The Disney tween series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody is among those shows that have seen much success on the world wide web as it has on the small screen, which is why it is no surprise that writer and producer Danny Kallis, creator of the hit show, is protesting along with numerous industry writers and actors.
The primary aim of the strike is to increase the residuals writers receive from DVD sales, as well as to get studios and networks to give proper compensation for sales made via new media, which include internet downloads, IPTV streaming, smart phone programming, straight-to-internet content, and other “on-demand” online distribution methods.
“My daughter keeps saying, ‘Hey dad, your show was number one on downloads on iTunes!'” Kallis said on CBS’ The Early Show.
Last month’s talks fell through when the parties involved failed to reach an agreement, and early this month, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike commenced. Studios have been arguing that the “new media” industry is still young, and thus, profits are still quite slim. Kallis, along with the rest of the strikers, begs to differ.
“Without any advertising, without any promotion, without having to make a DVD or a box and distribute it, a kid pushed a button and got my show and paid $1.99,” the Suite Life creator said.
The writers’ efforts have not been made in vain, however, as talks between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed on Monday, November 26. This is not to say though that the television industry, which has suffered the most since the strike began, is back to its regular operations, as production on some shows are still out, and reruns continue to pervade the airwaves.
Kallis’ Suite Life still has some new episodes left to air, although exactly how many is unknown. The show’s stars, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, are currently filming on location for their upcoming movie, Kings of Appletown.
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: CBS News
(Image Courtesy of The Early Show)
Staff Columnist, BuddyTV
