagement." NBC's highest rated comedy, "The Office" was shut down earlier this week becuase many of the actors on the show are also writers for the show and wouldn't cross the picket lines. The strike may also affect and truncate the final season of "Scrubs" according to reports.

The strike also brings potentially bad news for fans of "Lost." The good news is the show has already filmed eight episodes of its 16 episode season. The bad news–ABC could wait until next fall or 2009 to show them, depending on how long the strike goes on.

Meanwhile, with a lot of shows shutdown, the networks are turning to reality shows to fill the broadcast hours. CBS is reported to be hurriedly producing the next season of summer-favorite "Big Brother" for a quick debut.

For more details and insight in how this strike could affect your television program viewing, be sure to tune in to Slice of SciFi Show #134 this Saturday, November 10, 2007.

Yep, pretty much a disaster.  I mean, cmon, who watches that many reality shows?  i certainly don't.  Survivor has kinda died out to me.  It was fun for a while, but now, its just the same thing over and over again..../sigh

King Linksr

Quote from: Rico on November 03, 2007, 08:15:22 AM
Truthfully in most industries workers don't get residuals of any kind.  You do a job, get paid for it and move on.  Now Hollywood is a little different beast and millions of dollars can sometimes be up for grabs - so sure writers want more money.  But frankly it all has to do with contracts.  Some writers get a flat fee, some a percentage, etc.  Same with actors, directors, etc.  So if they say write a film script for a set amount of money, that's the deal.  If the movie makes hundreds of millions, well maybe a different contract the next time would make more sense.  It's a complex issue of course, but I think in some cases they are trying to renegotiate a deal that has already been struck.

Oh, and for the record most (if not all chemists) that work for a company just get paid a flat salary.  If you invent something that makes your company a lot of money (I have direct experience with this), you still get paid your flat salary - period.  If you are very lucky a small one time bonus might be tossed your way, but even that is rare.

Very well said. I was going to type almost the same thing till I saw this. I do a decent amount of development and my code stays with the company no matter how much they make off it and I just move on to the next project.

I did agree with the writers on the dvd issue because ticket prices go up and the movie will be out on dvd in only 3 months anyway.  That is the default way that more and more people are watching movies.  I think going to the movies has less to do with seeing the movie and just something to get out and go do.

I don't get dropping that issue.  I'm starting to worry that they are poisioning the water in hollywood.  They chose now because sweeps are going on and that will hurt a lot of shows.

I dont think this issue will be solved overnight, and with the studios not willing to budge, this strike could go on for along time, in the end it really comes down to greed, thoughs who have the money dont want to share.

Quote from: Kinglinksr on November 07, 2007, 05:29:12 PM
Yep, pretty much a disaster.  I mean, cmon, who watches that many reality shows?  i certainly don't.  Survivor has kinda died out to me.  It was fun for a while, but now, its just the same thing over and over again..../sigh

King Linksr

I don't know about others but for me, reality shows are the bane of TV.  I tried to watch AI and Survivor.  I didn't care for the dog-eat-dog premise.  I did watch just about every Hells Kitchen show in 2006.  Good ratings from shows where people will do anything to win - something about it just bothers me.   I would rather see them bring back "Beat the Clock"

The writer's strike is not good for tv.

I'm totally getting rid of cable.  I have netflix, a pretty large vhs and dvd collection, the internet, podcasting, and local broadcast tv.  No way am I going to continue to pay for it what little I get.   

Quote from: space_invader64 on November 09, 2007, 12:41:06 PM
The writer's strike is not good for tv.

I'm totally getting rid of cable.  I have netflix, a pretty large vhs and dvd collection, the internet, podcasting, and local broadcast tv.  No way am I going to continue to pay for it what little I get.  

I am honestly more happy with the content on TV now than I have ever been. Shows like 24,LOST,Heros,Discovery Channel and History Channel are all top rate imo.

Quote from: Blackride on November 09, 2007, 03:46:23 PM
I am honestly more happy with the content on TV now than I have ever been. Shows like 24,LOST,Heros,Discovery Channel and History Channel are all top rate imo.

I agree, there is actually a lot of good content on TV even without the scripted shows. Programs on channels like the discovery channel could be hard to find elsewhere.

There's always the BBC.  They're working, right ?

Well a deal was given to the writers last night... but I just read this...

WGA Calls "New" Deal a "Bad Deal," Rejects Offer

Well, that didn't take long. The WGA has swiftly dismissed the "New Economic Partnership" put forth by the AMPTP on Thursday, saying in a statement that "for the first three days of this week, the companies presented in essence their November 4 [pre-strike] package with not an iota of movement on any of the issues that matter to writers. Thursday morning, the first new proposal was finally presented to us. It dealt only with streaming and made-for-Internet jurisdiction, and it amounts to a massive rollback."

The WGA reports that with regards to Internet streaming, they were offered "a single fixed payment of less than $250 for a year's reuse of an hour-long program (compared to over $20,000 payable for a network rerun)." For made-for-Internet material, the AMPTP "continued to refuse to grant jurisdiction," "they made absolutely no move on the download formula" and "continue to assert that they can deem any reuse 'promotional' and pay no residual (even if they replay the entire film or TV episode, and even if they make money)."

Talks are scheduled to resume on Tuesday. Says the WGA, "We must fight on, returning to the lines... in force to make it clear that we will not back down, that we will not accept a bad deal, and that we are all in this together."

Geez.  What a joke of an offer.  This isn't ending anytime soon.

Yeah that's what I'm afraid of... this was more of a slap in the face.. I'm just glad they are going back to talking on tuesday.

This is where our negotions with a lightsaber would come in handy.  Anakin was right.

Quote from: space_invader64 on November 30, 2007, 09:36:25 AM
This is where our negotions with a lightsaber would come in handy.  Anakin was right.

Yep.  I hope it ends soon...just experienced a rerun of Grey's Anatomy and was incredibly unhappy with that.  :(

King Linksr

Hey Kenny, I was wondering if you knew how the revenue break down works among the networs between programmed TV vs. Reality TV. How much ad revenue does Reality TV bring in vs, traditional.

This is sad...(and it's only the start)

Shocked Leno staffers fired as strike drags on

By Paul BondFri Nov 30, 11:47 PM ET

A couple of days after the Writers Guild of America strike began November 5, the star of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" told some 80 of his idled staffers that they need not worry about their finances.

Leno was so adamant about paychecks being safe, many didn't bother looking for new jobs even though NBC was forecasting layoffs.

So it came as quite a shock Friday when the entire staff was told that they were not only out of a job but also that they weren't guaranteed of being rehired once "The Tonight Show" returns.

"Some people were crying. Some people were screaming," said one employee speaking on condition of anonymity.

NBC declined comment on the firings beyond a brief statement that it had "regretfully informed the people who work on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' and 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien' that their services are not needed at this time due to our inability to continue production of the shows."

According to several staffers, tensions at "Tonight Show" have been mounting for weeks, and matters weren't helped by news that other late-night hosts have been preserving the jobs of their nonwriting staffs or paying those who had been laid off. O'Brien confirmed Thursday, for example, that he would pay the salaries of at least 50 nonwriting "Late Night" staffers out of his own pocket on a week-to-week basis.

Some "Tonight Show" insiders are angry at Leno, because of an upbeat conference call he held shortly after the WGA strike began.

"He was on speaker phone," a staffer said. "There were 80 of us. He told us not to panic. He said to trust him. He said: 'I can't get into details, but nobody will miss a car payment or lose their house. We're family. Trust me. I'm going to take care of this.' But that was the time we should have been looking for new jobs."

More recently, a letter NBC sent to now-laid-off staffers said, "If your services are needed, we will contact you."

"That's standard boilerplate," said Joe Medeiros, a striking writer who has worked with Leno for 18 years. "It's corporate butt-covering."

According to insiders, the early confidence that Leno expressed stemmed from several options in the works, including the hiring of guest hosts. Leno himself guest-hosted for "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" during the 1988 writers strike, according to the WGA. This time around, comedian Wanda Sykes was a top pick, but she turned down the offer. Using rock stars on a rotating basis also was considered, insiders said.

Another option was having Leno do a show without a monologue or writers, relying heavily on musical acts and stand-up comedians.

None of the options, though, came to fruition, and "The Tonight Show" has continued airing reruns.

Beyond Leno's misplaced optimism about the financial well-being of his staff, he further damaged himself -- in the eyes of some workers -- with his public behavior. While he privately expressed concern for the jobs of all staff members, to the media he seemed preoccupied with supporting striking writers, including handing out doughnuts to picketers and mugging for press photos.

"He even joked that because of the writers strike, he had more time to work on his car collection," a staffer said. "That didn't sit well with us."

Medeiros said that Leno made his doughnut appearance on Day One of the strike at his request. "I asked him to come out and he did. We thought it sent a message to end the strike."

Asked if writers would object to Leno working without them during the strike in order to save jobs, Medeiros said: "I can't answer that. The story to me is that the corporations are doing this in order to pit groups against each other and break the strike."

The fact that some of Leno's writers are paid $500,000 or more annually also didn't sit well with suddenly out-of-work production staffers who make a fraction of that amount. Writers also are getting residuals on "Tonight Show" reruns that air during the strike.

The final indignation was a Christmas bonus that many thought lacking. Staffers with a couple of years on the job were given $200. Some higher-paid employees were awarded three days of salary or a bit more, about the same bonuses they got last year.

The Leno representative defended the bonuses as well, pointing out that they amounted to $500,000 in aggregate out of Leno's pocket. He also noted that Leno handed out $2 million five years ago to staffers in celebration of his 10th year as host.

"Jay is a very generous man," added Medeiros. "I don't know what people expected. How much more should he give over a situation that he didn't cause?"

But, said one staffer: "When the most powerful man in TV tells you to relax, then you relax. That's why we expected the bonuses to cover us through the strike. He could've at least covered us through Christmas. That would have been nice."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

That is a real sad story. Unfortunately it is people who cant control what is happening that get hurt. The writers have prepared for the strike, but the other staffers have not, and now they are without jobs. I guess this is one way for the Corporations to cut costs, as I am sure when they make their agreement with the writers, it will probably be at the expense of the other staffers. They will probably hire less back and probably at reduced pay at what they were making before. Like it said in the article, it will just pit groups against each other. It is sad when strikes hurt people who are not directly involved, I remembered reading similar stories when the NHL was on Strike/Lockout for the year.

Yes, this must be really tough.  What a horrible feeling going into the holidays.

Wow....this is getting worse and worse.  They need to stop this from getting worse and fast.  Otherwise, NBC can kiss their behinds goodbye ;)

King Linksr

This is happening all over.. you are only hearing about The Tonight Show because he's a high profiled show. Support staffs have been getting fired for weeks.. also stars are now being let go from there shows without pay and if the strike ends they are contracted to come back immediately. Meaning they really can't do anything else just in case the strike ends soon.

Rumor around town is that they think they'll come to an agreement by Christmas... let's hope... if not this is going to be a very sad Christmas in Hollywood.

I think the late night talk shows could go on.  The are good comics and could write their own short monolog.  Then Jay could do the goofy newspapers and jay walking and the things you dont' need a writer for.

But most importantly, he could give a weekly platform to the striking writers and ask when they are going to let his writers come back to work.

Watch this to lighten the mood...very funny

Quote from: space_invader64 on December 01, 2007, 10:48:04 AM
I think the late night talk shows could go on.  The are good comics and could write their own short monolog.  Then Jay could do the goofy newspapers and jay walking and the things you dont' need a writer for.

But most importantly, he could give a weekly platform to the striking writers and ask when they are going to let his writers come back to work.

It takes these guys months to write each "set" they do. I am not sure you could expect them to do that on a nightly basis.

Well the guest interview are unscripted, the monolog jokes are topical and these guys are pro comics.  I'm sure they could go threw a few newspapers and come up with about five or six jokes.  Then they could invite more regular people on for things like stupid human tricks and other human intrest stuff.

Striking Writers plan "Star Trek" day....

WGA Organizing Star Trek Strike Day At Paramount
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Trek Franchise

As the WGA strike goes on, the guild is regularly doing "themed" rallies and pickets, such as the 'Horror writers exorcism' last week. For next Monday they are staging a Star Trek themed event at Paramount. The strike captain is currently rounding up Star Trek writers, producers and actors and already has confirmations from a number of them including Scott Bakula, Brent Spiner, Judy and Gar Reeves-Stevens, Harlan Ellison and many others. They also hope people working on the new Star Trek film will join them. There will even be a band (The Intergallactic Blues Band). Fans are also welcome to come and show their support.

If you are interested in attending, the check in spot is the Windsor Gate. The event runs from 11-3 at Paramount Pictures at 5555 Melrose in Hollywood. Any writers, actors or producers who want to contact the strike captain can contact me via the tipline (right sidebar).

TrekMovie.com will provide updates on the event as new information becomes available. TrekMovie.com will also report from the event itself on Monday, Dec. 10th.

Um.....wow.......why the Star Trek theme? 

King Linksr

Because it's Paramount and it brings attention to the strike.

Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on December 06, 2007, 10:18:41 AM
Because it's Paramount and it brings attention to the strike.

Got to love Paramount.....:laugh: 

King Linksr

Of course since they don't produce Star Trek for TV anymore it's seems a bit odd to me.  But of course they are doing the movie.

Well Paramount is synonymous with Star Trek. And like I said.. I can guarantee that there will be news camera covering this.

huh... interesting. I didn't know they themed protest rallies. :)

Quote from: Jen on December 06, 2007, 11:10:23 AM
huh... interesting. I didn't know they themed protest rallies. :)

Well after awhile the strike becomes less news and they stop covering it. Last week they did a 'Horror writers exorcism'  and sure enough that got them attention. This will be the same.

Now you're talking my language—they're marketing. Makes sense to me. :)

I understand the concept of bringing attention to the cause and "no publicity is bad publicity" but at the same time....I dunno I am having a hard time putting my thoughts into words here....At what point does it become a "stunt" that might diminish in some peoples eyes what the writers are trying to accomplish?  Keep in mind i am firmly in the writers camp here but things like this might get old to some.  I think the real pressure will come when new shows are suddenly gone and sponsorship money dries up because the networks are producing such tittilating shows as "American Gladiators", "Big Brother" and that lie detector show on Fox.  And Kenny, please believe me when I say I am not trying to take pot shots at your lively-hood per se I am merely making the "too much of a good thing..." point.

This just in....

NBC refunds advertisers as ratings plunge

1 hour, 48 minutes ago

Fourth-ranked broadcaster NBC has quietly begun reimbursing advertisers an average of $500,000 each for failing to reach guaranteed ratings levels, the first time a network has taken such a step in years, media buyers said.

Networks usually offer make-goods -- free advertising slots -- in the event of such shortfalls. But NBC has none to give. In fact, no broadcast network has much ad inventory left between now and year's end -- except for, perhaps, a handful of units the week between Christmas and New Year's, and that doesn't do much for advertisers chasing holiday shoppers.

CBS, ABC and Fox also are doling out make-goods, primarily for the first quarter. They have blamed softness on a new ratings formula, but media agencies disagree. None of the networks would comment.

The networks' problems emerged even before the Writers Guild of America went on strike November 5. The networks had enough first-run shows to get them through November, and repeats and replacement programming will not begin in earnest until January -- when their problems will likely start to worsen.

Among the Big Four networks, NBC has the most serious ad shortfall, as its primetime ratings are down most dramatically. Meanwhile, none of its new series this season have caught on with viewers. Compounding buyers' angst about NBC is the network's plan to schedule more reality shows, including "Celebrity Apprentice" and "American Gladiators."

"We're trying to understand NBC's recent moves," Starcom Entertainment exec vp Laura Caraccioli-Davis said. "We are concerned that it might be thinking about adopting a programming strategy like some of its sister cable networks. 'American Gladiators' and even some of the shows they have in development, like 'Knight Rider,' are remakes being dusted off rather than coming up with new creations.

"NBC used to be the upscale, quality network," she added. "We have come to expect quality, iconic programming. Maybe they are searching for the reality hit they don't have, their own 'American Idol.' But too much reality just doesn't play well with advertisers."

NBC program planning president Vince Manze countered that the network will air more scripted shows in the first quarter than it did a year earlier, so the perception that NBC is moving more heavily into reality is wrong.

"We will have about 85 hours of original, scripted, first-run programming in the first quarter," Manze said, citing the return of dramas "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (which previously aired on NBC's sister cable net USA Network) and "Medium."

In February, NBC will premiere midseason drama "Lipstick Jungle." It also has first-run episodes of "Law & Order: SVU," "ER," "Chuck," "Friday Night Lights," "Las Vegas," "Scrubs" and "My Name Is Earl" yet to air.

Magna Global audience analysis exec vp Steve Sternberg said he saw no problem with NBC airing a reality block on a low-rated night like Saturday or even during the week if the production values were high or if it replaced other reality programming. However, "if it replaces midweek scripted hours, it could have a negative impact" on ratings and audience quality, he said.

Reality programs featuring high production values, including Fox's "American Idol," CBS' "Survivor" and "Amazing Race" and ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," draw sizable audiences each week.

Still, one network executive charged that audiences for those shows are "borrowed" viewers. "A majority of those viewers come in for that show and then leave," the executive said.

Added MediaVest senior vp group director Ed Gentner: "No one (advertiser or agency) wants to see too much reality programming on TV. But broadcast television has changed, and reality is part of today's landscape."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Well we knew this was coming....

Is writers strike the Christmas Grinch?

By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer Sat Dec 22, 12:39 PM ET

LOS ANGELES - Nearly two months without paychecks. Scores of shuttered shows. Thousands out of work. The Hollywood writers strike suggests a bleak Christmas for many in Tinsel Town.

But just like a movie script, this story has a twist: many striking writers remain upbeat despite the financial and emotional strains the walkout has brought to the season.

Since members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike job Nov. 5, more than $350 million in wages have been lost, said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Committee.

Writers, though, are accustomed to sporadic employment and saving their pennies, and they're inspired by the feeling that they're helping their profession and the labor movement at large.

"We're swept up by the romantic notion of being on strike and doing the right thing," said Luvh Rakhe, a writer and strike captain for the ABC show "Cavemen." "By strengthening the union movement in Hollywood, everyone who's in a union benefits."

But not everyone sees it that way.

The strike against the studios has also forced nearly 40,000 "below-the-line" workers — including electricians, carpenters, welders and prop masters — out of work, according to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Unlike the writers, who are buoyed by feelings of righteousness and will presumably benefit from the strike's outcome, these workers are simply jobless at what should be a festive time of year.

The strike has been "devastating" for IATSE members, said spokeswoman Katherine Orloff.

"They've not only lost their paychecks, they're losing hours that contribute to eligibility for health insurance and pension coverage," she said. "Everybody wants to go back to work, whether they support the strike, don't support the strike, are angry at producers or are angry at writers."

Christmas presents are hardly a concern when "people are going to start losing their homes and their businesses," she said. "Gifts are almost frivolous ideas at this point. This is about survival."

Most writers and below-the-line workers earn middle-class incomes. The average writers-guild member's salary is $62,000 a year, according to the WGA. IATSE salaries are similar. Strike or no, employment is inconsistent for both groups, with nearly half of writers-guild members and 10 to 15 percent of IATSE members without work during the year.

"As a writer, you have to develop the instinct of squirreling money away," Rakhe said. "You're just used to a lot of uncertainty in the first place."

The WGA prepared its members for the possibility of a strike a year in advance, so many writers saved money and started buying Christmas presents early.

"Wisely, I did all my holiday shopping throughout the year," said Sally Nemeth, a writer for "Law & Order" who described herself as "truly a middle-class member of the guild." "My shopping was very modest, but I got it done months ago."

Others curtailed shopping and travel plans to accommodate newly abbreviated incomes.

Randall Caldwell, a writer for "Judging Amy," said he usually travels to Memphis to see his mother for the holidays, but not this year.

"I'm staying home because I don't know how long this will go on," he said. "I'd rather be here picketing."

Rakhe, the "Cavemen" writer, said he trimmed his gift budget and is adopting a "thought-that-counts type of attitude."

"In the past, when times were good, I would go nuts," he said, "and this year I'm certainly not."

He recently took a part-time tutoring job to earn extra money, but said writers' morale remains high despite the strike's pocketbook pinch: "People are buoyed by the fact that we feel like we're doing the right thing and we have the support of the public."

Writers in serious financial straits can apply for loans from the $13 million Writers Guild Strike Fund, said WGA spokesman Gregg Mitchell. Loans are approved by a member-governed internal committee. About $3.8 million in loans were granted to members during the 1988 writers strike, he said. He declined to say how many, if any, loans had been granted since Nov. 5.

Still, even successful writers feel the strike's pall over the season.

"This is the worst holiday in this town that I've ever experienced," said Jim Brooks, longtime writer and producer of "The Simpsons." "This is not dancing-in-the-street time. This is shuffling in a line, carrying a sign time."

Studios, though, are still celebrating, with Disney, Universal and Paramount throwing big holiday bashes like they do each year.

Those same studios, said "Law & Order" scribe Joe Reinkemeyer, are the "Grinch that stole Christmas from all of Hollywood."

However, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, blames the writers.

"Because they walked off the job, tens of thousands of other people who had no stake in this dispute are losing hundreds of millions of dollars," said spokesman Jesse Hiestand. "Many of those other workers will never have the kind of six-figure incomes enjoyed by WGA writers and it is a real shame that the holiday season is being dimmed by the writers' decision to go on strike."

Pamela Elyea, who runs the prop company History for Hire, isn't pointing fingers. Her main concern is keeping her company afloat and her employees working. She spent a year preparing for the strike and has "a very strong game plan" that will keep the business running through June, she said.

Elyea had to lay off five part-time workers and shrink the company's holiday party ("This year no guests, no gifts," she said). She also opted not to exchange gifts with her family. But her full-time staff of 12 is still on the job.

"The best present anybody could have is just to keep their job," she said. "It's that true meaning of Christmas, where you're grateful for your family, you're grateful for your community and you're grateful for your country. It's not about the stuff. It's about the people."

You know, a writers strike is never a good thing, but it seems that this year is particularly painful for us Geeks. There are so many shows that are affected by the strike that we all follow. You guys in the States are seeing the effects of this strike through less quality writing and the fact that many series will be stopping their run half way through the season. Over here, these shows aren't even being broadcast yet. Heroes season 2 will probably be aired in the spring, Bionic woman in January, I don't expect to see Pushing Daises broadcast over here until the summer and Desperate Housewives (I know it's not Geeky, but I truly love that show) in January.They only just finished season six of Smallville over here last week. So the strike isn't really talked about by anyone over here, In fact I think I have seen it mentioned in the news once.

I hope this gets sorted out very soon. It seems that some heads need banging together. In the meantime, it gives me the opportunity to catch up on these shows through the wonders of the net and when they finally get shown over here, and people wonder why the quality has dropped or why there are only half the normal shows in the season, I will have the answers and will have already shared the pain with my friends at Treks in Sci-Fi.

What I wonder is how quickly the season can get back on track if the strike is settled.  Are there some episodes that will just never air ?

All it's doing so far is shortening the season.  There isn't less quality writing going on because no one is writing.  Most shows are getting about half a season this year.  There are a few new shows starting in 2008 and a few episodes left to air for some.  But after that it's reruns and reality TV for us at least until next fall.

Well I'm glad that the quality isn't suffering and that it's only shorter seasons so far. I mean, we wouldn't want another "Shades Of Gray" on our hands, would we?
BTW, do you think Flash Gordon's quality will suffer???

Quote from: Trekkygeek on December 23, 2007, 11:30:17 AM
Well I'm glad that the quality isn't suffering and that it's only shorter seasons so far. I mean, we wouldn't want another "Shades Of Gray" on our hands, would we?
BTW, do you think Flash Gordon's quality will suffer???

Is that possible at this point? 

King

I didn't think Flash was so bad.  Scifi has turned into the stargate channel.  And that show isn't exactily my cup of tea.  I saw the flash pilot and thought, this isn't bad.  In some ways, resembled sliders.  Now that is one of my favs. 

Did you watch more than one of the new Flash?  I really couldn't after 3 episodes.  Now I love "Sliders" and can see the comparison.  But this new Flash just wasn't at that level, I thought.

Oh no I just watched the pilot and thought it was an interesting show. I know some pilots take advantage of more money and better writing then the weekly episodes. Did the appeal of it change after that one?

I liked that he had a missing father that disappeared when flash was younger, that he had a friend that he liked an a possible love interest, the gateway to another demention that Flash's father might be in, gadgets and weapons, bad guys.  it looked like it had all the makings of a really good show.

Updated show list as of 12/20/07.  See what's left.....

30 Rock: Ten episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there is one left.

Aliens in America: Seventeen episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are seven left.

Back to You: Nine episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are two left.

The Big Bang Theory: Eight episodes were produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are zero left.

Bionic Woman: Eight episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there is zero left.

Bones: Twelve episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Boston Legal: Fourteen episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are four left.

Brothers & Sisters: Twelve episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Carpoolers: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are seven left.

Cavemen: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are seven left.

Chuck: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there are two left.

Criminal Minds: Roughly twelve episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there is roughly one left.

CSI: Eleven episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there is one left.

CSI: NY: Fourteen episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Desperate Housewives: Ten episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there is one left.

Dirty Sexy Money: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are three left.

ER: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are four left.

Friday Night Lights: Fifteen episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are six left.

Gossip Girl: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there are two left.

Greek: Eight new episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are eight left.

Grey's Anatomy: Eleven episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there is one left.

Heroes: Eleven episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there is zero left.

House: Twelve episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are three left.

How I Met Your Mother: Eleven episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there are zero left.

Jericho: Seven episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are seven episodes left.

Las Vegas: Nineteen episodes will be produced. Eleven have aired, so there are eight left.

Law & Order: SVU: Fourteen episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are four left.

Life is Wild: Twelve episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Lost: Eight episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are eight episodes left.

Medium: Nine episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are nine episodes left.

Men in Trees: Nineteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are 11 left.

My Name is Earl: Thirteen episodes will be produced (that includes two one-hour eps, which count double). Twelve episodes have aired, so there is one left.

The New Adventures of Old Christine: Eight episodes have been produced. No episodes have aired, so there are eight left.

Numbers: Twelve episodes will be produced. Ten have aired, so there is two left.

The Office: Twelve half-hour episodes will be produced. Twelve half-hour episodes have aired, so there are zero half-hour episodes left.

One Tree Hill: Twelve episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are twelve episodes left.

Prison Break: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are five left. (On hiatus 'til Jan. 14)

Private Practice: Nine episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are zero left.

Pushing Daisies: Nine episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are zero left.

Reaper: Twelve episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are two left.

Samantha Who?: Twelve episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Scrubs: Eleven episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Shark: Twelve episodes will be produced. Eleven episodes have aired, so there is one left.

The Shield: All 13 season-seven episodes will be completed. None have aired (the final season gets underway in '08), so there are 13 left.

Smallville: Fifteen episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are six left.

Supernatural: Ten to 12 episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are two to four left.

Ugly Betty: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are three left.

Without a Trace: Twelve episodes will be produced. Ten episodes have aired, so there are two left.

• If your favorite show isn't included above, don't panic — it's not because I hate you. It's because I'm still trying to track down the info. As soon as I get it, I'll add it to the list.

Link to watch for updates:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Strike-Chart-Long/800026937

I just heard on NPR that GE and Disney are most likely not going to give in anytime soon. They said that both companies are not making the targeted money on the shows from commericals that they want. The reporter also said that due to the size of Disney and GE they could hold out for a VERY long time.

I really did not understand how they are not making money on commericals that they thought they would. They mentioned that they had to subsidize them to a point....?

What do you think of the deal with David Letterman's company?  If the writers union is allowing them to go back to work, is this a hardball tactic because the competition, Leno and Conan, will have no writers?  I think it might be.  So the NBC will have the choice of striking a similar deal or lose the sponsors to CBS.

What do you guys think?

I'm starting to wonder if this is the start of a splintering a individual deals being made with writers.  If it goes that way it might spell the end of the union at some point in the future since they now seem willing to bargain on their own.

Quote from: Rico on December 31, 2007, 10:36:18 AM
I'm starting to wonder if this is the start of a splintering a individual deals being made with writers.  If it goes that way it might spell the end of the union at some point in the future since they now seem willing to bargain on their own.

I have to agree with you Rico.  If things don't improve, individual writers are just going to make their own deals and no longer support the union.  If they can do better, why bother with a union?

King

Well, it's interesting how the writers of a show that will never see residuals (one of the main issues) are already bailing. I mean Letterman will never see syndication nor is it likely he will ever be released on DVD like Johnny Carson was. So, perhaps there is not as much to fight for by these writers as there is by others?

Kevin

Quote from: Ktrek on December 31, 2007, 11:08:23 AM
Well, it's interesting how the writers of a show that will never see residuals (one of the main issues) are already bailing. I mean Letterman will never see syndication nor is it likely he will ever be released on DVD like Johnny Carson was. So, perhaps there is not as much to fight for by these writers as there is by others?
Kevin

You nailed it Kevin.. these writers will not see residuals.. same goes for the Soap Opera writers (some have gone back to work and pulled out of the WGA all together). This strike has no benefit for them.

Kenny,

Does this mean that in the future these writers could actually be banned from the Writers Union and not be able to work on series shows? If so that could be a costly move for them in the long run. Unless they always see themselves writing for Letterman type shows.

Kevin

But isn't that the whole point - to get residuals??  They rerun talk shows all the time - for example.  They also are being shown online as well.

Quote from: Ktrek on December 31, 2007, 11:25:16 AM
Kenny,

Does this mean that in the future these writers could actually be banned from the Writers Union and not be able to work on series shows? If so that could be a costly move for them in the long run. Unless they always see themselves writing for Letterman type shows.

Kevin

The Lettermen writers have made a deal with the WGA that will allow them to continue to be part of the WGA and write for Lettermen. I don't know the details of their deal.

The particular Soap writer I was talking about has been writing for a popular soap for over 20 years.. he was going to be fired from the show if he didn't continue to write. So opted out of the WGA so can continue to write.. he will continue to write for the rest of his life I presume on that soap.

Quote from: Rico on December 31, 2007, 11:27:29 AM
But isn't that the whole point - to get residuals??  They rerun talk shows all the time - for example.  They also are being shown online as well.

I don't know the details of the WGA but I do know that "talk show" type of shows are different then scripted shows. Which means residuals are different. Scripted shows have a few writers who get credited for the episode. Variety show/talk shows are many many writers. I don't know how they keep track if something that one person wrote makes it to air. Obviously not all the writer will get residuals. Like I said.. I don't know the full details of the WGA deals.

Now the strike is effecting the award season.

Globes As Good As Dead This Year

Variety is reporting that the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), in a show of solidarity for the membership of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) that is currently on strike against the American Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP), have called on all actors to be no shows at this year's Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

SAG president Alan Rosenberg has announced that not one of the more than 70 actors that have been nominated for a Golden Globe will attend the televised January 13 ceremonies pretty much shutting down the event. While no official word on this latest development has come from Dick Clark Productions, it seems inevitable that this show will not go on as planned, unless the strike concludes within the next week, which itself seems highly unlikely

After intense negotiations with the WGA Dick Clark Productions failed to get the kind of waiver granted David Letterman's Worldwide Pants company. However, the Guild has asserted that it will picket the Globes, set to air on NBC one week from this Sunday.

"After considerable outreach to Golden Globe actor nominees and their representatives over the past several weeks, there appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross WGA picket lines to appear on the Golden Globe Awards as acceptors or presenters," Rosenberg said. "We applaud our members for this remarkable show of solidarity for striking Writers Guild of America writers."

Rosenberg has also encouraged his SAG members to only appear on the two Worldwide Pants talk shows owned by David Letterman, which would include Dave's "Late Night" show and Craig Ferguson's "Late Late Show" and said all other talkers, including Leno, O'Brien and Kimmel should be avoided at the present time.

"Actors who are asked to appear on the struck network talk shows will have to cross WGA picket lines, creating the same situation that has led to the consensus among actors to skip the Golden Globes," Rosenberg said. "As I have said since this strike began on November 5th, we must stand united with our brothers and sisters at the WGA."

I saw that this morning also on CNN. This is interesting to watch on hwo they are going to handle it.

I'm really trying hard to continue to support the writers, but I'm reaching a crossroad. While I respect the writers, I think that the fact that they are still getting paid something for the DVD sales and the airing of reruns allow them to survive while the craft service people and the production people are the ones that are really suffering for the strike. It seems like everyone but the people that need the money the most are continuing to pull in some coin.

I sense that this is the reason that there is no urgency in the talks. Both groups involved in the strike are still in position to continue to get a check.

For the sake of the grips and the runners and everyone else that doesn't and won't ever see a cent from residuals, they need to end this. IF the writers allow this to continue further, I would hate to see me resent the writers as much as I have started to resent the producers.

Ultimately, this comes down to money and although studios have big pockets, at somepoint revenue from rerun shows will not be enough to sustain them, and this resentment by viewers will hurt them in the long run.

The longer this strike goes on the interest in popular shows that have been on hiatus will wane, Like bsg, to the point of little or no interest, that it will cost them money when they have to compensate advertisers for lost revenue. Let us not forget the movie season either..

Eventually all this inaction will have a serious consequence for everyone involved.

Quote from: Just X on January 05, 2008, 10:05:28 AM
I'm really trying hard to continue to support the writers, but I'm reaching a crossroad. While I respect the writers, I think that the fact that they are still getting paid something for the DVD sales and the airing of reruns allow them to survive while the craft service people and the production people are the ones that are really suffering for the strike. It seems like everyone but the people that need the money the most are continuing to pull in some coin.

I'm with you X... it's getting harder and harder to support the writers. I have so many friends who are suffering because of them. This could be the year of the strikes.. after the WGA the SAG and DGA both have there contract expiring this year.. this could be a long hard year for the entertainment industry. :(

I just don't get the actors in this.  Whatever happened to "The show must go on?"

Why should the audience suffer for internal this?

I'm almost wishing this just starts to bust up the unions in the entertainment industry.  I see no need for them there and they are just complicating things.  Let the writers themselves negotiate and work out their own deals - just like most working people who are not in a union do. 

One thing I don't quite get is why the studios just don't go out and hire some independent writers?  Is there some type of law against it?

Quote from: Rico on January 06, 2008, 12:18:48 PM
I'm almost wishing this just starts to bust up the unions in the entertainment industry.  I see no need for them there and they are just complicating things.  Let the writers themselves negotiate and work out their own deals - just like most working people who are not in a union do. 

One thing I don't quite get is why the studios just don't go out and hire some independent writers?  Is there some type of law against it?

No, there are no laws protecting unions from this action or preventing employeers from hiring outside a union. You have the right to unionize but beyond that the contract between the union and the employeer is enforced like any other contract. Finally my degree comes into practice :) It's been a few years but that it what I recall from good ole College....and of course we all know how much we remember everything taught in a class room.  ???

In my personal experience, I prefer nonunion jobs to union for the reason that if I am joining a union, that must mean I'm not working for upstanding people.  If I were to take a job for AT&T, I would break down the door to join because I think they are crooks.  That being said, it's nice to be in a right to work state where if our place of employment were to close down, another company could come in and take over without fear of union trouble.  This happened in my home town when Sykes closed down.  It didn't stay closed for long when a new company came in and rehired much of the old Sykes staff.  Had we not been a right to work state, IRT might not have came and put people back to work.

But I have to look back to the history of unions to see how they improved working conditions in coal mines and other hazardous jobs.  When I look at those sports stars I have a hard time believing that their lavish life playing a game requires the protection of a coal miner.

I don't go to the movies that often anymore when the dvd comes out in three months.  I often don't worry if I miss something on TV because I can catch up online.  This has been a huge shift in the way we get content.  I do agree that the writters well is drying up while the production companies well gets deeper.  They should get a deal that would allow them to keep ground rather than lose it.

I think during a strike negotions should be mandatory and very frequent.  Also, I doubt the writers guild would like the idea of reembursing stage hands, editors, hair and makup, and others who are unable to work because of the strike.

I would agree.  Don't want to get into a debate of union vs. non-union labor.  Unions have their place but I would never join one for the simple reason that I should decide when/where to work.  I would have no problem crossing a picket line as long as I have a valid reason.

I come from what was once known as a Timber Town.  The big pulp mills and logging industry have always been union here.  My Dad and Grandpa were union for 30 plus years.  I have seen the good and the bad that comes from it.  I remember my dad being on strike a few times, once for a few months.  That caused a lot of stress at our house, but eventually things got worked out.


When I worked as summer help for a local pulp mill when I was going through college I was forced to join the union.  I payed dues every month, and if there was a problem with the company the union would go to bat for me, but on the flip side... the other guys that were hired with me were made to slow down and take our time to get things done.  On our first day a bunch of old timers came to us and told us to make the job that we were doing last for three days.  In reality we could have finished in two hours.  They told us we would regret doing things quick and that if we wanted a smooth time during the summer that we should do what they told us.  So they were messing the company over by having the union help them slack off.  It wasn't a good situation.  One time we had to wait over two days for an electrician to change a light bulb, cause we would get in trouble from the union if one of us clean up guys changed it.  CRAZY!

So,I think in their original form, Unions are good, but like everything else in life, they can get corrupt and take advantage of the system.

There you go, my  :2cents

I agree with you guys. My Dad is a truck driver, has been for 35 years. He has seen lots of bad things occur through the Teamsters...as a result he's not very fond of the union.

But, I understand why being apart of a union like the writers guild would be helpful.  At the same time, it really bites for those people who are not writers who's jobs are now in jeopardy because of the strikes. The people in charge of sharing the profit (the ones who won't bend in negotiations) should be ashamed of their greedy, stingy selves. I think eventually their stubbornness will begin to effect them as well, and after that happens they'll start meeting demands. Too bad it has to effect so many people in the mean time.

Unions are necessary and good but I agree with Rick in that sometimes they get twisted. I would say that if you look though that's an exception rather than the rule. I give the Union's a ton of credit for getting us to where we are in our society. Many good laws came from Union's. Like I said I see both sides and see that they need eachother for this great country.

Man it is nice to be a member of a community that seems thoughtful and rational in their views.  It seem the vitriol on both sides is starting to get a bit nastier since the Late night crews went back to work.

I happen to agree with most here...Unions should be thinked or what they did...in the past for workers rights.  Sometimes in the present day they are still a good thing, however more and more it seems their line of thinking ( as evidenced by Rick's story) is "how much money for how little work".  I had to laugh when a few writers were angrily sniping at Mike Huckabee for crossing the picket line to be on with Jay Leno last week.  I would hazard a guess that a vast majority of the member of WGA had absolutely ZERO intention of even considering to vote for Mike Huckabee for President so their righteous indignation came off as a bit hollow and disingenuous...I dunno maybe that was just me.

Here's hoping this gets resolved soon cuz football is almost over.

The same reporters would have no problem when a one of the canidates goes on a news talk show like Larry King or Meet the Press. 

I do think that Episode of the Tonight Show was one of the best in years.  Jay is really funny.

I also like to see Jay interview the politics because he does a friendly funny interview.  The other guys want to debate them.

Unions fall into a real grey area for me. As others mentioned there are positives and negatives. I work for a large Internation company, we do not have a union, but at times it would be nice if we did. It seems with large corporations, workers sometimes get lost in the numbers, and it seems that the corporations can make their own rules. There are labour laws, but for me working in tech, it seems like a lot of them do not apply to me due to my job type and industry. I would be nice to know that a third party was looking out for my best interests. That said, a union in my industry could hurt people looking to advance in their careers, and lump them in with everyone else in terms of pay and bonuses. A friend of mine works in a Union doing labour type jobs. He has been with the place he has worked for for over 14 years, but when it comes to Salary, he makes the same as a person just hired. Everyone gets the same raise and pay, regardless of the quality of work. The only advantage I see for him, is that since everyone makes the same, he is less likely to lose his job, for making more then someone else for doing the same job.

Like everyone else has said, it is sad to see all the people who are not in the Writers Union hurt by this. When this is settled, I doubt there will be anyone coming into to take care of those folks, and to me, that will be the saddest story in all of this.

Yes if nothing else Jay can rest assured that if he is no longer welcome on the WGA that he at least was a bit more "big picture and, to borrow the phrase from Star Trek, put the needs of the many (160+ members of the crew) above the needs of the few (20 or so writers).

Quote from: moyer777 on January 07, 2008, 10:04:12 AM
I come from what was once known as a Timber Town.  The big pulp mills and logging industry have always been union here.  My Dad and Grandpa were union for 30 plus years.  I have seen the good and the bad that comes from it.  I remember my dad being on strike a few times, once for a few months.  That caused a lot of stress at our house, but eventually things got worked out.


When I worked as summer help for a local pulp mill when I was going through college I was forced to join the union.  I payed dues every month, and if there was a problem with the company the union would go to bat for me, but on the flip side... the other guys that were hired with me were made to slow down and take our time to get things done.  On our first day a bunch of old timers came to us and told us to make the job that we were doing last for three days.  In reality we could have finished in two hours.  They told us we would regret doing things quick and that if we wanted a smooth time during the summer that we should do what they told us.  So they were messing the company over by having the union help them slack off.  It wasn't a good situation.  One time we had to wait over two days for an electrician to change a light bulb, cause we would get in trouble from the union if one of us clean up guys changed it.  CRAZY!

So,I think in their original form, Unions are good, but like everything else in life, they can get corrupt and take advantage of the system.

There you go, my  :2cents

You see, that's why I can't join a union.  They would likely have to - how do I put this -- "discourage my eagerness" ?  I hope the writer's don't act like this.  What in a nutshell is the core issue and have they made any progress ?

The basics are the writers want some compensation for DVD sales and internet distribution of things they write.  And from what I have heard they are not asking for a lot of actual money.  A very small percentage.  There are probably a few other side issues, but that is the crux of the matter.  As far as if any progress has been made, I don't think much.

News

Official: United Artists Announces Writers Guild Deal
Source: United Artists Films, MGM
January 7, 2008

United Artists Films has released the following announcement regarding its deal with the Writers Guild of America (WGA):

The Writers Guild of America and legendary United Artists Films have reached a mutually beneficial independent agreement. While the details are not being disclosed in this announcement, the comprehensive agreement addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media.

As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will be able to work with United Artists while the strike against other companies continues.

The agreement is unique to United Artists Films and does not involve Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), a shareholder of United Artists Entertainment.

"United Artists has lived up to its name. UA and the Writers Guild came together and negotiated seriously. The end result is that we have a deal that will put people back to work," said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West.

"This agreement is important, unique, and makes good business sense for United Artists. In keeping with the philosophy of its original founders, artists who sought to create a studio in which artists and their creative visions could flourish, we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the WGA," said UA co-owner and CEO Paula Wagner.

On the other hand, MGM released the folowing statement, saying that it does not agree with United Artists' decision:

Regarding United Artists Films seeking an interim agreement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA): Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) understands the desire of United Artists to resume its business activities, but respectfully disagrees with its decision to sign an interim agreement with the WGA.

MGM remains committed to working with AMPTP member companies to reach a fair and reasonable agreement with the WGA that positions everyone in our industry for success in a rapidly changing marketplace.

So UA made a side deal with the WGA... The strike isn't really over.

No the strike is far from over... just companies trying to make side deals with them. Which I think really defeats the whole purpose of the strike. What's the point in striking if companies can make there own deals with the WGA.

Exactly Kenny.  Almost seems anti-union and anti-solidarity to me.  I'm telling you, this is a sign of the future.

Quote from: Rico on January 08, 2008, 11:04:42 AM
Exactly Kenny.  Almost seems anti-union and anti-solidarity to me.  I'm telling you, this is a sign of the future.

It could be.  People may be getting fed up with the union they work for.  Who knows...

King

Well at least we know now that the next James Bond movie will get done.....right? ;D

Here's another negative result from the Writers strike.. Warner Bros announced that it's possible that they will be laying off over 1000 jobs from there Burbank Warner Brother Studios after this Friday... and still not talks going on.

Independents Get In Line

David Letterman's Worldwide Pants started it, Tom Cruise followed up and now more independent film and production companies are getting in line to make their own deals with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), ignoring the powerful studio/network bargining arm of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The next in line is The Weinstein Co., which is one of the largest independent moviemakers in the industry. It has high expectations in its current negotiations with the writers of the Guild.

The terms of the Weinstein/WGA deal have not been made public, however, most are expecting the same kind of arrangement made with Letterman and then Cruise/Wagner's United Artists.

If the deal gets signed, the Weinstein Company could return to production on shelved and delayed projects within a month.

But, with the exception of Letterman obviously, these are all movie companies, correct....still no relief as far as TV goes....am I reading that correctly?

I'll bet the TV companies/union is not happy. 

King

And it gets worse...

ABC Studios axes producers idled by strike

By Nellie Andreeva Sat Jan 12, 12:09 AM ET

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC Studios on Friday became the first TV studio to terminate production deals as a result of the Hollywood writers strike.

"Force majeure" -- or act of God -- provisions in the contracts allow studios to cancel deals with writers and producers idled by the strike, which is now in its third month. These deals usually involve the supply of offices and staffers on the studio lot, and can be both costly and unproductive.

Close to 30 writing and nonwriting producers who don't have active projects have been axed, including the "That '70s Show" writing duo of Joshua Sternin and Jeffrey Ventimilia, "Seinfeld" veteran Larry Charles, "Project Greenlight" producer Sean Bailey, and actor Taye Diggs, who landed a producing deal a year ago when he signed on to star in ABC's "Private Practice," a spinoff from "Grey's Anatomy."

"The ongoing strike has had a significant detrimental impact on development and production, so we are forced to make the difficult decision to release a number of talented, respected individuals from their development deals," an ABC Studios spokeswoman said late Friday.

While force majeure action by TV studios had been seen as inevitable, the extent of the ABC axings raised some eyebrows. Rumors abound that Warner Bros. TV will terminate about 5-6 pacts next week, with other TV studios expected to follow.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

It's really getting nuts now.  These groups really need to start settling things.

Thank goodness it doesn't affect me in any way (family/friends).  I can imagine this becoming a really big nightmare soon...

King

I'm sick of it.  How long can the industry afford not to reach a settlement?

Again why are the writers on strike if they keep making side deals??????

WGA Pacts with Spyglass and MRC
Source: Variety
January 15, 2008

The Writers Guild of America has reached interim agreements with Spyglass Entertainment and Media Rights Capital, the guild's fourth and fifth such pacts following similar deals with Worldwide Pants, United Artists and The Weinstein Company, reports Variety.

The WGA disclosed the new deals Monday as the writers strike moved into its 11th week.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) issued a statement downplaying the impact of the Spyglass and MRC interim deals, asserting, "These one-off agreements are meaningless because the companies signing them know they will not have to abide by their terms for very long, since they'll be superseded by whatever final industrywide accords are reached. If companies truly had to live by the terms of these one-off agreements, we are confident none would ever be signed."

But Spyglass executive Gary Barber said he was pleased to ink the pact. "We're back in business," he added. "We'll go back into full production mode, developing scripts and looking for new projects."

Barber didn't identify specific films, but the interim deal will allow Spyglass to move forward on projects including Ironbow: The Legend of William Tell, which has director Kevin Reynolds attached. In recent months, Spyglass picked up bigscreen rights to Neil Strauss dating novel "The Game," with Dan Weiss signed to adapt, and remake rights to David Cronenberg's The Brood, with Cory Goodman on board to pen the screenplay.

As for MRC, the deal allows it to go forward on a slate of features with Sacha Baron Cohen and Cameron Diaz and directors Robert Rodriguez, Ricky Gervais, Richard Kelly, Walter Salles, Bennett Miller and Todd Field. MRC's planning to move into TV production and is engaged in the creation of digital content through pacts with thesp Raven-Symone and "Family Guy" creator-executive producer Seth MacFarlane.

Terms of the MRC agreement are similar to those in the Worldwide Pants and UA deals, which contain online residuals of 2.5% of distributor's gross for TV programming and 2% for films.

AMPTP Invites WGA Back for Discussions
Source: AMPTP
January 17, 2008

With the DGA and AMPTP reaching a tentative agreement, the AMPTP made this joint statement today:

The agreement between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the Directors Guild of America establishes an important precedent: Our industry's creative talent will now participate financially in every emerging area of new media. The agreement demonstrates beyond any doubt that our industry's producers are willing and able to work with the creators of entertainment content to establish fair and flexible rules for this fast-changing marketplace.

We hope that this agreement with DGA will signal the beginning of the end of this extremely difficult period for our industry. Today, we invite the Writers Guild of America to engage with us in a series of informal discussions similar to the productive process that led us to a deal with the DGA to determine whether there is a reasonable basis for returning to formal bargaining. We look forward to these discussions, and to the day when our entire industry gets back to work.

Well let's keep our fingers crossed.

Got this from Slice of Sci Fi News...

"After almost 4 months there are signs that the WGA strike may be coming to a close. Light at the end of the tunnel comes in the form of resumed (informal) talks between writers and studio/network producers which begin today. The WGA and AMPTP might try to hammer out a deal for the writers similar to that forged with the directors just last week."

Good lord I hope so.....really curious abouit the fates of some of our favorite shows.

They have been saying if it isn't resolved very soon the next fall TV season will be messed up.  So I really think this will be settled soon.

Hope so.  Sounds like Oscar night is putting pressure on everyone.  The networks lost millions on the golden globes.  The SAG contracts are coming due, right ?

WGA Removes One Stumbling Block

The informal negotiations between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which began yesterday, got off to a rocky start but, by mid-afternoon came some clues that things might be looking up.

Rumors began filtering around that the WGA would bend on one sticking point and those rumors were later verified after the WGA announced it had taken their demand for jurisdiction over reality and animation off the table. This met with strong AMPTP approval.

The two bargining units also agreed to have the informal talks continue.

This is the first bit of real news coming out of those meetings since both sides have agreed to a Press Blackout until substantial information can be released.

Everyone is hoping that some kind of deal, either temporary or permanent, can be worked out before the February 24 Oscar presentations at the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony. Both groups would like to avoid the fiasco the strike caused for the Golden Globes. That ceremony was relegated to a basic news conference and even though several networks carried it, viewership of the event was at its worse all-time low.

The WGA East president, Michael Winship, has indicated at a recent rally in Manhattan that if some kind of agreement isn't reached by the 24th, then the Academy Awards ceremony will face the same picket lines imposed on the Golden Globes, pretty much putting down that event as well, according to Variety.

"Until the Writers Guild has a deal with the conglomerates — the studios and networks — our intention is to boycott the Oscars, to picket the Oscars and to ask our fellow union members at the Screen Actors Guild to boycott the Oscars," Winship said. "That's our plan. Awards are nice, but we'd rather the writers get a fair contract."

Not wanting to appear too strident to its supporting public, WGA West president Patric Verrone stated that "We have responded favorably to the invitation from the AMPTP to enter into informal talks that will help establish a reasonable basis for returning to negotiations. During this period we have agreed to a complete news blackout. We are grateful for this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion with industry leaders that we hope will lead to a contract. We ask that all members exercise restraint in their public statements during this critical period."

"In order to make absolutely clear our commitment to bringing a speedy conclusion to negotiations, we have decided to withdraw our proposals on reality and animation," both Winship and Verrone said in a written statement. "Our organizing efforts to achieve guild representation in these genres for writers will continue."

Lionsgate & WGA Sign Deal

The Lionsgate movie studio, following Letterman (Worldwide Pants), The Weinstein Co. and Cruise/Wagner (United Artists) has signed their own interim deal with striking writers late on Thursday night.

Informal talks between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers will continue today with hopes that some kind of arrangement can be tabled before the Academy Awards telecast.

Marvels Signs Dotted Line With WGA

Like ducks in a row, the independent filmmakers continue to line up making their own deals with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), by-passing the big guns at the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP).

We already reported on how David Letterman's Worldwide Pants put the first chink in the AMPTP armor by getting its own pact with the 12,000 members of the Guild. He was soon followed by Tom Cruise's United Artists studio, The Weinstein Co. and just yesterday Lionsgate.

Late into the night another fast growing indie film company owned by mega comics Marvel Studio's, Marvel Entertainment Inc. signed an agreement with the WGA that follows along the same lines as that given Worldwide Pants.

Meanwhile, informal talks between the WGA and AMPTP continue with hopes that a deal similar to the one recently ironed out with the Directors Guild of America can be gotten between the writers and producers. The WGA strike has been going on since November 5, 2007.

Let's just hope that the dominoes keep falling.

Is Writers Strike Resolution Near?

By MICHAEL HINMAN
Source: TV Guide
Jan-30-2008

Talk is starting to spread around Hollywood that the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are close to signing a deal that would end the strike that has been ongoing since the beginning of November.

Whether it's true or not, we'll just have to wait and see. But if the strike were to end this week, what would happen with some of the seasons of shows that have been butchered so far? Can any of them be saved?

TV Guide columnist Michael Ausiello tackled that very question and decided to ask "Pushing Daisies" creator Bryan Fuller on what might happen.

"Even if the strike ends in the next week or two, it looks like they will scuttle the rest of the season" of "Pushing Daisies," Fuller said. "This is for many reasons. One is that it will be hard to launch a big promotional campaign for four or five episodes; it's just not cost effective. Two is that if we did come back, we would land right in the path of the 'American Idol' juggernaut, and would likely be decimated.

"Three is if we came back in the fall with a full slate of episodes, then ABC could relaunch the show in a big way."

Fuller said that if the strike were to end, the first order of business is to get the writers back to work and writing the second season and stockpile scripts for June.

"But that's all tentative," Fuller said. "We've talked about so many options since the strike began and they fluctuate on a weekly basis. But right now, a short first season seems the most likely."

Not for all shows, however. Ausiello said a source with one of the networks told him it's possible that shows could go back into production to not only produce a few more episodes for this season, but episodes for next season as well. This would not only give them a head start, but also justify the expense of resuming production this season. But even that plan has some drawbacks.

"The trouble is, a lot of actors schedule hiatus movies, or just elaborate vacations," a source told Ausiello. "And if they ask them to work through certain dates, that could trigger some contract issues."

So the strike may be coming close to an end, but there's still no word on how we'll get our favorite television shows back ... but at least they'll be back, right?

I heard that even if the strike ended today, it wouldnt be till about the Fall that the shows would be back with new episodes.
O well, no Heroes...

But at least we will have Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, Kyle XY, Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood, Terminator, and Lost, at least for a while.

Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on January 30, 2008, 09:20:10 AM

"Even if the strike ends in the next week or two, it looks like they will scuttle the rest of the season" of "Pushing Daisies," Fuller said. "This is for many reasons. One is that it will be hard to launch a big promotional campaign for four or five episodes; it's just not cost effective. Two is that if we did come back, we would land right in the path of the 'American Idol' juggernaut, and would likely be decimated.

That kind of makes me a bit sad as well. I hope shows like American Idol do not prevent good shows from being aired just because it is on. I would hate to see in the future we have to go for months with out certain shows because American Idol is on. I guess for me, I am a bit biased, as the type of music American Idol showcases is usually the types I dislike, and I don't think I have ever watched more then 20 minutes of it. I kind of guessed that if this strike gets resolved in the next few weeks, that the remainder of this years TV season would be lost anyways. With Lost starting tonight, Terminator and BSG coming up, I think I will have enough to watch for the rest of the season, so I am hoping they gets things resolved so they are not delayed next season.

American Idol has been steamrolling much better shows for years now.  I'm sure it's got some canceled and others' schedules changed.  The strike isn't really a factor there.

Quote from: pickard on January 31, 2008, 10:16:00 AM
American Idol has been steamrolling much better shows for years now.  I'm sure it's got some canceled and others' schedules changed.  The strike isn't really a factor there.

Cheers,Seinfeld and the Cosby shows were also goliaths of their times and people did want to go against them either.

WGA/AMPTP Deal Days Away?
Source: Reuters
February 5, 2008

Negotiators for Hollywood studios and striking writers have agreed to terms of a new contract that could be presented to union leaders in days and, if approved, end their three-month-old labor clash later this week, two sources told Reuters on Monday.

While the outlines of an accord were reached over the weekend, the two sides still need to hammer out contract language before a deal is submitted for approval to the governing boards the East and West Coast branches of the Writers Guild of America, they said.

Those sources, who were briefed on the status of talks but were not authorized to speak publicly about them under a media blackout, said negotiators hoped action by the WGA boards on a deal could come as early as Friday.

An endorsement by WGA leaders presumably would be accompanied by a decision to call off the strike, but if the WGA boards were divided, the walkout might continue pending a ratification vote by rank-and-file members.

One source said the big breakthrough in the latest round of talks, which began January 23, came on the key sticking point of how much writers should be paid for advertising-supported Internet "streaming" of television shows.

That source also characterized the writers' agreement in principle as an improvement over the terms of an earlier, separate contract deal for Hollywood directors that helped pave the way for studios and the WGA to resume bargaining after weeks of stalemate.

"They reached agreement on the major terms, and now its a question of reducing it to (contract) language, which we're all hoping goes well and continues in the same spirit of progress that the talks have experienced so far," he said.

He cautioned, however, that the process of translating a deal into contract language has led to snags in previous labor negotiations.

I think there's one main reason this seems to finally be settling.  The Oscars.  There was very big concern over either canceling this due to no one basically showing up or delaying the show.  Even now if the strike settles not much will change as far as new TV.  At least until next fall.

Well it does seem hopeful that things will get resolved. Seems a bit ironic to me, that the Oscars might help it along, and that is one show I have little interest in watching. I agree that this season is a wash, as it would take them weeks to get scripts out, and by then, actors and other people might be off working on movies or other projects, since normally the shows productions would have been wrapping up by that time anyways. If this is resolved soon, then hopefully the writers can get to work on making sure that the fall shows will be really good.

Like Heroes, Moonlight and a second and a half season of Jericho.

Is Battlstar Galactica done?  I know they are premiering in March but did the whole season get in the can?

Quote from: Darth Gaos on February 06, 2008, 01:00:29 PM
Like Heroes, Moonlight and a second and a half season of Jericho.

Is Battlstar Galactica done?  I know they are premiering in March but did the whole season get in the can?

No, it's not all done.  Only about half.  11 episodes filmed, 10 will be shown.  The plan was to make 22 total for season 4.  It will probably be a year before we get or see the rest.

Here's a really good source to know the status of all the TV shows and their status due to the strike, episodes left (if any) and so forth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_the_2007-08_Writers_Guild_of_America_strike_on_television

Looks like we will know in the next couple of days if the strike is over - or not.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSHAR82772420080208

Yep.. word around town is we will find out Monday.. but I don't want to get my hopes up.

Got this from TVGuide.com

This is what they think will happen if the writers strike ends very soon.

After the Strike: When Your Favorites Will Return!

At long last, a strike chart you can get excited about!

With an end to the three-month-old WGA strike imminent (yay!), the networks have quietly begun outlining plans to salvage what's left of the current TV season. At the same time, I've been quietly picking at my moles to get a preview of those plans — the results of which appear in chart form below.

Keep in mind that the following information remains extremely tentative and is subject to change (and probably will). In other words, I strongly suggest you refresh your browser at least once an hour to ensure that you're getting the most up-to-date scoop possible.

24
Expected to return this fall or January '09.

30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD*.

Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in March. Airdate info is TBD.

Bones
Four pre-strike episodes left. Unclear whether additional episodes will be produced for this season.

Brothers & Sisters
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Chuck
No new episodes until fall.

Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes planned until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.

ER
TBD.

Everybody Hates Chris
Twelve pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.

Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot up to 9 new episodes to air in April/May/June.

Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May

Heroes
TBD.

House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Jericho
Seven episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Las Vegas
Three pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Law & Order: SVU
TBD.

Life
No new episodes expected until fall.

Life Is Wild
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Six additional episodes could air this season.

Medium
Six pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Moonlight
No new episodes expected until fall.

My Name Is Earl
Expected to shoot 8 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

NCIS
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes, only three of which may air this season.

The New Adventures of Old Christine
Seven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Numbers
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes, only three of which may air this season.

October Road
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

The Office
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

One Tree Hill
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Prison Break
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Private Practice
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.

Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Samantha Who?
Three remaining pre-strike episodes could be held until fall (see Dirty Sexy Money).

Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes will likely be shot; unclear whether they'll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.

Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 3 to 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 3 to 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Five pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Wow!  I'm really surprised that so many shows will be adding a few more episodes before the end of the season.  That's cool news.  Hopefully the strike will end soon and all that will happen.

I guess we all figured Bionic Woman wouldn't make it but I am dissapointed that there will be no more Chuck until the fall.

Kevin

To be honest, I was hoping the Bionic woman would have come back, as I was starting to really enjoy it, so I guess it is a bit of a surprise to me. Chuck I never watched so I guess if it is cancelled or comes back doesn't concern me as I don't plan to watch in the future. Surprised that some shows are considering more shows this season, I would have thought there would not have been time. Happy if that is the case, but if I have to wait until the fall, I can do that as well.

**BREAKING NEWS** Writer's Strike Is Over

The nearly 4-month long writer's strike is offer as it is highly expected that members will vote to accept the contract worked out between the leadership of the WGA and AMPTP.

TV writers that also share duties as producers and showrunners will return to work today (Mon. Feb. 11), while the rest of the 12,000 members of the Guild begin filtering back into their respective offices on Wednesday of this week.

Work will immediately begin on all the new shows slated to return to fulfill their seasons, as well as shows returning for their remaining seasons, however it could be up to a month or even longer before anything new is seen on the small screen.

The return of the writers also guarantees a smooth return of the Academy Awards ceremony that will air on February 24th.

WGA West prexy Patric Verrone told guild members Sunday to put away their picket signs. The ruling boards of the Writers Guild of America unanimously gave the thumbs-up to a three-year tentative deal with the major studios and networks.

The next step is to get approval by members on lifting the strike. Members will vote by fax or in person at specified meetings; the vote concludes Tuesday night. It is expected to pass without difficulty.

After that, the members will be asked in a separate vote whether to OK the new three-year deal, according to Variety. Those ballots go out in the next few days, with a 10- to 12-day return period, however workers can still be expected to return to work this week. If, in some unforeseen circumstance, the members reject the offer, then they could be back on the picket lines in two weeks. However, the WGA leadership is fairly confident that members will vote to accept the offer.

There is one cautionary note. Some issues regarding the New Media compensation points are still being worked out by Guild leaders and AMPTP lawyers. Also the new contract doesn't address those who were force majeure'd from overall deals and other contracts if they were not working on a series that will resume production.

I got this from the Slice of Sci Fi website.

WGA Contract Details

The 12,000 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) voted today (Sunday) and again tomorrow (Monday) on whether or not to accept the proposed contract agreed to by their leadership with the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers (AMPTP).

Here are a few of the details of that contract agreement as we received them tonight:

SUMMARY OF THE TENTATIVE 2008 WGA THEATRICAL AND TELEVISION BASIC AGREEMENT

This is not a complete summary. The Memorandum of Agreement shall prevail in the case of any inconsistency..

Term of Agreement From resumption of work through May 1, 2011

Minimums Minimum rates generally increase 3.5% each year. The exceptions are: network prime time rates and daytime serial script fees increase 3.0% each period; program fees and the upset price increase once by 3% in the second year; and clip fees increase once by 5% in the third year.

Writing for Made-for New Media –

Coverage: The WGA is recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative for writing for new media (such as Internet or cellular technology). Writing for new media is covered by the MBA if:

(1) it is written by a "professional writer" (anyone with a single TV or screen credit, 13 weeks of employment in TV, film or radio, a professionally produced stage play credit or a published novel)

or

(2) the program is derivative of an MBA-covered program

or

(3) if the budget is above any of three thresholds: $15,000 per minute; $300,000 per program; or $500,000 per series order. If initially not covered due to the projected budget but later costs
exceed a threshold, the program/series is covered retroactively.

Compensation: If a new media program is derivative of an MBA-covered program, minimums for initial compensation apply. The minimum for derivative dramatic programs is $618 for programs up to two minutes, plus $309 for each additional minute. The minimum for derivative
comedy-variety and daytime serials is $360 for programs up to two minutes, plus $180 for each additional minute. The minimum for all other types of derivative programs is $309 for programs up to two minutes, plus $155 for each additional minute. Regardless of the length of the program initial compensation can be no less than the two minute rate. For original programs initial compensation is negotiable.

Pension and Health Insurance: MBA pension and health provisions apply to all covered writing for new media programs.

Credits: The Guild shall determine credits on all covered new media programs. Credits must appear on-screen (or on a link to the program) if anyone else receives such credit. Television Reuse: If a covered new media program is reused in traditional media, the usual residuals for a television program apply with minor modifications.

Separated Rights: Creators of original new media material are protected as follows:

(1) If you create an Internet program that becomes a TV series or feature film which you write, traditional separated rights apply.

(2) If you write original material for an Internet program and the Company wants to use it for a TV series or feature film to be written by someone else, the Company must purchase rights from you. The Company may acquire the rights at any time, but separate compensation must be paid. If you want to sell those rights to another studio, the Company has a right of first refusal.

(3) If you create an Internet program that is the equivalent of a traditional TV series (over $25,000 per minute and 20 minutes in length) you are entitled to the same rights as in (2) above, plus sequel payments for each Internet episode based on your program.

Internet Residuals: Initial compensation covers writing services and 13 weeks of availability in new media when the viewer does not pay, and 26 weeks of availability in new media when the viewer pays. After those periods, certain residuals are payable: (i) if a new media program derived from an MBA-covered program or an original new media program with a budget higher than $25,000 per minute is reused in new media, the new media reuse provisions described below apply, except that electronic sell-through is paid at 1.2% of distributor's gross receipts; and (ii) for original new media programs, the residual for ad-supported streaming is negotiable, while reuse where the viewer pays is compensated at 1.2% of distributor's gross receipts.

Other Guild Provisions: A number of standard guild provisions apply to all covered new media programs: Guild shop (writers must join the WGA), no-strike/no-lockout, grievance and arbitration, and timely payment.

Reuse in New Media Distributor's Gross Receipts: All revenue-based residuals in new media employ a definition of "distributor's gross" which eliminates the accounting uncertainty inherent in the concept of "producer's gross" as found in the home video/DVD formula.

Download Rentals: If the viewer pays for limited new media access to a program, residuals are paid at the rate of 1.2% of distributor's gross receipts.

Download Sales (Electronic Sell-Through): If the viewer pays for permanent use of the program, residuals are paid at 0.36% of distributor's gross receipts for the first 100,000 downloads of a
television program and the first 50,000 downloads of a feature. After that, residuals are paid at 0.7% of distributor's gross receipts for television programs and 0.65% for feature films.

Theatrical Ad-Supported Streaming: Ad-supported streaming of feature films produced after July 1, 1971 is payable at 1.2% of distributor's gross receipts.

Television Ad-Supported Streaming (Library): Ad-supported streaming of television programs produced after 1977 (and a small number produced prior to 1977) are payable at 2% of distributor's gross receipts.

Television Ad-Supported Streaming (New Programs): Ad-supported streaming of television programs is payable at 2% of distributor's gross receipts one year from the end of an initial streaming window.

Initial Streaming Window: There is an initial window of 17 days (24 days for episodes of the first season of a series, one-off television programs, and MOWs) with no residual. This window must include or occur contiguous to the initial television exhibition.

Residual Payment (Network Prime Time): In the first and second years of this contract, after the initial window, for network prime time television programs, a fixed residual of 3% of the residual base ("applicable minimum") is paid for each of up to two 26-week periods. For an hour
program, this fee is $654 per period in the first year of the contract; $677 per period in the second year. For a half-hour the figures are $360 and $373. In the third year of this contract, the 2% of distributor's gross formula is applied immediately after the initial streaming window. The contract sets an imputed value for up to 26 weeks of such distributor's gross at $40,000 for an hour program and $20,000 for a half hour program. So, for the third year the formula pays a residual of $800 for an hour program and $400 for a half hour program for each potential 26-week period in the year after the initial streaming window. If the Network's exclusivity expires prior to one year after the end of the initial window, the 2% of distributor's gross receipts begins without the imputed value. In the case of a 26-week period being truncated by the end of the year after the end of the initial streaming window, the payment is prorated.

Residual Payment (All Other Programs): After the initial streaming window, a fixed residual of 3% of the residual base (the "applicable minimum") is paid for each of up to two 26-week periods in the first two years of this contract. In the third year of this contract, the payment rate rises to 3.5% of the residual base.

Fair Market Value: New media residuals based on transactions between related parties are
subject to a test of reasonableness when compared to transactions between unrelated parties.

Access to Information: The companies agree to provide the Guild with access to new media deals and distribution statements, without redaction, and usage data during the term of the
contract.

Clips: Clips are defined as excerpts of less than five minutes for episodic TV or ten minutes for features or long-form TV. A company can use a clip for a promotional purpose without payment.
Where a clip is not promotional and the viewer does not pay, the fee for the clip in new media is paid at the rate of the lesser of $50 or the residual payable under the Reuse Sideletter for a clip under two minutes; the lesser of $150 or the residual payable the Reuse Sideletter for a clip between two and four minutes; and for a clip longer than four minutes, the residual payable under the Reuse Sideletter. Where the viewer pays, the fee for use of a clip is 1.2% of distributor's gross receipts.

Promotion: A clip can be used without payment to promote theatrical, television or new media exhibition if the clip contains "tune-in", rental or purchase information. No payment is due for non-commercial "viral" release of clips from a theatrical or television motion picture. Promotion does not include the use of clips if the primary purpose of the exhibition is to permit viewing of archived or aggregated clips on a new media site (e.g., dailyshow.com).

Pension and Health Fund Provisions Health Fund: The contribution rate shall continue to be 6% from the start of the contract through September 30, 2008. The contribution rate shall be 8% for the period of October 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. Thereafter the rate shall return to 6%. A sideletter resolves a pending dispute about the Health Fund contribution rate.

Pension Fund: The contribution rate remains at 6% for this contract.

Contribution Caps: For theatrical motion pictures and long-form television motion pictures, the ceiling on which Pension Plan contributions are based is increased to $225,000 ($450,000 for team of 3). For long-form television motion pictures, the ceiling on which Health Fund contributions are based is increased to $250,000 ($500,000 for a team of 3). A cap of $350,000 ($700,000 for a team of 3) is established as the ceiling on which Pension Plan and Health Fund contributions are based for daytime serial writers.

Other: The Guild and the Companies will jointly fund a study of new IRS regulations. We agreed how contributions will be paid when a writer is employed on a development deal under Article 14.E.2. and, under the same contract, is employed to perform Article 14.K. services on a series for which the writer receives additional money which is not creditable.

Other Provisions Made-for Pay TV Residuals: The annual residual payments increase from $3,000 to $3,500 for a half-hour program and from $5,000 to $6,000 for an hour program.

Product Integration: The company will consult with the showrunner when a commercial product is to be integrated into the storyline of an episode of a dramatic series.

Showrunner Training Program: The AMPTP and Networks will increase funding for this program to: $225,000 for year 1 of the MBA; $150,000 for year 2; and $150,000 for year 3.

Television Recap Clips: The total length of clips that can be used to recap the story in a
60 minute or longer program is extended from 90 seconds to 3 minutes before requiring payment.

Tri-Guild Audit Fund: The companies renew the funding of the Tri-Guild Audit Fund.

Residuals Reporting/Electronic Data Transfer: Each company shall meet with the Guild to establish a method of transfer for electronic reporting of residuals information.

Lists of Arbitrators: Arbitrators were added to the lists by both the Guild and the companies.

Foreign Remakes: Alternative terms were agreed for foreign remakes of MBA-covered scripts.

Limited Syndication of Half-Hour Programs: A little-used sideletter specifying a discounted residual for half hour series in limited syndication was renewed.

Television Separated Rights for a Derivative Theatrical Film: The company has an opportunity to match an offer to purchase feature film rights from the separated rights holder.

Committee on Alternative Digital Broadcast Channels: The Guild agreed to participate in a committee to explore the use of alternative digital broadcast channels.

To be honest, I would have thought I would be happier to hear this news then I am. Glad to see that they resolved things, and that some shows will get more episodes this year, but for the most part, I have been getting by with what they have on right now. I guess my only want, is for the full 16 episodes of Lost for this season, everything else I am more then happy to wait until next year. Hopefully the people who worked in the industry and affected by this due to no fault of their own, can start recovering from this.

Again, I think this settlement now is due to the Academy awards.  There was tremendous pressure to get this ended now.  I have a feeling no one is completely happy with deal.  But, at least maybe now things can resume and people out of work due to the strike can get back to business.

So this is a completely new collective agreement? Or is it just stopgap until a new one can be properly negotiated?

Rumor around town is that the Writers were pressured to sign something because SAG is going on strike in May...

Ugh. No comment on a SAG strike from me.

The writers caved and this was a save face deal.