Small update from Orci on TF2 script and writer's strike

Laser_Optimus · 12-09-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Anyhoo, looks like we got another problem. The AMPTP keep behaving like morons and broke down negotiations with the WGA once again.

Too many details to sum them up here, so read for yourself:

http://tvwritersstrike.blogspot.com/

Actually, from what I'm reading I'm behind the AMPTP right now. The demands that are listed that they're being asked for seem a bit much and it seems like the WGA is attempted to take too much control over the industry. Main reason why I'm politically against unions to begin with... they start doing something becuase 'it's right and we deserve better', but it always degenerates into 'how greedy can I be and get away with it'.

Of course, reading both statements one organization is trying to bash the other here. So, on one hand the AMPTP is claiming that (and rightfully so) some of the WGA's demands are over the top. While the WGA claims that their demands are negotiable, but insists that the break down was the AMPTP basically walking out while leaving an ultimatum of do what we've said or we aren't talking. Sounds to me like both sides are behaving like morons... or better yet children.

And, tell me this one, if the WGA is so ready to 'make a fair deal' as they claim... than why would they throw things on the table that they know damned well are going to get this kind of response?

Nevermore · 12-09-2007, 11:27 AM

If you really want a minimum of $3 million, you don't start off with "I want $3 million, but I'm open for negotiations".

You start with $6 million and open up the possibility of negotiations, hoping that at the end, you might settle somewhere in the $3 million region.

Laser_Optimus · 12-09-2007, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

If you really want a minimum of $3 million, you don't start off with "I want $3 million, but I'm open for negotiations".

You start with $6 million and open up the possibility of negotiations, hoping that at the end, you might settle somewhere in the $3 million region.

Well, them getting 'their fair share' doesn't seem to be the real issue at hand anymore once you start looking at some of the other things that they're trying to push for. Personally, I always thought this was about them getting their proper residuals on Home Entertainment and than starting to get residuals on the whole online content. However, once you start taking into account some of the things they're trying to push for (like total control of reality television and animation as well... which I'm totally against, as it would force those whom don't want to be a part of their organization to do so) seem to be thrown out there just to see how much control they can get... again, exactly why I'm against unions to begin with.

In the end though I do hope that these guys get whatever it is they think they deserve while at the same time I honestly think the WGA is trying to gain to much power under the guise of 'helping their people get a fair shake'. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope everything that's beneficial to the writers works out while the WGA doesn't gain anymore industrial control than they already have.

funkitron · 12-09-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laser_Optimus

Main reason why I'm politically against unions to begin with... they start doing something becuase 'it's right and we deserve better', but it always degenerates into 'how greedy can I be and get away with it'.

Amen to that.

Hobbes-timus Prime · 12-09-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Is that about the Tom DeSanto outline for a Transformers movie? In that case, fuck him. Not only was that thing written like an utterly horrible ET rip-off, but it also didn't have anything to do with the movie we actually got. How DeSanto can even claim that the finalized movie is based on his outline in any way whatsoever is beyond me.

Okay, here's an example:

Assume you're writing a book, and your contract includes a clause that says you get 2% residuals for every copy of the book that gets sold.

Now, assume that in 20 years from now, books don't exist anymore beyond a few old-fashioned people who insist on owning pages of paper between covers.

Instead of physical books, we have the content beamed directly into our brains. It's still the same text you wrote 20 years ago, but it's not a "book" anymore. People pay for it. The publisher still makes money off selling the "beaming" of your book to people. And you? You don't see a single dime because "brain beaming" wasn't included in your contract.

So was that your fault? Were you just too narrow-sighted to foresee a technological development 20 years in the future that would completely change the way people would perceive/consume your work, and thus you failed to include this in your contract?

That's pretty much what happened with web streaming of TV episodes. Who could have seriously foreseen that 20 years ago?

If circumstances changed so that your boss was suddenly making money off your work in ways you would have never imagined, while your payment remains the same or becomes even less, despite being fully within the boundaries of your contact, you'd complain too, wouldn't you?

Anyhoo, looks like we got another problem. The AMPTP keep behaving like morons and broke down negotiations with the WGA once again.

Too many details to sum them up here, so read for yourself:

http://tvwritersstrike.blogspot.com/

Excellent post, sir.

Railguard · 12-11-2007, 07:20 AM

You know what? Business is greedy and it sucks. People are always looking for ways to rip off people, let me see if I can remember a qoute...... "At least you don't see their species screwing each other over for a damn percentage!!!" Qoute from Aliens. Its true, business is always trying to find ways to make more money off of what people do be it work. writing, drawing, music, whatever. Unfortunately it's life, unless your prepared for it you Will get screwed and left behind. It's a shame, it really is. Maybe the strike is a good thing maybe it isn't, I don't have all the details and I never will know them, I hate strikes, I hate Unions, but I really hate being taken advantage of.