WGA Writers Strike

I don't normally care to talk about the fiction/film industries, but this seems too important an event to pass up.

Those familiar with the entertainment biz know that film/TV writers went on strike on Monday, November 5, 2007, to settle disputes over proper compensation on residuals for DVDs and other media like the internet. This strike, the first since 1988, has led to the stoppage of production of every American TV broadcast and cable show. Films are still ongoing, but as time goes by, they will be affected, too.

Studio reps say they're surprised that the writers chose to strike and are disappointed because they feel they've made strides in accomodating the writers' demands. Former studio head Michael Eisner for one believes it's a mistake to strike now because the incomes the writers seek aren't available now, but will be three or more years later since alternative media is still developing.

I have a hard time believing the position of the studios. Writers are lashed to the lowest position in the totem pole in the entertainment world. They get the least respect and earn the least, but all projects stem from written scripts. SciFi Channel for one forced webisodes of BSG, requiring the writers to write for free and without credits. Something I don't understand is why they were written and produced in the first place.

I for one prefer to see TV & film production continue, but with outrages like this happening, I'd be perfectly happy to see the established Hollywood system collapse under its own weight. If the strike has to go on for a couple years before the studios and networks see reason, so be it.

Vive la strike!