Entertainment Strikes Twice
Nov. 10th, 2007 12:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bardic_ladyWith the WGA strike in progress and Broadway techs about to walk out, it's clear that America needs to reevaluate the way we fund entertainment and culture. The Writer's Guild of America is striking over payment of residuals that pertain to New Media and the internet. Local One, the Broadway chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, would be striking over work hours and payment for load-ins.
Obviously, television and film need writers. Sure you can say 'oh, reality tv', but be reasonable. Everything, even reality tv, has some kind of script. Someone decides where the contestants are going on Amazing Race. Someone writes the host monologues. Writers are absolutely necessary. And the strike resolution is important because when SAG contracts are up at the end of the year, the results of this strike will determine the bargaining position of the next negotiation. And that's actors.
Possibly even more obviously, theatre needs techs. I don't think I have to explain it. No techs, no shows. No techs, no lights, no sound, no curtains, no costumes, no props, no sets. Without techs, you better be doing minimalist, street clothes shows with mimed items during the day outside and pray it doesn't rain.
With that in mind, think about how this might impact you. Think about how payment works in your field. Think about the entertainment and, yes, fandoms you love. (Remember the 2005-2006 Hockey lockout) And ask yourself how this can be solved. What can you do?
Obviously, television and film need writers. Sure you can say 'oh, reality tv', but be reasonable. Everything, even reality tv, has some kind of script. Someone decides where the contestants are going on Amazing Race. Someone writes the host monologues. Writers are absolutely necessary. And the strike resolution is important because when SAG contracts are up at the end of the year, the results of this strike will determine the bargaining position of the next negotiation. And that's actors.
Possibly even more obviously, theatre needs techs. I don't think I have to explain it. No techs, no shows. No techs, no lights, no sound, no curtains, no costumes, no props, no sets. Without techs, you better be doing minimalist, street clothes shows with mimed items during the day outside and pray it doesn't rain.
With that in mind, think about how this might impact you. Think about how payment works in your field. Think about the entertainment and, yes, fandoms you love. (Remember the 2005-2006 Hockey lockout) And ask yourself how this can be solved. What can you do?
no subject
Date: 11/15/07 04:21 am (UTC)