I thought the DVD residual was off the table
Nothing is off the table. They took it off the table in an attempt to avoid the strike in the first place, but the AMPTP didn't give them an offer on streaming content like they said they would.
I don't think the residual would apply to previous (currently existing) content
That's an interesting point. I never thought of that. I don't know if that's true or not. I just assumed the pay structure would change for all sales post-agreement.
I don't think the residual would apply to previous (currently existing) content
I assume that is part of the debate as well.
Since residuals are most likely paid on at least a one quarter lag (and may even be annually) and any change in the residuals formula could be made retroactive to whatever date the negotiators wanted, I don't see how changing DVD buying habits would impact anything.
I'm not sure how the WGA could sell retroactive residuals. I mean the whole point of residuals is that you give up ownership on the content in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage. It's built into the fee structure. I'm not sure I even agree that there should be retroactive residuals. It's up to writers to change the fees before performing the work, not afterward.
That's why, unfortunately, writers of I Love Lucy and their ilk sold content under a bad deal and continue to get no residuals, even after negotiations ended that unfair practice.
It's up to writers to change the fees before performing the work, not afterward.
Well in that case, buying DVDs right now certainly wouldn't matter since all the writers' work was done ages ago for any DVD product.
Except for commentary and other added value material.
Evening, all. Were any WGA Buffistae at the Writers Guild Informational Meeting Monday night? Mark Evanier has a report that says there was a lot of solidarity, both among the WGA and with the SAG people.
Don't know if it's significant, but it's nice to hear.
I'm listening to
Diane Rehm
right now and it's about the WGA strike.
Oh, I can't listen right now. Give summary please. I know she loves writers.
But it's been pro-writer so far. Even the guy who seems like he was suppsoed to represent the "producers" is pro-writer. And they have that woman Nikki that we've mentioned here before.