So, we may be on the cusp of another writer's strike (at the time of this writing).
The last time this happened, a lot of shows had shortened seasons with lasting aftereffects. LOST season four was seriously screwed up, and had plot holes it never really recovered from as a result. We also lost episodes of 30 Rock, Breaking Bad, House, The Simpsons, and a bunch of other shows I don't watch or don't care enough about.
The last strike was about residuals from DVD sales, and absolutely something that is important, and strikeabel. Writers deserve their due payment just like any other profession. This strike is about changes to master-contracts. Shows have shifted from on average 22 episodes per season to smaller orders, ala Netflix and other streaming platforms. Writers get paid per episode, so you do the math.
The specific issues writers are dealing with are:
Essentially, this could be a repeat of last time: shows shorted, or cancelled. There's not a lot we as viewers can do for the moment: not streaming or watching your favorite shows won't show support. I'd say just keep an eye on the news, and if there's a way to show support (if the protest goes through), I'll let you know.
Time to call the strike breakers. Or not.
The last time this happened, a lot of shows had shortened seasons with lasting aftereffects. LOST season four was seriously screwed up, and had plot holes it never really recovered from as a result. We also lost episodes of 30 Rock, Breaking Bad, House, The Simpsons, and a bunch of other shows I don't watch or don't care enough about.
The last strike was about residuals from DVD sales, and absolutely something that is important, and strikeabel. Writers deserve their due payment just like any other profession. This strike is about changes to master-contracts. Shows have shifted from on average 22 episodes per season to smaller orders, ala Netflix and other streaming platforms. Writers get paid per episode, so you do the math.
The specific issues writers are dealing with are:
There are also issues with the Guild's heathcare being bankrupt. Isn't entertainment glamorous?1. The number of episodes, and therefore, episode fees are half the traditional number on many series.2. These fewer episode fees are being amortized across more than two weeks per episode.3. Writers are held exclusive and under option even when not working on these short season series.4. Residuals are too low in the emerging rerun markets.5. Script fees remain unequal to the network rates for the growing areas of the industry.
Essentially, this could be a repeat of last time: shows shorted, or cancelled. There's not a lot we as viewers can do for the moment: not streaming or watching your favorite shows won't show support. I'd say just keep an eye on the news, and if there's a way to show support (if the protest goes through), I'll let you know.
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