I agree that the big ones are played out but the trick is that it is dirt cheap to release something out of the back catalog. Even moderate sales can turn in good money. There are also no new production costs.

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I think several things put the studios in a good bargaining position. Undoubtedly revenues will be lower, but costs will be a lot lower. Publicly they are expecting to come out ahead for at least a year. Yes, in the long run they lose money, but they are assuming the writers cannot hold out down long, and (though they may not care that much ) assume that even fan support will fade. Even if they are bluffing on coming out ahead in the short run, the lower costs will certainly lower their losses. And given how much they have made over the years, they probably can afford a loss. Ultimately I think the big cheeses are out to break the WGA. If they manage that this time around, maybe they will wait until next time around to break the actors, or maybe they will go after them now as long as they are on a roll. In the long run they are aiming for a union free town, or at least a town with completely powerless unions.

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I'm seeing the strike really hurt people I care about (writers, crew, and children of everyone tied into the industry), and I'm extremely worried about the impact it is having on my city.

I just hope it is resolved as painlessly as possible as quickly as possible. Count me in the camp that thinks stunts have zero impact on the networks.

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There is a reason I avoid doing film and TV work even though I'm based in LA. The studios are just nasty. I have to deal with them for most of my theme park work but at least that is all one step removed and my skillset is pretty specialized.

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I think it is incorrect to think that there are no upfront fixed costs associated with releasing a title on DVD. Not all DVDs make a profit. Some actually lose money.

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I just hope it is resolved as painlessly as possible as quickly as possible. Count me in the camp that thinks stunts have zero impact on the networks.

I agree on both counts. I believe the strike is necessary to help bring about a fair contract, but it hurts everyone. Writers, fans, crew, studios. Alas, the studios are in the best shape to hold out.

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Hollywood Interrupted filks a Christmas carol.

It's nice and amusing. Interestingly enough, however, they finally do appear to be taking the position that we shouldn't buy DVDs. Even though I did already. Oops. I'm not streaming, though! Even though I had to tell a co-worker that it was still the most convenient way for her to watch the episode of Pushing Daisies that she missed.

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OK, sometimes things just work out. I'm still planning on bringing survival kits to picketers, and was thinking that Tuesday was going to be my best bet for actually going, and what do I find on the WGA East website, but this:

Tuesday, Dec. 18th
12 to 2:00
Thomas Paine Park in Foley Square

DIRECTIONS: Thomas Paine Park in Foley Square, Worth Street at Lafayette and Centre Streets; trains: #4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge; J, M, Z to Chambers; A, C, E, to Chambers; R, W to City Hall

Join writers of some of the best-known crime shows to shine a light on the bad behavior of the AMPTP and hear the indictment of their inaction at the bargaining table. Writers and Actors from Law and Order, Homicide, and dozens of other shows will be present at this bi-coastal event. We’ll rally in the heart of “the criminal justice system” in lower Manhattan!

I love those shows! Now I'm all excited.

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I love those shows! Now I'm all excited.

And the best thing they can do is make it topical and exciting for the people that love their work. Go them! (Hopefully it won't be as silly as a fake exorcism...)

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