I'm a supporter of other unions like ironworkers or boilermakers but this is just ridiculous. These big companies can hire me anyday I'd like to be famous and get paid millions and millions of dollars for siting on my ass and thinking.
Yeah ok fair enough but say you sell 750 million DVDs think how much your making a TON more than even a rich person makes, to do what sit on your ass thinking up random stories. At worst you get a paper cut. At best you make 30 million bucks
I posted an old clip of Phil Donahue meeting Bozo the Clown and received a copyright violation notice. Was this intentional? Do you feel that the old Bozo clip from decades ago might hurt viewership? Is the content available for licensing?
It is worth mention that Tim himself was the victim of a strike; he was off work for a few months immediately after his first episode of Saturday Night Live in April 1981.
The "Hollywood Reporter" quoted Thomas Short, President of IATSE (union of stage hands & motion pic techs, etc.) as saying,"I don't believe the WGA ever intended to bargain in good faith. They are destroying a lot of lives in the process. As a result of their irresponsible and irrational behavior, the number of IA members who have lost work is approaching 40,000 people."
the union workers are the first to lose the benifits and their homes tho....lets see is that actually fair when you chose to do this not the 160,000 peopple who are getting nothing from it..health and pension mean nothing with out the hours bank working..goodness
WGA just issued a relief fund for non wga members to help with our financial hardship due to this strike. Such as your house being lost , food , utilities , and medical benefits, ect. Check it out if you need the help info on( BTLNEWS,COM )under strike blogs... or if your a non wga member and need info seek out below the line magazine for info
Writers make *very* good money, so this "health care for my kids" propaganda is bullshit. It's time for the studios to bring in unionized writers, the studios must not give in their greed.
If the strikers don't like it, send the police in and beat these greedy assholes to a bloody pulp.
Most Unions have outlived their usefulness, they're no longer about protecting the health/welfare of workers, now their all about greed.
By the way, studios have every right to make good money. It's their money that's foots the bill and it's their money that is at the greatest risk of being lost if a program/movie fails.
You have a point with the "it's their money, their risk" argument. But you fail to notice one big fact: Without the writers, there's no product. It's similar to saying that a child doesn't belong to his parents but to the rich uncle who showers him with money, candy, toys, tools for his education, etc.
And to talk about buying into PROPEGANDA...the AMPTP has virtually no argument in this fight. They've hired THE most expensive spin doctors in the county to help with overwhelming support of the WGA.
They are promoting 2 FALSE ideas that they're hoping people will buy into:
All writers are rich
The WGA is responsible for below the line crew being out of work.
A very small % of WGA members make the kind of $ one would call "very good". Stats. show that at any time only 20% of WGA members are actually making $ from writing, and an even smaller % of that group have a steady job (if you can call writing on a show steady-all shows end within a # of yrs). The fight for residuals is about the protection for the time when a writer is busting ass to find a job or the next job.
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All i have to say to the writers is; Get the fk back to work and make the shows that i watch! like the office stopped at ep8 wtf? GET YOUR ASSES BACK TO WORK AND MAKE EP9 10 ETC!!! AND HURRY!
Look, I'm truly sorry for the people who have been put out of work by the writer's strike. However, asking the writers to get back to work without a deal for new media is like asking the craft service guy to go back to work with the understanding that he will only get paid for every 15th meal he serves. It's like asking the gaffer to only get paid for his first hour of a 12 hour shift.
If this strike continues, I've heard that the studios are going to air for the 2008 Fall line-up, the fall line-ups of the 1960's. Get ready for "I Dream of Jeanie" and "Hogan's Heroes" doesn't sound so bad!
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Ah, miss the good ole days when we'd leave these pinko union hacks in the river...Oh well, at least Leno, Conan & Jimmy Kimmel have the backbone to face down WGA greed.
Hear, Hear...go writers! So underappreciated, so important. I think people don't realize how much writers affect our society as a whole and as individuals. Celebrities have become demi-gods of our culture not only because of their looks and talent, but because of the words the writers have put into their mouths. Surely the corporations can find SOME way to give in those "ridiculous" demands of theirs.
what is wrong with you people? isn't this America? Why are you siding with the big evil corporations instead of the little guy? When you watch Hoosiers do you root for the big school? Do you wish Rudy never got on the field? Give the writers their cut. Then the prop makers can go back to work and House will go back on the air. Jeez.
without the whole back lot theres no show get aclue these assholes are no more important then say the propmakers who build everything to the people who draw the plans. maybe all of hollywood sholud go strike that would show them..........not.... get back to work so i can
i think it is GAY!!! I WANT MY HOUSE! HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE!!!! "oh i love it, the big bad writers versus the poor producers" I HATE YOU
They should aboslutely get the 4cents. Why? BECAUSE THERE'S NO REASON THEY SHOULDN'T. We're not talking about some small company that will go out of business if they do this. I mean come on folks. GE, Time Warner...these guys won't even feel it. The money is there...and writers deserve more of it.
Hopefully it won't stop until they get the deal they want and deserve. I know I wouldn't take an 80% pay cut for 20 years at my job. If the studios don't pay up then the strike deserves to go on as long as it takes. If it's a year or more so be it.
you wouldnt say that if you where a propmaker hair or makeup or a grip or craft services etc........... you get the idea i hope think about we are losing our holidays because of this they shut down the show i was on hope there proud of themselves
It's not the writers you should be focusing your anger on. It's the CEOs who won't give them what they deserve. The prop/hair people would be striking too if they weren't getting what they deserved. It's a dangerous thing to take away someone's right to strike. If you need it you'll be glad you have it.
i know these producers they have given in more now then they ever have something has to give i just want to work this hurts my health benneys and hours i should be getting for retirement i need to qualify alot of people that are not in the industry dont understand theres alot more going on
What they deserve??? That's rich..They got paid when the were sitting around playing video games and eating sushi. Now they want to get paid again. The writers are at their Hawaii condos. The crews are wondering how we are going to pay the bills after January.
The working writers I see are flush with cash. They are millionaires. You nonworking writers need to evaluate your career decision. Waiter to actor = jobless TV watching slob to writer. You want to get paid big bucks to sit on your ass and not do anything...then become a producer.
please, educate yourself before you post an opinion on a topic you clearly know nothing about...other than the bank accounts of the writers you claim to be eyeballing. BTW, are you really in favor of a tiny percentage of people in the entertainment industry claiming a disparate percentage of the earnings via despicable tactics?
P.S. Producers are striking in solidarity with the WGA.
the workers and professionals (basically people who do something or exercise some skill for a living) of this country truly are getting screwed, especially since Reagan (the "trickle down effect" horse shit). The fact that so many of you are upset that there won't be any new tv shows (other than reality and miscellaneous) demonstrates that you truly enjoy and value their product. Personally I see nothing wrong with redistributing wealth to some professionals rather.
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The WGA is leading greedy writers down the road followed by steel, textile, airline, and automobile union workers. When you fight to bring down the industry that provides your job, you are destined to lose by winning. Notice how the writers take advantage of the free internet sites like YouTube to voice the supposed injustice of not being paid for videos played on YouTube. Producers please do not give into these fools.
It's not the free streaming they are protesting. It's the stuff that the producers get PAID for like sales through Netflix and other PAYABLE internet organizations like that. Also, they should be entitled to a (tiny) cut of the advertising that the producers get for posting on free sites like Youtube.
5% per sale is NOTHING in the volumes of cash the megabux guys make.
the reason why they are putting their videos on youtube is because they are being clever, Take the time to think about it...we love youtube, we love to watch mindless videos on youtube...they know it we know it. This is why they put their videos here...because they know we'll watch their videos and maybe think about helping them. I suport them 100% and think it was clever of them to use youtube. it's like the saying 'if you can't be them (the internet)...'
shug - it's called intellectual property. set designers should get resids the day drywallers get their name below the architect on the building. producers and writers nurture projects through years of red tape and politics and then pay you to show up an perform your valued craft. you're a day player. bottom line, set design is not intellectual capital.
SNL shouda been Killed off in 1981. The writing is So Stinky and Vile. Now ya want a raise,stay on strike for the next ten years and let the American Public reclaim their Country from the Hypno Comedy Nazi Facist Corporations ya suck for ya Paycheck.
Tim, if you're reading this...just wanted to let you know that we briefly crossed paths at NBC in the 1980's.
I wrote something I thought was funny; by accident, it was, and when I sent it up to you at Studio 8, you not only had a good time with it, but also were gracious and wrote a nice letter in response. It has been added as a cherished member of a neat scrap book.
Union local 399 supports the writers all the way. I will not cross the picket line. There will be no T.V. someday, and only the internet. GET THE PICTURE? The writers and all of us must fight for the internet.
But, don't get me wrong. I support the writers..just think it was an inappropriate time to do this....many many many people are out of work right now.
...When WOULD be an appropriate time to do this? It's a strike, the entire point of a strike is to upset the status quo, not be convenient for all parties involved.
Am I bitter? HELL YES..Thanksgiving is 2 days away, and Christmas is around the corner. Yet, here I am on unemployment, hoping to make my rent, so forget about presents, and family visits..can't afford it. But thank God people like Tim can sit back and make light of how the writers struggle....yeah...they struggle.
Why aren't you considering some strikes of your own then? If you just let them screw you over then OF COURSE they will! They won't give you more money than they have to, you can't underestimate their greed!
Everyone deserves to be paid fairly for their work... especially when companies profit so well from it, yet pay a measly pittance to the people doing the real work.
*voice of a minimum wage popcorn dispensing monkey hoping soon to free the shackles... or at least loosen them a bit*
We go to school to learn interior design, we have to learn the time periods, we have to learn to draft, design, complete the sets you see everytime you turn on your t.v., go to the movies, etc. Yet, we get NOTHING..the writers do not care that we get nothing, neither do the "actors" that you see walking the picket lines..(which by the way they are doing because their contract comes up next year also..and they are threatening to strike)
Now you may ask what does that matter..it matters because without us..it would be called RADIO. We get nothing, yet, we're counted on to bring the sets to life...to give the audience a visual.
Stay out 2 years!!! Radio is good, books, my computer ...there are a lot of things besides a few tv programs. This does not STOP TV ....just puts an end to specific shows. I dont miss them at all.
I work in television and movies as a buyer, I work closely with the set decorator, and the production designer...WHOM by the way neither get any residuals EVER.
Does a carpenter get "residuals" everytime a house resells that he once built? Of course not, and there are countless other examples I could use. Yes, the writers are greedy! America is greedy.
carpenters don't get paid residuals for houses they helped build & neither does anyone else involved. why? BECAUSE HOUSES AREN'T BROADCAST REPEATEDLY ON TV & THE INTERNET DOUCHEBAG! but if they WERE and the wealthy contractors got paid by advertisers every time the house "aired," then it would probably be fair to pay a small amount to the tradesmen who helped BUILD the house, wouldn't it? thank you for allowing a writer to turn your ignorance into a pretty decent (if not awkward) analogy.
tim kazurinsky is a fine example of the rank and file of the writers' guild. we all owe him a huge debt of thanks for using the very skill that is the lifeblood of the guild (his wit)to so simply illuminate the injustice that is at the core of this walkout.
As the video from a Daily Show writer points out, if Viacom can sue YouTube for a billion dollars, because of lost revenue. Force YouTube to take down "protected" content time and again, because it costs them money, than obviously it's worth money. So their turning around and saying that there is no revenue stream from the web, is illogical. And crap.
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Pompous WGA leadership, the greed of writers making over $250,000 on average, supported by American hating Hollywood in general, will hopefully turn the heads of average Americans away from 3rd rate product produced by these no talent jackasses.
I wish these news guys had writers. Where do I donate my 8 (Crap, I have no "Cent" key on my computer!)...where can I donate my $oo.o8 dollars (cents) so that someone can put a "Cent" sign on my computer damn it!
Good Luck you professional entrepreneurs of cynicism, humor, drama and really crappy news that tells you how everything is bad and everyone is going to die very, very soon!
"This just in...everyone is dead. And now a message from Skippy Peanut Butter".
That's gosh darn thoughtful of you Starz69 and would you support me if I filled potholes in the street and wanted my wage plus 4 cents per car that drives over the pothole I filled? I'll even be nice and not ask for double that, just make it a nickel. I'll put a booth by my pothole. I'll even be sporting and stop collecting after 10 million cars. But don't forget, you still have to pay me even if you think I did a sucky job. =^D
Well, so much for the outpouring of support for the creative side. There is another dog in the fight. I see that there are plenty of arguments for why the picketers shouldn't win, yet not included are the same passionate arguments for why the other side SHOULD. Your work earns billions and someone else wants it all and wants you to be cool with that. It's becoming clearer why they think they can get away with it.
BertLib, your problem is that you're assuming that's all that is taken out and you don't factor in actors, musical artists and the expense of manufacturing the DVDs, packaging them and advertising them on TV. Check out the price of advertising in prime time. AKAgroucho, the musical rights purchased back in the 80s for broadcast obviously didn't cover DVDs so they pay through the nose for them belatedly. If it makes you feel any better, I'd have no sympathy for actors on strike either.
hey man, i see where you're coming from. but somehow the heads of these media conglomerates still make billions in salaries and bonuses. bottom line is, the writers are the most crucial part of a good show yet they get paid the least. it's kind of a moot point for me since i haven't paid for online media or cds in years! go torrents!
I can see how some come to the conclusion, AMPTP offered 4 cents for downloads. If you listen closely to the opening line in this video, you will hear them say "the writers want more money from programs sold on DVD and [...] on the Internet" (00:09).
They are getting ZIP and everything offered up to now was basically: "Our offer is that you can get as much as you are making now. Is that okay with you?"
The producers don't "keep all the profits" far from it. It doesn't occur to you that actors get a percentage and they have to pay for each and every song on a DVD? It's one of the things that may keep Wonder Years off DVD. It used so much 1960s vintage music in every episode the artist royalties may make it far too expensive to ever see the light of day. I have no sympathy for the writers. Is there a TV show right now you'd really miss if it were gone till next year? Me either.
Okay, mister sleepyhead, WAKE UP cause math class is in session. Let's say a movie has a hundred actors and forty songs that ALL get double what each writer gets. These are VASTLY EXAGGERATED numbers because songs have multiple composers, actors have gargantuan egos and directors get royalties too. 140 royalty-chasers doubled is 280 times that $0.04, which equals a whopping $11.20. Barely half of what each DVD goes for.
And what kind of dullwit wouldn't support the writers? Yes, most TV sucks. But an awful lot of it doesn't. I already miss the Daily Show and Colbert. I know this isn't exactly ending the war or saving the environment (like the environment's done anything for me lately) but it's still a cause worth fighting for.
Hey Kozgroove, thats not how music royalties work. When a TV show uses a song they pay a fee for the license. Shows like Wonder Years made deals to use the music for broadcast TV, but didn't include video in the original contract so they don't have the right to use them on DVD. They would have to make a new licensing deal with the owner of the songs rights. That's why they can sell the show into syndication on TV (where you are free to tape it) but they can't sell you a video.
Also keep in mind that the record companies are owned by the same companies that make the shows (Sony, Warner, Universal, etc). Do you really think they can't work out a deal with themselves? They don't want to have to pay the artists for the recorded performance in a new license agreement. Why? Because they don't want to pay the people who actually created the work they are selling... hey wait a minute, isn't that the same reason the writers are striking?
With due respect, friend Kozgrove, I probably wouldn't miss what ever you churn out at your job, but I'll stand with you on the issue of you being paid for your work. That's what you should speak out for. They don't come for us all at once, so try not to get fooled into making this about why you should root for writers or get behind some fondness for them that you don't share.
DKrayzie are retarded! Crying about doubling salary from 4 to 8 cents. You are assuming that every writer makes that everyday! But its ok to let a producer keep all the profit. and the poor schlep that wrote it gets NOTHING? Take into consideration that writers gave up a much larger chunk of residuals in previous negotiations in an attempt to keep production going with the stipulation that when sales were better, they would get an increase. WHICH THEY NEVER GOT.
I love how they make the jump from 4 cents to 8 cents such a tiny sum. Lets take "Spider Man 3" dvd as example, this week it sold 2.4 million copies, 4 cents a dvd the writers recive $96,000 for 1 week! they want to double that to 8 cents that is $192,000, not bad for 1 week! that is in addition to the large sum they were paid at the start for the script!
Now he mentions the internet sales get nothing and they are asking for anything, well they really arent asking for anything they where offered in negotiations 4 cents, not good enough for them!
I say take the 4 cents from the internet sales and ask for less on dvd sales! no one in their right mind can ask their employer to double what they make! I do think it would be reasonable to ask for 5 or 6 cents at the most for dvd sales, plus the 4 cents on internet sales they were offered.
The writers guild removed its demand for the increase on DVD the night before the strike, and AMPTP still said "no." And the offer for Internet was ZERO. How could the guild accept Zero? They AMPTP also wants to cut health care and pension. They are already telling their share holders that they are making BILLIONS of dollars from the internet, but telling the writers they don't make anything. They are lying to someone.
From all the billions made on DVDs, who needs a bigger share? The guys that get the 90% or so or the guys that get the 0.14%? Even if they double that, it's still only 0.27%! Gotta put it into perspective! And this is only DVDs.
Internet is huge, but they act the fool and say "well, who knows, Internet, I don't even have a computer, can't be that big, so we can't promise you a percentage of that not-existent profit that we're making right now". But they are. And that's the issue.
Well the fact is they are earning much more than that. TV staff writers earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per week. The script for a two-hour television program can fetch more than $50,000.
For movies, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salary is $44,350. Successful writers rang between $100,000 and $600,000 per script plus residuals.
They arent asking to double a tiny insignificant wage, but double an average salary of $44,350 is ridiculous. I'm all for giving them an increase in residuals, but they are asking for too much.
Yes, and last year, between myself and Bill Gates, the median annual salary was $486,933.50...but that doesn't mean I'm making $486,933.50 per year. Not every writer is a TV staff writer. Not every writer even gets steady work, for that matter. There are a lot of people chasing the same dream in show business, and a writer's percentage of the profits from that one hit show they wrote for that one time may be what softens the lean years.
Gee Mr. Math, why not finish the equation? what's 2.4 million times $29.87 (what's left after the 8 cents is taken out)? My calculator says $74,675,000 which is pretty good considering they didn't even write the damn thing. And it's pretty damn convenient that you choose the extremely rare example of Spider-man 3 to make your point. I bet you buy lottery tickets as your way of planning your retirement too.
Of course $29.87 is full retail and I don't think too many people pay the full price. However the disparity is still huge if you get the DVD for $20 too.
Did you know that the guy who makes the artwork for the video box gets 20 cents for each DVD. And what is that artwork? Its usually the poster from the theatrical release, but only smaller. How much money is that guy getting for Spider Man 3? Oh, and lets not forget that there is no Spider Man 3 without a script. Eveyone who makes money off of Movies, DVD's, TV, and Internet is making money off of the writers work. No script, no work for any of these other people.
OH, I know. Ridiculous, right? There's no way writers should get money for something they created. Someone *else* should get all that money. Heck, the producers probably make sure it all goes to charity. I'll never understand why people don't just *love* doing a whole bunch of valuable work for the simple pleasure of making someone else rich.
You're krayzie. As if every movie could be Spiderman 3! Not every writer is fortunate enough to write a blockbuster and often it's not the writers' fault. A lot of times they might work for a year or so and then the project fails and they only get their meager base salary. The 192,000 is for the writers involved the result of decades of hard work not paying off!
I'm curious, what's the name of that person making 96,000.00 a week ? And why is it that the execs ( who make billions ) should continue using these people to make billions more only not allow them to benefit from what their work is earning ?
Not every writer is fortunate enough to write a script for a hit movie. For every successful movie like Spider Man, there are dozens of other less popular films. Regardless, the producers of films as a collective earn BILLIONS every year, so why shouldn't the writers get a small piece of it?
By that same token, not every business owner is fortunate enough to turn a profit. Not every baseball player is fortunate to make it to the major leagues. Not every comedian is fortunate enough to land a role on TV. Not every author is fortunate to get a book deal. Should they also be well-payed for work that few people will acknowledge, enjoy, or buy?
Most writers ARE producers. Check out TV credits some time. Imagine getting paid thousands for a script, then paid again when it reruns. That's why they chose this time of year to strike so they'd be getting checks again for what they were already paid for when they originaly wrote the scripts. They're not hurting.
Most? Are you kidding? And they SHOULD get paid again when it reruns. THEY WROTE IT! Plus, that's what residuals mean. It's money owed, not extra. It's not royalties, though that would be deserved as well.
Just as an FYI, writers with producing credits are not the same as the producers they are striking against. Producer credits for writers are just a bump in title (with a little bit of extra money) that they get for being on a show for a few years. It doesn't mean they get a piece of the show.
I personally think the writers SHOULD!! b getting more then the producers!!! the writers are the ones keeping the producers in jobs!! They cant produce something thhat hasnt been written!!!
No wonder writers need money, they're bad shoppers. 28.95 for Taladega Nights? Amazon has it for less than 14 bucks. He also fails to point out where the rest of that 28.91 goes. The physical DVDs don't grow in a bean field. Every song featured in the movie means royalties paid to those artists and money also goes to the actors. If special features are commisioned, they cost money. Then the evil studios have to pay to run commercials on TV, radio and in print ads. Poor writers? Give ma a break.
Some unfortunate writers only get one show or movie in their lifetime. Please... do we only want the rich or mainstream successful writers to share with us their creativity? Would you expect the writer of a novel to get paid for the movie version of his/her work? New media should include pay stuctures. There will be no DVD's in ten years only downloaded to your TV or computer. Give all creators of entertainment their fair share of profits!!!
surprising as it may be...i agree with you....the writers should get a share of their profit for downloads and future sales...however...a strike is taking it too far. If they really want to change..the WGA should form by itsself and produce the films, shows, etc. that would make economic sense. A strike is too extreme and is unfair to the loyal viewers.
The writers are writers, not producers. What should happen is that they should be respected for what they do. If the automotive workers went on strike, would your answer be that they should form their own car company and compete against General Motors?
Companies should respect all the employees they hire by paying them what they're worth. And the writers haven't been paid what they deserve for a long time.
stupid writers make enough money already. ITS SO STUPID YOU WRITERS ARE GREEDY. THERE PEOPLE IN THE U.S.A cant afford there fucking house payment. AND THE YOU GUYS WANT muti million bonus.
I d rather have the corporations donate the money to fighters or to the family's of fallen troops then give fucking money to writers. This is a liberal talking too! i hope the public smart enough not to support you.
Uhhh, you mention people who can't afford house payments? Some writers are in that same position. Most writers are middle class. If they're just starting out then they're not even that. I saw a video of two young women picketing who are risking being kicked out of their apartments. They are not sitting on piles of money. Reality check.
You're missing the point. The point is that when you create something, you should get a significant amount of money for it. Songwriters get royalties every time their songs are played. Authors get a large percentage every time their book is sold. Writers for TV and movies should get a large percentage every time something they've written is viewed. The issue now is that there's nothing at all worked out for the internet, and there should be.
again you are avoiding the numbers that speak loud and clear! not to mention...if it wasnt for these producers these writers wouldnt even have half of that!
it seems like we are all going to find out how umimportant writers are to the entertement idustry when all that will be on tv is shity "reality shows"
Juses just give them the 8 cents cent and we can all get back to watching our favoute shows
not to mention, this strike is not going to affect the producers nearly as much as it will affect the viewers....AKA the people who allow these writers to get ANY money at ALL! US viewers are the reason they have a job, and they are screwing US over b/c now we can't enjoy decent television, b/c apparently 200K a year or more isnt enought to pay for health care...nor is it enought to buy a mercedes...
I don't think you understand what an average is. If JJ Abrams gets $1 millon this year and another writer doesn't make sale, then their average salary is $500k. The fact that a few writers make a ton of money raises the average salary. On the other hand, the average writer makes $60k,mostly from residuals, which makes them middle class. The AMPTP doesn't want to pay anything for the internet. What happens in 5-10 year when there is no DVD and it's all internet?
When you think of how much Sony has to pay ALL (163,000 employees). HMMMM well sony has to pay 1/163 of a cent to every employee to just to get down to 100 cents. Now you take that, and factor in all the employees at NBC, the actors, stage technicians etc. factor in all of those and all of a sudden 4 cents in itsself looks like a lot compared to 1/163 of a cent that these "megabux" greedy corporations are getting...see the big picture now?
Yes, but "all the employees" didn't WRITE THE SHOW. Without the writers, all those other employees wouldn't be employed at all, because there would be no shows for them to work on. The fact that the writers get paid so little for the things they CREATE is ridiculous! Now, are YOU seeing the big picture?
did you read all the statistics....the sony employees get 1/163 of a cent....that means that the writers are currently getting 652 times as much money as is the average amount per employee of SONY. and to say they are getting so little is ridic....average salary for a writer is 200K.....no way should anyone complain about getting 200K as a salary, you can live confortably and more with that type of pay. They are just plain greedy.
the writers work on a few of the movies. the sony employees get that cut off of every movie that sony grosses. does that make sense?
the average writer does not make 200k. that is a made up number. i am a writer and know plenty more writers who make nothing near that. the top writers make millions more than that. there is such a thing as a "middle class" writer.
the writers are not greedy. they want to get paid fairly for the work they create.
prove that it is a made-up number....if you wanna talk about made-up numbers...how about the price of that taladega nights movie...THAT is a made up number.
If it wasn't for the producers, the script wouldnt get any further than words written on a piece of paper. Even if they did get to filming, these writers would be nowhere without the producers.
When you think of how much Sony has to pay ALL (163,000 employees). HMMMM well sony has to pay 1/163 of a cent to every employee to just to get down to 100 cents. Now you take that, and factor in all the employees at NBC, the actors, stage technicians etc. factor in all of those and all of a sudden 4 cents in itsself looks like a lot compared to 1/163 of a cent that these "megabux" greedy corporations are getting...see the big picture now?
He brings in the "megabux corp." but think about it, if sony makes the DVD that "the office" is put on, and it sells for 10 bux a dvd....that equates to 1000 cents. If the writers get 4 of that you say "O that's like nothing!" but think about how small they are as an individual.
I have no sympathy for these people "were not the ones driving mercedes". Well how about the people that are going to give you that extra money you are asking for? College students like me who are working our asses off, and can barely afford entertainment as it is. It is absurd!
This strike is absurd. These writers are using these small dollar amounts to deflate how much they are really making. first off he uses talladega nights selling for 28 bux on amazon, well i guarantee you go to any sort of wal mart or best buy and its selling for probably 15 bux or less, so right there it is already less money.
Did someone call Tim Kazurinsky a "knucklehead" ??? You obviously don't know what you're talking about !! He's definately one of the most intellegent individuals you'd ever want to meet !! Not to mention, he also one heck of terrific writer. So believe me, he does know what he's talking about !!! I've hardly ever known Tim to be wrong on anything !!!!
(And by the way, Tim, if you're reading this, Please keep in Touch !!)
On one side, yes, writers should get pay better. On the other, honestly, I am not really looking forward in watching the same old homogenous shows with a profound lack of immagination, creativity. It would be best if they find something else to do for all of us.
Great summing mup. Sure, one is sympathetic to the writers, but then most of the stuff they put out majorly sucks, and it can't be all laid at the bed of the studio heads/producers/directors...
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Writers, actors directors and all the crew people get residuals. They also get paid a salary, which this knucklehead fails to mention in his stupid 8 cent schtick. Health insurance??? Nothing at all to do with this. They get that provided regardless. And guess what bubblehead, most reality shows don't employ writers, which is why they are so concerned about losing their bargaining strength in tv.
Hey, tardo, pick up a paper. This isn't only the entertainment business. This is happening all over America with mega conglomerates making the top 1 percent of the country richer while sucking regular people dry. And MOST writers are middle class regular people. Again, read up before you make an ass of yourself making ignorant comments. Or maybe you want all the money in the world to go to about fifty people?
Health insurance isn't provided for free...that's a lame assumption you have. There are premiums to pay. Writers don't work 12 months of the year. True there are your steady big name writers but I read that roughly 40% of writers are unemployed at any time. They need their residuals. 4 cents was a joke way back when and producers said they'd fix it and they didn't. Now they are trying to secure their future for new media before they get hosed.
I am only saying health is not what is at odds here. The whole business is freelance, and everyone depends on residuals one way or another. Directors, actors, and all the crew positions are freelance. The question is what is fair. I don't disagree with much of what you say. The video is misleading and way oversimplified.
So you think that regardless of how many years or decades a scripted work continues to make profits, the writer should only be compensated for the time they spent writing.
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Does a camera-operator get royalties for each time the scene they shot is used in a trailer, add, or copied in another movie ?
What about the grip-operator .. do they get royalties for everytime the phrase they recorded gets played ?
What about the designer who came up with the logo for the show or movie. Do they get paid extra for each time their design is re-printed or displayed ?
If your question is actually about the below-the-line crew of a TV or film, and do they receive residules?
Yes, if they are represented by one of the many Unions in the entertainment industry they receive either directly, or indirectly (health plan/retirement plan funding) from the TV reruns, and the DVD sales.
When the WGA strike succeeds in getting a piece of internet and new media profits, then everyone will benefit.
Actually I thought my question was pretty much blatently obvious :
Does a grip operator or camera operator receive royalties each time the scene they helped produced is shown ?
IE : Does the person who filmed the famous scenes in Casablanca or Gone with the wind receive any extra money when ever the film is sold, or royalties when ever the scene is used ?
First, becoming a successful writer takes years of unpaid, dedicated, hard work plus TALENT. Once "successful" that success is NEVER guaranteed. Writing means constantly working and preparing for that next job if and when it comes.
Second, to be blunt and based on my first point-which is more difficult and therefore more valued? Writing Casablanca or building the set?
I'm a supporter of other unions like ironworkers or boilermakers but this is just ridiculous. These big companies can hire me anyday I'd like to be famous and get paid millions and millions of dollars for siting on my ass and thinking.
eveslmatrix 11 months ago
Yeah ok fair enough but say you sell 750 million DVDs think how much your making a TON more than even a rich person makes, to do what sit on your ass thinking up random stories. At worst you get a paper cut. At best you make 30 million bucks
eveslmatrix 11 months ago
this guy's from my hometown. he's hilarious
Pensfan8726 2 years ago
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thevegancook 2 years ago
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thevegancook 2 years ago
His presentaion reminded me of the doctor he played on "SNL News" who would flip cards of various medical conditions.
Teankun 2 years ago
Dr. Dick Buttinsky
DancingSpiderman 2 years ago
Comment removed
thevegancook 2 years ago
Hello,
I posted an old clip of Phil Donahue meeting Bozo the Clown and received a copyright violation notice. Was this intentional? Do you feel that the old Bozo clip from decades ago might hurt viewership? Is the content available for licensing?
Regards,
Colortinis
Colortinis 3 years ago
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mieka1122 3 years ago
It is worth mention that Tim himself was the victim of a strike; he was off work for a few months immediately after his first episode of Saturday Night Live in April 1981.
NyeTunes 3 years ago
The "Hollywood Reporter" quoted Thomas Short, President of IATSE (union of stage hands & motion pic techs, etc.) as saying,"I don't believe the WGA ever intended to bargain in good faith. They are destroying a lot of lives in the process. As a result of their irresponsible and irrational behavior, the number of IA members who have lost work is approaching 40,000 people."
camshaff 4 years ago
um, irrational is not standing up for what you deserve. Thats like saying Oliver Twist was a bad person when he asked for "more."
lol, the vid is cool though
BookwormBritt 4 years ago
companies are making way over $1,000,000,000......they can afford to give them the extra 4 cents.
Emylamila 4 years ago
the union workers are the first to lose the benifits and their homes tho....lets see is that actually fair when you chose to do this not the 160,000 peopple who are getting nothing from it..health and pension mean nothing with out the hours bank working..goodness
Pervenche09 4 years ago
WGA just issued a relief fund for non wga members to help with our financial hardship due to this strike. Such as your house being lost , food , utilities , and medical benefits, ect. Check it out if you need the help info on( BTLNEWS,COM )under strike blogs... or if your a non wga member and need info seek out below the line magazine for info
Pervenche09 4 years ago
Sh0KcWave, respectfuly, you have no idea at all of what a GRIP does, do you?
sashafortis 4 years ago
Writers make *very* good money, so this "health care for my kids" propaganda is bullshit. It's time for the studios to bring in unionized writers, the studios must not give in their greed.
If the strikers don't like it, send the police in and beat these greedy assholes to a bloody pulp.
Most Unions have outlived their usefulness, they're no longer about protecting the health/welfare of workers, now their all about greed.
InfernalDisaster 4 years ago
By the way, studios have every right to make good money. It's their money that's foots the bill and it's their money that is at the greatest risk of being lost if a program/movie fails.
InfernalDisaster 4 years ago
You have a point with the "it's their money, their risk" argument. But you fail to notice one big fact: Without the writers, there's no product. It's similar to saying that a child doesn't belong to his parents but to the rich uncle who showers him with money, candy, toys, tools for his education, etc.
lacountess 4 years ago
And to talk about buying into PROPEGANDA...the AMPTP has virtually no argument in this fight. They've hired THE most expensive spin doctors in the county to help with overwhelming support of the WGA.
They are promoting 2 FALSE ideas that they're hoping people will buy into:
All writers are rich
The WGA is responsible for below the line crew being out of work.
lizjewelry 4 years ago
Agreed 100% +1 to you infernaldistaster for putting it so succinctly.
Archedgar 4 years ago
InfernalD-
A very small % of WGA members make the kind of $ one would call "very good". Stats. show that at any time only 20% of WGA members are actually making $ from writing, and an even smaller % of that group have a steady job (if you can call writing on a show steady-all shows end within a # of yrs). The fight for residuals is about the protection for the time when a writer is busting ass to find a job or the next job.
lizjewelry 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
All i have to say to the writers is; Get the fk back to work and make the shows that i watch! like the office stopped at ep8 wtf? GET YOUR ASSES BACK TO WORK AND MAKE EP9 10 ETC!!! AND HURRY!
yuddda 4 years ago
Look, I'm truly sorry for the people who have been put out of work by the writer's strike. However, asking the writers to get back to work without a deal for new media is like asking the craft service guy to go back to work with the understanding that he will only get paid for every 15th meal he serves. It's like asking the gaffer to only get paid for his first hour of a 12 hour shift.
AmpersandChicago 4 years ago 4
If this strike continues, I've heard that the studios are going to air for the 2008 Fall line-up, the fall line-ups of the 1960's. Get ready for "I Dream of Jeanie" and "Hogan's Heroes" doesn't sound so bad!
mkelch 4 years ago
That would be sound advice if Battlestar Galactica didn't exist.
ScarranHalfBreed 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
david young..executive director of WGA in the l.a. times " i lay back and look at the havoc i've wreaked..i'm not going to apologize for that."
fuck david young and fuck the wga.... you put 100,000 people that have never wronged you out of a job. sorry but there is no justification for it.
proficybodyboarder 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ah, miss the good ole days when we'd leave these pinko union hacks in the river...Oh well, at least Leno, Conan & Jimmy Kimmel have the backbone to face down WGA greed.
camshaff 4 years ago
Why are the writers asking for so little? Tell them 15 cents or nothing!
Mars718 4 years ago 2
NBC just fired most of the snl staff. (correct me if that is wrong.) Is anyone organizing a boycott? Demonstration?
Mars718 4 years ago
Who the hell would boycott the firing of the current SNL staff, that show has sucked for at LEAST 5 years if not 9.
Barlak 4 years ago
Hear, Hear...go writers! So underappreciated, so important. I think people don't realize how much writers affect our society as a whole and as individuals. Celebrities have become demi-gods of our culture not only because of their looks and talent, but because of the words the writers have put into their mouths. Surely the corporations can find SOME way to give in those "ridiculous" demands of theirs.
FunnyGaijin 4 years ago
Every time I see a celeb take up a cause it makes me dubious.
hdtvcamera1 4 years ago
what is wrong with you people? isn't this America? Why are you siding with the big evil corporations instead of the little guy? When you watch Hoosiers do you root for the big school? Do you wish Rudy never got on the field? Give the writers their cut. Then the prop makers can go back to work and House will go back on the air. Jeez.
scomodel 4 years ago 2
Why don't they drop the pay of the company and give the drop to writers because without writers theres no show.
DrLsw 4 years ago
without the whole back lot theres no show get aclue these assholes are no more important then say the propmakers who build everything to the people who draw the plans. maybe all of hollywood sholud go strike that would show them..........not.... get back to work so i can
jbones1959 4 years ago
give the writers thier extra 4 cents...you can pass that expense on to me...oh 20.03 instead of 19.99...I'll live.
acm4bass 4 years ago 2
i think it is GAY!!! I WANT MY HOUSE! HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE!!!! "oh i love it, the big bad writers versus the poor producers" I HATE YOU
yoohoomsn 4 years ago
They should aboslutely get the 4cents. Why? BECAUSE THERE'S NO REASON THEY SHOULDN'T. We're not talking about some small company that will go out of business if they do this. I mean come on folks. GE, Time Warner...these guys won't even feel it. The money is there...and writers deserve more of it.
jmacgirl1 4 years ago 5
they have tried to give them what they want but these greedy assholes keep asking for more when is it going to stop??????????
jbones1959 4 years ago
Hopefully it won't stop until they get the deal they want and deserve. I know I wouldn't take an 80% pay cut for 20 years at my job. If the studios don't pay up then the strike deserves to go on as long as it takes. If it's a year or more so be it.
jmacgirl1 4 years ago 2
you wouldnt say that if you where a propmaker hair or makeup or a grip or craft services etc........... you get the idea i hope think about we are losing our holidays because of this they shut down the show i was on hope there proud of themselves
jbones1959 4 years ago
It's not the writers you should be focusing your anger on. It's the CEOs who won't give them what they deserve. The prop/hair people would be striking too if they weren't getting what they deserved. It's a dangerous thing to take away someone's right to strike. If you need it you'll be glad you have it.
jmacgirl1 4 years ago
i know these producers they have given in more now then they ever have something has to give i just want to work this hurts my health benneys and hours i should be getting for retirement i need to qualify alot of people that are not in the industry dont understand theres alot more going on
jbones1959 4 years ago
What they deserve??? That's rich..They got paid when the were sitting around playing video games and eating sushi. Now they want to get paid again. The writers are at their Hawaii condos. The crews are wondering how we are going to pay the bills after January.
hdtvcamera1 4 years ago
You obviously don't know much about the writer's lifestyle. The ones who have condos and sushi are in the minority. The rest live pretty modestly.
jmacgirl1 4 years ago
The working writers I see are flush with cash. They are millionaires. You nonworking writers need to evaluate your career decision. Waiter to actor = jobless TV watching slob to writer. You want to get paid big bucks to sit on your ass and not do anything...then become a producer.
hdtvcamera1 4 years ago
please, educate yourself before you post an opinion on a topic you clearly know nothing about...other than the bank accounts of the writers you claim to be eyeballing. BTW, are you really in favor of a tiny percentage of people in the entertainment industry claiming a disparate percentage of the earnings via despicable tactics?
P.S. Producers are striking in solidarity with the WGA.
lizjewelry 4 years ago
It'll stop when the investment bankers convert it all to euros in offshore tax havens and leave you behind to starve. Just like you wanted.
JonasPlanck 4 years ago
the workers and professionals (basically people who do something or exercise some skill for a living) of this country truly are getting screwed, especially since Reagan (the "trickle down effect" horse shit). The fact that so many of you are upset that there won't be any new tv shows (other than reality and miscellaneous) demonstrates that you truly enjoy and value their product. Personally I see nothing wrong with redistributing wealth to some professionals rather.
easonrevant 4 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The WGA is leading greedy writers down the road followed by steel, textile, airline, and automobile union workers. When you fight to bring down the industry that provides your job, you are destined to lose by winning. Notice how the writers take advantage of the free internet sites like YouTube to voice the supposed injustice of not being paid for videos played on YouTube. Producers please do not give into these fools.
camshaff 4 years ago
i completely agree. we should have our rights to be able to watch free streaming. don't take away our rights to free streaming
allycat114 4 years ago
It's not the free streaming they are protesting. It's the stuff that the producers get PAID for like sales through Netflix and other PAYABLE internet organizations like that. Also, they should be entitled to a (tiny) cut of the advertising that the producers get for posting on free sites like Youtube.
5% per sale is NOTHING in the volumes of cash the megabux guys make.
JesusIsAProphet 4 years ago
the reason why they are putting their videos on youtube is because they are being clever, Take the time to think about it...we love youtube, we love to watch mindless videos on youtube...they know it we know it. This is why they put their videos here...because they know we'll watch their videos and maybe think about helping them. I suport them 100% and think it was clever of them to use youtube. it's like the saying 'if you can't be them (the internet)...'
SpikezIndustries 4 years ago
But don't they get a fair salary? Can't they just get more money there?
Bobfils 4 years ago
shug - it's called intellectual property. set designers should get resids the day drywallers get their name below the architect on the building. producers and writers nurture projects through years of red tape and politics and then pay you to show up an perform your valued craft. you're a day player. bottom line, set design is not intellectual capital.
flemishgiant 4 years ago
SNL shouda been Killed off in 1981. The writing is So Stinky and Vile. Now ya want a raise,stay on strike for the next ten years and let the American Public reclaim their Country from the Hypno Comedy Nazi Facist Corporations ya suck for ya Paycheck.
arglistone 4 years ago
Reality RuLZ DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER RULZ
maybe theyll be forced 2 bring him back !!!!!!
bartmanxoxo 4 years ago
Tim, if you're reading this...just wanted to let you know that we briefly crossed paths at NBC in the 1980's.
I wrote something I thought was funny; by accident, it was, and when I sent it up to you at Studio 8, you not only had a good time with it, but also were gracious and wrote a nice letter in response. It has been added as a cherished member of a neat scrap book.
Hope you're successful with the strike.
Regards,
7855waldo 4 years ago
Union local 399 supports the writers all the way. I will not cross the picket line. There will be no T.V. someday, and only the internet. GET THE PICTURE? The writers and all of us must fight for the internet.
ENCOMAN 4 years ago
IATSE and, in fact, ALL industry unions ARE PAID residuals. Those payments make up 55% of the funding to their pension and health care plans.
Also, the the IATSE has a deal with the AMPTP that if any other union gets internet residuals, the AMPTP has to give the IATSE the same deal.
I'm sorry you're out of work, but believe me, this is your fight too. The WGA just happens to be the first ones into the line of fire.
katewrath 4 years ago
But, don't get me wrong. I support the writers..just think it was an inappropriate time to do this....many many many people are out of work right now.
theshug1 4 years ago
...When WOULD be an appropriate time to do this? It's a strike, the entire point of a strike is to upset the status quo, not be convenient for all parties involved.
CornOnTheCabre 4 years ago 2
Am I bitter? HELL YES..Thanksgiving is 2 days away, and Christmas is around the corner. Yet, here I am on unemployment, hoping to make my rent, so forget about presents, and family visits..can't afford it. But thank God people like Tim can sit back and make light of how the writers struggle....yeah...they struggle.
theshug1 4 years ago
Why aren't you considering some strikes of your own then? If you just let them screw you over then OF COURSE they will! They won't give you more money than they have to, you can't underestimate their greed!
Everyone deserves to be paid fairly for their work... especially when companies profit so well from it, yet pay a measly pittance to the people doing the real work.
*voice of a minimum wage popcorn dispensing monkey hoping soon to free the shackles... or at least loosen them a bit*
nutnoodle 4 years ago
Also... it's in the worst of times that we *need* to make light of things, lest we forget the reason we're fighting in the first place.
nutnoodle 4 years ago
We go to school to learn interior design, we have to learn the time periods, we have to learn to draft, design, complete the sets you see everytime you turn on your t.v., go to the movies, etc. Yet, we get NOTHING..the writers do not care that we get nothing, neither do the "actors" that you see walking the picket lines..(which by the way they are doing because their contract comes up next year also..and they are threatening to strike)
theshug1 4 years ago
I'll refer you to katewrath's post:
IATSE and, in fact, ALL industry unions ARE PAID residuals. Those payments make up 55% of the funding to their pension and health care plans.
Also, the the IATSE has a deal with the AMPTP that if any other union gets internet residuals, the AMPTP has to give the IATSE the same deal.
I'm sorry you're out of work, but believe me, this is your fight too. The WGA just happens to be the first ones into the line of fire.
AmpersandChicago 4 years ago
Now you may ask what does that matter..it matters because without us..it would be called RADIO. We get nothing, yet, we're counted on to bring the sets to life...to give the audience a visual.
theshug1 4 years ago
Stay out 2 years!!! Radio is good, books, my computer ...there are a lot of things besides a few tv programs. This does not STOP TV ....just puts an end to specific shows. I dont miss them at all.
IrishBadBoyCA 4 years ago
I work in television and movies as a buyer, I work closely with the set decorator, and the production designer...WHOM by the way neither get any residuals EVER.
theshug1 4 years ago
Does a carpenter get "residuals" everytime a house resells that he once built? Of course not, and there are countless other examples I could use. Yes, the writers are greedy! America is greedy.
thedoc49inla 4 years ago
Sweet analogy, dumbass.
themasterbakerrr 4 years ago
carpenters don't get paid residuals for houses they helped build & neither does anyone else involved. why? BECAUSE HOUSES AREN'T BROADCAST REPEATEDLY ON TV & THE INTERNET DOUCHEBAG! but if they WERE and the wealthy contractors got paid by advertisers every time the house "aired," then it would probably be fair to pay a small amount to the tradesmen who helped BUILD the house, wouldn't it? thank you for allowing a writer to turn your ignorance into a pretty decent (if not awkward) analogy.
hayeshargrove 4 years ago
tim kazurinsky is a fine example of the rank and file of the writers' guild. we all owe him a huge debt of thanks for using the very skill that is the lifeblood of the guild (his wit)to so simply illuminate the injustice that is at the core of this walkout.
yours in solidarity,
the sometimes why
TheSometimesWhy 4 years ago
As the video from a Daily Show writer points out, if Viacom can sue YouTube for a billion dollars, because of lost revenue. Force YouTube to take down "protected" content time and again, because it costs them money, than obviously it's worth money. So their turning around and saying that there is no revenue stream from the web, is illogical. And crap.
JonStewart4President 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Pompous WGA leadership, the greed of writers making over $250,000 on average, supported by American hating Hollywood in general, will hopefully turn the heads of average Americans away from 3rd rate product produced by these no talent jackasses.
camshaff 4 years ago
I wish these news guys had writers. Where do I donate my 8 (Crap, I have no "Cent" key on my computer!)...where can I donate my $oo.o8 dollars (cents) so that someone can put a "Cent" sign on my computer damn it!
Good Luck you professional entrepreneurs of cynicism, humor, drama and really crappy news that tells you how everything is bad and everyone is going to die very, very soon!
"This just in...everyone is dead. And now a message from Skippy Peanut Butter".
RileysRant 4 years ago
¢ <<-- there is your cent symbol! thought I would share a secret hold your alt key and type 0162 and you will get a ¢ sign
DKrayzie 4 years ago 2
Alt-155 also works as well!
TJL31SJ 4 years ago
GO WGA!!!
bigquiche 4 years ago
That's gosh darn thoughtful of you Starz69 and would you support me if I filled potholes in the street and wanted my wage plus 4 cents per car that drives over the pothole I filled? I'll even be nice and not ask for double that, just make it a nickel. I'll put a booth by my pothole. I'll even be sporting and stop collecting after 10 million cars. But don't forget, you still have to pay me even if you think I did a sucky job. =^D
Kozgroove 4 years ago 2
The writers of spider-man 3 should have to pay people to buy it on dvd, that movie was horrible.
kbrad 4 years ago 3
Well, so much for the outpouring of support for the creative side. There is another dog in the fight. I see that there are plenty of arguments for why the picketers shouldn't win, yet not included are the same passionate arguments for why the other side SHOULD. Your work earns billions and someone else wants it all and wants you to be cool with that. It's becoming clearer why they think they can get away with it.
Starz69 4 years ago
Sums it up!
siskavard 4 years ago
Very informative. Thanks Mr Kazurinsky.
BlargyBlue 4 years ago
Check out our new WRiters STrike video!
HardLeftProd 4 years ago
Oh thank god. For a moment when I saw those long cardboard cards I thought he was going to do Dr. Jack Badofsky again.
felicity4711 4 years ago
BertLib, your problem is that you're assuming that's all that is taken out and you don't factor in actors, musical artists and the expense of manufacturing the DVDs, packaging them and advertising them on TV. Check out the price of advertising in prime time. AKAgroucho, the musical rights purchased back in the 80s for broadcast obviously didn't cover DVDs so they pay through the nose for them belatedly. If it makes you feel any better, I'd have no sympathy for actors on strike either.
Kozgroove 4 years ago
hey man, i see where you're coming from. but somehow the heads of these media conglomerates still make billions in salaries and bonuses. bottom line is, the writers are the most crucial part of a good show yet they get paid the least. it's kind of a moot point for me since i haven't paid for online media or cds in years! go torrents!
mzungu420 4 years ago
I can see how some come to the conclusion, AMPTP offered 4 cents for downloads. If you listen closely to the opening line in this video, you will hear them say "the writers want more money from programs sold on DVD and [...] on the Internet" (00:09).
They are getting ZIP and everything offered up to now was basically: "Our offer is that you can get as much as you are making now. Is that okay with you?"
Go, writers! Don't back down!
YetiDE 4 years ago
The producers don't "keep all the profits" far from it. It doesn't occur to you that actors get a percentage and they have to pay for each and every song on a DVD? It's one of the things that may keep Wonder Years off DVD. It used so much 1960s vintage music in every episode the artist royalties may make it far too expensive to ever see the light of day. I have no sympathy for the writers. Is there a TV show right now you'd really miss if it were gone till next year? Me either.
Kozgroove 4 years ago
Okay, mister sleepyhead, WAKE UP cause math class is in session. Let's say a movie has a hundred actors and forty songs that ALL get double what each writer gets. These are VASTLY EXAGGERATED numbers because songs have multiple composers, actors have gargantuan egos and directors get royalties too. 140 royalty-chasers doubled is 280 times that $0.04, which equals a whopping $11.20. Barely half of what each DVD goes for.
EvilUncleFrank 4 years ago
And what kind of dullwit wouldn't support the writers? Yes, most TV sucks. But an awful lot of it doesn't. I already miss the Daily Show and Colbert. I know this isn't exactly ending the war or saving the environment (like the environment's done anything for me lately) but it's still a cause worth fighting for.
EvilUncleFrank 4 years ago
Hey Kozgroove, thats not how music royalties work. When a TV show uses a song they pay a fee for the license. Shows like Wonder Years made deals to use the music for broadcast TV, but didn't include video in the original contract so they don't have the right to use them on DVD. They would have to make a new licensing deal with the owner of the songs rights. That's why they can sell the show into syndication on TV (where you are free to tape it) but they can't sell you a video.
akagroucho 4 years ago
Also keep in mind that the record companies are owned by the same companies that make the shows (Sony, Warner, Universal, etc). Do you really think they can't work out a deal with themselves? They don't want to have to pay the artists for the recorded performance in a new license agreement. Why? Because they don't want to pay the people who actually created the work they are selling... hey wait a minute, isn't that the same reason the writers are striking?
akagroucho 4 years ago
Yeah, there are a few. Cavemen. Saturday Night Live. The Venture Bros. And especially The Daily Show. Life would suck without The Daily Show.
felicity4711 4 years ago
Also, my Sunday night viewing block, Simpsons/King of the Hill/Family Guy.
felicity4711 4 years ago
With due respect, friend Kozgrove, I probably wouldn't miss what ever you churn out at your job, but I'll stand with you on the issue of you being paid for your work. That's what you should speak out for. They don't come for us all at once, so try not to get fooled into making this about why you should root for writers or get behind some fondness for them that you don't share.
Starz69 4 years ago
DKrayzie are retarded! Crying about doubling salary from 4 to 8 cents. You are assuming that every writer makes that everyday! But its ok to let a producer keep all the profit. and the poor schlep that wrote it gets NOTHING? Take into consideration that writers gave up a much larger chunk of residuals in previous negotiations in an attempt to keep production going with the stipulation that when sales were better, they would get an increase. WHICH THEY NEVER GOT.
Balconygurl 4 years ago
I love how they make the jump from 4 cents to 8 cents such a tiny sum. Lets take "Spider Man 3" dvd as example, this week it sold 2.4 million copies, 4 cents a dvd the writers recive $96,000 for 1 week! they want to double that to 8 cents that is $192,000, not bad for 1 week! that is in addition to the large sum they were paid at the start for the script!
DKrayzie 4 years ago 2
Now he mentions the internet sales get nothing and they are asking for anything, well they really arent asking for anything they where offered in negotiations 4 cents, not good enough for them!
DKrayzie 4 years ago
I say take the 4 cents from the internet sales and ask for less on dvd sales! no one in their right mind can ask their employer to double what they make! I do think it would be reasonable to ask for 5 or 6 cents at the most for dvd sales, plus the 4 cents on internet sales they were offered.
DKrayzie 4 years ago
The writers guild removed its demand for the increase on DVD the night before the strike, and AMPTP still said "no." And the offer for Internet was ZERO. How could the guild accept Zero? They AMPTP also wants to cut health care and pension. They are already telling their share holders that they are making BILLIONS of dollars from the internet, but telling the writers they don't make anything. They are lying to someone.
akagroucho 4 years ago
From all the billions made on DVDs, who needs a bigger share? The guys that get the 90% or so or the guys that get the 0.14%? Even if they double that, it's still only 0.27%! Gotta put it into perspective! And this is only DVDs.
Internet is huge, but they act the fool and say "well, who knows, Internet, I don't even have a computer, can't be that big, so we can't promise you a percentage of that not-existent profit that we're making right now". But they are. And that's the issue.
YetiDE 4 years ago
Really? So if a living wage is $10 an hour and you're making $1 an hour, you'd feel guilty asking for $2 an hour?
felicity4711 4 years ago
Well the fact is they are earning much more than that. TV staff writers earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per week. The script for a two-hour television program can fetch more than $50,000.
For movies, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salary is $44,350. Successful writers rang between $100,000 and $600,000 per script plus residuals.
DKrayzie 4 years ago
They arent asking to double a tiny insignificant wage, but double an average salary of $44,350 is ridiculous. I'm all for giving them an increase in residuals, but they are asking for too much.
DKrayzie 4 years ago
Yes, and last year, between myself and Bill Gates, the median annual salary was $486,933.50...but that doesn't mean I'm making $486,933.50 per year. Not every writer is a TV staff writer. Not every writer even gets steady work, for that matter. There are a lot of people chasing the same dream in show business, and a writer's percentage of the profits from that one hit show they wrote for that one time may be what softens the lean years.
felicity4711 4 years ago
When were the writers offered 4 cents for the internet? The AMPTP offered NOTHING for the internet.
akagroucho 4 years ago
Gee Mr. Math, why not finish the equation? what's 2.4 million times $29.87 (what's left after the 8 cents is taken out)? My calculator says $74,675,000 which is pretty good considering they didn't even write the damn thing. And it's pretty damn convenient that you choose the extremely rare example of Spider-man 3 to make your point. I bet you buy lottery tickets as your way of planning your retirement too.
BertLib 4 years ago 2
gee mr. overpriced.....29.87 for spiderman 3??? that does not seem at all adequate.
parksenior06 4 years ago
Of course $29.87 is full retail and I don't think too many people pay the full price. However the disparity is still huge if you get the DVD for $20 too.
BertLib 4 years ago
Did you know that the guy who makes the artwork for the video box gets 20 cents for each DVD. And what is that artwork? Its usually the poster from the theatrical release, but only smaller. How much money is that guy getting for Spider Man 3? Oh, and lets not forget that there is no Spider Man 3 without a script. Eveyone who makes money off of Movies, DVD's, TV, and Internet is making money off of the writers work. No script, no work for any of these other people.
akagroucho 4 years ago
OH, I know. Ridiculous, right? There's no way writers should get money for something they created. Someone *else* should get all that money. Heck, the producers probably make sure it all goes to charity. I'll never understand why people don't just *love* doing a whole bunch of valuable work for the simple pleasure of making someone else rich.
CougarMagic 4 years ago
You're krayzie. As if every movie could be Spiderman 3! Not every writer is fortunate enough to write a blockbuster and often it's not the writers' fault. A lot of times they might work for a year or so and then the project fails and they only get their meager base salary. The 192,000 is for the writers involved the result of decades of hard work not paying off!
YetiDE 4 years ago
I'm curious, what's the name of that person making 96,000.00 a week ? And why is it that the execs ( who make billions ) should continue using these people to make billions more only not allow them to benefit from what their work is earning ?
Starz69 4 years ago
Not every writer is fortunate enough to write a script for a hit movie. For every successful movie like Spider Man, there are dozens of other less popular films. Regardless, the producers of films as a collective earn BILLIONS every year, so why shouldn't the writers get a small piece of it?
tydoggy808 4 years ago 2
By that same token, not every business owner is fortunate enough to turn a profit. Not every baseball player is fortunate to make it to the major leagues. Not every comedian is fortunate enough to land a role on TV. Not every author is fortunate to get a book deal. Should they also be well-payed for work that few people will acknowledge, enjoy, or buy?
Bio98765 4 years ago
So you can vote for Dennis Kucinich, or you can sit there and cry. It is your choice. Wake up!
linguy22 4 years ago
Writers:
Do you want healthcare for your family? Vote Dennis Kucinich in your primaries/caucuses and in the election,
Google House Resolution 676 (national healthcare or medicare for all)
Dennis Kucinich in 2008!
linguy22 4 years ago
Most writers ARE producers. Check out TV credits some time. Imagine getting paid thousands for a script, then paid again when it reruns. That's why they chose this time of year to strike so they'd be getting checks again for what they were already paid for when they originaly wrote the scripts. They're not hurting.
Kozgroove 4 years ago
Most? Are you kidding? And they SHOULD get paid again when it reruns. THEY WROTE IT! Plus, that's what residuals mean. It's money owed, not extra. It's not royalties, though that would be deserved as well.
ravenfrost2 4 years ago 2
Just as an FYI, writers with producing credits are not the same as the producers they are striking against. Producer credits for writers are just a bump in title (with a little bit of extra money) that they get for being on a show for a few years. It doesn't mean they get a piece of the show.
deltagrande2 4 years ago
I personally think the writers SHOULD!! b getting more then the producers!!! the writers are the ones keeping the producers in jobs!! They cant produce something thhat hasnt been written!!!
GIVE THE WRITERS WHAT THEY WANT!
sug4pi3 4 years ago
No wonder writers need money, they're bad shoppers. 28.95 for Taladega Nights? Amazon has it for less than 14 bucks. He also fails to point out where the rest of that 28.91 goes. The physical DVDs don't grow in a bean field. Every song featured in the movie means royalties paid to those artists and money also goes to the actors. If special features are commisioned, they cost money. Then the evil studios have to pay to run commercials on TV, radio and in print ads. Poor writers? Give ma a break.
Kozgroove 4 years ago
Would you need all those things if the movie was never written?
dawkinsatheist 4 years ago
You're smoking crack, aren't you?
ravenfrost2 4 years ago
I'm sure the producers can write those movies themselves. Like when Harvery Weinstein wrote "Clerks," it was awesome.
thisisntme 4 years ago
I'm just happy I live in a country where we have the right to strike. Go WGA.
A healthy nation is a wealthy nation... the conglomerates are blind.
hollywoodfan2008 4 years ago
8-4 cents you guys make plenty
ilikegms 4 years ago
Some unfortunate writers only get one show or movie in their lifetime. Please... do we only want the rich or mainstream successful writers to share with us their creativity? Would you expect the writer of a novel to get paid for the movie version of his/her work? New media should include pay stuctures. There will be no DVD's in ten years only downloaded to your TV or computer. Give all creators of entertainment their fair share of profits!!!
Carpentermom 4 years ago 2
surprising as it may be...i agree with you....the writers should get a share of their profit for downloads and future sales...however...a strike is taking it too far. If they really want to change..the WGA should form by itsself and produce the films, shows, etc. that would make economic sense. A strike is too extreme and is unfair to the loyal viewers.
parksenior06 4 years ago
The writers are writers, not producers. What should happen is that they should be respected for what they do. If the automotive workers went on strike, would your answer be that they should form their own car company and compete against General Motors?
Companies should respect all the employees they hire by paying them what they're worth. And the writers haven't been paid what they deserve for a long time.
rafefan711 4 years ago
stupid writers make enough money already. ITS SO STUPID YOU WRITERS ARE GREEDY. THERE PEOPLE IN THE U.S.A cant afford there fucking house payment. AND THE YOU GUYS WANT muti million bonus.
I d rather have the corporations donate the money to fighters or to the family's of fallen troops then give fucking money to writers. This is a liberal talking too! i hope the public smart enough not to support you.
ilikegms 4 years ago
Uhhh, you mention people who can't afford house payments? Some writers are in that same position. Most writers are middle class. If they're just starting out then they're not even that. I saw a video of two young women picketing who are risking being kicked out of their apartments. They are not sitting on piles of money. Reality check.
RodimusBen 4 years ago
good god parksenior your a idoit. the mind numbing garbage your feeding isn't fooling anybody.
99bj88 4 years ago
you havent proven me wrong...the numbers dont lie idiot...
parksenior06 4 years ago
You're missing the point. The point is that when you create something, you should get a significant amount of money for it. Songwriters get royalties every time their songs are played. Authors get a large percentage every time their book is sold. Writers for TV and movies should get a large percentage every time something they've written is viewed. The issue now is that there's nothing at all worked out for the internet, and there should be.
rafefan711 4 years ago
again you are avoiding the numbers that speak loud and clear! not to mention...if it wasnt for these producers these writers wouldnt even have half of that!
parksenior06 4 years ago
Most songwriters have their work (stolen) from free downloads!
Carpentermom 4 years ago
"how small they are as an individual"
it seems like we are all going to find out how umimportant writers are to the entertement idustry when all that will be on tv is shity "reality shows"
Juses just give them the 8 cents cent and we can all get back to watching our favoute shows
99bj88 4 years ago
not to mention, this strike is not going to affect the producers nearly as much as it will affect the viewers....AKA the people who allow these writers to get ANY money at ALL! US viewers are the reason they have a job, and they are screwing US over b/c now we can't enjoy decent television, b/c apparently 200K a year or more isnt enought to pay for health care...nor is it enought to buy a mercedes...
parksenior06 4 years ago
I don't think you understand what an average is. If JJ Abrams gets $1 millon this year and another writer doesn't make sale, then their average salary is $500k. The fact that a few writers make a ton of money raises the average salary. On the other hand, the average writer makes $60k,mostly from residuals, which makes them middle class. The AMPTP doesn't want to pay anything for the internet. What happens in 5-10 year when there is no DVD and it's all internet?
akagroucho 4 years ago
When you think of how much Sony has to pay ALL (163,000 employees). HMMMM well sony has to pay 1/163 of a cent to every employee to just to get down to 100 cents. Now you take that, and factor in all the employees at NBC, the actors, stage technicians etc. factor in all of those and all of a sudden 4 cents in itsself looks like a lot compared to 1/163 of a cent that these "megabux" greedy corporations are getting...see the big picture now?
parksenior06 4 years ago
Yes, but "all the employees" didn't WRITE THE SHOW. Without the writers, all those other employees wouldn't be employed at all, because there would be no shows for them to work on. The fact that the writers get paid so little for the things they CREATE is ridiculous! Now, are YOU seeing the big picture?
rafefan711 4 years ago 2
I wish I had eight cents...
skitfu 4 years ago 3
did you read all the statistics....the sony employees get 1/163 of a cent....that means that the writers are currently getting 652 times as much money as is the average amount per employee of SONY. and to say they are getting so little is ridic....average salary for a writer is 200K.....no way should anyone complain about getting 200K as a salary, you can live confortably and more with that type of pay. They are just plain greedy.
parksenior06 4 years ago
the writers work on a few of the movies. the sony employees get that cut off of every movie that sony grosses. does that make sense?
the average writer does not make 200k. that is a made up number. i am a writer and know plenty more writers who make nothing near that. the top writers make millions more than that. there is such a thing as a "middle class" writer.
the writers are not greedy. they want to get paid fairly for the work they create.
re-watch this video. this time, listen.
imakemarks 4 years ago
prove that it is a made-up number....if you wanna talk about made-up numbers...how about the price of that taladega nights movie...THAT is a made up number.
parksenior06 4 years ago
If it wasn't for the producers, the script wouldnt get any further than words written on a piece of paper. Even if they did get to filming, these writers would be nowhere without the producers.
parksenior06 4 years ago
When you think of how much Sony has to pay ALL (163,000 employees). HMMMM well sony has to pay 1/163 of a cent to every employee to just to get down to 100 cents. Now you take that, and factor in all the employees at NBC, the actors, stage technicians etc. factor in all of those and all of a sudden 4 cents in itsself looks like a lot compared to 1/163 of a cent that these "megabux" greedy corporations are getting...see the big picture now?
parksenior06 4 years ago
He brings in the "megabux corp." but think about it, if sony makes the DVD that "the office" is put on, and it sells for 10 bux a dvd....that equates to 1000 cents. If the writers get 4 of that you say "O that's like nothing!" but think about how small they are as an individual.
parksenior06 4 years ago
I have no sympathy for these people "were not the ones driving mercedes". Well how about the people that are going to give you that extra money you are asking for? College students like me who are working our asses off, and can barely afford entertainment as it is. It is absurd!
parksenior06 4 years ago
This strike is absurd. These writers are using these small dollar amounts to deflate how much they are really making. first off he uses talladega nights selling for 28 bux on amazon, well i guarantee you go to any sort of wal mart or best buy and its selling for probably 15 bux or less, so right there it is already less money.
parksenior06 4 years ago
Did someone call Tim Kazurinsky a "knucklehead" ??? You obviously don't know what you're talking about !! He's definately one of the most intellegent individuals you'd ever want to meet !! Not to mention, he also one heck of terrific writer. So believe me, he does know what he's talking about !!! I've hardly ever known Tim to be wrong on anything !!!!
(And by the way, Tim, if you're reading this, Please keep in Touch !!)
HLTComet 4 years ago
On one side, yes, writers should get pay better. On the other, honestly, I am not really looking forward in watching the same old homogenous shows with a profound lack of immagination, creativity. It would be best if they find something else to do for all of us.
Americo1974 4 years ago
Great summing mup. Sure, one is sympathetic to the writers, but then most of the stuff they put out majorly sucks, and it can't be all laid at the bed of the studio heads/producers/directors...
GoblinGirl 4 years ago 2
Sweetchuck! Thanks, WGN. It was killing me trying to figure out where I've seen this guy before.
gummybrain 4 years ago
Tim - Well, well, well done. Thank you!!!
Oehtkralc 4 years ago
...the porno writers are on strike?......aaaaahhhhhh nooooooooooo!!!!!!
10XBAD 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Writers, actors directors and all the crew people get residuals. They also get paid a salary, which this knucklehead fails to mention in his stupid 8 cent schtick. Health insurance??? Nothing at all to do with this. They get that provided regardless. And guess what bubblehead, most reality shows don't employ writers, which is why they are so concerned about losing their bargaining strength in tv.
arlo3k 4 years ago
Hey, tardo, pick up a paper. This isn't only the entertainment business. This is happening all over America with mega conglomerates making the top 1 percent of the country richer while sucking regular people dry. And MOST writers are middle class regular people. Again, read up before you make an ass of yourself making ignorant comments. Or maybe you want all the money in the world to go to about fifty people?
Oehtkralc 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
All you did is call me names and blather on about the mega conglomerates. Don't confuse yourself with the facts.
arlo3k 4 years ago
Health insurance isn't provided for free...that's a lame assumption you have. There are premiums to pay. Writers don't work 12 months of the year. True there are your steady big name writers but I read that roughly 40% of writers are unemployed at any time. They need their residuals. 4 cents was a joke way back when and producers said they'd fix it and they didn't. Now they are trying to secure their future for new media before they get hosed.
foolmartyrprod 4 years ago
I am only saying health is not what is at odds here. The whole business is freelance, and everyone depends on residuals one way or another. Directors, actors, and all the crew positions are freelance. The question is what is fair. I don't disagree with much of what you say. The video is misleading and way oversimplified.
arlo3k 4 years ago
So you think that regardless of how many years or decades a scripted work continues to make profits, the writer should only be compensated for the time they spent writing.
Mars718 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Does a camera-operator get royalties for each time the scene they shot is used in a trailer, add, or copied in another movie ?
What about the grip-operator .. do they get royalties for everytime the phrase they recorded gets played ?
What about the designer who came up with the logo for the show or movie. Do they get paid extra for each time their design is re-printed or displayed ?
Sh0KcWave 4 years ago
If your question is actually about the below-the-line crew of a TV or film, and do they receive residules?
Yes, if they are represented by one of the many Unions in the entertainment industry they receive either directly, or indirectly (health plan/retirement plan funding) from the TV reruns, and the DVD sales.
When the WGA strike succeeds in getting a piece of internet and new media profits, then everyone will benefit.
MySalsaTV 4 years ago
Actually I thought my question was pretty much blatently obvious :
Does a grip operator or camera operator receive royalties each time the scene they helped produced is shown ?
IE : Does the person who filmed the famous scenes in Casablanca or Gone with the wind receive any extra money when ever the film is sold, or royalties when ever the scene is used ?
Sh0KcWave 4 years ago
First, becoming a successful writer takes years of unpaid, dedicated, hard work plus TALENT. Once "successful" that success is NEVER guaranteed. Writing means constantly working and preparing for that next job if and when it comes.
Second, to be blunt and based on my first point-which is more difficult and therefore more valued? Writing Casablanca or building the set?
lizjewelry 4 years ago