UNION POWER - WGA Strike Shuts Down A Location Shoot

[ArtModeldvds]

iatse 891...dished senority , So that lesbians with no senority and or film-experience can take senior members show-call opertunities and work with there older mommy-girlfriend.... =butting into the food line = no senority.

[cinepie]

WHERE DID OUR IATSE 891-UNION SENORITY GO ?

Vancouver Members ask.

how is work dispatched at other iatse union locals...preferentialy ? or by senority ?

[gripjohnny]

I heard form a producer friend the directors got what they wanted, which is similar to what the writers want because they were childish about it, they went in and stated what they wanted and they told the producers to meet them in the middle and come to an agreement, they did. so whats the problem writers.. were starting to see the silly side of the writers now

[mpandmolly]

- And finally, because the DGA negotiations went so smoothly and quickly, do you still feel confident in your leadership and their strategy to shut down the town.

[jh0009]

The anger of the crew members is totally justified. The AMPTP could've made the same DGA offer to the WGA 43 days ago. Instead, the CEOs unnecessarily extended the pain caused by the strike by refusing to negotiate.

[perladeloceano]

Got to love your PR department. Would you mind showing the unedited final clip of your piece without slow motion?

Don't worry. I won't be surprised when you decline to comment.

[mpandmolly]

So you're saying that now the DGA contract is on the table, the WGA will sign it and get back to work? I'm hopeful but I doubt it.

[perladeloceano]

How many writers count on working 45-50 weeks a year to pay their mortgages and support their families?

Of the WGA membership, a signifigant majority has not worked in the last 48 months.

How does that make you the saviors to the crews that you try to paint?

[mpandmolly]

- Can you explain why we don't currnetly see the Seth Mcfarlands and the David E Kellys on the picket line?

- For the writers who make very little and depend on residuals, do you feel it's fair that these huge show creators

just simply pay the WGA fine levied for not picketing while you brave the rain & cold at 6am in front of warner bros.

[mpandmolly]

- are the wga members who respond to this comment also spending a lot of their striking free time writing new projects? If your like every writer I know, you are. After the last strike, there was such a tremendous wave of new material, it showed you guys are actually writing your asses off and also tremendous hypocrites.

- Do you think that actors who voice any opposition to the way the wga has gone about the negotiations fears the opinion of the writer/executive producers who hire them?

[mpandmolly]

- what do writer's do if they do not work for a year as several wga member commented. How do you support a family in LA. Do you have a second job or make so much money \ when you do sell a script and start receiving residuals you choose not to work.

[mpandmolly]

a few legitimate questions to the writers:

- did your leadership spend millions to research the future of new medias like the DGA?

- did any of the strikers present at this location live through the previous strike and it's economic hardships? I doubt it... the writers i saw at this rally would have been in their early teens or 20's during the last strike. In fact the guy who shot this video was 2 years old.

[mpandmolly]

- what the video doesn't show is that the scene we were filming included 5 children about 10 years old. you can see them on bikes behind the moving van. Anyways, when the strikers began to chant it terrified the kids. I heard one of the boys asked his mom if those people were going to hurt us. You writers should be very proud.

[mpandmolly]

- I'm sure my claim that i was truly there will be questioned. Let me assure you that i was at the location at Franklin and Whitley. As a matter of fact, on my way back to my car after leaving the picketers, i noticed that one of the strikers lives on the next block. he slipped up his driveway obviously not wanting to be seen. if there is a question if i was truly there, I will provide this writer's address if needed.

[mpandmolly]

- residuals do contribute to the IA health and benefit fund, but to qualify for the fund we must work a certain number of hours. if there is work stoppage, we don't qualify. So please don't tell us that this strike is for our benefit. I was quoted $1300 a month for my small family to continue the medical insurance that I currently have through the IA. But because i'm not working, i'll be paying about $15,000 a year because of your strike. Please don't do us any more favors.

[mpandmolly]

- what was a wga member not on this project doing with a set of sides anyways. the scripts are clearly marked as property of ABC television. the sides in question must have been stolen by one of the righteous strikers.

[mpandmolly]

- our last 3 episodes were completed before the strike. our writers, in contrast to most of the WGA, believes that their crew should be allowed to work on scripts that were created and sold before the strike and should not suffer because of the strike. our writers busted their asses to get those scripts out and any changes were of a logistic nature, like moving a scene from the outside to an interior.

[mpandmolly]

i was on this shoot. we had a contingency plan already in place before the picketers showed up. as soon as the chanting started, we went to the stage and shot the scene inside. why do you think we wrapped up and were out of there so quickly?

i've read some of the posts and have a few comments:

- we had no overtime that day, so your claim that the crew made more money was incorrect. please stop trying to justify you actions as for our benefit.

[mpandmolly]

kin

[mclemcleod83]

Strikes are for the better of working people, Go Union.

[perladeloceano]

How is a strike that puts the working people out of work good for them?

[gripjohnny]

why picket scripts that are BOUGHT & PAID FOR, your clowns made thier money, let us make ours... GO BACK TO WORK !

[jh0009]

grip, when the WGA pickets a location, crews make MORE money. The shoot will either move to a sound stage or it will be re-shoot later at another location. That means the crew gets paid again at the expense of the company we're picketing. If you're really angry about this strike, call the CEOs and demand that they return to the bargaining table.

[pjohnson52]

your a joke!

[perladeloceano]

Actually, we moved to a sound stage that day and completed the work without overtime. I agree with what you are fighting for, but your methods and PR campaign are ridiculous. I hate to say it, but the Producers look like the organized and level-headed players in this squabble.

Quit patting yourselves on the back as champions of the crew members.

[gripjohnny]

no excuses, cry cry cry

[jh0009]

pjohnson52 posted a vulgar, inarticulate, and uninformed video in response to the Union Power video. He then disabled comments. I believe this site should be a place of free and open expression. That's why I haven't removed his offensive video.

[pjohnson52]

I'll take my video down, but your video is just as pathetic as mine.

[pjohnson52]

Who pickets in silence, what a bunch of out-of work morons.

[becauseitsthere]

What I have an issue with is that the WGA is picketing shows that a some writer has been paid to write under their previous contract. This is wrong. I understand the fight but what the WGA is not comprehending is shooting in Los Angeles is hard enough. Their behavior in these neighborhoods just adds to the already trying task of filming. Picket the houses of the studio heads...not the hand that already fed you.

[saturnrpv]

We're picketing the employer, in this case ABC Studios, not the particular show. We have a right to picket anywhere the studio does business.

Maybe the studios should have thought about the impact picketing would have on the locations they shoot before they walked away from the table.

[becauseitsthere]

Sadly, you are cutting off your nose to spite your face. I get the fight... your methods suck. At a time when everyone is on the brink of losing their savings and quite possibly their homes, it seems a bit "in your face" to the few that are tying to get their last paycheck before being laid off. You have every right to picket where you want. I am just clarifying that a writer has already been paid for that particular show under the PREVIOUS agreement that you signed. .

[saturnrpv]

Strikes are supposed to be "in your face". Maybe you can give an example of a "soft and fuzzy" strike that's been effective.

The majority of the crews on the shows we've picketed have been supportive. Our mission is also to educate IATSE crews about the fact that 50% of their pension and health fund contributions come from residuals (what we're fighting for). Most didn't know that.

[becauseitsthere]

Der fred. I Get they are supposed to be in your face. Be in the face at the studio. Los Angeles neighborhoods are so difficult to film in already. You have no idea the additional hardship this puts on Location Departments (teamsters). after working for months on closures, signatures, etc. in order to film, you come in and destroy someones hard work.

[saturnrpv]

Location pickets have a more direct effect on the studios. It gets their attention immediately each time we do it. If you and the studios are so concerned about LA neighborhoods maybe you should just shoot on the lot during the strike. And I do know how this strike affects the crews, I'm also a member or IATSE as well as WGA.

[guellow23]

alfredo barrios wrote a pilot in 2003. he's the one leading this strike? and out of work writer? people...don't you have to be a working union in order to strike? this is ridiculous. go back to work. stop screwing the people who are working to support themselves and their families.

[jh0009]

Guellow, the AMPTP's first offer to the WGA was zero for anything to do with the Internet. The corporations hate paying for health and pension. Do you believe that union members have the right to strike in order to protect their health benefits? If so, then your anger should be directed at the AMPTP. Call the CEOs and demand that they return to the table.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

alfredo barrios is a co-executive producer on Burn Notice, one of USA Network's most successful dramas.

[jh0009]

HD, you say we chose to strike . We CHOSE to strike after the AMPTP's first offer was to CUT RESIDUALS. The AMPTP wanted us to strike. The AMPTP doesn't care about one month or six months from now. They're looking 10, 20 years ahead. They know New Media is a gold mine and they don't want to share a dime of it with any union. If you're angry, call a CEO.

[hdtvcamera1]

I've been doing more reading......let's just say I'm less angry at WGA. Your claims are missed by reporters. For writers you are doing a crappy job on PR. I still have issues that they were looking to expand to reality and animation.

[hdtvcamera1]

They strike because they can afford to. The working crews can't afford the writers strike. It is causing real stress and financial hardship.

[jh0009]

The Writers are striking because the AMPTP's original offer was to give us NOTHING for the Internet. They then offered us $250 for work that is currently worth $20,000. Then they walked away from negotiations. If you're really angry about this strike, call the CEOs of the companies and tell them to return to the table.

[hdtvcamera1]

Your own guild president was quoted in the LA Times and Variety stating that he would not consider leaving the negotiations without reality TV controlled by WGA. That's IATSE jobs you want to take? YOUR guild has so many demands that you appear to be acting like spoiled kids. My anger is pointed in the right direction.

[hdtvcamera1]

I agree with you that the internet should be your (our) issue. Your leadership has a lot more demands that are causing friction and making your guild seem unreasonable. They were irresponsible and chose to strike rather than try to work out a deal ahead of time. Our IATSE president Tom Short blasted them for this and I agree with him.

[hdtvcamera1]

It's called disturbing the peace. The writers who tried this on our shoot were told by the cops they would all be arrested if they chanted and interrupted the shoot. They got the message when the cops said final warning.

[jh0009]

Actually, it's called Free Speech. And when the police do show up, they tell the production that we are within our rights. I'd be curious to know what totalitarian state your shoot was taking place in.

[hdtvcamera1]

I was there. I saw it happen. I'm not telling a lie, and it happened in LA. In addition to this the cops were writing tickets to people who honked their horns in support. People in the neighborhood called and complained about the noise and that allowed the cops to take action.

[strikingwriter99]

TO ANYONE READING THIS: This simply didn't happen. I've been on most of the location shoot and I've spoken to people who have been on the one's I've missed. In no location anywhere, ever did the police ever tell the picketers to stop chanting. Not once. Never happened. Ask this guy to tell you the shoot/location where this occured.

[hdtvcamera1]

I was there. I saw it happen. I'm not telling a lie, and it happened in LA near CBS. In addition to this the cops were writing tickets to people who honked their horns in support. People in the neighborhood called and complained about the noise and that allowed the cops to take action. Trust me, you don't know as much as you profess.

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

C22,

So then what IS your objection to all this, if you have one? Or are you simply trolling.

All writers want is a small percentage of Internet profits and the PROMISED revision of DVD profit share.

Do you not think they have a right to ask for this? And when the studios refuse to negotiate, do you not think the writers have the right to strike wherever their demands will be heard?

[C22SpOOky]

Whats control over Animation and reality, ggot to do with a fair wage ?

I dont have a problem with Writers getting residual for Internet sales.

But I do disagree with some demands of the WGA

And the Conduct of the AMPTP, WGA and even some of the writers themselves.

But thease have nothing to do with the movie, So I guess Im a troll, :/

So I guess ill leave.

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

I've written animation for Fox Kids/Saban. I paid a one-time fee, but those shows continue to play and make the network money and I get no residuals whatsoever, because animation isn't covered by the Guild.

The same goes for Reality writers. In other words, they aren't getting a fair wage.

The Guild exists to keep writers from getting screwed out of their fair share. That's all they want.

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

Obviously, I meant I WAS paid a one-time fee.

This is why writers love rewriting.

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

So C22, let me understand this. You don't think writers should be PAID when the studios make money off of them? You don't believe in residuals?

Do you think writers should be paid one simple fee while the studios continue to profit with each new form of delivery that comes along?

[C22SpOOky]

"Without writers actors would have nothing to say"

Without that Actors the writers words would not be herd.

Without camera crews writers vision would not be seen, and without grease from the studios to keep all the cogs running there is no Show.

I just wanted to remind everyone that It takes much more than a writer to create a show

I didnt say writers should not be paid

Im not surprised to see words put into my mouth, thats what Writers do :)

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

Don't blame the writers for keeping people from working.

If the networks are selling advertising time on Internet broadcasts using content created by writers, then they should be happy to share the wealth. After all, without the writers to create the stories, to put the words in the actors' mouths, to GIVE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE JOBS IN THE FIRST PLACE, there would be a lot of folks out of work.

The writers aren't the bad guys here.

[C22SpOOky]

After all, without the Money from the Studios No writers, actors, sound crew, editors, producers and a 100 other jobs they create would be employed, Without the studios there would be No shows.

Sure writers play a part, but they are just one of many cogs in the machine, take away the other cogs and all you have is a Book.

Ohh just a sec a book too needs other cogs to grind it. ;)

[strikingwriter99]

Residuals aren't some sort of bonus. Residuals are the "residual" (that is "remaining") portion of the amount owed for the script. What writers do is defer a portion of their payment to help defray the original cost of production.  They then collect the balance due when the product is reused. Essentially, residuals represent a no-interest loan from the writer to the studio. Now the studios are seeking to eliminate the residuals. This represents about a 50% paycut.

[C22SpOOky]

thats an Interesting whay of looking at it, :)

FTR: I am In favour of Writers getting a share of Internet sales.

But the Video above seems to have chanting about Power, Not about pay cuts :/

Combined with Many Photos of picket lines showing smileing happy faces, Writers are not looking like they are fighting for whats fair.

[strikingwriter99]

It's more than "an interesting way of looking at it," it's the truth.

Residuals began in the '60s as a way to lower the upfront cost to the producers by deferring the "residual" (or remaining) portion of the fee.

[jh0009]

C22, the writers are chanting about Power to show that they are united in their fight and that they will not be taken advantage of. And just because writers are seen smiling in other videos doesn't mean they aren't hurting. Their smiles let the Companies know that their spirits are not broken.

[hdtvcamera1]

I saw the WGA concert video. It looked like a party to me. Laughing and joking while IATSE friends of mine are borrowing home equity to pay their bills. You party and want more while our rates have been cut by $10 an hour, and we give up staffing and penalties.

[Lizi99]

I support them. But its not just this sector that suffers at the hands of the elite big business CEO's. Everyone is effected in one way or another. Toy's are a big stressor this season..thats just a scratch on the surface of the issues.

[jh0009]

Yes, WGA members are going to take some heat for picketing locations. But at least we have the courage to face the crew and explain to them what we're striking for.

If you're really angry, call the CEOs and demand that they return to the table.

[cleobelanger]

hey..i'm a member have not written anything in about a year ... not that great at the internet or a computer... (notebook guy)..king of queens.. snl ..my name is earl ..conan ... tried house ..sucked... me ..not them---anysmell... up in Canada writing adds ...you seem to be informed give me the scoop ...25 words or less..please and tanx

[jh0009]

The reason IATSE members sometimes get angry at WGA members is because WGA members SHOW UP. When was the last time you saw a CEO with a flyer in hand ready to explain to a Crew Member why the Studios are justified in REFUSING TO BARGAIN WITH THE WGA?

[C22SpOOky]

Writers who dont make much money, dont because they dont have blockbusting shows and as such they will see very little change to their Income

Greed is Greed - But when greed costs the jobs of hardworking people who get paid regular wages, it becomes a crime.

Seeing you walk picket lines chanting about POWER while others are suffering.

I hope you guys feel proud of yourselves.

[jh0009]

CS, your anger is misdirected. The only way this strike will be settled is through bargaining and the Producers are the ones refusing to return to the table.

Picketing locations will not result in a single job being lost. The "worst" result of a location picket is that the crew winds up making MORE money. A movie in production is not going to be permanently shut down. The scene will be re-shot at another time and the crew will make MORE money at the expense of the Company we're picketing.

[jh0009]

C22, I accidentally removed your last post. Please re-post it. Thanks.

[strikingwriter99]

What everyone fails to understand is that writers aren't striking for more money, they're striking to prevent A HUGE ROLLBACK! The shift from TV reuse to new media reuse would represent about a 50% paycut. Do you have a problem with people going out on strike because they don't want a 50% PAYCUT?!

[C22SpOOky]

Thats not surpriseing, almost 50% of writers are not working at any one time.

Get another job if your not good enough to earn a living on a regular basis.

Just like the rest of us have to.

[RobertGregoryBrowne]

This just goes to show that you are completely clueless about the television and movie industry. Get educated before you comment.

[saturnrpv]

My hope is that cooler reasonable heads prevail throughout and this comes to an end soon.

Happy and safe Holidays.

[saturnrpv]

It's unfortunate that we have to picket TV and Film productions, we wish we didn't have to, but it's necessary. It's gets attention at the executive level every time we do it and puts pressure on them to get back to the table. I'm both a WGA and IATSE member and I'm sorry IATSE and TEAMSTER members have been put out of work but without the option of striking it's no longer collective bargaining, it's collective begging. We've done enough begging, it's time to bargain.

[savvycavy]

Disrupting a shooting day isn't going to put anyone out of work. Quite the contrary, it earns the crew valuable overtime. It's also an incredibly effective way for the writers to show the studios that the AMPTP's draconian negotiating tactics are only steeling the WGA's resolve.

The only way to prevent thousands of jobs from being lost PERMANENTLY is to cajole the studios back to the table.

[kscottm]

WGA pickets must feel a rush of pride for this act of street terrorism. The week before Christmas, disrupting a shoot with their verbal shrapnel, costing financial pain to working crews so they might themselves realize financial gain. However, this is destructive and will lead to the collapse of the fragile entertainment industry in Southern California. Good riddance! US and world audiences want and deserve better than the trash masquerading as entertainment you crank out.

[saturnrpv]

I have a copy of the pink pages for episode 212 of "October Road" dated 11/9/07 in the header of the pages. Written after the strike began. Should I post them mpiekut?

[mpiekut]

Please do, as a revision is constituted by scene omissions which can be done by the DGA.

[mpiekut]

I apologize. I said "is" when I meant to write "can be".

[saturnrpv]

These are not scene omits that an AD would do (perhaps you), they're dialog changes. Not able to post the PDF, sorry. Probably best to let the guild handle it anyway.

[thepolishassassin007]

Strange how your evidence dries up when challenged...

[mpiekut]

You do realize you are a Guild and not a Union, right?

[saturnrpv]

You might want to check with the National Labor Board. According to them the WGA is a union. 'Course what do they know?

[GdubSurf]

NATIONAL. The WGA has no International Alliance, and no greater concern for their peers outside the inner circle

[mpiekut]

Remember that the writers for any show in production now have already been compensated for that script. These strike negotiations do not impact those paychecks as they are under the old contract. Yet the pickets are taking money away from the production crews with families.

[jh0009]

Let's not lose sight of the BIG ISSUE here. The AMPTP wanted the WGA to strike. Please google: "AMPTP wanted a strike with the WGA". This is a very informative article.

[josephcn1]

It's war. There should be nothing pretty about it. As someone who is freelance writer but non WGA, I hope the strike ends soon. Also a big fan of Colbert and Stewart. Let's get those shows back.

[mpiekut]

In summary, the WGA and AMPTF need to get their acts together, get off their asses, and settle this so as to not ruin the financial futures of so many who have given them so much. Grow up.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

The WGA didn't walk away from the table. The AMPTP did. The WGA remains committed to negotiating through the holidays. The AMPTP does not. Their executives are on vactation. The WGA filed an NLRB suit to bring them back to the table.

[GdubSurf]

So why are the WGA reps wasting time talking about Reality and Animation writers. Stay on point and GET BACK TO WORK!

[mpiekut]

The WGA should continue to work "in good faith" while a new contract can be drawn up to satisfy both sides. At the signing of such an agreement, all work performed from the initiation of the strike to the settlement would be retro-compensated to the writers as per the conditions of the new contract. This has worked in past IATSE negotiations. Most importantly, it prevents a work stoppage that is hurting the workforce but not making any dent in the mega-conglomerates that own the studios.

[mpiekut]

Having said this, I am neither in support of the WGA or AMPTF, as I am a hardworking IATSE member with a family and a mortgage payment. So far I have been lucky to be on a show that is still running, but many of my IATSE brethren have already been hurt because we are all stuck in the middle. It is extremely frustrating to watch these two organizations battle while the backbone of their productions are having to suffer over the Holiday Season as bills accrue and mortgages are due.

[josephcn1]

I could understand this but the AMPTP screwed them on reimbursing any successes in the DVD market. Fool me once, fool me twice, shame on you, fool cant fool me again.

[xjulesx2004]

"YOU have taken money from IA/Teamsters and all others with a ABSENCE of work!"

Absence of work. Just like when the studios send your job to Canada. The fact is that good writing and good shows have brought jobs BACK to L.A. for everyone. So start thinking long term. This strike is about the FUTURE of our business.

[mpiekut]

But it won't pay our bills or keep our houses in the meantime.

[albertinamerica]

Wrong again. The Canadian dollar was worth $1.09 on Nov. 7th, 2007 compared to $0.63 in 2001. That means it costs 75% more to produce in Canada now than it did 6 years ago. Its not the writer or the crew, its the economy stupid.

[mpiekut]

3. A crew member did NOT assault a picketer. As a respectful member of the community and entertainment professional, they were cleaning up after the production, and tore up a discarded picket sign to fit into a trash receptacle. The WGA is once again trying to spin the situation in their favor, but at the expense of one of the many thousands of crew members their strike is putting out of work.

[strikingwriter99]

Sorry, buddy, I was there. The sign was pulled with force from the picketers hand.

[mpiekut]

Lies. Lies. Lies.

[strikingwriter99]

It's a remarkable debating technique. I was there. Dozens of others were there. The writer in question has posted his account of what happened. Surely the AMPTP trolls can do better than "lies, lies, lies." Where's the outrage from the crew that the AMPTP has walked away from the table? Isn't it curious that all the outrage is directed only at writers who've been out of work for seven weeks?

I hope the AMPTP pays their trolls well.

[kscottm]

Why the surprise by someone going out of their way to harm others that harm might come to them as a consequence? Surely, indignant writers grasp cause and effect?

[mpiekut]

2. There is a claim that there were script pages dated 11/9/07 found on the location being picketed. The 13 episode script order was finished prior to the 11/2/07 initiation of the strike, and no script amendments have been made as our writers are honoring the picket lines.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

Check the sides (i.e., script pages) that were attached to the call sheet on the day of the picket. They were dated 11/9/07. There is SCAP WRITING GOING ON!

[mpiekut]

I work on the show. The scripts were done prior to the 11/2/07 start of the strike. Where are these supposed sides you speak of? Stop putting BS propaganda out there. I would love for you to get your residuals, but my home and family are first and foremost. Settle this so we don't lose our home.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

If you work on the show, you have the sides I'm speaking of... Also, you seem to forget that the amount of residuals that are paid out to us, also impact the amount of contributions that are paid into YOUR pension and health. Over 1.5 billion in the last four years. Get your facts straight!

[mpiekut]

I'm over arguing about the sides as you have no idea what you are talking about. Also, I have previously said that I am all for you getting increased residuals.  I am NOT for a work stoppage that is impacting thousands of innocent bystanders while doing nothing to the mega-conglomerates that own the studios. Check my previous "work in faith" post. Get YOUR facts straight!

[mpiekut]

I'm over arguing about the sides as you have no idea what you are talking about. Also, I have previously said that I am all for you getting increased residuals. I am NOT for a work stoppage that is impacting thousands of innocent bystanders while doing nothing to the mega-conglomerates that own the studios. Check my previous "work in faith" post. Get YOUR facts straight!

[saturnrpv]

I have a copy of the pink draft pages for episode 212 of "October Road". The pages are dated 11/9/07 in the header of the pages. Written after the strike began. Should I post them for you?

[mpiekut]

1. They claim to have shut us down in a few minutes. This couldn't be any further from the truth, as we had a cover set in the event of such a picket line. The WGA's crack research team had no knowledge of this, and we completed all scene work for the day.

[mpiekut]

I am one of the crew members in this video, and I want to dispute several of the WGA's claims associated with this video.

[gatorgirl11]

AlbertinAmerica -- Get yourself educated. Writers didn't take anything away from crews. In fact, the residual formulas that we negotiate are the basis for your pension and health fund so -- you're welcome. We we given NO choice but to strike. If you have a beef, take it up with the assholes who refuses to sit down and seriously deal.

As for the effect of location picket, the goal is to at least slow them down. That way the crew gets overtime and we cost the studios money.

[hdtvcamera1]

Then the writers tried this on our job the police threated to arrest them, They went away. If you think you are helping the crew by shutting down jobs you are ignorant.

A union grip needs to work to pay the bills. They don't have the big bucks the writers do. You'll also never hear how much the working writers actually make.

[strikingwriter99]

I've been on every location picket. There hasn't been a single threat from the police to arrest. In fact, the LAPD Labor Relations Unit generally shows up and informs the production that we have the legal right to picket.

[strikingwriter99]

About 50% of members do not earn any money from writing in a given year. Of those writers who do make some money, one quarter earn less than $37,700 a year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of working scriptwriters is $44,350 -- a more important and revealing figure than the media's frequent statement that the average Hollywood writer makes $200,000. (The median yearly income of all WGA writers, including those unemployed, is closer to $5,000 a year.)

[inhighcontrast]

Wow, the strikers in this video are bullies.

Terrible behavior.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

The writers carried picket signs while walking in an orderly fashion. They then chanted, as is their First Amendment right. The producers are threatening their crew if they show any support for the goals that the WGA is trying to achieve -- namely, a fair contract. Who is being the bully?

[mpiekut]

Our Producers have never threatened us for supporting the WGA or any other viewpoint. Have you ever even been on a set. They want to deter any activity that would cause any incidents that would detriment any crew member in any way. Our teamster is preventing the WGA from entering what is considered an OSHA construction zone for their own safety.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

I have been on many sets. And IATSE members have come up to us and told us that they have been threatened if they even take one of our informational fliers. They don't want you guys talking to us. Think about why that is. If you knew what was at stake for you, you might feel differently about the studios.

[mpiekut]

Please stop the propaganda. It is sad and demeaning to us all. In the TV world, most producers are writers as well. Please don't take what I assume to be an isolated singular incident and blow that up into all Producers threatening their crews. It just isn't happening.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

For someone who claims to be a crew member, you're defense of the studios is remarkable. I have a sneaking suspicion your connection to the AMPTP is a lot tighter than you're leading on...

[mpiekut]

My love for the AMPTF is no greater than yours. The ends just don't justify the means.

You DO deserve residuals on internet content. Reality TV SHOULD be under the WGA contract (though that will never happen as it is their contingency plan for an event such as the strike). IATSE would LOVE your solidarity.

Yet, to put thousands of bystanders out of jobs makes no sense. Stop punishing the crews and come to a settlement.

MY FAMILY AND I PLEAD TO YOU!

[mpiekut]

I'm just pissed my job is in jeopardy, and you have provided and outlet for me to vent while I am stuck at home.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

I'm sorry about your situation. But the only leverage we have is a work stoppage. It's untrue that they're not hurt by the strike. As reported by many papers, they are.

The AMPTP has never made a serious proposal. They'll only do that if they're convinced that we're willing to wait it out until we get a fair deal. Which we are. And always remember: whatever we get will set a precedent for every other union in this town. You have a stake in this, too.

[mpiekut]

I appreciate that you feel you are doing this for the greater good, and I respect your resolve.

Unfortunately, this is going to drive more and more work into Canada or overseas, as well as fuel another surge of reality TV which I feel firm that the AMPTF will never agree to.

Having said that, let us agree to disagree.

[WRITERSTRIKER]

Agreed.

[Shaggy72]

I 100%, WHOLE-HEARTEDLY, FULLY support the GOALS of the wga, but if they are causing location shooting to be shut down I DO NOT SUPPORT THEIR ACTIONS.

Writing is pre-production. Shooting is production of an ALREADY-WRITTEN script! (They simply have to stick with what has already been written or improv new lines & hope for the best). Now if they hired SCABS and was shooting THAT material, I would actually suppport this action.

[Shaggy72]

(cont'd)

When the scripts dry up and production of written material ends, producers will be more willing to end this asap.

I only wish the studios would grow a brain and do the right thing RIGHT NOW and give the wga what they fairly deserve!

[WRITERSTRIKER]

I was at the picket, and we found script pages that were dated 11/9/07 -- well after the strike began. So the production was shooting script pages that were WRITTEN BY A SCAB! As far as I'm concerned, they're fair game... Judging by your comments, you seem to agree.

[thanksforxmas]

You seem to be forgetting one thing, yet again. In your quest to go after what you state as "fair game", you also drag down the innocent who have absolutely nothing to do with this. It is not everyones battle, only yours, yet we all suffer your consequences.

[Shaggy72]

I realize that producing a show usually consists of CONSTANT re-writes, but during this strike, if the producers want to continue production of a show, they need to stick to what has already been written - perfect or not - or stop production. THEIR CHOICE. (E.G: FOX did this w/ their 2 remaining eps of family guy)

But I do agree that as long as they already have material to produce, they should be allowed to do their jobs until the scripts run out!! (cont'd)

[Shaggy72]

(cont'd)

And, yes, I am royaly pissed at the studios that I won't be seeing new episodes of my favorite shows for quite a while, but more importantly: many crew members and actors will be out of work until the studio gains some COMMON SENSE so EVERYONE can get back to work.

[josephcn1]

Why would a writer knowingly date a script after the strike started? It's not like you can't just put whatever date you want.

[mpiekut]

This is WGA propaganda. I work on the show, and all scripts were completed prior to the commencement of the strike (before 11/2/07). Unlike most of the WGA, they wanted to see that their crews (the backbones of production, and receiving NO residuals) would survive to the New Year. Don't believe everything you read.

[xjulesx2004]

Teamster Local 399 secretary-treasurer Leo Reed tells the WGA: "You are acting like a militant union. And that's good."

[TUA61]

This is a perfect example as to why I don't support you writers.

As a production person, the only thing I see you accomplishing here is taking money out of the pockets of innocent below-the-line crew members.

Frankly, it makes you come off as complete assholes.

You stay classy, WGA.

[rhinoscribe]

How are we taking money out of anyone's pockets? Who has all the money? Who has threatened Teamsters with their jobs? Who has fired IA/Teamsters for supporting the writers? To think that we are taking money out of the crews pockets is to think that writers control Hollywood. Did you know that the guild has hired Teamsters who had the guts to not cross, and is paying them at their day rates? Sounds like solidarity between the unions, which is what the AMPTP fears the most, union solidarity.

[thanksforxmas]

Can you really be that dumb. YOU have taken money from IA/Teamsters and all others with a ABSENCE of work! This isn't about threating or firing. To think that the writers control Hollywood would be getting ahead of yourself, since realistcally any union can control Hollywood merely by refusing to work!

[rhinoscribe]

i am probably that dumb. if writers controlled hollywood, we'd be working right now. because there isn't one writer who doesn't want to be working, and there's not one who thinks that the bloodbath in hollywood right now is good for anything. (p.s. -- there's 3 typos in your post)

[hdtvcamera1]

If the writers controlled Hollywood you'd make millions to sit on your ass eat, sushi, and have awards parties for yourself all day long. We need to work to pay the bills. We don't have $100,000 if our bank accounts. We work 75 hour weeks to pay the bill. You have no idea what you are talking about. Also for a writer you should know to start a sentence with an uppercase letter.

[strikingwriter99]

Most sitcom writers I know work 80-90 hour weeks. I know writers who have slept at the office.

The average writer makes about $62,000/year.

[hdtvcamera1]

BULLSHIT!!! You have no credibility.

[strikingwriter99]

About 50% of members do not earn any money from writing in a given year. Of those writers who do make some money, one quarter earn less than $37,700 a year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of working scriptwriters is $44,350 -- a more important and revealing figure than the media's frequent statement that the average Hollywood writer makes $200,000. (The median yearly income of all WGA writers, including those unemployed, is closer to $5,000 a year.)

[janish64]

ROTFLMAOAPMP!!!!!

Rhinoscribe - the WRITER corrects thanksforxmas's posting by saying "(p.s. -- there's 3 typos in your post)

I would expect a WRITER to say "there ARE three typos in your post"

[Frecklepup]

The AMPTP is in effect a cartel. I support the writers.

[jh0009]

The REAL TRUTH is the fight is not between Crew Members and the WGA. The fight is between the AMPTP and all Union Members. I did not witness a single incident of a WGA picket taunting a Crew Member. WGA pickets are instructed to treat all Crew Members with respect and dignity.

[albertinamerica]

You cant be that brainwashed or stupid to think that you are fighting for the crew members. If you cared for anyone else, you would have held you negotiations jointly with the DGA who want to negotiate early. But no, you guys had to go out on your own and strike just before Christmas. It may not have been a fight between the crew and the WGA, but you made it one by taking away our jobs. Asshole.

[hdtvcamera1]

I couldn't have said it better myself. This strike is about expanding WGA power. The producers will NEVER give you reality shows. It takes their fall back away if you go on strike again. You are also looking to expand into animation taking IA jobs. Then you are hoping to get internet payment. Talk about greedy bastards. You guys make far too much as it is now.

[strikingwriter99]

The average WGA member makes about $62,000/year. In Los Angeles, that's less than the salary of a nurse or an experienced teacher.

Most WGA members experience 1-2 years unemployment for each year of work.

[thanksforxmas]

After witnessing this scene personally it is utterly amazing to me how the WGA can spin things to their advantage. At least have the decency to tell the full story including the truth. The fact of the matter is that a picketer was verbally taunting a crew member which resulted in the assualt. These crew members are simply providing for their families. Keep in mind that the writers already got compensated. That is what this is truly about, dragging others down. WHAT IS THE REAL TRUTH?

[myrudehand]

I don't think you should be amazed when professional writers spin things to their advantage. This is why politicians hire them. It would be utterly amazing if they did anything other than what you are so shocked by.

[WGAStriker]

I am the Striker who was attacked. You are an AMPTP Troll and a liar. After talking with an IATSE member the IA health and pension fund was attacked from behind by a crew member who I had not spoken with -- let alone taunted -- who when face wth the fact that he had just put himself and the production at risk, fled the scene.

[josephcn1]

Production writers stop getting paid when they walk off

[albertinamerica]

To JH the shooter of this video. The crew is aware that our PHW comes from residuals. What we are bitter about is your timing. You have ruined Christmas for the industry. If all those crew members were really supporting you, they would not be working at all. The crew all crossed the picket line to work for two weeks when you were at Sunset Gower. 100% crossed the line and went to work. Some support. Asshole.

[myrudehand]

Does a runaway slave ruin Christmas for the other slaves?

[albertinamerica]

You have the nerve to compare you hardship with that of actual plantation slaves? If you knew anything of the suffering of humans, you never would have made that comment.

[mediaboydottv]

Great job. I hope you start going after the sets in England, Canada and Australia as they start to replace US locations.