I love Hollywood, really.
I know people out there who are some of the finest human beings on the planet. They have helped me, given me guidance on my work, gone out of their way for me.
It's my hope that they will understand my comments. I'm not trying to be rude or too angry. None of this is personal, although I've made comments about the actions of some of the people involved in the current SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP situation that won't win any awards. So be it.
You probably have done it. Told someone you love how messed up they are. You do it because you care. You want them to see the error of their ways.
The difficult part is finding the diplomatic path to take.
Sometimes I have a difficult time restraining myself in making comments.
Usually, I write out what I'm thinking, look it over, edit it, then put it out to the world.
Even then, it might not come out as proper and polite as it could. Then again, there's nothing like a poke in the nose to get your attention.
Right now, Hollywood is looking at another record-breaking year for the box office. Some of the folks out on the coast are convinced this is due to their great writing, acting, movie-making, etc.
Very few of them will be correct in that self-congratulatory mode.
If the economy weren't in such sorry shape, there might be a vastly different report card for the movie business.
Hollywood made money during the Great Depression. Now, during the Great Recession, they're doing it all over again.
Too bad they think it's because of their movies.
If gasoline were cheaper, more people would be on vacation and doing things outside.
As it is, it's cheaper to take the family or your friend to the movies than it is to feed your face or do almost anything else.
Wake up Hollywood, you're not the center of the universe, except in your own fantasy.
So, please settle the contract talks with SAG.
Write and produce some quality movies.
I love you Hollywood. America loves you. The world loves you.
Now, please get your act together and get the show back on the road.
Showing posts with label IASTE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IASTE. Show all posts
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Contract News of the Future
CONTRACT NEWS OF THE FUTURE
DEADLINE-HOLLYWOOD-GHOST-TOWN
24 JULY 2017
In yet another advance for creatives planet-wide, after years of ‘New Media’ study, the AMPTP announced their last, best, final ultimatum to the Creatives Guilds Alliance. The CGA, composed of reps from the WGA, SAG, IASTE, DGA and AFTRA, were gifted at the confab with a 55 gallon drum of Kentucky jelly, to be liberally shared among the members.
With the contract due to run out on 31 July 2017, AMPTP spokesdevil Santa Spawn commented, "This is a back-breaking opportunity for these unworthy creatives. In the darkness of our hearts we have decided to give up our claims on all of their children, only demanding their first-born. Further, we will now increase their already bountiful rations to include bread with the recycled sewer water we now provide them.
Asked for comments, at their idyllic island retreat on Alcatraz, a lone dissenter demanded to ask a question. He was immediately shot and run through the Ferti-Loamer machine.
When questioned, Santa Spawn admitted the incident, "It’s sad, but we must keep the creatives isolated from society, rather than chance that they infect the loyal, orderly, working drones. After all, once they reach 27, 28 years old, they’re over the hill and really only good for plant food. A bit acidic though, I might add."
A creatives bystander, shook his head and remarked, "He knew better, they told us they would review the New Media provisions back in 2008. Don’t people realize this stuff takes time?"
Santa Spawn smiled and slapped him on the back, "Sheeply, you’re great! We’re still working on that DVD formula from back in the ‘80s and hope to have it figured out by the next contract."
Rumors that Santa Spawn danced off singing "My North Pole Is Gonna Be In Your South Hole" could not be confirmed.
DEADLINE-HOLLYWOOD-GHOST-TOWN
24 JULY 2017
In yet another advance for creatives planet-wide, after years of ‘New Media’ study, the AMPTP announced their last, best, final ultimatum to the Creatives Guilds Alliance. The CGA, composed of reps from the WGA, SAG, IASTE, DGA and AFTRA, were gifted at the confab with a 55 gallon drum of Kentucky jelly, to be liberally shared among the members.
With the contract due to run out on 31 July 2017, AMPTP spokesdevil Santa Spawn commented, "This is a back-breaking opportunity for these unworthy creatives. In the darkness of our hearts we have decided to give up our claims on all of their children, only demanding their first-born. Further, we will now increase their already bountiful rations to include bread with the recycled sewer water we now provide them.
Asked for comments, at their idyllic island retreat on Alcatraz, a lone dissenter demanded to ask a question. He was immediately shot and run through the Ferti-Loamer machine.
When questioned, Santa Spawn admitted the incident, "It’s sad, but we must keep the creatives isolated from society, rather than chance that they infect the loyal, orderly, working drones. After all, once they reach 27, 28 years old, they’re over the hill and really only good for plant food. A bit acidic though, I might add."
A creatives bystander, shook his head and remarked, "He knew better, they told us they would review the New Media provisions back in 2008. Don’t people realize this stuff takes time?"
Santa Spawn smiled and slapped him on the back, "Sheeply, you’re great! We’re still working on that DVD formula from back in the ‘80s and hope to have it figured out by the next contract."
Rumors that Santa Spawn danced off singing "My North Pole Is Gonna Be In Your South Hole" could not be confirmed.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Unions, Contracts and Con Jobs
I'm spending way too much time reading about the SAG/AMPTP contract situation.
It would be great, if someone had a plan to end the mess that's going on in Hollywood, but...
In my humble opinion, SAG is not using it's members to get the word out. I don't know what individual SAG members are doing to build up support from the marketplace, otherwise known as the TV and Film audience. It's pretty obvious that major stars haven't done too much, if they have, it's not showing up on major media coverage.
AMPTP is doing the least work with the most results. I read their press release and it's a very good job of placing all the issues and the resulting slowdown in movie production on other people. We all know that the good-hearted people running the studios and corporations would never do anything to crush the employees.
Maybe I'm being too polite about all of this, but I can't get into rant mode.
If you are dumb enough to believe everything that is advertised, then you're probably still waiting for E.T. to come back and visit.
Wanna buy a bridge?
It would be great, if someone had a plan to end the mess that's going on in Hollywood, but...
In my humble opinion, SAG is not using it's members to get the word out. I don't know what individual SAG members are doing to build up support from the marketplace, otherwise known as the TV and Film audience. It's pretty obvious that major stars haven't done too much, if they have, it's not showing up on major media coverage.
AMPTP is doing the least work with the most results. I read their press release and it's a very good job of placing all the issues and the resulting slowdown in movie production on other people. We all know that the good-hearted people running the studios and corporations would never do anything to crush the employees.
Maybe I'm being too polite about all of this, but I can't get into rant mode.
If you are dumb enough to believe everything that is advertised, then you're probably still waiting for E.T. to come back and visit.
Wanna buy a bridge?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Why I Love Hollywood
It's a town of legend.
If you do good work and make the right connections, one day you can see your dream up on the big screen.
The big problem will be getting everyone to buy into what you are trying to accomplish.
Get a few people who want to throw a wrench in the works and you'll have a train wreck.
The evolving SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP contract situation is better than any reality TV show.
If you're reading any of the Hollywood blogs, you can get a whiff of the action that's taking place in Tinseltown. Like watching a bad movie or, if you're involved in that mess, living a nightmare.
It's eaten up a lot of my spare time, so I haven't posted here in a few days.
Will be doing an update later today.
I'll be commenting on the above mentioned contract situation.
Please Hollywood, get it together and go back to making movies.
Right now, it's back to the farm work.
If you do good work and make the right connections, one day you can see your dream up on the big screen.
The big problem will be getting everyone to buy into what you are trying to accomplish.
Get a few people who want to throw a wrench in the works and you'll have a train wreck.
The evolving SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP contract situation is better than any reality TV show.
If you're reading any of the Hollywood blogs, you can get a whiff of the action that's taking place in Tinseltown. Like watching a bad movie or, if you're involved in that mess, living a nightmare.
It's eaten up a lot of my spare time, so I haven't posted here in a few days.
Will be doing an update later today.
I'll be commenting on the above mentioned contract situation.
Please Hollywood, get it together and go back to making movies.
Right now, it's back to the farm work.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Striking Out, Instead of Joining Up
As I wander through the daily debris of the news, wonder turns to dismay.
What ever happened to unions and guilds supporting each other when one of them goes out on strike? The IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees) has warned the WGA about their actions. Like if you mess with our work, we will sue, or something to that effect. I won't go into details, the trade papers are full of the specifics.
In the old days, before lawsuits became the weapon of choice, unions and guilds would respect the strike of another and even go so far as to support it. When the Teamsters would shut down the trucking companies, the Longshoremen on the docks would honor their picket lines.
I can understand that there is a bit of an overlap with the IASTE having people doing animation writing and other stuff. Why hasn't there been an attempt to have these two groups meld and give them even more clout? Does it boil down to the old ego of the management scenario? After all, you see corporate mergers all the time to increase their strength in the marketplace. Why not these two groups?
Stay tuned for our next exciting episode...
Will the IASTE sue?
Will the WGA counter-sue?
Will the Great Strike of 2007 break Hollywood....
Does anyone really care?
Don't touch that remote!
What ever happened to unions and guilds supporting each other when one of them goes out on strike? The IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees) has warned the WGA about their actions. Like if you mess with our work, we will sue, or something to that effect. I won't go into details, the trade papers are full of the specifics.
In the old days, before lawsuits became the weapon of choice, unions and guilds would respect the strike of another and even go so far as to support it. When the Teamsters would shut down the trucking companies, the Longshoremen on the docks would honor their picket lines.
I can understand that there is a bit of an overlap with the IASTE having people doing animation writing and other stuff. Why hasn't there been an attempt to have these two groups meld and give them even more clout? Does it boil down to the old ego of the management scenario? After all, you see corporate mergers all the time to increase their strength in the marketplace. Why not these two groups?
Stay tuned for our next exciting episode...
Will the IASTE sue?
Will the WGA counter-sue?
Will the Great Strike of 2007 break Hollywood....
Does anyone really care?
Don't touch that remote!
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