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TUESDAY UPDATE: Give me until Wednesday or Thursday to get rid of this horrible flu, coughing, etc.
Thank you for the kind words during these last days and throughout the strike. I tried to do my best, even though it made me a pain in the butt to both the moguls and the WGA leadership at times. I'll be emptying my emails and notebooks over the next few days for some final reporting and analysis, so send along any details, photos, YouTube video links and other information you think I should have. But, most of all, I can't wait to report that everyone is back at work and that Hollywood has returned to what passes for normal. Please keep giving me your trust and your tips.
P.S. Congrats to comedienne Rachel Dratch for doing such a dead-on impression of me coughing and blurting out news that it made everyone at the WGA East awards laugh. But I do hope SNL writer Seth Meyers' prophesy to Rachel that night doesn't come to pass: "I don't know how to tell you this, Nikki, but the reason we brought you up here is that we wanted to let you know that if indeed the strike is over, none of us are ever going to go to your website again."
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Thanks for keeping us in the know. I have to admit I religiously checked DHD for updates during the past four months, but I know I’ll frequent it in the future. Keep keepin it real, Nikki…
Nikki,
Your whole strike coverage thing was a real trip.
I truly dug reading this blog the past few months.
The exclusives, the snarky rhetoric, the shills, the leaks, the slants, the bombast, the caption contests, the dramatic illnesses, the cheesy strike agitprop, the second guessing, the questionable experts, the sob stories, the BTL bitterness, the SCAB!-screamers, the hardliner trolls and even the occassional Gavin Palone post kept the mix interesting.
I’ll still check in weekly, but it’s back to work for now…
Thank you.
I could say that you will always have Robert Shaye, the gift that keeps on giving, but even he is on the way out.
Well, I wouldn’t worry, there’s always the potential for a SAG strike, and someone will most likely take over Bob Shaye’s place as a cautionary example.
Thank you for all the hard work you did. You were the person to read! Let’s hope everyone in Hollywood is working soon.
Ann
“…if indeed the strike is over, none of us are ever going to go to your website again.”
Well, I for one will keep on reading.
Good job during the strike Nikki.
- Richard
Don’t worry, Nikki, DHD now has a permanent place on this writer’s Firefox bookmarks toolbar.
Nikki, rest assured that your site has earned a permanent home both in the history books and in my bookmarks toolbar. It will oft be visited by me well after this strike is resolved. You are and have been the source for amazing insight into what’s happening behind the proverbial curtain.
Speaking of which, any chance you can figure out what exactly is up with today’s announcement of the Fox/Warners lawsuit about “Watchmen”?
Nikki-never fear–if anyone else is like me, they’ll be hitting your website out of sentimental attachment, if not reflexive force of habit, for a long time to come. My browser almost defaulted to DHD as its home page through sheer repetition. Besides–if today truly marked the end of Hollywood greed, deception and chicanery, I might agree with Meyers. But sadly, we’ll be needing your talents for the indefinite future…
You’ve earned my trust, Nikki. Your coverage has been stellar and you’ve earned your industry-wide attention. What errors you made were inconsequential compared to the sloppy reporting observed many times in the mainstream press. Way to go.
If I were a WGA member, I’d be really angry. This site and that other site both do final strike postings before the strike is officially over. WGA asks people to strike then bullies those who don’t agree with the settlement into voting yes. The WGA was on the side of right. Now both sides just look corrupt.
We love you Nikki.
Thank you for all you do.
Thanks Nikki for all your posts. You’re in my” Bookmarks” on my computer, and there you will stay. Since the strike is over, I will now read your posts in a calm, adult- like manner. No more frantic checking every 10 minutes for updates, as I down massive amounts of coffee and swing from the roof tops, screaming at the top of my lungs.
To all the WGA: I wish you all the best in the world. Can’t wait to see the writers and crew on my show.
LOL to all
Nikki,
I for one just found your web site in the early days of the strike, it was recommended on a board I visit as one of sites to visit for unbias, truthful, and up to date information. I will continue to visit daily. Thank you ever so much
Will someone please create and post a login for that Rachal Dratch video? It’s on the LATimes website and they annoying require a login.
Nikki,
I came way before the strike and I’ll keep coming after because yours is the best inside hollywood coverage I’ve ever seen. I enjoy your unco-opted vantage point. You’re one of the only voices not handing out B.S. company lines. Keep it up. And thanks for all your fair coverage during the strike. You were our lifeline.
Ah that Seth such a jokester, I think you’ve earned the trust of so many and many will be back here in droves. I know a lot of people that were upset with the trades, etc. during this time and many canceled their subscriptions to a certain publication. I don’t think anyone will be canceling their bookmarks to this website, it’s proved far to valueable an information source to both moguls and writers. It sounds lame but seriously congrats on your hard work. It’s obvious you’ve been working your ass off for the good of the community at large.
Ah, yes, Nik – what would the end of strike reporting be without you giving a shout out to someone talking about you – after all that is why we all went out, isn’t it, to get your name out there and sorry, but Seth Myers was right: just as you were in it to make a name for yourself, I came to your site for a little bit of news and a lot of comedy during the strike, no reason to visit anymore.
Thank YOU, Nikki, for always keeping us informed with breaking strike news…moreso than any other media outlet anywhere else. Your diligence is deeply appreciated.
“But I do hope SNL writer Seth Meyers’ prophesy that night doesn’t come to pass…”
Nah. Especially with Mark Lisanti taking off somewhere; where else am I gonna get my daily dose of poetic snark and smarm and titty-twisting?
Nikki,
Thanks so much for all the highly informative and detailed updates before and throughout the WGA strike. You were such a valuable source of information when information was often very hard to come by.
I hope you’re feeling better these days!
Just wanted to say THANKS for being the one source out there that we could count on for keeping us updated and telling it like it is!
Nikki,
Thanks so much for all the hours you put in and for (mostly) being a clear voice in a world of disinformation. The WGA made history through their actions and you are firmly a part of that history.
And Seth Meyers is only right in that less of us will be coming here so regularly, but a lot more will be visiting overall. Our moment of crisis has passed so of course we won’t be checking in every hour like we have for months (especially that first month.)
But the SAG negotiations are around the corner, and while I hope they’ll be less dramatic, I’m sure the entire city will be coming here first for the scoop.
Again, thanks for all your hard work, Nikki. When it seemed the whole world was against us, you were there for writers, your heart always in the right place, and it won’t be forgotten.
And with Johnny Grant having passed away, how about Nikki Finke for Honorary Mayor of Hollywood?
Hey, I read your site before, and I’ll read it after! Thanks for turning on the comments. It helped a lot of us vent during the “situation.” See you all in three short years!
Thank you thank you thank you.
As for coming back to your web site — this year I wasn’t the only one who noticed that you had the pilot pick up news way ahead of anyone else. I wouldn’t worry about losing us.
Your coverage of the strike shamed outlets such as the NYT and LAT, not to mention the Guild itself. It there is a medal, you get it! Amazing work!
Hi Nikki,
Two questions I’d like to see addressed, if possible:
1. Where can I go to read an overview of this whole nasty strike? Are there any books in the works? I’m really interested in seeing a summation of everything that happened, including the after effects.
2. Whatever happened to Nick Counter? I haven’t seen his name in print in a long time. Did he screw up as badly as I think he did?
Thanks,
Jared
Hi Nikki. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Your website has been a lifeline, and I look forward to reading it every day from now on, for all the most accurate news.
God Bless you Nikki,
Raging against the machine sure ain’t easy. Thank you ever so much for your tireless efforts…
Love and Kisses,
PJ
What… no EXIT POLLS?
Thanks Nikki. And unlike Seth, I’m keeping your site bookmarked not just because of your quality work, but because SAG/AMPTP negotiations are coming soon.
I didn’t know about your site before, but now it’s part of my morning routine. I will definitely keep reading your column.
Thanks for everything!
I’m still here, and will continue to read your work daily. I’m not involved with Hollywood at all, and to be honest, I’m just a broke law student who loves watching television and movies, but I know fine journalism when I see it, and tag, you’re it!
Thanks Nikki for your tireless effort during the last four months. Not only did you provide a counterpoint to Variety but you opened up a forum where many different voices could be heard. I don’t think anybody “won”, but it sure feels like a small victory to get back to work and I wish everyone success in ‘08.
I am so happy the strike is over but I will miss your tireless reporting. Many thanks from the bottom of this girl’s heart. I hope you are feeling better.
Wow….no comments 12 hours after the post. Looks like the very vocal striking writers have absolutely nothing to say now. Are you all going back to your Variety reading already?
I for one will keep reading your site long after it is over, so don’t worry.
Well, thank God this mess is over. Nikki, although I thought you were WAY to pro-WGA and had a few too many “toldja’s”, I think I speak for a lot of folks to say that you were a tremendous asset during this troubling time.
However, I think you owe an apology to Patrick Goldstein at the LA Times, who gave you some props today in his column.
Lastly, for all the information you gave us, I feel that the best and most interesting article of all regarding this strike was on the front page of today’s Times.
Thanks for all of your posts…hopefully we won’t be needing your services when SAG starts to bargain.
And thanks to you, too, Nikki. You’ve been my main source for news during the entire strike, and without your reports I would have had to just make stuff up when people asked me if I’d heard anything. So I guess by extension all the people who don’t think the AMPTP are alien vampires and the WGA are hot Martian women thank you to, even if they don’t realize it.
Good show, Nikki. Whether in LA or on the road, whether you were under the weather or feeling fine, it was great to have your insight during a very tough time. Looking forward to more.
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for all the great reporting during this tough time for the industry. It was a daily habit for me as I’m sure it was for others checking your site for the slightest bit of information regarding the strike. Sometimes the info led to the detriment of the strike as in the case of some of the leaks but that comes with the territory. For the most part this site was about giving us hope through information we often couldn’t find anywhere else. I probably won’t be checking DHD as religiously as before but will definitely do so from time to time.
Keep up the good work,
Dennis
Hey Alec, don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out… you won’t be missed.
Thank you all the way from Canada for your great reporting, Nikki. You did a great job and I’ll continuing to visit long after the strike — the Tolkien stuff has me intrigued at the very least.
Thanks again!
P.S. Lurker, the comments are moderated so new ones don’t get posted publicly until they’ve been approved by the blog administrator.
WE LOVE YOU NIKKI!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic work, Nikki.
You were (and are) a consistent voice of honesty and integrity during this whole thing – qualities, I assure you, are not taken for granted, not in journalism, not anywhere. Thank you so much for your tremendous effort. And for all of us, including yourself, keep it up!
Nikki,
Thanks for doing such an awesome job during the strike. I really appreciate it (as I know a lot of other people do) for all you did during the strike. Your reporting kept me highly informed on the in’s and out’s of what was really happening. I am one of those people that will be soon returning to work and can’t wait.
Hi NF.
Luv ya. Keep on Keepin on. I bookmarked you to favorites. Strike over.. I will keep on checkin on to DDH. Take care and thanks for all you do. I know it must be a huge pain in the ass.
-Eugene
See ya in June!
Much love to you Nikki–you are a gem. I don’t know what I would have done without your updates over the past couple months. Thanks so much for your hard work and great reporting!
Deadline Hollywood Daily was a must-read entertainment business web site before the strike and will continue to be afterwards. Newcomers are only beginning to learn about what makes some of the execs and agents cringe on Mondays.
I’m not thanking you for your strike coverage. I think it’s more important to thank you for the business coverage you’ve provided before the strike and your continuing L.A. coverage afterwards.
Your strike coverage was just more of the same excellent work that you have always delivered.
Thanks.
Good news Nikki, we managed to add the “Finke $1 Per Click Residual Rate” to the final WGA/AMPTP contract so you will be getting retroactively via PayPal $1 for every single time anyone ever looked at this site over the last three months. This adds up to $8,493,627 all for you. You can now retire to Tahiti if you want and continue reporting on showbiz from there.
I’ve been reading DHD since last year’s upfronts, followed it through Kevin Reilly’s firing, format wars, torture porn controversy, Kid Nation and right through the stellar strike coverage. Rest assured that strike or no strike, Nikki’s got the straight dope. Great work Nikki, glad to see digital and traditional media lining up behind each other to begrudgingly give you your dues. Just do us a favor and keep them under the gun. I know I’ll be reading.
I “found” DHD the night the WGA voted to strike and have been visiting the site daily (at bare minimum) ever since, and I see no reason to stop now.
Thanks, Nikki! I hope you are recovering your health and getting some well-earned rest.
Love you, Nikki! I am so glad I found this place and so grateful to have you updating us and letting us know what is going on when the big media’s played shills for the studios and said nada or the studio spin! I’m just a viewer, trying to find out what was going on with this whole thing, and I deeply appreciated coming here every week, almost every day, to find out the latest! Thank you so much for all of your hard work, and I hope your health finally improves!
Well… congrats to all!
WGA Writer
Thank you so much for your reporting, Nikki. Thanks for sticking up for the little guy, while still telling it like it is. I like your style, so I for one will be back to hear your take on things.
Nikki, you rocked, and I will still check in from time to time. Maybe we can setup a donation fund to buy you cold medicine for the next couple of years…a residual Nikki anti-illness package.
Dearest Nikki,
Thank you for having a forum where Gavin Palone and I could meet. If he ever goes through with the “operation” and we have a child, I promise to name her–or him–Nikki.
Be well. You remain on my internet favorites list.
–Jorge Reyes
Thanks for all your hard work Nikki! Now put down the laptop, grab a mug of tea with lemon and go back to bed. When you’re over this flu…. go on a real vacation.
Nikki,
I first read your stuff when it was linked by Drudge, the week that the strike was about to begin. I continued to read your reports throughout the strike, including during a vacation to LA. I began to have grandiose dreams of being a part of this crazy industry. And now, today, as the strike ends, I’ve moved cross-country and just finished my second day of work at one of the major studios, full immersed in the industry I’ve been passionate about since I was a child. Your writing played a role in my story.
Congratulations to you and to the writers, who are now able to resume doing what -they- love most.
I was visiting long before the strike (you can thank Drudge for that) and I’ll be here after.
Let’s get back to some box office news!
You have a damn good blog, and a great personality. I’ll definitely keep reading your blog. Good work!
Nikki,
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in keeping us all informed. Yours was the only news source about the strike deserving of any credulity at all.
Now that the strike is over, please please PLEASE think about taking a sabbatical in order to rest, relax, and (most importantly) get your health back. You’ve gone far above and beyond the call of duty and have done a job that us mere mortals can only envy. Now it’s time to reward yourself. You certainly deserve it.
Thanks for the great work. Just because I don’t need to visit your site for strike news doesn’t mean I’ll scratch it off my list of sites to view. Maybe I’ll view it less, since the end of the strike means a lot less news to report here, but I’ll still look regularly.
Thank you for all your coverage over the last few months.
Thanks for your hard work. I am a below the line worker who was sympathetic to the WGA and I’m very happy that the strike is over. It was pretty rough but I feel stronger having survived.
You asked for pictures. I’ve recently posted a gallery of pics from an early November march down Hollywood: Boulevard:
Writers March Flickr set
I’m sticking around and like others I have a certain morning routine
TV Tatte, TV Squad, Cinematical, TV Eh? and now DHD
As another Canadian peripheral film worker your page has been a lifeline through this whole mess