Strike 2007, revisited, IATSE vs. the Writers both vs. the Producers

Just a bit more on the Writers' strike and IATSE. I'm sure you are thinking get over it, Broadway is back up and running, but that's the whole point of this post.

Back to IATSE. I wrote about both strikes a couple of weeks ago and pleaded for IATSE to put their demands into the public arena so we could decide if we wanted to support them or not. Funny, they didn't do that. And I imagine if they did, we all would have laughed them away from the bargaining table (are you kidding, you want the producers to pay for a guy who only has to raise and lower the curtain?). But they did get a deal done. And that is something.

The Writers on the other hand, did put their viral messages out there and won the PR war (63%-4% according the this post) but there is no deal on the horizon, and probably won't be anytime soon. The difference is this though... The Internet has to be dealt with and it will be. If the producers don't settle this now with the Writers, they'll have to deal with it with the Directors and if they can't get a deal with them, then they'll have to deal with the actors, who supposedly are all lined up to strike unless the Internet thing is addressed.

Well in the marketplace, it will be dealt with, and there will ultimately be a deal and settlement. Just like IATSE got their deal, the Writers' will get theirs too. I just hope it is equitable for all and that quality writing can get back to work... they've never been able to raise and lower a curtain, but they have always been able to make me laugh, think and even cry. They deserve the big bucks when they do their job right!

Dreampeddler

Back from Thanksgiving; Writers and Local One Still Striking

Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I was able to spend some time with my girlfriend and her Mom and was truly thankful for that.

Day 19 of the Local One strike and everyone seems optimistic about a resolution today. The Writers strike also seems to be winding its way to a finish. Here's hoping they get it done as soon as possible and certainly before the Christmas break.

Am working on another interview with a director trying to get a new multimedia show up in New York. Should have it up in the next day or two.

Stay tuned...

dreampeddler

Local One IATSE Strike vs. the Writers Guild Strike

Is it just me that has noticed a huge difference in the current entertainment industry strikes? The Writers Guild membership has clearly laid out their demands for all the public to see. No matter what the PR spin is, the writers are clearly stating they want more residuals on DVD sales and to negotiate a decent royalty rate on new media (see my earlier post to watch their video on youtube). They have put their proposal out in the open to be seen by the public. From what I can tell, the writers have presented a pretty good case and the public is supporting them because of their outreach. It is pretty hard to think that asking for an additional 4 cents per DVD sale is unheard of or selfish, or that the writers should share in new media use of their work.

However, with Local One IATSE, I just don't know what they are fighting for. They have remained quiet in getting their cause out there so the public cannot get behind them. All they will say is that management is trying to reduce their jobs and wages by 38%. See their site for their quote. If indeed this is the case, why are they not getting that message out there? How is management trying to reduce their wages and jobs? Without the specifics, all I can think of is how IATSE once had a rule that management had to hire one stage hand to raise and lower the curtain. That person could not do any other job. Without specifics, I can only think that management is trying to curtail other types of required quotas to fill positions that perhaps are not necessary or can indeed be combined with other positions. Hey, if you are going to make accusations that your membership is trying to save their house not the second or third house that the producers have, then you better back that up. I have been a producer, and I don't own even one house. Come on, IATSE, let us know what you are fighting for, and then we can decide for ourselves if we should rightfully come to your aid!

dreampeddler