By Kofi Outlaw
Hollywood (and we, the viewers,) is feeling the burn of the current
WGA strike, which has caused both television shows and prospective movies to be stalled or canceled. A bit of good news comes via
Variety, where it is being reported that striking writers and studio/network execs will once again sit down to negotiate on Nov. 26. Seems the suits are hoping that a few growling bellies come Thanksgiving will teach those greedy writers a lesson.
Seriously though, the make-nice announcement was made on Friday night, marking twelve days since Hollywood’s writing core first took to the picket line. The announcement was a joint statement between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. Up until now, the AMPTP had maintained the hard line that the WGA had to desist with their strike before negotiations could take place. Not so much anymore.
Both sides have agreed on one thing, however. Subsequent negotiations will take place behind closed doors, beyond the eye of the media.
“Leaders from the AMPTP and the WGA have mutually agreed to resume formal negotiations on November 26,” [the statement said.] “No other details or press statements will be issued.”
Soon after the negotiation statement was released, WGA West president Patric Verrone sent an email to WGA members claiming the turn of events as a minor victory, even while calling on writers to remain resolute in their striking.
“This announcement is a direct result of your efforts,” Verrone said. “…it is equally important that we now prove that good news won’t slow us down, either. We must remember that returning to the bargaining table is only a start. Our work is not done until we achieve a good contract and that is by no means assured… what we achieve in negotiations will be a direct result of how successfully we can keep up our determination and resolve.”
Not to be outdone, AMPTP president Nick Counter countered with his own statement.
“For true negotiations to take place, there has to be some expectation that a deal can be made, but by their past actions and their current rhetoric, that certainly doesn’t appear to be the case.”
Sounds like they’ll have this thing worked out in no time!
For those who don’t care enough to remember, the WGA strike is rooted in screenwriters’ discontentment with the fact that they see little to no residual profits from secondary media such as DVD’s, or online streaming video—basically the ways more and more people are viewing film and television. With the Fall TV schedule currently in disarray and jobs being lost left and right, suffice to say that both sides should have ample reason to make nice. But will they, is the real question.
Does the AMPTP need to come off it and start cutting these writers in on more of the money their efforts generate? Or does the WGA need to quit whining and get back to work so that you and I can see some new episodes of THE OFFICE? Rant back and let us know what side of the picket line you stand on.