You are probably wondering why Simply Scripts, a screenwriting site, doesn’t have a ton of strike news. Simply answer is password snafu on Sunday left me unable to access my own site. However, since I try to have updates scheduled a couple days in advance, the site, of its own accord, continued to spew out updates without human intervention. I am now back in control.
First, shoutouts to Jack (putting up the announcement you sent me now won’t work, tho if you have other words of encouragement, please send ’em over and I’ll get them up). And a shoutout to Sandy. Hope you can keep busy during this down time. I will have that most excellent update on the site shortly.
There is some excellent news and blogs from the front lines from folks like John August. Also, there is a page of multiple reports from the lines over at Deadline Hollywood Daily. The best information about the status of the strike (albeit one view of the status) can be found on the WGA (west) site. A lot of the big name writers are showing up in the papers and in the blogs talking about the strike. If any of the “Not so big” names want to send a report in, I’d be delighted to carry it on the site.
Lastly, while no one really knows how long this will last, one bit of ‘food for thought’ came to me from a couple of writers with regard to thinking that this is an opportunity to break into the biz. According to the WGA Strike Rules, “The Guild does not have the authority to discipline non members for strike breaking and/or scab writing. However, the Guild can and will bar that writer from future Guild membership.” (emphasis added) So, basically if you try to be opportunistic, you may very well screw yourself in the future. – Don
Update: This just in from Jack, “…I just talked to a few good people a WGA WEST and they say that any FILM STUDENT which means a person like myself who’s in college or some type of film school can participate. THE COLOR IS RED.”
3 Comments so far
1.
Courtney S. Love
November 7th, 2007 at 5:34 am
Don,
thanks for the most up-to-date scoops from the bi-coastal picket lines. Were I livng in either location I’d add my voice to the uproar.
Here’s hoping that new writers, like myself, and the better established ones, can find in this a lesson in solidarity that will endure beyond the run of the strike.
-CL
2.
Sandy
November 7th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thanks for the shoutout!
On the positive side it is great picketing weather in Los Angeles. And if you’re in the Los Angeles area and want to picket a major corporation you can show up at one of the spots listed on the WGA site, find the guy or gal with a clipboard and sign up.
Everyone is welcome and if you own a bullhorn all the better.
3.
Courtney S. Love
November 20th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Thanksgiving tidings to all affected/effected by the strike and to the thespians who so bravely and took up signage and protested. Perhaps I’ll one day have the same chance to represent the union as well (though not having that chance would be optimal).
Gobble gobble (: