Unlike past writers' strikes, the strike of 2007/2008 appears convoluted at first glance. That's because writers are going where no one has gone before: The Internet.
The Internet will eventually supplant both DVD in the home video market and television in the broadcasting market as the primary means for distribution. Apparently, the home video and broadcasting markets have plans for your computer enjoyment, as well.
Hollywood has dubbed it, “New Media.” Now, too many bloggers of years gone by have somehow been categorized as New Media Contributors. And, you thought you’d never be famous. If you have blogged enough, watch out they may knock at your door with a silly opportunity. Do not worry; it will be too good to be true.
DAVID LETTERMAN CONTRACTS DIRECTLY WITH WRITERS
Is the Internet the “final frontier,” to coin a phrase? Writers and producers definitely believe so. In spite of the fact there are many angry writers, some have made “arrangements” to write for celebrities like David Letterman, and now Tom Cruise while somehow not crossing the picket line. That makes this conflict feel less like a strike and more like being somewhat pregnant.
Television has not died because of striking writers. Why does one get the feeling many writers and producers do not understand that the hand that feeds them does not always belong to a really, really nice person? Writers have turned away from the networks and motion picture studios who have contracted their work. It is more than DVD residuals that are at stake for these writers, it is the vast undiscovered country of the Internet and they have not conquered it yet; the public has.
Letterman has contracted with his writers outside the network system. If this is a strike, isn’t that scabbing? The answer is an equivocal no, simply due to the architecture of the argument. By making a contract with writers, Letterman is saving jobs, those behind the scenes.
Who’s fault? The Internet’s. Up until now, the Web has been ours; writers of accomplishment want their share of the market the Internet creates. Just because an artist’s contribution now fits into a new category of mass distribution, that does not mean they should give their work away for nothing.
What is irksome is all the talent that has been writing on the Internet for the past twenty years, for little or no money at all. Thank the gods of narrative for that.
NORA EPHRON ASKS FOR “HAZARD PAY”
Featured on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” January 3, 2008, was his infamous “Top 10 List,” written by his contracted writers. In this installment of the “Late Show,” Dave presents us with, “Top 10 Demands of the Writers’ Guild of America.”
The list was read by writers, producers and other individuals. Nora Ephron asked for, “…hazard pay for breaking up fights on ‘The View.’” Another producer who covets, “the number one demand,” states, “Producers must immediately remove their heads from their asses.” I understood this strike to be writer against major Motion Picture Studio. This writers’ strike is more than convolved, it is confusing and downright perplexing.
As we start the new year of 2008, we begin to close the first decade of the 21st century. While the mighty minority disagrees with itself, too many of the weak majority suffer extraordinary woes. All this fuss about Hollywood and writers, some poor folks just want to watch TV sometimes.
Unfortunately, all those people who ante'd up for flat screen plasma TVs, just may have wasted their money. The mighty minority, the true plague of the 21st century may have other plans for us. Imagine that.
