Witz Theoretically, But Not Consequently Pickz: The TV Writer's Strike

Hey, remember all those good shows I told you to watch the other day? Well, that might be a problem. As of November 1st, the WGA's contract ran out, and the television writers' threat to strike is becoming a reality. This would be terrible news for us tv viewing citizens of the world, but it's also not entirely uncalled for. Here's the deal:

Hollywood writers have been getting screwed for all of time-- and not in the way that the Hollywood actors and actresses have been getting screwed. They've been getting screwed out of credit and cash for years and with DVDs and iTunes sales now being bigger than ever, the WGA has decided it's time for a change. The last contract that was signed basically cut writers out of all the DVD and iTunes residuals, and they weren't happy about it. Now, as DVDs are becoming even more important than live television, and iTunes is horribly, but prevalently providing content, studios are making more money than ever and writers are seeing even more money passing through, but never into their hands. SO, they are gonna strike for the first time since 1988 until they get a reasonable offer. On the one hand, this is good, because writers completely deserve more money and it's awful how they are cut out of the profits and credit. As someone who would love to write for hollywood in the future, I'm for the strike and ultimately, getting a fairer deal. But on the other hand, this might take months to resolve and television is going to suffer.

While television shows are always written several episodes in advance, and while studios have been stockpiling scripts and shows, there is a good chance they will run out as early as January and certainly by sweeps. This means good strong shows that people like such as Heroes and Grey's Anatomy won't have new material, and struggling shows like Friday Night Lights will likely go off the air, potentially for keeps (I wonder if Coach Taylor got a paper a day early telling him the news??). It also means that reality tv (whose writers aren't under WGA contract) will become even more dominant and prevalent, and I honestly don't think I can take it. Over the weekend, while relaxing, My Brooklyn Compatriot and I watched an episode of Salt N' Pepa's reality show (cleverly entitled The Salt-N-Pepa Show), followed by an episode of America's Most Smartest Model (somehow hosted by Ben Stein who must have the most rollercoaster life/career out of anyone), and then a couple episodes of A Shot At Love with Tila Tequila-- who is a self made internet celebrity (she's got a lot of facebook friends). With full writer availability, THESE ARE THE SHOWS THAT ARE STILL ON TV. I can't imagine what will happen when more are requested. "America's Least Retarded Mentally Challenged Dog", followed by, "Decide If You'd Like The Bargain Or Would You Rather Eat Something Gross", followed by, "Goiter Love." Plus, shows like Primetime Rachel Ray might start happening. We were all confused enough when 60 Minutes was on twice and when somehow Dateline and 20/20 made it onto regular television viewing schedules, but I couldn't take something like "Al Roker Goes To Waterparks." Maybe Anthony Bourdain will somehow get the hookup and make a primetime unscripted food/travel special like No Reservations. That'd be cool.

On the plus side, sort of, internet television might get a boost. Channels like NBC and ABC already have original online content and shows only available at their sites, but they are also under the WGA. Which means other online shows such as everything on Channel101.com and my biased enjoyment of Couples Therapy, might get a boost of viewing. This won't effect the strike directly, but it might change viewership somewhat once it is resolved. The internet is pumping out some great stuff (It's Always Funny In Philadelphia won that pitch a show yourself and make it contest on FX), and this might open up opportunities for more people to get discovered (Channel101.com has been a creative breeding ground-- if ultimately an inbreeding ground-- for new talent).

So there are positives and negatives. Hopefully, this thing will get resolved quickly and television life will go on. Ideally, the writers will get a better deal. Unfortunately, with so much money and intricate financials operating in the equation, there's a good chance it will take some time. We can only wait and see...how quick it will go....who Tila Tequila chooses...who America's Most Smartest Model is (incidentally, Hollywood Steve from channel101.com's Yacht Rock, was in the episode of America's Most Smartest Model)...if Pepa will ever grow to be as together and with it as Salt is (WHO WOULDA GUESSED!).....

I'd Also Feel OK If Everyone Got Fired And I Somehow Managed To Get A Job As A Writer,
Witz (call me)