WGA Strike: What is the Strike Really About?

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 10, 2007

No one is asking me what this Writers Guild of America (WGA) Strike is all about, that is for sure. And the truth is, I really wouldn’t know how to answer that question. I don’t know enough about the strike. And if my instincts are serving me right, you may not know a whole lot about the strike either. Thankfully, the folks at UnitedHollywood.com have us covered. UH is a blog that was started by a few “strike captains” to keep people informed on what is going on with the writers and their current negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

United Hollywood posted the following video, “Why We Fight”, to explain why the writers are on strike:

So there you have it, it’s a pretty compelling look at why the Writers have taken to the streets. Yes, it is about money. And no, it does not mean that the writers are money-grubbing or misguided. In fact, these talented individuals, most of whom never show up in front of a camera or in the spotlight, are just asking the deep pockets of the studios to pony up a few pennies on the dollar for their work. I think they have a more than valid point, seeing as it is there writing that is step one in the process that brings us all of our movies and TV shows.

Of course, there are a few non-supporters of the strike who are getting close to earning themselves a universal “Douchebag” card. Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner would be on the top of that list. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eisner said that the WGA members are “misguided they should not have gone on the strike.” He also went on to say “I’ve seen stupid strikes, I’ve seen less stupid strikes, and this strike is just a stupid strike.” I don’t know Mr. Eisner, but I think you may be underestimating things a bit.

Eisner’s point (or lack thereof) is that the writers are giving up “today’s money for a nonexistent piece of the future.” My question: what is this nonexistent piece of the future that you speak of. The internet? It is safe to say that with iTunes and Amazon Unbox paving the way for internet movie and TV series sales and some networks putting their shows on the web for people to view for free, there is no way that the internet will not be a significant revenue stream for the studios. Let me say from experience, there is money to be made on the web. In my case, there isn’t a lot of money, but I know it’s there.

Stay tuned for more as the strike moves along. Hopefully this all gets settled soon, otherwise Survivor: Baghdad is a lock for Fall of ‘08.