Scrubbing In: My Opinion about the TV Writer’s Strike
Credit: Reed Saxton,
The Associated Press
I got some feedback about my previous post regarding the TV Writer’s Strike.
There are still aspects of this strike that bug me to no end.
The major two issues are:
1) increasing residual compensation for DVD sales from 4 to 8 cents, and
2) residual compensation for Internet streaming and download viewings.
What this means is that whenever a DVD is sold, or a rerun airs, the writer on the episode receives, currently, 4 cents. Remember the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry got hundreds of checks for pennies from Japan whenever a second-long clip of him was aired? This is the same thing.
I think this is due to the increase of DVD sales in America. The cultural impact of the DVD seems to outweigh the VHS in sales and significance, especially TV on DVD. Also, many movie viewers simply buy the DVD instead of seeing the movie in theaters.
What DVDs add to consumers and culture is the idea of permanence. DVDs, theoretically, are supposed to last forever. With a large portion of America acting as amateur archivists, the writing that takes place in TV shows and movies has an apparent great importance. People will, theoretically, be watching Scrubs just as much as on may read Catcher in the Rye.
So it would make sense that a TV writer would want more money when his work is being held in such high esteem (in the marketplace).
But this is dumb. I mean really, watch an episode of anything. I want you to see the credits and count the names. The writer or writers range from 1 to 3 of about 30 to 40 names. There are other people that work one these shows!
What the TV writers are forgetting is that they are a small aspect of the show. Sure, they are the backbone, but there are gaffers and costume designers and actors that are out of work because of the writers’ hissy.
Credit: NBC
Let’s go back to Scrubs - Zach Braff plays the lead character J.D. and as a movie star, probably has enough money set aside to make ends meet (and then some). Lets just focus on actors for this example. The background extras, like Dr. Beardface and Snoop Dog Attending - do you think these extras can afford to be out of work for long?
What this strike shows is unadulterated greed and selfishness. The other unions are honoring the strike or showing support because the writers have put them out of a job. The writers are thinking that their work is now more important due to the DVD-obsessed culture we live in, but they forget that the set designers and make up artists also make the shows popular and maintain their fame.
In the end, it all comes down to the business they choose to work in. They knew what they were getting into - that they would sign over their intellectual property to corporations for little in return. Can a ghostwriter get mad for not having their name appear on the book?
If they wanted to be remembered or recognized for their writing, they should write novels.
Matt Knicl: My name is Matt Knicl. I'm a U of I alumn and one of those unemployed English majors Garrison Keillor likes to make fun of. I've been reading comics since high school and one day I would like to write them. My goal is to expose readers to what is out there in the world of comics and using my English powers, show what is worth reading or not. I can be reached at buzz.comics@gmail.com.
Comments
Matt Knicl (Matt Knicl) says:
(Posted December 12th, 2007 at 12:45 pm)
Hey duckie! Thanks for commenting.
Writing can be a difficult process, but for most of these experienced writers (if they are good), they can hammer out a decent episode in a matter of hours or days. And no script is truly done alone, so a team of writers add their imput so the episdoe flows with the season. They create it, but everyone else makes it live. Yes, some actors are spoiled, but so are some prima donna writers.
When it comes down to getting paid for online downloads or streaming with sponsors, it makes sense that the writers should get a cut of that just like they do when a VHS is sold or a rerun airs. But, what they have done is coupled a justified grievance with the request for a raise. It’s not that they aren’t getting paid for a job well done, it’s that now they want more.
I think people put too much importance on tv and movie writers. Writing is such a small aspect of the show. The writers churn it out and then the actors make it live, the special effects design around it, etc. I talk about comic books, and the same is true about comic writing. So often do readers focus on the writer, but really it may have taken them half-a-day to write the script (it seems like that for some issues these days) but then the artist may spend two 40 hour weeks drawing that script. Then the inkers and letterers step in. Comic book and tv writing are inherently team sports. This is where the notion of the prima donna comes in. There are dozens to hundreds working on a show, spending their lives on it, but the writer says “Look at me!.” Truth be told, if they wanted to be recognized for their creative content, they wouldn’t be tv writers.
The best writing in the world couldn’t save a show with a crappy set, no make up, and poor acting.
Capes & Cowls » Blog Archive » Scrubs, the interviews pt.1 (Capes & Cowls » Blog Archive » Scrubs, the interviews pt.1) says:
(Posted April 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm)
[…] back when, I talked about the Writer’s Strike through the lens of one of my favorite shows, Scrubs. While at the time I was discussing my own […]
Add your comment
the217
Sections
Buzz Magazine
Matt Knicl
My name is Matt Knicl. I'm a U of I alumn and one of those unemployed English majors Garrison Keillor likes to make fun of. I've been reading comics since high school and one day I would like to write them. My goal is to expose readers to what is out there in the world of comics and using my English powers, show what is worth reading or not. I can be reached at buzz.comics@gmail.com.
duckie (duckie) says:
(Posted December 12th, 2007 at 2:39 am)
Hey Matt. I think the fact that you are calling people who work harder than most of those half wit actors they work for selfish and greedy is beyond any rational thought. Question: When you think of your favorite shows do you even remember how a characters makeup looked or what chair they sat on unless it was a dominant trait in that character? I’m guessing unless you’re really anal, you mostly remember the witty banter and realistic aspects that made you identify with that character. Well guess what the writers were responsible for that and not only that, but they create the characters that inspire make up, wardrobe and set design if not writing it into the scripts for those designers.
Nothing about wanting sufficient pay for a job well done is selfish. Hopefully, with the success of this strike other creative people have the courage to stand up for their rights and stop letting these actors and directors walk away with all the money in their pockets.