Talks are slated to continue on the ongoing screenwriters strike the Monday after Thanksgiving (wga.org). The hot button issues such as increased residuals on DVD and other electronic media are worth millions of dollars to the studios, so a resolution to this strike in unlikely to be cheap or easy. The writers have received a good deal of support from other unions such as SAG and even the teamsters have weighed in on the issue on the writer’s behalf. The public on the other hand seems disinterested and perhaps annoyed by the ongoing struggle.
As a writer, the issue of intellectual property is ever-present in my mind. As the Internet and file sharing make accessing creative works easier and cheaper the opportunity to stiff the writer is greater than ever. At some point, writers need to make a stand to preserve their work and to receive fair and equitable percentage of the profits generated by their efforts. Studio stars and directors currently receive the lion share of income from the movie making ventures and productions. For example, a box office star may receive compensation for a movie and the residuals of 50 million or more (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/12/business/media/12strike.html?ex=1352523600&en=733e211f64d482d9&ei=). Admittedly, a high profile actor or director is a huge draw for a movie, but without a good storyline and script, their efforts are wasted.
There are many eager writers out there who are more than willing to get their opportunity to shine. In fact, I have heard grumblings from associates that they would gladly jump in and take the place of screenwriters they see as being greedy. While I sympathize with their hunger to have a shot at the big time, those writers who would usurp the screenwriters and their efforts would only sabotage their own futures and that of their colleagues in the process.
The time off has been great! I will be making more when this is done! It pays to have gone to Dartmouth! Sorry for the little guys, but someone has to pay my wages. Mean while rent a video, or read a good book!
Jethro, I’m glad you’re getting a much needed rest! As far as the little guy goes, if he or she is a writer, he/she benefits from this strike as well if only indirectly.