US screenwriters go on strike!

The talks with producers over shares in DVD sale proceeds have failed, and the Writers Guild of America have been compelled to launch a nationwide screenwriters strike as announced by this statement issued at 12:30 am Nov. 5:

As of 12:01 AM November 5th, the WGA strike is on in the Eastern time zone. WGAE members should report for picketing at Rockefeller Plaza starting at 9:00 AM today. At 12:30 AM EST, talks between the AMPTP and the WGA ended.

Click the banner below to find how prepared the WGA is for this strike:

Here’s how the TV and movie audience may be affected.

Two hours into the strike, the WGA issued the following statement:

Early today, the WGA completely withdrew its DVD proposal, which the Companies said was a stumbling block. Yet, the Companies still insisted on the following:

  • No jurisdiction for most of new media writing.
  • No economic proposal for the part of new media writing where they do propose to give coverage.
  • Internet downloads at the DVD rate.
  • No residual for streaming video of theatrical product.
  • A “promotional” proposal that allows them to reuse even complete movies or TV shows on any platform with no residual. This proposal alone destroys residuals.
  • A “window” of free reuse on the Internet that makes a mockery of any residual.

The AMPTP made no response to any of the other proposals that the WGA has made since July. The AMPTP proposed that today’s meeting be “off the record,” meaning no press statements, but they have reneged on that.

If the WGA wins its cause, other guilds will also benefit.

Photo courtesy of Reuters through Yahoo! News.