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Daniels, Kaling, Schur, Lieberstein, Novak & Carrell!! The OFFICE Writers Lay It Out!!

Should be interesting by mrfan	Nov 7th, 2007 06:47:27 PM
Good luck
Is this the gay parade? by tme2nsb	Nov 7th, 2007 06:50:12 PM
I thought red was for gays? Also, second.
Also by tme2nsb	Nov 7th, 2007 06:50:35 PM
The Reno 911 idea is pretty fun. Wish I could be there
Good by NudeandAroused	Nov 7th, 2007 06:51:51 PM
Unions are important. I am glad that they still mean something.
Wish I was there by fanboy71	Nov 7th, 2007 06:54:34 PM
I agree that they deserve compensation for their work. Music writers get paid for their songs forever, so why not TV writers.
They should do a reality tv series about the strike. by Mike_D	Nov 7th, 2007 06:56:31 PM
haha.
BURN HOLLYWOOD BURN! by BrowncoatJedi	Nov 7th, 2007 07:05:07 PM
This town needs an enema!
What a bunch of fucks. by El Scorcho	Nov 7th, 2007 07:11:29 PM
The Office will never be the same for me now. They are nothing but smarmy assholes. What did they think they were getting into when they signed a contract to work for a corporation? Lieberstein and Schur come off as the biggest assholes. You'd think writers would be able to come up stuff more clever than shirts and hats that say "writer" and chants like "what do we want? contracts! when do we want them? now!" Fucking gay. My love for several TV shows will not overshadow how glorious it would be if all these shitheads were fired/replaced and forced to realize how good they have it.
All this is leaving a bad taste in my mouth by johnypanic	Nov 7th, 2007 07:17:05 PM
And let me tell you why. The people who support the WGA above all else are, in my mind, no different from the vehement supporters of the Iraq War. I know that sounds crazy, but allow me to explain: The WGA strike is costing thousands of jobs for people who have nothing to do with either the writers OR producers. All of the people who are on the bottom rung of these shows and productions - all of the PAs, the Audience department, the Travel department, the drivers, the assistants to producers and assistants in the writers' offices, the assistants of lit managers and agents, the CEs and Directors of Development... all of these people are non-union. All of them make roughly $400 to $700 a week. And all of them are out of jobs, most effective immediately. If you live in LA, you know that $500 a week doesn't pay for shit. It takes two of those paychecks just to cover your rent. You can't exactly forgo a paycheck for a week or two... much less the indefinite future. Your ability to live your life is directly, immediately threatened. And for what? So people many, many times richer than you can argue over getting richer? How, exactly, do those support people benefit from this strike, even if the WGA gets everything they want in their new contracts? That contract only helps out people in the WGA. All the people I mentioned aren't in ANY union at all (to say nothing for all the grips, crew, and make-up people that are union, but a different union, and are also out of work.) And even if you ARE WGA, most of the contentious points mean nothing to you if you aren't pretty successful. Indeed, A larger percentage of DVD royalties only affects those who actually are staffed writers on shows released to DVDs - and people like that are pretty highly compensated already. We're talking low-six-figures at least. Despite how people might try to color this as a "working-man/fat cat" issue, this is a squabble about which rich people can enrich themselves and how. The REAL working men and women, the ones that live paycheck-to-paycheck, are ignored, and their livelihoods destroyed. I don't buy the argument that "sacrafice now means all those kids who go without today can someday reap huge benefits on their online content royalties once they're showrunners themselves!" anymore than I buy "dead soldiers now are worth a hypothetical democratic Iraq" or "Tax breaks for the rich means that, in the future, YOU can be rich an benefit too!" Those are the same arguments that readers on this site have been calling bullshit on for years. Are you really going to support them now just because it's rich Hollywood writers dishing it, instead of politicians? Are the same idiotic distortions now acceptable just cuz the guy who writes Veronica Mars is telling them to you? Shame on you. Look, lest you think I'm taking sides; in this equation, the producers are Saddam Hussein. Rich, greedy thieves, I absolutely do not support them. But I also don't support the sacrifice of so many innocent jobs to "stop" them. I support the troops, not the war. End this now.
auteur theory offends you? by lex romero	Nov 7th, 2007 07:19:06 PM
Seems a bit of a childish thing to say. Auteur theory doesn't dismiss the writer as unimportant. Though i can understand your anger at Ratner claiming he's the author of his films. Though tbf transformers had a shit script, probably for the best the script writers aren't recognised for it.
Right on boys... by The+Hitman	Nov 7th, 2007 07:22:06 PM
Stick it to the man! BTW: Mike_D is right, this strike is ACHING for a reality TV series.
These are the shitheads that want more money? by dogphart3000	Nov 7th, 2007 07:23:08 PM
Fuck em. Reward the good ones, fuck the shitheads
Don't care. by ZeroCorpse	Nov 7th, 2007 07:30:46 PM
My father was union, and the union was great, but sometimes the primadonna act needs to be shut down, and this is one of those cases. Some of us are scraping by on peanuts, and would LOVE writer-money, even if we didn't get residuals for online redistribution. I challenge any of the writers to live on the average American's pay for what they do. Yes-- I'm saying writers are already OVERPAID. I'm saying this as a briefly-published writer/musician myself, because it's SO damned hard to get a job as a writer. Why? Because there is no "middle ground" in writing. You're either a high-paid writer working on something that gets some decent exposure, or you're a penniless writer who can barely afford to eat. Some of us would give our left testicle to be able to write and get paid a living wage for it, let alone the big bucks you get when you're working on TV or Movies. And yes, even $35,000 a year to write 13 episodes of a TV show is "big bucks". Some of us crank out a lot of creative material, only to find out we can't get "in" unless we know someone, or have the right networking skills to get our work to the eyes of someone who can DO something about it. This way of thinking applies to ALL the arts. Acting, music, painting--Everything. You're either rich from doing it, or you're poor and barely surviving. It's easy for Herc to join up with the writers-- he's one of those people who DOES get paid for slapping a few words on a page. I respect that beyond measure, but do I think anyone needs more money for work already done? Probably not. They're forgetting their roots, and the trip up. Once they get paid with the big boys, they forget they were ever starving to "just write and get paid for it." Are the studios greedy motherfuckers? Yessiree, you bet! They're assholes of the highest caliber for treating their employees this way, but on the other hand, they're paying these people to do something that is-- to many people-- a dream job. Hey Hollywood studios! I'll write for you! I'll do it for a steady paycheck that keeps me clothed, fed, and sheltered. Hell, if you pay my rent in a nice apartment or give me studio housing, I'll take a pay cut! There are hundreds of thousands of us out here who are DYING to get paid to write. If Tina Fey doesn't want the money, I'll take it. Maybe Hollywood should cut the pay of all their talent-- Actors, writers, directors-- and start employing the people who are HUNGRY for these sorts of dream jobs. Call me a scab if you want, but I'd gladly step over these people to elevate myself out of working a normal, awful job for the rest of my life.
Herc - What should studio supporters wear? by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 07:35:58 PM
Since AICN is keen to offer fashion advice for the WGS supporters to wear, what would AICN advice us to wear if we support the studios? I support neither (they're all Commie fuckwits on both sides) but we must have parity!
greedy vs. Greedy by El Scorcho	Nov 7th, 2007 07:39:02 PM
That sums it up.
I don't think writers are overpaid, but I stand by my Iraq examp by johnypanic	Nov 7th, 2007 07:39:14 PM
I mean, these properties create gigantic revenue streams. That money's gotta go somewhere, and into the writers' hands is more than fair. Just not at the expense of the jobs and livelihoods of so many who don't see a dime one way or another.
Also I agree with ZeroCorpse by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 07:39:16 PM
I too will offer my writing services to Hollywood. Seriously, how hard can it be to write for a series that's already been done before like the 'Bionic Woman?' I'll write it for half of what one of their writers pulls down. Hell, you don't even have to put my name on it.
So is NBC regretting those 1-hour Office eps now? by tonagan	Nov 7th, 2007 07:49:30 PM
They could have broken them up and made the season just a little bit longer. Well, they could have broken them up into 15 minute weekly segments and maybe had a whole season.
Dental Plan!! by buffywrestling	Nov 7th, 2007 08:00:25 PM
To be honest, I'm enjoying the entertainment value of the strike - what with all the talkbacks, blogs, newspaper, magazines, facebook groups and TV coverage. I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Although I can't help wondering if that sort of defeats the purpose... Anyway, it's nice to see the entertainment community pulling together for a cause. It reminds me of the days after 9/11 (Too soon?) w
Lil' Randie1313 by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 08:02:50 PM
Enlighten us, please, as to how the studios are Nazis. And please go back on your meds.
I hope this strike goes to the DGA & Actors Guild deadline by TallBoy66	Nov 7th, 2007 08:06:04 PM
And then ALL of Hollywood would be on strike, at the same time!!! It would suck for fans of movies and TV, but the shitstorm would be really entertaining to watch. And probably better than watching Cavemen.
they could have cut those office eps by INWOsuxRED	Nov 7th, 2007 08:07:09 PM
into 9 webisodes each and never shown them on TV, sold commercial time for them on the web, and never paid anyone for the work performed...you know, since the work didn't air on TV, you don't get paid for it!
I SUPPORT THE WRITERS ON THIS ONE by Pound Sand	Nov 7th, 2007 08:09:20 PM

I enjoyed the last Cavemen by INWOsuxRED	Nov 7th, 2007 08:11:19 PM
does that make me a bad person? I haven't been watching regularly, but it isn't even the worst show on ABC on the night it airs, and that alone is suprising. No matter how good or bad the episodes are, it will always get slagged on, just like how the Office will always get knocked for not being the British version. I'm not saying Cavemen belongs in the same category as the Office, I'm just saying that people won't judge it fairly.
You'd think being tv writers... by the crucible	Nov 7th, 2007 08:14:29 PM
They'd at least know the significance of Red Shirts and their place in the scheme of things... Or are they too busy writing to watch Star Trek?
If this keeps the Big Bang theory on hiatus... by hadez	Nov 7th, 2007 08:24:00 PM
then let this strike continue. That is all. Also, I completely agree with what johnypanic and ZerCorpse said.
Writers Strike....More Like Boo Fucking Hoo You Hippie Pussies by The Ender Smites Foes	Nov 7th, 2007 08:26:16 PM
"My House....Listen to this guys...My House is only 17,000 Square feet. No, No Im super serial. You think its fucking easy, do you think its fucking EASY to have to wake up in what amounts to a fucking chicken shed piece of shit house? You think its easy living in a town where bleach blonde women offer me hand jobs and fist fucks because I wrote an episode of Alf? Do YOU THINK THATS FUCKING EASY?!" To which I say yes. It is easy, you fucking ungrateful cock sucking whelps. I'd take your job for half your fucking pay, and do a god damn good job of it. Shit, you let Mr.Echo go in Lost? You let Hannah share the Banana split with Cleetus on DAys of our lives? For fucking shame assholes. For shame! Fuck yourself.
What the writers are fighting for... by OrbotCommander	Nov 7th, 2007 08:26:22 PM
This is a better visual explanation on what the writers are actually fighting for: http://tinyurl.com/ywn84l And I posted this in the other talkback, but here's a great simple way of understanding of how residuals work: http://tinyurl.com/37vfgh
WalMart-ize Everything by larry sellers homework	Nov 7th, 2007 08:26:33 PM
Geez people, they're not asking for more money from YOU, they want fair compensation for money ALREADY being collected and horded by 5 guys. You really want to side with the ridiculously wealthy studio heads?
Damn Keyboard by hadez	Nov 7th, 2007 08:27:22 PM
That should read ZeroCorpse
bullshit by punto	Nov 7th, 2007 08:28:14 PM
this is what this whole thing's about? they want more money? I mean, you work 8 hours, you get paid, who cares if it's for the internet or not? If they were asked to work overtime to write for the web then yeah, sure, you get paid overtime, but this is just their regular show (not to mention that most web content sucks, and it doesn't make anywhere near as much money as regular tv shows) also, isn't the whole point of the internet that you can own what you do, and "broadcast yourself" and all that? why would you willingly put yourself under the shadow of a giant corporation, when you can go out and publish your crap on your own terms? it's pretty pathetic
I'm With the Writers by Tom Reagan	Nov 7th, 2007 08:28:25 PM
Most of the criticism I read is based on class warfare or outright jealousy that anyone should be well compensated while doing something they enjoy--"How dare they make more money than me doing something I wish I could do!". I can understand the emotional response behind such a statement but the logic is completely flawed. There is such a giant revenue stream coming into these studios and it's slowly shifting from television to internet downloads and DVD sales. Who deserves that money more? The lawyers and producers? It seems simple to me--the studios make money of the scripted content then the writers should also get their cut. Also, keep in mind that most writers aren't fortunate enough to have seats in other writer rooms as soon as their show goes away (what's the average run-time on a series anyway? 3 or 4 years?) and the need those residuals to pay their rent.
Johnypanic by zw	Nov 7th, 2007 08:36:43 PM
I'm a member of the WGA. I got in a few months ago. We don't want a strike. We want to be compensated fairly for the work which generates billions upon billions for the studios. It is the companies that forced the strike by refusing us said compensation. We aren't asking for anything ridiculous. If we took striking lightly we wouldn't have waited this long to renegotiate our contract. This is however a technological turning point where we must stand up for ourselves. Those celebrities out on the picket line are not there for themselves but for writers like me who are way way lower down on the totem pole. They know that the voices of people like me (people who were in your shoes wishing they could get paid to write not too long ago) would never be heard without their support. I hope you find success as a writer and join the guild and that when you do we are all getting what we are owed.
Randie1313 by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 08:38:54 PM
We're still waiting breathlessly for you to explain to us how the studios are Nazis in this.
punto... by the crucible	Nov 7th, 2007 08:40:40 PM
Yeah that kind of is the point, they work 8 hours producing new content for webisodes, that they don't get paid at all for because the suits class it as "promotional material" even if it's an episodes worth. Also, when you think they get paid royalties for what is shown on tv, and in repeats/syndication - but repeats and syndication isn't going to be around as much as internet downloads and dvds (which they aren't being paid for), then you get why they'd be upset. They're losing that royalty money, instead of getting compensated for the same material in a new way of viewing it.
zw: "We don't want a strike." by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 08:42:44 PM
And yet there you are in red shirts, striking, in the middle of the TV season. If you really didn't want to do it then you'd be striking before the next season and delaying it - not stopping it halfway through.
You make money off something, you pay the creators. by Flim Springfield	Nov 7th, 2007 08:53:12 PM
Simple as that.
Actor Support..... by jjwspider	Nov 7th, 2007 09:14:17 PM
I wonder if any of the actors/actresses have considered that by picketing the companies they work for and encouraging the writers to strike they are slowly decreasing the work available to them and may also be putting themselves out of a job. How ironic would that be? I wonder what kind of tears would be shed when entire shows are canned and no new acting jobs are there to pick up the now unemployed actors. As an aside - I think the Hollywood system is flawed. If you write a book based on characters owned by the company or by another owner, you don't get residual rights or any other bonuses unless it's built into your contract. The writer's contracts should reflect that if it's an original idea with original characters, they could collect residual rights (ie, the writer created Superman and would be entitled to having their name associated with the character and receiving benefits for their creation) vs the writer wrote a script for a Superman movie. At this point, the initial payment would be all that is given with no residuals. Then again, this might lead to a wave of sequels and reboots. Oh wait, maybe Hollywood already had my idea in mind.....
Question by INWOsuxRED	Nov 7th, 2007 09:24:40 PM
of the people who are for the studios, who amongst you is not a disgruntled/wannabe writer who doesn't seem to be able to sell their work?
Not everyone... by James Westfall	Nov 7th, 2007 09:34:12 PM
Not supporting the WGA doesn't mean someone's automatically supporting the studios. Both sides are equally asinine and laughable.
Re: Question by El Scorcho	Nov 7th, 2007 09:35:52 PM
I've never tried to sell any of my work because I've never had anything to sell. I'm not yet disgruntled because I've never been rejected. I'm a political science student at the moment.
Re: Question by jjwspider	Nov 7th, 2007 09:46:54 PM
I am a writer of sorts with some published work and a variety of on-line writings. However, I don't feel that I am disgruntled and I have not been rejected by the established Hollywood structure. Within this current strike, I can understand the belief that the writers hold but at the same time I think it gets missed that a majority of studios profits get pumped into new productions, which means more new scripts and more new work. I don't buy into the idea that a drafted script doesn't have to be paid for just as I don't think a writer should be paid a residual fee for every script they write for a character or idea that they did not create. The studios are the ones that finance the productions, promote the production and take all of the risk of the movie/series. If the writers want a larger share of the rewards then a larger share of the risk must be correlated. However, this is not the case, esp in light of this recent strike. By going on strike, they could easily be costing hundreds of jobs within the industry and potentially narrowing the opportunities they'll have in the near future - primarily for distributions rights and internet broadcasts. The typical short is essentially two minutes or so - would they get paid by the second, by the minute? Typically for a show they were hired to perform a writing function on yet own none of the characters or concepts. This would be like Kevin Smith demanding a cut of the profits everytime Marvel reprints his "Guardian Devil" DareDevil series - even though KS had no ownership rights to the character. I think the film/TV industry should operate on a similar basis - it's either your idea or a work for hire.
ZeroCorpse and johnypanic by Prespezz	Nov 7th, 2007 09:51:00 PM
ZeroCorpse: your argument is a bit shortsighted. They are not asking the Studios to pay them some unreasonable sum. The studios are releasing material that the writers write and paying them little to nothing. The important part of this is, the studios are making money off these releases, the DVD's we buy, the downloads, the streaming videos. The studios claim they are merely promotions, but that's obviously bullshit. I may be repeating information you already know, but you seem to be ignoring it because no one will hire you, which is more selfish than anything these "Primadonnas" are doing. Yes, you're selfish...you think these writers should not ask for compensation on money that would otherwise go to the studios and producers...why? because YOU can't get hired? That's selfish. johnypanic: Your entire argument seems to be based on the idea that the strike is only helping the rich writers, um no. Every guild writer and future writers are affected/effected. IF they don't do this now, years later people could be overwhelmingly be watching content on the internet. They won't make any money on this. It's true that many others will be affected by this strike, but it's not the writers fault for striking...it's the studios for not agreeing to their reasonable terms to begin with.
I will write an "Office" episode! by Christopher3	Nov 7th, 2007 10:07:20 PM
Featuring Michael Scarn, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Samuel L. Chang!
they fight for the little guy, yadda yadda by katydid	Nov 7th, 2007 10:13:58 PM
Here's the thing that kills me as I read all about this writers' strike that is turning my city upside-down: the amazing sense of entitlement. These writers, happily asking for the rest of us in Hollywood to support them as they strike and put us all out of business ... are they not being just as greedy as the companies that they are at war with? They claim to be fighting for all of us ... puh-leeze. They are fighting the same fight as these "evil empires" they are at war with. Money, money, money, me memememememe. This quote: "Money is made from DVD sales, internet streaming, etc. The issue is, who should be making that money? Only the studios? Why should wealth be made only by the studios and distributors? This is a no brainer. The creative person or people who came up with the ideas, wrote and gave them life, should be making the money from this." makes me want to throw up. And there have been millions more like them in the last three days. Are you writers truly so self-centered that you don't see your argument is exactly the same as the studio? The only thing you differ on is the beneficiary. But you both argue fiercely that yours is the most important job, and should be making the beautiful, beautiful cash. You don't give a crap about rewarding anyone for the work they put in. You care about rewarding YOURSELF for the work you put in. And you will blissfully trample EVERYONE else as you scream that you deserve your allowance, because dammit you mowed the lawn. I get it, you work hard, blah blah blah. So do I. So does my best friend the VFX compositor. So does my friend the post supervisor. So does my other friend the DP. Do they get what you are asking for? No. Do you care? No. So do me a favor. Quit parading around as if you are the champion of us little guys against the nasty, mean Corporation. You, my friend, don't know what a Little Guy is. You and the Corporation ... you people are cut from the same cloth. Enjoy your pickets and your paychecks. Maybe someday you will value the contributions of the rest of us, working ridiculous hours to birth these productions. But don't worry, I won't hold my breath.
Auteur theory debunked by Zardoz	Nov 7th, 2007 10:14:20 PM
Yeah, that one rubs me the wrong way, too. It was a theory promoted by the French cineastes and filmmakers (of course!) to (over-)emphasize the director's contribution to the production of a film. I once wrote a thesis paper denouncing the whole thing by analyzing the production of "Citizen Kane", which is arguably the film that started the whole debate on the Auteur theory in the first place. (got an "A" on it too!) Writer/Directors give the Auteur theory a lot more weight, but really, it takes a village to make a movie and writers are an integral part of that recipe. Give the writer's what they want and settle this thing quick. Otherwise, both sides will lose when the audience evaporates in new media, such as video games, DVD's, etc., that didn't exist, or weren't as predominant during the last strike 20 years ago. If the strike continues too long it will be a lose/lose outcome for both sides. (not to mention the viewers and consumers of said media)
Yawn by Pipple	Nov 7th, 2007 10:17:33 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
cool this is actually like a new episode. hahah by Pipple	Nov 7th, 2007 10:18:39 PM
hahhhhaaa
If you no idea the importance of the strike, by tme2nsb	Nov 7th, 2007 10:37:25 PM
then get the fuck off tv...erm, then shut the fuck up.
Also,, if you have bad grammar... by tme2nsb	Nov 7th, 2007 10:37:51 PM
you're an idiot like me. That's why I love spell check.
Be Careful Writers... by mparke2	Nov 7th, 2007 10:44:41 PM
It's much easier to replace television as a form of entertainment. Videogames, Music, DVDs, and the internet still consume much of our time. Don't strike too long or we'll find ourselves comfortable doing something else from 8:00 - 11:00PM M-F.
yeah, the totally come off like smarmy crybabies.... by thecomedian	Nov 7th, 2007 11:02:04 PM
Selling a screenplay in Hollywood just to get in the fucking WGA is hassle. These guys are blessed. They've made it already. I think they have a reasonable gripe but this is a stupid strike since the studios themselves are still figuring out how the hell the internet works. DVD and itunes is another story. The studios just need to pay writers more money up front. That's pretty much the only thing that makes sense. But residuals on fucking internet streams?!? Cry me a river. There are literally hundreds of thousands of guys in L.A. right now driving fucking cabs, waiting tables and walking dogs who would trade places with B.J. Novak in a heart beat. The thing about the cast of the Office complaining is kind of ironic because the main reason they rose to popularity was because of itunes video downloads. Up until then their ratings were pretty lackluster. If I remember that was the main reason they were moved to Thursday nights because NBC was making more money on itunes then they were running them on Mondays and they hoped the audience would cross over and it did. If it weren't for itunes The Office probably wouldn't have lasted more than two seasons. But all the below the line crew are the ones who are really the losers in this while these smarmy crybabies stand around trying to be witty.
Please please please by Javeyjoe	Nov 7th, 2007 11:14:06 PM
stop with the "I'll write a script for nothing and you don't have to even put my name on it and these guys are assholes for wanting pennies from fucking BILLIONS." If you can write, do it, post it and let us decide. Until then, just stop. And why would you ever WANT to write for peanuts and no credit? Respect yourself. This tired argument just shows which people know less than zero about the craft of writing. It IS hard. Deal with it.
Prespezz & zw by johnypanic	Nov 7th, 2007 11:28:35 PM
"It's true that many others will be affected by this strike, but it's not the writers fault for striking...it's the studios for not agreeing to their reasonable terms to begin with." Totally! And it's not America's fault that Iraqi cities have been turned into warzones, it's Saddam Hussein's fault for obfuscation weapons inspections and ignoring ceasefires in demilitarized airspace. That makes it okay? I understand that one is a war, and one is a labor strike... but the principles are the same. Do the ends (enriching wealthy people immediately with a hypothetical promise of good for all) justify the means (a protracted conflict with no end in sight that most affects the lives of people who do not stand to gain anything one way or another.) Sorry, but this nonsense about "it effects every writer, including future writers unborn" is just that - nonsense. So all of the support people I've mentioned should then have to lose their jobs and risk bankruptcy and eviction, on the off-chance they at some point in the future become a writer on a hit primetime show and at that time feel entitled to more royalties on top of their six-figure salary? Maybe I'm crazy, but that kinda sounds like a raw deal to me. And it's frankly presumptuous and despicably arrogant of wealthy guild members to tell those people that they know what's best for them, and are acting in their best interests by taking their jobs away without giving them a say in it. And zw - way to side-step my entire point and tow the party line with sound-bite rhetoric. You're in the guild, so you have a vote, a say, and a stake. My complaint isn't for you. Even though I made this as clear as possible over several paragraphs, I'll re-iterate: my complaint is for the thousands upon thousands of NON union workers who live paycheck-to-paycheck that your strike deprives of those checks in your pursuit for bigger ones for yourselves. So far I'm the only person who even seems to acknowledge their existence, but you know who they are. They prep your audience and get your coffee and deliver your scripts. I'm sure it's a tremendous comfort to them as they wait 4 weeks to collect their first unemployment check at 25% of their normal already-meager salary that because of what you're doing, someday if they're super lucky they might collect an extra 8 cents per download. Unless, of course, they don't want to be writers at all. But of course, when your on a roll of arrogant presumption, options like that really don't factor in, do they? Good luck on the lines. I truly hope you get what you're asking for. Let's end this soon.
LOL Paul Lieberstein by kobain	Nov 7th, 2007 11:48:37 PM
LOL! LOL! look at Paul Lieberstein (Toby) in that youtube video! is he doing that "in-character"??? so funny!
To everyone saying "Oh, I could write TV scripts" by Bob of the Shire	Nov 7th, 2007 11:49:41 PM
Then go do it. If the WGA are just greedy fucks and writing is so easy, then why don't you go get a piece of the action? If you can walk in, shit a script on the table and walk away with millions then why aren't you? Do you hate money? Or are you just mentally retarded? It has to be one of those since you're turning down what you think is easy money.
actually by kobain	Nov 7th, 2007 11:52:13 PM
On second view... are all of them acting -character in the video?!?! this should be a part of a regular episode;and I must say this was a lot funnier than most of the 1-hour episodes put together :P
Javeyjoe by messi	Nov 7th, 2007 11:55:56 PM
because some people just care about the love of what they do, they work hard jobs and already make a living but like me if they got a chance at writing Green Lantern, they'ed do it. i know i'd do it for free, but maybe just the first one. Ha.
The thing is the Office is actually pretty good by Pipple	Nov 8th, 2007 12:01:15 AM
So I can have some sympathy for them. It's all the other writers claiming to be robbed of their money who suck dirty rotten ass because they're robbing people's time with their terribly written shows... Who gives a fuck about them... Give all the money to BJ and that indian girl etc... Oh and I'd bet that anyone here can write better stuff than 90% of what's on tv these days... fuckin gossip girl
messi by Javeyjoe	Nov 8th, 2007 12:14:54 AM
I dig it, and in my perfect world, that's the first reason anyone would ever attempt to write anything. I just find it galling that all these fools come out of the woodwork suddenly with MORE than enough talent to pull off some crap show attitude. And I get the sentiment that one would love to write for, let's say, Green Lantern so much they'd do it for free, but you'd have to be crazy to just allow people to make money off of you and ask for nothing. BTW send in some script outlines to DC, you'd be amazed at how fast truly original, well told stories sell.
Hey i just had an idea... by Pipple	Nov 8th, 2007 12:34:43 AM
I dare anyone to make a "real life office" episode when they go to work tomorrow... then post a youtube or whatever link to it at around the same time as office usually airs. Do it well too, don't be self aware. And make all the awkward embarrassing situations that we'd usually see too. It'd probably be as good as the show.
So some of you actually think that was funny?! by WillowFan2001	Nov 8th, 2007 01:02:52 AM
A bunch of well-paid and famous celebrities standing around in red shirts seeing how many times in a row they can say some variant of "promotion" has you rolling in the aisles? Well, I finally have an explanation for why there are so many highly-rated comedies that aren't funny...how many of you "That was high-larious" dipshits have Nielsen boxes, anyway?! Fact is, the studios truly are screwing the writers. To get back at them, the writers are screwing everyone who works on their shows. Between the two groups, they're screwing the American public. Look, studios, I know you have these guys under contract for a goodly sum, but throw a few more pennies per download their way, will ya? Millions from billions still leaves a lot of money to put on your latest craptastic drama/comedy/whatever that I won't watch...is it costing you that much? Look, writers, I understand the frustration of not being fairly compensated for something you do. I understand it better than you do, in fact, since I am a licensed public school teacher. Either suck it up or switch jobs with me. And stop being so damn smarmy while you're at it!
I just wish this wasn't directly affecting me. by Nazzim O'Bazzim	Nov 8th, 2007 01:57:56 AM
I work at a company where we produce "As Broadcast" versions of scripts. Basically, I sit and slowly watch a TV show and write it down in script form. Like reverse engineering. I didn't even know this job existed until I stumbled on it this fall. Yep, I've only been employed at this for a couple of months. And now, guess what? We're going to run out of TV shows and I'll be looking for some other kind of employment. Here's hoping for a speedy resolution.
in the immortal words of Billy Bragg: by newc0253	Nov 8th, 2007 02:02:37 AM
there is power in a union.
Hey Willowfan by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 03:48:53 AM
actually, it's the studios who are screwing everyone. they've been preparing for and spoiling for a strike for months. they've got a longer-range goal with this other than just not paying the writers. when this is all sorted out, we may find the studios have used this strike as an excuse to do some serious downsizing, possibly some outsourcing. don't be surprised if they also try and hire a bunch of kids fresh off the bus at far lower wages to do what they've been paying seasoned and well-paid pros to do now. keeping residuals and internet-related compensation for the writers and in a few months the actors may just be a part of the deal. the producers may actually be gunning for some of the BTL unions.
El Scorcho = by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 03:51:08 AM
paid PR hack for Fox. prove me wrong.
orbot by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 03:56:37 AM
you cited an article on the huffington post. now i usually agree with her, but considering that she doesn't pay any of her writers anything, the irony of an article on her site explaining residuals is rich.
jjwspider by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 04:04:16 AM
um, most actors are frakkin' lost without a script. seriously. and the ones who can write, mostly work on shows like The Office and 30 Rock, or the talk & sketch shows like SNL, Mad TV, The Daily Show and the Colbert Repore. the actors joining the writers on the lines are doing so for a number of reasons: first off, they're protecting their own asses, as they NEED writers and they know it. smart actors LOVE their writers. second, in a few months, the actors' contract comes up, and we have the same issues on the table as the writers. if the writers cave now, that sets a shitty precedent for us. third, there is also the general feeling of union solidarity.
Support and Solidarity by The Selecter	Nov 8th, 2007 04:06:01 AM
I have no problem with fighting for what you think is fair, or trying to improve on what sounds like a raw deal, but all this talk about "support" and solidarity will be invalidated the next time one of the industry trade unions strike, and the WGA or SAG members cross the picket line and pick up their big checks.
mparke2 by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 04:08:17 AM
um, the movie and tv producers stand to lose more than the writers if consumers change their habits. you may not have noticed, but screenwriters have been writing video games (something to do with newer games needing more and better story and dialogue, I hear), and the WGA has started organizing efforts because of that.
Selector by Trader Groucho 2	Nov 8th, 2007 04:15:23 AM
check yer history dude. lots of big-name actors are well-known for not crossing picket lines. there is the obvious union solidarity issue, and that is primary. it is also very true that actors rely heavily on make-up and lighting and set and fx and other crew people to look good and be ready to perform. oh, and not have frakking lights fall on our heads. it's in our interest to have serious professionals who know what they're doing on the job, for both career-related and safety reasons.
I'm sorry but I'm just a regular schmoe who works 10hrs... by captboulder	Nov 8th, 2007 04:26:23 AM
a day. When I get home I'm so fucking tired all I want to do is chill, maybe watch some boring tv or surf the net! While I don't know the issues and refuse to take sides, I couldn't give a fuck! I know thats harsh, but I have my own problems and I really don't want to hear anyone else problems! So work it out and move on because only a handful of tv shows has been "can't miss tv" in recent years!
"Lots" perhaps by The Selecter	Nov 8th, 2007 04:34:11 AM
but there will still be plenty of hypocrites who will and productions won't be halted like they are now. Scabs will be hired and Hollywood will not shut down. Like I said, I won't begrudge anybody the right to fight, just trying to put things into perspective and cut through all the rhetoric that's being spewed right now.
See, here in the UK... by King_Knut	Nov 8th, 2007 04:37:46 AM
...the unions don't have anything like that sort of power. BECTU is laughable, and I shan't be bothering to renew my membership when it runs out in a fortnight.
Don't the redshirts die on "Star Trek"? by MrMysteryGuest	Nov 8th, 2007 05:46:35 AM
Better pray for the writers...
The thing that sucks... by hechtal	Nov 8th, 2007 06:49:30 AM
is a friend of mine works for a large studio in HR and they are generating lists of people to let go because of the strike.
I Hate Unions by kevinwillis.net	Nov 8th, 2007 07:03:35 AM
And I'm with the writers on this one. And, I'm sorry for everybody else who is out of a job, but the studios could have come to an agreement with the WGA, and they didn't, so they are easily as much to blame. Frankly, they could have just come up with a 1% of all future media sales, in all new and currently non-existent media, and they wouldn't be having this problem. And I don't buy DVDs of movies because of the excellent marketing and distribution--I buy DVDs and new media stuff because of the quality of the story. The writers are basically the ones making the product. They deserve a percentage. And, frankly, if scabs wanted to go work, it'd be a great time for them to try and break into the business. They might be shut out in the future, but if they really distinguish themselves . . . there's an upside to everything.
i totally support this strike... by Obscura	Nov 8th, 2007 07:30:32 AM
...its massively unfair and it needs to be sorted. im an animation student, and you wouldn't believe how much we get told "story is everything". Every level of production on anything has to have a starting point,and that is always a writer. The writers of a project should easily be equal in terms of credit (and pay) to directors. the problem is, we know that, industry creatives know that, but the money men don't. they just see a writer as someone who produces a script and then isn't needed anymore, which is entirely wrong. im quite happy to go for however long it takes without my favorite shows if it means the people who have given us(and continue to give us)so much get what they deserve.
Show your support by stevepark	Nov 8th, 2007 07:46:46 AM
Sign the petition here http://tinyurl.com/2ugco5 To show you support the writers.
The Innocent Victims by lecter1914	Nov 8th, 2007 08:44:20 AM
Its been said before, but really needs to be said again. There are people who will suffer from this strike that stand to gain nothing from what the writers are doing. Is that fair just because the writers want some money? Not blaming it all on the writers, the studios are just as wrong. But I refuse to sit back and let the writers act like they are the victims here. I work for a talent agency. My job is now at stake because there is no work for us to put our actors/actresses on. I dont get paid very much and I pretty much live check to check. SO what should I do while Im struggling to find an income and risk losing my apartment while the writers are too busy coming up with clever protest slogans and wearing snazzy red shirts?
Mindy Kaling is adorable by boba_rob	Nov 8th, 2007 09:03:30 AM
She is so cute. Jenna Fischer is hot, but Mindy is really cute. Is it just me? And I support the writers on this one.
lecter1914 you are so correct by qweruiop	Nov 8th, 2007 09:27:37 AM
It's a shame that the writers are getting all the good angles and press coverage on this, but everyone's forgetting about the tens of thousands of working class people who work for the studio's in the background who, if they haven't lost their job already, are set be out of work for a long time. And right at Christmas too. What about them? Why isn't MSNBC or CNN covering that angle? Talk about the innocent of innocents here, they didn't do anything to start this strike and will not gain anything from it either. I have a feeling the WGA has so much behind the scenes power that somehow they've managed to harangue the news into only covering their side of this story and not anyone else's. Think about it, what do the news organizations always seek to interview? They are usually the most emotional pulling stories, those of people who are down on their luck when they're hit the hardest with whatever catastrophe. But how come in this case we're not hearing an angle about these poor blue-collar workers?
This strike by Automaton Overlord	Nov 8th, 2007 09:41:08 AM
This strike will never be as good as the original brittish strike!
Hahaha by Herbie_X	Nov 8th, 2007 10:05:38 AM
They should do a reality tv series about the strike. -hilarious
heroic? by Gydyon	Nov 8th, 2007 10:15:21 AM
Heroic?
ZeroCorpse has it ever occurred to you that by CrichtonAstronut	Nov 8th, 2007 10:32:45 AM
the reason your writing is not making you more money, the reason your not making the big or even medium-sized bucks from what jot down is because the Exectutives, be studio, book publisher, or record label DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU CAN MAKE THEM MONEY. NOT because the big bad successful wriers stole all the good luck in the world and hid it in a little treasure chest under a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. And you do deserve it more, maybe your work is better than anything we've seen, but it's Exceutives your defending who picked those writers over you. If you've been cheated ourt of your due by anyone it's been them. And if they did pick you, and your writing did start making them millions of dollars, and kept making them millions in various formats while got your $35K and a cal us we'll call you, can you honestly say your views on fair compensation wouldn't change just a little bit. And as for the blue collar lot workers, none of ther jobs would have existed in the first place if someone hadn't come to the studio bosses with a concept and a script. Last thought if it so wrong for screen writers to keep getting paid when their work is resold in other formats, then is it wrong that novelist get paid for both hardback and paperback sales. Or re-releases. Seems like the same priciple to me.
Trader Groucho... by WillowFan2001	Nov 8th, 2007 10:34:57 AM
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't care. Look, I realize this is more than just the studios versus one union. I don't see how that should change my outlook, however. What you say sounds perfectly reasonable as a course of action for studios during a strike...it sounds, in fact, capitalistic. That being the case, considering how indispensable the writers are (i.e., they will be very likely to return to their old jobs when this is done), perhaps they should have considered the possible fates of thousands of their co-workers instead of holding out for a few pennies more per download. Businesses always try to make as much money as they can, and employees always try to get as much of it as they can...nothing wrong in either of those points of view. Until, that is, their combination hurts those who are just happy to be working. And again, residuals? Internet-related compensation? Even without it, these people still make a lot more money than I do, so my sympathy doesn't really extend to them. I would love to switch places and salaries with any of The Office writing staff. I can just see one of them in front of a classroom, while I'm merrily crossing picket lines in their stead. "Hi, kids. I'm your new substitute teacher. I'm here because Hollywood made me write some promotional materials that I didn't get paid for...hey, you, stop that. Please. Thanks. Anyway, they called it a promotion and--no, you can't go to the bathroom. Because class just started. So let's talk about promotions. Do you--stop hitting her right now! Have you ever seen a promotion I help write on NBC, called The Office? See, the thing is, it's actually a show...leave him alone...a show, not a promotion, so my using the word promotion--no, don't do that, that's disgusting--when I say promotion about the show, it's an example of sarcasm. Who can tell me what sarcasm is? Yes, you. No, you can't go to the bathroom. Hey! Didn't I tell you to leave her alone? Okay, well, not hitting her would be leaving her alone, right? Okay, that's it. Just go to the office. Not my Office, the principal's office. Because I said so. What do you mean, you won't go? You have to go! I told you to go! Promotion promotion promotion! Screw this. I'M ON STRIKE!!!!!"
For every $20,000,000 in DVD sales by Quin the Eskimo	Nov 8th, 2007 10:36:28 AM
the writer gets 80K. Fuck the studios. Most writers are middle class. I HATE my job, and would gladly take any writing gig offered to me. But only if I earn it. If you take a job at the studios because of the strike, you are striclty JV.
Ender Smites Foes by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 10:48:59 AM
"You think its easy living in a town where bleach blonde women offer me hand jobs and fist fucks because I wrote an episode of Alf?"...? It's obvious you don't know where writers rank on the Hollywood totem pole. Bleach blonde women don't give writers the time of day.
Here's my take for anyone who cares... by modlight	Nov 8th, 2007 10:50:15 AM
I was a Production Manager on a show that was Non Union. We had a very small budget, and yes we were a crap show. But we did get nominated for an Emmy (Daytime, which I feel is like the Special Olympics of television), and it was enough to get us noticed by one of the unions who wanted to turn us into a union show. Other camera guys started to show up and threaten a walkout of our camera operators. Now most of our camera guys were fine with this gig being non union as it shot on the weekend and they made around 500 to a 1000 a day. If they walked out not only would it have shut down production putting an involuntary 100 people or more to their 6 out of a job, it would've ultimately shut down the entire production for good because we didn't have the budget to go union and stay on the air to which these unions basically said "we dont' care" so they clearly weren't interested in "The workers rights" just their dues and takes. more in next post so it doesn't become an eyesore.....
Katydid, do you belong to one of the other unions? by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 10:53:08 AM
What would happen to this town if and when you go on strike?
part deux of my mind farts... by modlight	Nov 8th, 2007 10:57:03 AM
I appreciate that these writers want a bigger piece of a pie, but thats exactly what it is, pie. A luxury bonus money that any normal American would kill to have half of. Unions and strikes were designed to keep women from being locked in firetrap textile factories, to keep children from working 12 hour days, to make sure that a man working a 40-50 hours work week can feed his family. It isn't so that writers living off of muffin baskets and Sprinkles cupcakes making 100,000 a year can make 200,000 a year on internet and DVD sales. I understand that for every sucessful writer and actor who doesn't need this money there are 50 who do, but as The Jam said, "That's Entertainment". Fight with the Producers Guild to get your due, I'm all for it, fuck em, but don't put grips, camera operators, PA's, lesser producers, makeup people out of a job for even a week or two to do it, because as someone who did those things I know that every paycheck counts and we really could care less about your dvd sales because we also work hard on shows and never expect that, we just like to smoke with you off set.
I've read scripts written by people like some of those here by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 10:57:27 AM
"Anyone can write a script. Hell, I can write a script." No, you can't. Stick to your other job. Please. For the sake of good entertainment, don't try to write a script, ever again.
I SUCK MOONVIES COCK by Saluki	Nov 8th, 2007 11:05:56 AM
BIG BLOCK OF TEXT. HIPPIES. BIG BLOCK OF TEXT. BOOTSTRAPS. BIG BLOCK OF TEXT.
Why most people do not like unions (like the WGA) by qweruiop	Nov 8th, 2007 11:09:22 AM
It's because they solely benefit those within the group at the expense of those outside the group. For example with the WGA, while they do grant great benefits for their writers, it comes at the cost of independent writers trying to get a break in Hollywood. The way the system works right now, the WGA stockpiles their writers onto both the TV and movie formats, stuffing them into the writing staff of all the shows and so forth so that they almost have a monopolistic hold in all of this. And if the studio tries to hire anyone else outside of the WGA, the WGA will "rattle their saber" so to speak about the matter and stop them. Why would the WGA do this? Because they do not want to lose their power. They do not want the studios going with independent writers, because if all the studios start doing it then that means less available jobs for the WGA writers. And if the WGA members start seeing that they're losing jobs to these independent writers, and that all their dues in joining the WGA isn't really helping them out, then what's the point of being inside such a group so they'll start bailing from the WGA. This'll decrease the WGA membership, and like a domino effect the WGA will start losing its power fast. The WGA of course does not want that, which is why they fight so hard to get all the great benefits and jobs exclusively for their members, and do these public strikes. But again this comes at the expense of anyone trying to break into Hollywood without being a member. (The term is called closed shop). The WGA has it to the point right now that nearly all the writing work is done by their members or else. And if you want to write in Hollywood it's either working with them or you're blacklisted and/or seen to never be given a job in Hollywood. If this were any other type of business in America, Congress would be throwing the WGA into court on charges stemming from antitrust laws and monopolistic practices. This is why most people don't like unions, because of the way they tend to act, in particular this very public spectacle known as the WGA.
WAAAAAH! I can't watch my stories!!! by ebonic_plague	Nov 8th, 2007 11:16:29 AM
And it's all because people who think stuff up for tv shows want more money for their intangible thoughts that I could think up just as good, just so they can buy cocaine and drugs and gas for their hummers, and more importantly I don't get to watch my tv show and it's not fair because it's hurting families of people who don't think up things for tv shows and people like me who hate our jobs and would work for free if it meant I could feel actual happiness and peer validation just one time and it's actually the liberal unions that make baby jesus cry and now what am I gonna watch on tvzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. ....
The vast majority of writers are middle class by Quin the Eskimo	Nov 8th, 2007 11:43:12 AM
Thats is all.
i support the writers. by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 11:59:29 AM
i love reading all of these posts about writers living in malibu, getting bj's left and right. this is typical big corp tryiing to make as much money as possible and pay out as little as possible. as for the coverage focusing on the writers- no fucking duh: they are the visible ones with pickets in their hands. are you asking me to believe that the studios couldn't get air time if they wanted to? please. i suppose the three stooges (along with most writers/artists of that generation up to and including the 60's/70's /80's) getting screwed by the studios was ok as well?
This is wonderful by haggardatbest	Nov 8th, 2007 12:13:33 PM
I'm with the writers 100% on this. They have been jerked around financially and tossed to the side in favor of "reality" TV garbage forever, and now they are proving just how much they are needed. I don't care what it does to my favorite shows (The Office, 30 Rock, The Riches, etc) and I don't care what it does to the season. Give these people what they deserve! If not for them, there would be no entertainment period, so we'll see how long the other side can hold out before they do what is right.
I lose my job in 2 weeks because of this... by tylrdrdn	Nov 8th, 2007 12:27:46 PM
It's really frustrating being one of those who isn't being considered in this. The show I work on has enough scripts for 2 more episodes and then we are shutting down. It's very frustrating being an innocent bystander who now has to wonder how long this will last and how I'm going to find a job until it blows over. Rent in NYC is not cheap and the holidays are coming up as well... I'm sure I'd be more sympathetic towards the writers if I was on the sidelines and not being put out of work because of this. I hate the suits too, but damn this stings. What is right is for both sides to see that this is effecting thousands of people beyond them and just come to a fucking agreement so we can get back to work.
Actors by Darth Kosher	Nov 8th, 2007 12:36:43 PM
Their agreement is up soon, so they are very interested in the outcome. If the studio makes money, why shouldn't the people who created the product?
middle class writers/35k...? by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 12:44:55 PM
35k in los angeles is lower middle class. please come out to l.a. on 35k a year and show me how you'll be living the typical middle class life style. median home price for los angeles (2nd quarter 2007) is $590k / u.s. median is 223k. polish up your bartending/table waiting skills...
Re: Trader Groucho 2 by El Scorcho	Nov 8th, 2007 12:45:40 PM
I WISH I was a paid PR hack for Fox. I'd take that gig in a second.
mr gand slam was supposed to coem with sausage by Captain Justice	Nov 8th, 2007 12:48:54 PM
.
I might write an episode of the Office and post it here. by El Scorcho	Nov 8th, 2007 12:49:06 PM
I'm sure that would be a waste of everyone's time.
RE: bismarckf by katydid	Nov 8th, 2007 12:53:25 PM
Nope. I am working on stuff that has a budget small enough to keep off the radar. So I am not suffering as much as some, right now. But it kills me to see so many of my friends really struggling because of the current strike, and I have to say that I just do not get the way our unions are organized out here. Unions work, in other industries, because they represent ALL of the workers. The guys who build the engine of the car are not represented by a different union than the guys on the conveyor belt. And that's why this situation in Hollywood right now is intolerable. 12,000 people have decided to trash the welfare of easily 100,000 people. And that 100,000 people are told to suck it up, its for the greater good, workers' rights booyah! But the reality is that those 100,000 people, not being represented by this union, gain NOTHING and lose a LOT.
Please Office writers by Samuel Fulmer	Nov 8th, 2007 01:03:44 PM
spend this time coming up with better story lines. The show has become Grey's Anatomy in an office setting.
The protest outside of the Desperate Housewives set was unnecces by drewlicious	Nov 8th, 2007 01:11:45 PM
The lame chant was bad enough but why willingly impede stuff that needs be shot now? Just because the big actors won't join you? I suppose a star like Eva Longoria has a responsiblity to support the writing staff but she also has a one to the crews who will obviously need as much work as possible. Plus as a SAG actress she is technically obligated to shoot. That was just mean-spirited. I'm not going to brow-beat the writers for putting a bunch of people out of work because I think this blame lies on their opposition. The writers deserve what they are asking for, simple as that. Pay up.
i can't wait for... by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 01:14:30 PM
big brother vs amazing race vs real world: dancing with the reality all stars death match!
Heroic, suffering, wah-wah-wah. by I am Batman	Nov 8th, 2007 01:19:03 PM
Gee, the douche who was going to write TRANSFORMERS II: GARBAGE DISPOSAL isn't working. So sad. In solidarity, I challenge these writers to strike alongside their heroic, suffering brethren: the dopes who write "color" for NFL games, Dubbya's apologist, the staffs of ROLLING STONE and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, and Moriarty.
Now is the time to bring back Remote Control! by Samuel Fulmer	Nov 8th, 2007 01:20:25 PM
Now there was a show!
Agreed, Batman... I'm glad they're striking. by Pipple	Nov 8th, 2007 01:40:24 PM
Less crap on tv, more people waking up and noticing there's a whole world outside to explore, obesity rate suddenly declines, people say "hi howya doin" now as you walk down the street, NO MORE GOING THROUGH LIFE ON AUTOPILOT, THANKS STRIKERS
irrelevntelefant by Quin the Eskimo	Nov 8th, 2007 02:24:29 PM
Jesus Christ, I will not be the Pat Tillman of this talkback. I AM ON THE WRITERS SIDE. My brother in law/partner/producer got in a huge fight over this. Sigh. It's 1860 all over again.
Herc should be easy to find by TheBaxter	Nov 8th, 2007 02:40:51 PM
she'll be the only 14-year-old girl there.
quin eskimo- wasn't attacking you (this one isn't attacking you by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 02:43:36 PM
just several other posts (in this and other talkbacks re the strike)reference the 35k/ middle class argument as if this has all the writers living the lush life just trying to point out that 35k in l.a. aint shit. you can by a house in indiana on 35k a year i have several friends- writers/pa's/grips- that are all getting hit hard by this as well. and the nonsense argument that some have that these guys are "dispensible" as being justification that they shouldn't get paid fairly for their work is bullshit. if they are that dispensible, even more reason they should get a cut of the new technology media profits. as far as unions go, in theory they can be good, it's just in execution where things get muddy. just ask any retired NFL player from the 80's or before...
irrelevntelefant by Quin the Eskimo	Nov 8th, 2007 02:53:25 PM
OK, good. My mistake. You must be talking about the guy who thinks that the writers wake up in their McMansions to a groupie handjob everyday. Yeah that dudes a fucking mongoloid. And who would rather have a morning handjob then a good dickin? Idiots, that who!
Talkback cliches concerning writer's strike: by TruPhan	Nov 8th, 2007 03:14:28 PM
- Hey, hire me! - Wait, had writers? - Here's a terrible metaphor/simile for what I think the strike is like - I am going to speculate on how much writers make and whether or not that makes sense. If I missed any other cliches or motifs, feel free to add onto the list. Not being condescending, just calling it like I see it. I think this strike brings several issues to the forefront and will create a paradigm for the SAG renewal next year, and while I do support the writers here because I feel that writers receive less recognition and payment than the actors and directors, I'm not sure how I feel about the actors asking for more money when the most recognizable faces seem to get more than they're worth, yet the unknown faces with only one-liners could definitely use the extra cash.
no worries... by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 03:16:26 PM
i am, however, against the writers that sit outside starbucks/coffee bean with their laptops being "creative" (i'm against $4 coffee in general)... and if they are wearing a knit stockin cap in 95degree july. GRRRRRRR!
Wait [insert show] had writer? by TruPhan	Nov 8th, 2007 03:22:26 PM
Can we get an edit button please?
irrelevntelefant by Quin the Eskimo	Nov 8th, 2007 03:29:24 PM
Because they think a grocery bag caught in the wind is the most beautiful thing.
can't..... resist..... by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 03:40:40 PM
"reba" had writers?
TruPhan by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 03:49:16 PM
ix-nay on the dit-eay utton-bay. there is someone in one of the talkbacks with a long diatribe (literally paragraphs) on why an edit button isn't needed and you did miss the morning handjob on the beach bungalo motif
Why do people blame the writers for the strike? by jmyoung666	Nov 8th, 2007 04:03:00 PM
Why not direct your anger towards those who deserve it, the producers for their incredible unwillingness to compromise in any way. Those assholes are selling advertising for online versions and paying writers nothing.
All the haters seem to be jealous untalented fucktards by jmyoung666	Nov 8th, 2007 04:06:35 PM

Remote Control was awesome by jmyoung666	Nov 8th, 2007 04:08:25 PM
and introduced Kari Wuhrer to my spank bank.
Another writer supporter by Boomstick Stroud	Nov 8th, 2007 04:09:04 PM
these guys have to do the strike or they're kicked out of the union which basically means no future in hollywood. Plus, if the corporations are making more money off these guys, they're entitled to a share of that money.
Could you imagine if they never came back?! by modlight	Nov 8th, 2007 04:32:50 PM
Hollywood would have to resort to remaking old scripts, movies, and television shows, and having producers and directors write their way through sequels! Boy and I glad that'll never happen.
I SUPPORT THE STUDIOS! by Kurzinski Valentine	Nov 8th, 2007 04:42:24 PM
WRITERS ARE FUCKING GAY HOMOS! CONTROVERSY!
solution by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 04:55:24 PM
why don't we do like everything else and outsource. BRING ON THE TELEMUNDO WRITERS! WHAT DESPARATE HOUSEWIVES NEEDS IS MORE MIDGET CLOWNS!!!
SELFISH WRITERS! Strike will squash the little people by Super Gelatin	Nov 8th, 2007 04:57:13 PM
Like tylrdrdn I work for a show in NYC also, we are filming our last episode and will all be unemployed soon. I am in a union (obviously smaller and less important than the WGA) and if my union went on the strike THE WRITERS WOULDN'T GIVE A FUCK. This strike only benefits them and fucks the rest of us.
katydid by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 05:03:51 PM
I agree that the way Hollywood unions are organized is asinine -- "I can't move that cable because I'm not an electrician." But 12,000 people have NOT "decided to trash the welfare of 100,000 people." 12,000 people HAVE decided to better their lot, it's just that it unfortunately affects those 100,000 people. Still, tell me those 100,000 other people wouldn't try to better their own lot, even at the expense of only 12,000 people.
Tylrdrdn and Super Gelatin by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 05:08:35 PM
If your unions went on strike, would it affect the writers or anyone else?
they have every right to stop working by freydis	Nov 8th, 2007 05:11:07 PM
to some of us, 'strike' means the guys wrapped in blankets sitting around trash can fires in the middle of the night outside the steel mill for six months straight... and yeah, I can't put the strike where you hang out in NYC and Jay Leno brings you coffee on the same plane as that. but that doesn't mean it isn't worth doing or justified... I just hope the stupid producers get their heads in the game as fast as possible.
The only people AGAINST the strike are by Regicidal_Maniac	Nov 8th, 2007 05:13:13 PM
talentless, wannabe producers. You make me sick.
Helping out the assistants by Harriet	Nov 8th, 2007 05:15:28 PM
Word went around the picket lines today that assistants and script coordinators are getting laid off. The writers' immediately began planning a collection ($$$) to help out the folks affected by the strike. What a bunch of self-absorbed dicks -- always trying to figure out how THEY can help others. Jerks.
so then super gel.. by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 05:17:36 PM
why don't you then ask the unselfish, sensitive, caring, nongreedy, always-looking-out-for-the-lit tle-guy studios to help you find another means of employment in the interim. no shit the writers strike only benefits them-ITS A WRITERS STRIKE! (underline writers in that last sentence). i'm sure if your union ever feels you're being screwed by the studios, all they'll have to do is say "please" and the studios will generously give you what ever you ask for, cause they are notoriously just that way. i hear the head of paramount is putting people up in his 50 bedroom bel air mansion with free puppies for everyone...
bismarckf and Harriet by Super Gelatin	Nov 8th, 2007 05:24:03 PM
bismarckf- my point was if the below-the-line unions went on strike no one, especially the writers, would be sympathetic. Harriet- assistants and script coordinators make up roughly 1% of crews, and they work closely with the writers. so yes, they are figuring out how to help their closest colleagues and no one else.
Boycott DVD and webisodes by Mista Mann	Nov 8th, 2007 05:26:19 PM
If everyone boycotts buying TV on DVD and watching it online, that might send a good message to the studios. Just sayin'. Anyway, I totally support the writers. They are 90% of what makes a show good. And considering I loathe reality TV, the writers are 90% of the reason I even turn my cable box on.
since when did... by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 05:33:05 PM
any work in the entertainment industry become a stable/guaranteed career?
I am always shocked at how many idiots there are on this site by coop	Nov 8th, 2007 05:47:23 PM
Internet anonymity has given too many idiots the idea that their ideas and comments are just as valid. Writers, boys and girls, are one of the most important (possibly THE most important) part of a tv show or movie. Some of you on here act like writers are no different than a set builder or a electrical technician on the show, just payed to do a job. So does that go for the actors too? the director? producers? Are they just hired hands? should they just get a daily wage and no percentages afterwards? Who should get the money for future profits? Just the guys who run the network? Maybe you morons just rant before thinking things through. A writer creates, and should be paid for that creation whenever it makes a profit. Much like how songwriters are paid when their songs are played on the radio, tv or in an advertisement, a tv and film writer should be paid for his creation as long as it makes a profit.
coop, i have to disagree by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 05:58:55 PM
i am NEVER shocked how many idiots there are.... I am shocked at how few homophobic statements there have been in these posts (with the exception of k.valentine- kudos on the attempt to stir the pot)
tip for non-writers during the strike by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 06:02:02 PM
sell primo-kush on the side...
damn no edit button by irrelevntelefant	Nov 8th, 2007 06:02:50 PM
non-writers affected by the strike...
Mista Mann by haggardatbest	Nov 8th, 2007 06:10:50 PM
You're right about writers being 90% of what makes a show good. And the other 10%? Of course, it's Jenna Fischer's sweaters. Hey-ohhhhh!
Super Gelatin by bismarckf	Nov 8th, 2007 07:15:22 PM
I understand your point, but do you think that when, say, the Teamsters decide to go on strike that they give a steaming load about how it affects the writers or anyone else?
for all the new game shows... by INWOsuxRED	Nov 8th, 2007 07:38:03 PM
We should be seeing a huge resurgence in game shows soon, but will the contestants and hosts actually have normal conversations, or will they still have obviously horrible lines and puns fed to them by some sort of writer? I guess the same basic question could be used for "reality" shows too. I wonder which network will copy those Japanese game shows like the Ninja one and the Castle one first.
INWOsuxRED by haggardatbest	Nov 8th, 2007 08:09:44 PM
They'd better not bring those game shows over here and ruin them. I like my Human Tetris the way it is, thank you very much!
Trader Groucho 2 - A Response by jjwspider	Nov 8th, 2007 10:48:33 PM
I completely agree with your assesment that the writers are responsible for a vast majority of the quality entertainment products that are available. However, the directors and actors should be held to account for breaching their contract and refusing to film. The whole strike is being played out as the writers only wanting what is fair but the directors and actors seem to have no desire to honor the contracts they have agreed to in order to show solidarity with the striking workers. Shouldn't the companies that are paying for all of the development and advertising expenses be entitled to their employees showing up to work as they previously agreed to? It seems a lot of people are willing to slam the companies that fund these projects while automatically entitling the writers to receive residual payments for ideas or characters that they did not create or develop but provided a script for. That seems wrong on it's very basis. If Chevy decided that you had to pay them a fee everytime you used a Chevy vehicle and they could enforce this decision, GM would go out of business almost overnight. This would be separate from paying the guy that developed a new model for the success of the new car model based on the amount sold. People need to differentiate between the two concepts to be fair to both sides of this conflict. Then again, it would make my day to see a few select actors/actresses reduced to the K-Fed/Nationwide SB commercial status.
Viacom by Starkweather	Nov 8th, 2007 11:33:54 PM
Damn I love me some Viacom. You know, that Viacom is always right. Sometimes I fall down the stairs when I'm wrong, but I'm always back to my Viacom. Sometimes I ask for things, but that Viacom makes me understand I'm wrong. So, when that Viacom tells me that the money I made doesn't belong to me, it makes perfect sense to me.
Is this also serving as the Office talkback? by GrandMuffTarkin	Nov 9th, 2007 08:04:30 AM
Great episode last night. Fudgie the Whale rocks.
Yeah, this is talkback for last night's episode by TruPhan	Nov 9th, 2007 08:13:59 AM
I think this is the season where the writers are gonna address the fact that Jim, for all the show he puts on in front of his co-workers, realizes that he's grown content with where he is. Now he has to decide whether or not he's going to do something about it.
Office writers on YouTube by TruPhan	Nov 9th, 2007 08:27:09 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =b6hqP0c0_gw
Interesting theory Truphan... by GrandMuffTarkin	Nov 9th, 2007 09:32:36 AM
Kind of like when, in the BBC version, Tim was promoted in Season 2, and started dressing smartly and getting serious about working for Wernham Hogg. I like when the writers show Michael as having a smattering of sense and he is conscious of exactly what he is doing.
creed was awesome by pikagreg	Nov 9th, 2007 09:48:58 AM
the thirty seconds of creed last night was hilarious...."I don't care who you talk to, just make it happen!"
I still haven't found anything that discusses this aspect... by qweruiop	Nov 9th, 2007 10:20:08 AM
...but could somebody explain why the Hollywood studios simply can't use other professional independent writers for their TV/movies during this strike, or for that matter use them permanently, instead of the WGA writers? I've been trying to find this reason on the web but haven't had any luck. Thanks.
nice ending last night by INWOsuxRED	Nov 9th, 2007 10:24:03 AM
I didn't much like the survivor man part of the show, but I did like Jim being in charge of the office and that his actual good ideas showed how at least some of Michael's stupidity is thrust upon him. You could see how someone with the best intentions would get to be as crazy, inefficient and unmotivated as Michael in that environment.
To expand on my last post... by qweruiop	Nov 9th, 2007 10:28:29 AM
...where does it state in Hollywood that "X" script for the next TV/movie has to be from a WGA writer? I don't think there's anything out there like that (for various antitrust and monopolistic laws), so what's stopping Hollywood from simply hiring other writers to do their work? That's what I'm looking for, some tangible reason/law/contract-stipulatio n that states otherwise, so that if Hollywood does decide to hire other writers they'll be served court papers for violating it and such. Thanks.
qweruiop by INWOsuxRED	Nov 9th, 2007 10:30:06 AM
I suspect that if they went scab, they'd have to go scab on lots of other talent. Seeing as how actors and directors are honoring the strike, do you really think they'd cooperate with a writing room full of sub-par scabs? It would also be a pretty big deal to find a writing staff of proven/trusted talent to write for possibly hundreds of shows all at the same time, knowing full well if the strike ends, hundreds or thousands of people you just hired won't be allowed to work again. I know half of every talkback thinks they could go into a writing room with little or no experience and do it better than multiple time emmy winners, but the facts are they just wouldn't get it right, and viewers would see a massive drop in quality and they would tune out on otherwise popular shows. It would also have to be every single network that agrees to something like that, otherwise the talent would boycott whatever networks or production studios do that.
Steve Carrell has a good ear... by TruPhan	Nov 9th, 2007 10:35:36 AM
...for writing Jim/Michael conversations. The last scene of last night's episode reminded me of that connection the two shared during Booze Cruise or Benihana Christmas, where the characters speak so candidly to one another that you'd think they're actually having a real off-the-cuff conversation. GrandMuffTarki n, I completely forgot about the Tim plotline. I could easily see at the end of the season (if it's written) Ryan approaching Jim and offering him Michael's job, and Jim passing it onto Dwight (like Tim did with Garreth).
pikagreg by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 10:44:07 AM
"Tell her it's for Creed. She'll know what that means."
I still think the writers are playing a dangerous game by qweruiop	Nov 9th, 2007 11:14:44 AM
Because today there's obviously so much more media for anyone to substitute instead of watching TV. I'm not a fan of TV shows so it won't affect me at all, but for friends of mine who watch TV religiously they have already told me that this strike isn't really affecting them. And why should it really be that much of a factor when there's so much else out there to do. I mean we already have "X" season shows on DVD, reruns on TV, some shows that will premier new episodes until they run out of them (up to a full year's worth), the internet of course, new movies coming out every week at the theater, other Cable TV shows and TV movies. And as for new movies at the theaters, the studios wisely/shrewdly already stockpiled enough scripts to make movies last for at least another two years or so, so there won't be any effect felt from that at least until that time period. This is what makes it a dangerous game IMO for the writers, because for all practical reasons the general public can easily go up to a year or more of this strike without feeling any impact, meaning that the studios won't be feeling any real loss of revenue thanks to all the options mentioned above. But the writers of course will be out of income in the meantime, and it's more likely for them to have to blink first. Another dangerous aspect is that the topic right now is of course a hot one, but 9 months from now if it's still going on, it'll definitely have cooled off in the public forum. The average person will undoubtedly think "They're still striking? Why don't they get to work like the rest of us", and the striking writers will lose public support fast.
they should do a Michal Scott flashback by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 11:21:02 AM
his early years with 'dunder mifflin' when he was more normal/jim like. his years with the company has made him the man he is today. i agree that the last scene/dialogue between jim and michael was priceless... creed f'n rules!
haggardatbest by pikagreg	Nov 9th, 2007 11:21:55 AM
i forgot about that line. but the look on creed's face as he did "skip around the room!" had me on the floor
I once went 4 months by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 11:28:09 AM
4 months without watching TV. the first 2 weeks were some tough withdrawls...
I LOLed by Rei-Ginsei	Nov 9th, 2007 11:36:00 AM
When I read "...every time I see Brett Ratner describe himself as the “author” of a movie for which he didn’t write a word, I want to beat his hack bullshit-spewing mouth with my sneaker."
flashback by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 11:46:28 AM
Ricky Gervais could play Michaels crazy boss... gee, maybe I could get a job as a hollywood writer malibu beach house and bj's, here I come (insert pun here...that's what she said)
Best Creed moment by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 11:56:29 AM
Is from last season (I believe) when he is in the break room with Meredith, with whom he has worked for years, and tells her that Angela is "Andrea, the office bitch" and then introduces himself to her. Also when someone tells him that Jim is into Pam and he gets a big smile on his face and says, "Oooh! Which one is Pam?"
haggardatbest by Series7	Nov 9th, 2007 12:17:15 PM
agreed thats when I realized that Creed is the best part about that show. Last night it was the least funny of the four comedies. 30 rock probably had an all time best, that show gets better and better each week. Have you read Creeds blog on NBC.com? Between Scrubs and the Office there seems to be a truth behind the only a couple of seasons on British TV.
I hope by Series7	Nov 9th, 2007 12:18:36 PM
South Park makes fun of this next week, ala the Napster episode. I wonder if Matt and Trey are in the strike? Or are they too busy riping off British shows to make crappy Comedy Central shows?
Series7 by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 12:48:40 PM
Yeah I read Creed Thoughts. In the beginning they were all hysterical but they have become pretty hit-and-miss. I think maybe they are trying too hard to make it bizarre. Another favorite: a deleted scene in which someone recognized him from The Grass Roots and then says that he wrote Creed's obituary. Creed thanks him and moves on. On 30 Rock: it teters back and forth with The Office as the best show on television. I can't decide which is better, although my heart forever belongs to Tina Fey. Anyone who doesn't think of her as the quintessential Dream Woman is fooling himself.
Also... by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 12:49:57 PM
I demand that a Greenzo action figure (or at least a shirt) be available on NBC.com!
best comedy on tv by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 01:46:50 PM
always sunny in philidelphia... yeah... I said it...
@qweruiop by necgray	Nov 9th, 2007 02:32:49 PM
I don't know about you, but I can't afford not do I want to go to 2-3 movies per week. And a lot of web-produced content is crap. Not everything, I'll grant you. I mean, I see what you're getting at. There ARE alternatives to new TV shows. But I think you underestimate. And the film studios don't have a year's worth of films stockpiled. There's also the rewrite issue. I guess I agree to a point, but I also think it would behoove the studios to cooperate. Especially given that the WGA tabled the DVD discussion. We'll see what Ahnold can do, if anything...
The cobbler must have been a power thing for Creed... by drewlicious	Nov 9th, 2007 03:41:52 PM
The man doesn't have a sense of taste or smell. Remember the potato/apple switch? Some archive footage of Michael would be hilarous if it turned out he was just like Jim, the very idea would drive Jim mad. Anything to wipe that smile off his face for five minutes.
qweruiop by INWOsuxRED	Nov 9th, 2007 03:52:33 PM
How would the strike be affecting TV watchers right now? At worst, you're looking at some second run talk shows, and everything else will be fine for a few weeks. There seems to be enough in the can that normal viewers won't notice anything for weeks. As for the writers playing a dangerous game, it takes two sides to come to an agreement. There would be no strike at all if the studios agreed to pay proper royalties. They're willing to potentially have almost no new product, which will back up into no product to put on DVD, no product for syndication, no product for itunes, no product to sell commercial spots for online viewing, etc. I also am not looking forward to the alternatives for time wasting. Sure people spend time on the internet, but what good are sites like AICN if there isn't anything to talk about? Watching people doing stupid dances on youtube won't entertain for long.
flashback by INWOsuxRED	Nov 9th, 2007 03:54:34 PM
people already complain that the show sometimes seems to forget about the film crew being there, I tend to think a flashback would really take even the average viewer out of the basic concept of the show.
INWOsuxRED/flashback by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 04:13:05 PM
heres how you get around that- the guy that is directing/producing the documentary was a film student back when michael first started at dunmif and it was one of his film school projects... one step closer to the beach house and bj's may just have to quit my job
archived footaage by drewlicious	Nov 9th, 2007 04:30:15 PM
Doesn't have to be made by the film crew. Could be footage of an old birthday party or something celebrating the retirement of Michael's former boss or something. It would be really funny if Stanley were smiling all the time back then.
drewlicious by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 04:43:42 PM
like the stanley smiling. i'll give you asst writing credits you'll have to settle for a condo in sherman oaks and handjobs from l.a. 5's "i never had sex with a 10, but one night i did fuck five 2's" george carlin
Harriet by Sick Fixx	Nov 9th, 2007 05:10:49 PM
If they want to help those getting laid off, then how about they end this bullshit strike instead of asking for donations from us who are already being robbed?
flashback by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 05:15:37 PM
They have done it before with Michael showing a tape of himself as a child on a kids show (he wanted a wife and kids because they would have to be his friends, and I can swear the puppet has a look of horror on its face). They have also shown him watching a film reel of himself as the ring bearer at his mother's wedding (he pees himself and yells "I HATE YOU" so he is replaced by a dog). There have also been numerous "old" photos of him as a young salesman (with long hair) and young Jim & Dwight, etc. It could be done, although it might be a little annoying and feel forced. The other flashbacks have been good, but I wouldn't want them to go back to that particular well too many times.
although... by haggardatbest	Nov 9th, 2007 05:17:24 PM
I would love to see an old sales call with Michael and Todd Packer. But it wouldn't feel right.
sick fixx-howzabout... by irrelevntelefant	Nov 9th, 2007 05:34:54 PM
if the greedy douchebag studio execs would just pay what is DESERVED the strike would be over tomorrow. and if by robbed, you're referring to not having new tv shows to watch, well then WAAAAAH

Talkbacks

Updated! Daniels, Kaling, Schur, Lieberstein, Novak & Carrell!! The OFFICE Writers Lay It Out!!

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Daniels, Kaling, Schur, Lieberstein, Novak & Carrell!! The OFFICE Writers Lay It Out!!