Hope.
It was there, presented to television fans in a polite message from the producers. In what could have been perceived as a possible end to the writers strike by an optimistic person, the producers offered a new proposal to the writers this week to resolve the strike. Apparently, this offer from the producers was more akin to a slap in the face than a valid strike ending proposal. The writers have been swift and vehement in their rejection of the proposal, saying that no deal is imminent and that the latest offer was “a massive rollback.”
Yesterday, it was clear that the producers had proposed a new deal to the writers, but there was nothing else known. It turns out that that the new offer contained very few signs of improvement. The producers offered the writers a single-payment fixed rate of $250 yearly for the internet streaming of old episodes. This is comically low, considering that on-air episodes cost around twenty grand for re-airings. Also, the producers did not budge on material writers make specifically for the internet, and continue to consider all such content promotional. Writers would receive zero of the ad revenue from such content in the proposed plan.
There were rumors flying around in some circles that the writers and producers basically had a deal done in principle and it was only a matter of paperwork and details. This does not appear to be the case. It looks as if absolutely no progress has been made between the two sides. I hope the writers stay strong during the strike and I think they will. The sheer greed of the studios in these matters is astonishing. The gall they have to consider online material purely promotional is incredible. The swiftness of the writers rejection today was a good sign, and something that should pique the producers’ attention. The WGA is not backing down.
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: TV Guide
(Image Courtesy of The New York Times)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
