Smokin' Joe Carnahan: STRIKE...

STRIKE...

11/01/2007 at 08:36 AM

Guys:

The WGA is meeting tonight at the LA Convention center and inviting all
members to attend in what will likely be a strike vote. Not an official vote,
since over 90% of the membership already officially voted...and if the Teamsters
do indeed back the the guild's play, as they publically avowed to...it could cripple
the town overnight.

Again, I'm hoping for some last second crisis intervention and I don't care who
the f*ck it comes from. This is a sentiment shared by all. They abandoned talks
last night which is really, really bad sign. I'm hearing this thing is going to blow
out over the weekend and by monday, the WGA will declare a strike.

I wish everyone the best of luck in finishing whatever outstanding writing jobs
they have and beating this vague deadline looming out there. I also hope everyone
has ample savings that they can dip into, should this thing in any way take on the
size and dimension of the '88 strike.

BUT..

I believe in the hail mary and the buzzer beater and the walk off home run. Hell
I'll even believe in f*cking Neo and 'the one' if it prevents this godforsaken situation
from spiralling any further out of control.

It's up to both the WGA and AMPTP to collectively sack up and stick the landing. Nobody
is gives a sh*t about grousing or grudges. Just get the goddamn thing done.

Comments

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	Posted by: Rachelle 11/01/2007 at 09:36 AM
Fingers crossed. :)

Posted by: kevin 11/01/2007 at 09:36 AM

Joe

Working in the industry like you but at a much different capacity, I am deathly afraid of this strike.

People dipping in their savings? This is so sad and in my opinion, unnecessary. This could have been averted...hell, it still could be.

I have noticed some of the other regulars here have weighed in on this issue and I ask them, how many of you will be directly affected by this strike? How many of you actually make a living in/through the industry?

You know what...the least I say on this matter, the better.

This could've and should've been averted....

Kevin

Posted by: Pelham123 11/01/2007 at 09:45 AM

Joe,
Doesn't this feel like a strike is going to happen just because everyone has dug in their feet and will reject anything the other side offers? Man, when I read about people dipping into savings (if they even have them) my stomach drops and I truly feel bad for those about to get hit with this whirlwind. I hope sanity prevails so everyone can get what they deserve out of this with the minimal in damage.

Posted by: Justin 11/01/2007 at 10:14 AM

Couldn't agree more. The strike is only gonna hurt careers and films/TV shows. Some of these scripts we're seeing rushed to meet the deadline ("agreeable drafts"- which doesn't instill much confidence) on films like a tentpole such as Justice League is pretty scary.

Hope it get resolved as quickly as possible. Keep pushin' forward, Joe.

	Posted by: Pelham123 11/01/2007 at 10:38 AM
To answer Kevin's question, I am not directly affected by the current situation. I'm an aspiring screenwriter, but I'm paying the bills with a non-show business job in Hollywood. Still, the uncertainty of this situation has got to be crushing for those directly involved. I can certainly empathize with those that have the proverbial ax swinging over their heads.

Posted by: casey moore 11/01/2007 at 10:54 AM

I am currently working as an APOC (Assistant Production Coordinator) on a small indie film (budget is about that of a Movie Of the Week). If the strike happens tomorrow and clears up by the end of Nov, I will be ok. This thing drags past Nov though and then I will behaving to look for something to help out the family.

The really bad thing is I am lucky. My wife works and so we are a two income family. So even if I am down for a short time I will be ok. But a lot of people I know are going to be SOL this strike goes on to long.

I hope to god something gets worked out tonight or over the weekend. Also, I know of two dcent size studio projects looking and coming to New Orleans. I want on one of them and don't want this strike shuttingthem down.

	Posted by: Joshua 11/01/2007 at 10:57 AM
Lets hope nothing gets fucked and everything goes smooth. I wanna see you on track in terms of movie making along with the industry. Hope all goes well!

Posted by: Wendy 11/01/2007 at 10:59 AM

No, things don't look good. I really feel for everyone who would be effected adversely by this. For their sake, I am hoping for the best. Sheesh, it's like tonight is the REAL Halloween...

Take care.

Best Wishes, Myriada

	Posted by: Mila 11/01/2007 at 11:48 AM
Here's another one hoping for a quick resolution.

Posted by: slickflix 11/01/2007 at 12:19 PM

I hear that the strike = Television networks axing their original programming in favor of reality shows which can be produced in spite of a writer's strike.

As in less "The Office", more "The Apprentice". No movies, no television. Music these days stinks. I'm going to need someone to recommend me some good books to carry me over the next year or so.