It's the Holiday Season, so it must be time for a strike in Hollywood.
Last year, the Writers Guild of America showed how you could strike and not get any real benefits, except the enduring animosity of your Hollywood co-workers.
This year, the Screen Actors Guild has dragged their feet, probably didn't have a script for contract talks. Now they're going to finally call a strike vote, something they should have done BEFORE the contract expired, back in June.
I've been following the fun and games over on Nikki Finke's blog; http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com
My post over there won't win me any friends, but I'm fed up with the lack of action.
Here's the key part of the post:
Get a hint from the workers in Chicago:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28111166/
I'm all for people getting a good contract, no matter what industry they work in.
You better be brave enough to risk it all to deserve it.
It's not going to be handed to you.
Whining about it won't get the job done.
Showing posts with label SAG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SAG. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Self-Defeating Behaviour
Ever wonder how much would get done, if you could just ignore all the distractions in life?
People get caught up in issues, causes, current events, most of the time without having the slightest chance of being able to impact these situations. I'm guilty of this more than most people. Other people go on about their lives, I try to 'help', only to step into the deep manure.
Just spent the past couple of days sniping back and forth with a SAG supporter. I think that's what they are, they have one of those anonymous blog poster names.
End result, I'll go back to spending more time on my novel and blogs.
The SAG people will learn the hard way about contract negotiations in this day and age. That's how I did it. Fell on my face more than a few times, didn't enjoy the pain.
It's one of the reasons that I wrote "Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave". Wanted to point out my errors in life, give people a few laughs and hopefully, keep them from making my mistakes.
People don't mind the laughs, but lessons? They usually have to learn those on their own.
Hitting the pavement can hurt. Hard on the face, too.
Bring your own band-aids.
People get caught up in issues, causes, current events, most of the time without having the slightest chance of being able to impact these situations. I'm guilty of this more than most people. Other people go on about their lives, I try to 'help', only to step into the deep manure.
Just spent the past couple of days sniping back and forth with a SAG supporter. I think that's what they are, they have one of those anonymous blog poster names.
End result, I'll go back to spending more time on my novel and blogs.
The SAG people will learn the hard way about contract negotiations in this day and age. That's how I did it. Fell on my face more than a few times, didn't enjoy the pain.
It's one of the reasons that I wrote "Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave". Wanted to point out my errors in life, give people a few laughs and hopefully, keep them from making my mistakes.
People don't mind the laughs, but lessons? They usually have to learn those on their own.
Hitting the pavement can hurt. Hard on the face, too.
Bring your own band-aids.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I Love Hollywood
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Nikki Finke, Attractions and Distractions
It's been a typical week and then again, it hasn't been typical at all.
Get some hours on the computer, writing. Unending work up at the shop, too many projects to list. Try to keep up with cutting the grass, which is growing like crazy, due to the heat and all the rain.
I've been sending writing work out to different agents, production companies and whoever else I think might be interested. Doing the hardest job of being a writer, self-promotion. Which can seem to take forever. Then there's this blog.
The SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP dust-up has grabbed my attention. If you have read my book and I honestly don't expect anyone to claim that they have, you would know that I've got more than a little background in the union/labor contract/negotiating arena.
Nikki Finke writes a blog on all the Biz news in Hollywood; http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com
She does a great job. It doesn't mean that I always agree with her. The fun part is reading comments by other people who follow her work. Sometimes, I have to shake my head. Ignorance and arrogance is not confined to the sticks.
My comments probably don't win me any friends, but my experience is that if you expect people to meet your needs and don't do anything to oversee their actions, you can bet on them NOT doing everything as you expect it.
Allow me to qualify that statement. In a group situation, you usually have a common goal. There will be discord, but majority rule usually determines the direction of the group. Which still doesn't mean that the head man or the group assigned to do the bargaining are going to deliver your contract like a hot pizza. In thirty minutes and just the way you ordered it. It will be a committee pizza.
As an individual, if you hire someone to represent you in a negotiation, whether it's a lawyer or an agent, then you have more direct input. You're paying the bill and if you don't get what you're paying for, you should either fire the representative or demand to know why they have not done the job. Maybe both, if they get paid and still don't deliver. Be polite and try not to rant when you terminate the contract.
After all these years, I can't believe that people still think that if they let things go, without making any effort to advance their agenda, it doesn't matter who represents you, those people are somehow going to do what's in YOUR best interest. They are only going to listen to the people who bend their ear.
You better be ready, willing and able to stand up for yourself. Or be ready to get shipped down the river.
Start building that life raft now.
Get some hours on the computer, writing. Unending work up at the shop, too many projects to list. Try to keep up with cutting the grass, which is growing like crazy, due to the heat and all the rain.
I've been sending writing work out to different agents, production companies and whoever else I think might be interested. Doing the hardest job of being a writer, self-promotion. Which can seem to take forever. Then there's this blog.
The SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP dust-up has grabbed my attention. If you have read my book and I honestly don't expect anyone to claim that they have, you would know that I've got more than a little background in the union/labor contract/negotiating arena.
Nikki Finke writes a blog on all the Biz news in Hollywood; http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com
She does a great job. It doesn't mean that I always agree with her. The fun part is reading comments by other people who follow her work. Sometimes, I have to shake my head. Ignorance and arrogance is not confined to the sticks.
My comments probably don't win me any friends, but my experience is that if you expect people to meet your needs and don't do anything to oversee their actions, you can bet on them NOT doing everything as you expect it.
Allow me to qualify that statement. In a group situation, you usually have a common goal. There will be discord, but majority rule usually determines the direction of the group. Which still doesn't mean that the head man or the group assigned to do the bargaining are going to deliver your contract like a hot pizza. In thirty minutes and just the way you ordered it. It will be a committee pizza.
As an individual, if you hire someone to represent you in a negotiation, whether it's a lawyer or an agent, then you have more direct input. You're paying the bill and if you don't get what you're paying for, you should either fire the representative or demand to know why they have not done the job. Maybe both, if they get paid and still don't deliver. Be polite and try not to rant when you terminate the contract.
After all these years, I can't believe that people still think that if they let things go, without making any effort to advance their agenda, it doesn't matter who represents you, those people are somehow going to do what's in YOUR best interest. They are only going to listen to the people who bend their ear.
You better be ready, willing and able to stand up for yourself. Or be ready to get shipped down the river.
Start building that life raft now.
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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Hollywood Family Feud, SAG vs AFTRA
I'm on the sidelines when it comes to this mess.
SAG and AFTRA are cutting each other's throat, trying to leverage power with AMPTP.
After the WGA strike, this could be the worst thing that happens this year. If it comes to another strike, then expect things to get very nasty.
Like we need more problems in this country.
Take away the 'bread and circuses' and what will be the results?
I don't even want to speculate.
Time to buy some more books.
SAG and AFTRA are cutting each other's throat, trying to leverage power with AMPTP.
After the WGA strike, this could be the worst thing that happens this year. If it comes to another strike, then expect things to get very nasty.
Like we need more problems in this country.
Take away the 'bread and circuses' and what will be the results?
I don't even want to speculate.
Time to buy some more books.
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