Hollywood TV and Movie Writers authorize strike

[Granite]

This has put a serious crimp on movies , but I hope it works out for the best

From CNN

Hollywood writers are poised to strike after their negotiating team recommended a walkout in a dispute over royalties at a Thursday night meeting of the union membership.

The Writers Guild of America board will meet on Friday to make a formal decision and set a strike date against producers. It would be the union's first strike in nearly 20 years.

Steve Skrovan, a screenwriter for the Fox show "Til Death," said a strike is all but inevitable.

Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers President Nick Counter said the news was no surprise.

"By the WGA leadership's actions at the bargaining table, we are not surprised by tonight's recommendation," Counter said in a written statement. "We are ready to meet and are prepared to close this contract this weekend."

The labor impasse concerns royalties from DVD sales -- last negotiated in 1988. Writers also want royalties from the so-called new media -- all the various places their works are now distributed, including Internet downloads. Watch how a strike could affect your favorite shows »

Hollywood producers say the issues are non-starters, but writers accuse producers of being non-responsive.

"After three and a half months of bargaining, the AMPTP still has not responded to a single one of our important proposals," a statement from the WGA said.

"Every issue that matters to writers, including Internet reuse, original writing for new media, DVDs, and jurisdiction, has been ignored. This is completely unacceptable."

Advances in technology have altered the playing field since the union's most recent strike, in 1988.

"Our shows are being downloaded on the Internet and we receive nothing -- not even a penny," Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy said before the labor talks broke down. "The studios get all the money. That's not fair. We created those episodes as artists; we deserve a piece of the pie."

But CBS President Nina Tassler said not enough is known yet about new media revenues.

"We don't know what the pie is yet, in order to determine how to cut it up," she said recently.

If the roughly 12,000 writers do go on strike, late-night television and programs such as "The Daily Show" will bear the brunt first. Because of their topical nature, networks do not typically write or record these shows in advance.

Daytime soaps normally stockpile about 30 days in advance, and most prime time shows would likely make it through the end of the year without any impact on programming.

But networks would have to resort to reruns, news programs and reality shows to fill the schedule in 2008 if a strike were to drag on.

The film industry has also been preparing for a possible strike.

"Everyone is sort of madly scrambling to get scripts into production, sometimes a little ahead of what might otherwise be prudent," said Gavin Hood, director of the film "Rendition."

The film and television industry is responsible for an estimated 1.3 million jobs in the United States.

The union's most recent strike, in 1988, lasted five and a half months. Industry figures estimate that a half-billion dollars was lost because of that strike.

[Granite]

Plans are falling in motion if the strike begins (officially set for monday).

From Yahoo!:

The first casualty of the strike would be late-night talk shows, which are dependent on current events to fuel monologues and other entertainment.

"The Tonight Show" on NBC will go into reruns starting Monday if last-ditch negotiations fail and a strike begins, according to a network official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person lacked authorization to comment publicly.

Comedy Central has said "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report" would likely go into repeats as well.

Daytime TV, including live talk shows such as "The View" and soap operas, which typically tape about a week's worth of shows in advance, would be next to feel the impact.

From Syfyportal:

In terms of the writers strike, it seems that Hollywood is preparing for the worst. SyFy Portal was tipped off to a report that production had halted on the set of "Heroes," and that producers were asked to go back and modify the ending of its 11th episode. That report appears to be true, reports TV Guide's Michael Ausiello.

"Sources confirm that the show is going back and shooting an alternate ending to the Dec. 3 episode that, if used, would allow the episode to function as a season finale in the event of a strike," Ausiello said. "Originally, the episode was only supposed to serve as the conclusion of the current 'Generations' arc."

At the time of the stoppage, production was between the 13th and 14th episodes of the second season, according to reports made to SyFy Portal. However, days after NBC pulled the plug -- at least for now -- on the spinoff "Heroes: Origins," it seems that the network is not interested in leaving the audience hanging through what could be a protracted writers strike. By ending the season at the end of the "Generations" arc, which started at the tail end of the show's first season, "Heroes" may be better able to bring fans into what might be a third season following a shortened second season.

But there is still a chance that Episode 11 won't be the season finale, Ausiello says.

"Should an 11th-house agreement be reached and a strike averted, the alt ending would likely be scrapped."

[st39.6]

was just about to post this. SUX

[st39.6]

In case it show doesnt as it should ....

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-s...la-home-center


Here's a look at where many shows stand:
Late Night
"Colbert Report" and
"The Daily Show" Will go into repeats immediately.
"The Tonight Show" and
"The Conan O'Brien Show" Will go into repeats immediately.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live"
Staffed with WGA writers, so it would probably go to repeats. But Kimmel could also decide to wing it and do the show himself.
"Nightline"
Will remain live and in originals.
ABC
"Lost"
Expected to have eight out of 16 episodes ready.
Midseason, none have aired yet
"Cavemen"
Expected to have 12 out of 13 episodes completed; has not received an order for a full season.
"Men in Trees"
Has five episodes left over from last season, 10 new episodes shot, four more scripts to shoot; adds up to 19 out of 27 for the season.
"Cashmere Mafia"
Will have seven episodes out of an order of 13.
"The View"
Will continue uninterrupted, according to a spokesman.
"Dirty Sexy Money"
Expected have between 11 and 13 episodes completed.
"Brothers & Sisters"
Expected to have either 11 or 12 episodes completed.
"Eli Stone"
Will have 13 of 13 ordered. Midseason premiere date is undetermined.
CBS
"Moonlight"
Expected to have 11 out of 12 episodes completed; has not received an order for a full season.
"Cane"
Expected to complete all 13 episodes; has not yet received an order for a full season.
"Jericho"
Will have seven of seven episodes.
NBC
"Friday Night Lights"
Expected to complete 15 of 22 episodes.
"Scrubs"
Expected to complete 12 of 18 episodes.
"Journeyman"
Expected to complete 13 of 13 episodes; has not yet received an order for a full season.
CW
"Everybody Hates Chris" Expected to complete 22 of 22 episodes.
"Gossip Girl" Expected to complete 13 of 22 episodes.
"Supernatural" Has 10-12 episodes completed;
Those shows also have roughly five scripts that are ready to shoot.
"America's Next Top Model,"
"Beauty and the Geek"
and new shows such as "Crowned" (the mother-daughter beauty contest)
Three of a number of reality shows that have already been ordered up, meaning they are covered for the rest of the season
Fox
"24" Will have eight or nine out of 24 episodes completed. Midseason, none have aired yet.
USA
"In Plain Sight"
New show, episodes are nearly wrapped
"Psych" and "Monk"
Enough scripts in hand to guarantee a full second half of each season
"Law and Order: Criminal Intent"
Enough for first half of the season (10); the second half (12) will be affected (meaning not enough scripts to guarantee production start as scheduled.)
"Burn Notice"
Scheduled to start production of Season 2 in January
"Starter Wife"
Scheduled to start production in March
Sci-Fi
"Stargate Atlantis"
Expected to go on as scheduled.
"Battlestar Galactica"
Has 10 hours of episodes, plus a two hour movie to air this Fall.
"Eureka"
Will be affected.
FX
"Thirty Days"
Completed, not expected to be affected.
"Nip/Tuck"
5th season, the 22 episodes were planned for two cycles: 14 to run from now to February and eight next year. All 14 in the first cycle have been written. So, only the second cycle could be affected.
"The Shield"
The final season is written, no date set for airing.
"Dirt" and "The Riches"
Production is underway, and they could be affected.
"Rescue Me"
5th season, just announced, would be affected since production is expected to start in early '08.
"Damages"
No word yet on whether it would be picked up
HBO
"Entourage" and
"Big Love" Are currently in the writing stages and were scheduled to air in the summer of 2008.
"True Blood" and
"12 Miles of Bad Road" Have begun production.
"The Wire" Completed and will air as scheduled.
"In Treatment" New series will air as scheduled.

[Mithrandir01]

I've heard, they'll start with strike at 12:01. Like in "The Professional"...

[j7wild]

oh well... what can you do?

plenty of movies you haven't seen at the video store (or free if you know where to look)...

[Jake]

All I care about is:

Battlestar Galactica - as sheduled
The Shield - already written

Thank you.

[Lafce]

What about House?

[j7wild]

24 is going to suffer in January if the strike is not resolved by then!!

[Jean-Pierre Bazinet]

What about House?

Production staff at House say they have one more script that they will be shooting next week. After that, the show will slowly shut down production. Actors and most of the crew will be gone by the end of next week. There are a handful of post production people that will have work until the end of January.

[Granite]

Great video about WHY the writers are on strike. I wanted to know if anyone who knows about such things, can tell me if this video is true?
If it is...sucks that the TV shows take a hit, but go writers!

[Jean-Pierre Bazinet]

[st39.6]

well at least they take that stuff with fun, lol

[j7wild]

Update on the TV Shows that are affected:

ABC
Big Shots: 9 episodes completed; production on 4 more scripts winding down. Episode 8 scheduled to air November 29, leaving 1 new episode remaining before hiatus. Season order was for 13 episodes.
Boston Legal: 15 episodes completed out of 22 episode order. Episode 7 to air tonight; episode 8 to go out December 4.
Brothers and Sisters: 12 episodes recorded. Episode 9 to air December 2.
Cashmere Mafia: Launch held back until end of strike.
Carpoolers: 13 out of 13 in the can.
Cavemen: 12 episodes out of 13 ordered taped. Episode 6 to air tonight.
Dancing with the Stars: Production continues.
Desperate Housewives: Production shut down. 10 episodes recorded; episode 9 to air December 2. Show expected to go on hiatus with 1 episode held back.


Dirty Sexy Money: 11 of 13 episodes taped. Next new episode goes out November 28.
Grey’s Anatomy: 11 episodes recorded; production shut down. Episode 10 to air December 6.
Jimmy Kimmel Live: On hiatus.
Lost: 8 episodes out of 16 ordered taped. In event of protracted dispute, the 8 in the can could run as a mini-season starting in the New Year with remaining shows held back for 2008-09.
Men in Trees: 19 episodes taped, some held back from last season. Episode 8 to air December 7.
Private Practice: 11 episodes taped. Production shutdown. Episode 7 to air November 21.
Samantha Who?: 12 episodes taped out of 22 episode season order. Episode 7 to air December 3.
Ugly Betty: 13 out of 24 episodes taped. Episode 10 to go out December 6.

CBS
Cane: Production on 13 episodes expected to be completed successfully. CBS plans to air episode 10 on November 27.
Cold Case: 10 episodes out of 24 ordered taped.
Criminal Minds: 12 episodes of 22 episode order taped. Episode 10 scheduled for December 12.
CSI: 9 episodes of 24 episode order taped. Episode 9 currently scheduled for December 6.
CSI: Miami: 13 episodes of 24 episode order taped. Episode 10 scheduled for November 26.
CSI: New York: 14 episodes of 24 episode order taped. Episode 10 scheduled for November 28.
Ghost Whisperer: 9 episodes out of 22 ordered taped. Episode 9 scheduled for November 23.
Jericho: Production completed on 7 episode order.
NCIS: 10 episodes out of 24 ordered taped. Episode 10 to air November 27.
Numb3rs: 12 episodes out of 24 ordered taped. Episode 9 to air November 23.
Rules of Engagement: Production shut down with 9 episodes completed. Episode 9 scheduled to air November 19.
Shark: 11 episodes of 22 episode order taped. Episode 10 scheduled to air November 25.
The Big Bang Theory: Production shut down with 9 episodes in the can.
The Late Show with David Letterman: On hiatus.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: On hiatus.
The New Adventures of Old Christine: Production shut down.
Two and a Half Men: Production shut down. Show expected to go on hiatus November 26.

Fox
24: Production shut down with 8 episodes taped. Show on hiatus.
Back to You: Production shut down with 9 episodes taped. On hiatus.
Bones: 12 episodes of 22 episode order taped. Episode 9 scheduled to air November 27.
Family Guy: Production shut down.
House: Repeats to air after American Idol in January.
K-Ville: Production shut down. 5 episodes aired, 3 more first-run episodes scheduled; however, show’s future uncertain and it is not scheduled for spring.
Prison Break: On hiatus until January 14.
‘Til Death: Production shut down.

NBC
30 Rock: 10 episodes of a 22 episode season taped. Production shut down. Episode 7 scheduled for November 29.
Bionic Woman: 9 episodes of 13 episode order completed. Episode 8 scheduled for November 28.
Heroes: Heroes: Origins spinoff suspended. December 3 episode to serve as finale of volume two.
Journeyman: 13 episodes of 13 ordered taped. Episode 11 scheduled for December 3.
Law and Order: SVU: 14 episodes taped. Episode 9 to air November 27.
Medium: 9 episodes out of a 22 episode order completed.
My Name Is Earl: All season 3 episodes completed.
Saturday Night Live: On hiatus.
Scrubs: 11 episodes shot. Non-WGA staff editing 12th episode. NBC rumoured to have wanted 12th episode to serve as series finale; creator Bill Lawrence refuses to wrap series early.
The Office: Production shut down - actors refused to cross picket lines. Show to go on hiatus effective November 15.
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: On hiatus. NBC considering plan to bring show back with guest hosts beginning November 19. Jay Leno refuses to cross picket lines.

The CW
Gossip Girl: 13 episodes of 22 episode order taped. Episode 8 scheduled to air November 28.
Smallville: 15 episodes of 22 episode order taped. Episode 8 scheduled to air November 15.
Supernatural: 11 episodes in the can; 5 scripts available for production. Episode 8 scheduled to air November 15.

Comedy Central
South Park: Writers not members of the WGA; production continues.
The Colbert Report: On hiatus.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: On hiatus.

HBO
Real Time with Bill Maher: On hiatus.

FX
Dirt: Second season expected to be truncated.
Nip/Tuck: 14 episodes in the can; filming on 8 more postponed. Episode 5 scheduled to air November 27.
Rescue Me: 22 episodes ordered; production had been scheduled for early 2008 start.

[Granite]

Looks like negotiations will resume on Nov 26, but the stirke will continue until an agreement is reached.

Source: Writer's Guild of America