The hot topic of the last couple weeks has been the Writers Strike. Television and Film writers walked out on their jobs to protest against unfair compensation. CNN.com noted in an article that writers claim they should be receiving a larger cut when their work is viewed or purchased on the Internet or through cell phones and other forms of media. Network executives refuse to compromise, claiming they cannot afford to take that chance with writers. Mediators have brought the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers together to discuss negotiations. A settlement is yet to be decided.
Not only are the creative minds behind television suffering but the viewers are going to feel the heat as well. Shows such as House and Desperate Housewives have stopped filming new episodes. Some actors have even refused to go to work in support of the writers strike. Steve Carell walked off the set of The Office and chooses not to work until their voices are heard. Viewers are upset because their favorite shows might even be cancelled. Unless they reach a compromise, networks are going to lose viewers when the quality of their programming begins to dwindle.
Jay Leno stated that he will cross the picket line only to take the protestors Krispy Kreme Donuts. He will not cross the line to go to work. Talk shows such as Leno and The Daily show with Jon Stewart are going to have to cease taping because of their lack of material. The effects will not be noticed immediately as studios have pretty much wrapped up filming for present seasons as well as production for various films coming out next year.
However, movie studios fear that if a contract does not come through by the deadline, there might be an “actors strike” on the uprising. Studios can shoot movies and TV shows that have already been written, even half- written and get by just fine without the writers. However, no one can shoot without actors. According to TIME.com this could also mean serious loss in revenue for L.A. and the industry. There is a looming fear of an estimated loss of $2 billion for the City of Los Angeles including 82, 000 lost jobs! It is amazing to see in action how much the media affects society. How will America possibly function without television?
Hollywood executives are not too worried because their content with their Hollywood mansions and flashy cars. They can hold out for the long haul. However, if they cannot come to a compromise, the power hierarchy might be shifting and writers will have a chance to take control.
Not only are the creative minds behind television suffering but the viewers are going to feel the heat as well. Shows such as House and Desperate Housewives have stopped filming new episodes. Some actors have even refused to go to work in support of the writers strike. Steve Carell walked off the set of The Office and chooses not to work until their voices are heard. Viewers are upset because their favorite shows might even be cancelled. Unless they reach a compromise, networks are going to lose viewers when the quality of their programming begins to dwindle.
Jay Leno stated that he will cross the picket line only to take the protestors Krispy Kreme Donuts. He will not cross the line to go to work. Talk shows such as Leno and The Daily show with Jon Stewart are going to have to cease taping because of their lack of material. The effects will not be noticed immediately as studios have pretty much wrapped up filming for present seasons as well as production for various films coming out next year.
However, movie studios fear that if a contract does not come through by the deadline, there might be an “actors strike” on the uprising. Studios can shoot movies and TV shows that have already been written, even half- written and get by just fine without the writers. However, no one can shoot without actors. According to TIME.com this could also mean serious loss in revenue for L.A. and the industry. There is a looming fear of an estimated loss of $2 billion for the City of Los Angeles including 82, 000 lost jobs! It is amazing to see in action how much the media affects society. How will America possibly function without television?
Hollywood executives are not too worried because their content with their Hollywood mansions and flashy cars. They can hold out for the long haul. However, if they cannot come to a compromise, the power hierarchy might be shifting and writers will have a chance to take control.
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