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A screenwriting and television writing professor at Emerson College tells me that the strike is giving film school students "much food for thought". Sounds more like E-coli to me. That's because "as every day passes, many of them are quite cognizant of the creative and economic opportunities the strike might afford them personally," the instuctor says. "My students have asked me questions ranging from 'How do I cross the picket line when my internship requires me to be at work but my sympathies are with the writers?' to 'How do I get my material read so I can get hired while the writers are on strike?'" I'm also told by other sources that the USC film writing students are warned by professors not to scab or use pickets for networking. Yet many opportunistic students are attempting both ("luckily, not the talented ones"). All I can say is, What little shits.
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And the magazine Creative Screenwriting is actively encouraging writers to write during the strike. The UCLA profs have it right, scabbing yourself is no way to break into a collaborative career in film or TV production.
Agreed. But the students do bring up a good point re: internships. I’m studying film/tv at NYU and I’m relying on internships for learning and work experience. With the strike going on, how else can I go about getting experience?
Well, Kenny, if you’re relying on internships for learning and work experience, I’m relying on work for paying the bills and advancing my career. Right now, you can’t get experience. I can’t get work. Welcome to the labor movement. We’re all hurting — you’re out some experience, and I’m out a mortgage payment.
“With the strike going on, how else can I go about getting experience?”
Uhm, Kenny, with a talent strike on, YOU DON’T.
I would have thought that the “food for thought” from the strike would have been this: if you want to be a writer, don’t bother with Hollywood, cuz you ain’t valued here. That seems to be the overall lesson.
I’m WGAE and a few of my writer friends have been giving me praise for standing up against the AMPTP, sticking it to the man, going for our fair share, etc… then, shockingly, the next words out of their mouth are, “do you think I can get a job more easily now that you guys are all on strike?” It devastates me that they actually have the balls to ask someone who is guild this question and not realize how horrific it is.
Putting it simply, scabs make Baby Jesus cry.
I fully agree about scabbing, but I don’t see the problem with going out to join the picket line. The writers’ strike is for the future of the industry. People who hope to be part of that future should help out too, in my opinion. How is that mercenary?
Scabbing for a guild you hope to be a part of one day is shameful and short-sighted. But I see no reason not to join the cause and support your favorite writers (or your least favorite writers). They are all more than happy to talk to anyone who joins them on the picket lines.
I teach film writing at USC and have gotten these same questions. I have told my students that they should go to their internships, but should make a point of stopping to explain to the strikers on the line why they’re entering the studio/network, maybe go early or stay late and walk the line, bring those ubiquitous baked goods, and otherwise show their support.
(Believe me, those of us on the line do realize that hundreds of people need to cross the line to go to work and we sympathize with them. We wish we could go into the studio to work too, and we will do so the minute the companies have presented an offer fair enough for us to agree to.)
I have also told my class that any of my students who scab (proved) gets an F for the semester.
““With the strike going on, how else can I go about getting experience?”
Uhm, Kenny, with a talent strike on, YOU DON’T.
Comment by WrteStufLA — November 9, 2007 @ 3:06 am
”
Oh my God, you killed Kenny! You Bastards!
Sounds to me like that professor should be out of a job, because if he advises his students to take advantage of this strike, then he is teaching them how to ruin their future careers. Not the kind of thing you should be teaching your students.
In answer to Walk the Line up above, there is nothing wrong with encouraging developing writers to keep writing. The strike does not prohibit people from writing. I know plenty of WGA writers who will continue writing specs during the strike. It simply prohibits people from submitting those scripts to struck companies, or working on projects for them.
As an Emerson graduate I am disgusted. I can only hope this represents the minority of students.
I posted this point elsewhere but I’ll say it again:
If you complain about non-union scab writers taking your jobs during this strike (and you should), then you’d better not be applying for ’story producer’ jobs on all the non-Guild reality shows that’ll be cropping up soon.
I’ve worked on three reality show in the past six years and EVERY one had WGA members working on them for the same lousy pay I got.
As an Emerson College graduate, I am disgusted and I have just one thing to say: Don’t look to me, Kid, to donate the money I earn writing to your scholarship fund. Maybe when you have to work for your money you’ll understand why this is so important.
I’m a film student and an aspiring screenwriter who supports the strike 100%. I’m astonished there are students out there failing to grasp why the strike is happening and how it affects them. As far as I’m concerned, writers, fans and future-writers are all as one. My only regret is I’m in London so I can’t join the picket lines.
has anyone else has been approached by a studio executive in regards to going on a strike breaker list? i got a call a few weeks before the strike about going on the list. i refused, but i wonder if there really is a list.
As someone who’s already been asked — in a roundabout way — to scab (and yes, I turned them down), the idea that film students and kids new to LA and NYC are going to be courted by unscrupulous producers is an easy one to grasp. I am sure that few of them are aware of the possible repercussions and are naive enough to take producers at their word. The WGA needs to talk to the heads of all the local schools — at least in LA (USC, UCLA, LMU, AFI, etc.) — and make sure that the word gets out that this could really come back to bite them in the ass. If these students are as naive as I was when I first moved to LA — and as arrogant — they’re easy pickin’s for the predatory.
Here’s how the youngsters can respect the strike and still build their careers – join the picket line. It’s a great opportunity to shmooze potential future employers/mentors and make valuable connections for when the strike is over.
It’s nice to know that my alma mater’s late leaning towards annoying money-laden kids is going to just really help my resume a ton after this is all over. Thanks, you opportunistic jerks.
Scab writers are to the WGA as mob doctors are to the AMA.
Scab writers seek opportunities during strikes, because they can’t compete based on their ABILITY. Their only talent is their availABILITY.
It’s bizarre that the same people who call themselves conservatives or supporters of the free market and claim a union protects its members from having to compete based on quality are also the same people that would encourage scab writers who can’t compete based on quality when there isn’t a strike.
I’m a recent USC grad, not yet a Guild member, who went to the picket lines for one reason – to support the collective of writers that I hope to be a part of someday. I wasn’t asking for business cards, or even last names for that matter. The mood on the picket line seemed to be that everyone is equal and fighting for the same ideas.
So I don’t want people to get the idea from this blog that USC students going to support the picket lines are necessarily “opportunistic” or “little shits.” We’re fighting for our futures, too.
@ Kenny -
As long as your internship doesn’t require you writing scripts (or working with Scab writers) keep going. You aren’t in a union and you’re not undermining them by answering phones or whatever your internship has you doing.
A lot of us who work in Development are very sympathetic and supportive of the writers, but would get fired very quickly if we refused to show for work as a show of solidarity. (There’s no develompent guild to protect us).
Wish them luck, buy them some donuts, and go to your internship. It’s part of your education.
>>>”What little shits”<<<<
Seriously? Seriously????
Tisk…tisk, Nikki!
In my opinion, those “little shits” are going to save this damn industry. We know it, and the reason we want “in” (aka scab) is because some folks in H-town think they’re doing a good job. As a recent Emerson grad, I’ve seen this Hollywood catastrophe on the horizon for the past 5 years! Why do you think I’m here now!? Why do you think all of my friends are here NOW in force!? Why do all of you millionaire writers, directors, producer, think you’re so smart? Well, stop and think! Isn’t this the obvious channel for new blood to enter Hollywood.
I bet the thought never occurred to ask those “little shits”, who btw were posting videos on youtube before they knew to sell us out to Google, what the New Deal is? Have we not grown up with Internet and new media our entire lives?
But noooo, you stick us in little cramp offices, you pay us shit, and then steal our ideas right from under us (then, feed us the line: “It’s all about paying your dues, kid.”) Yeah, that’s really fair! Everyone wants “fair”, but no one is willing to point the finger at themselves first. When this Internet/new media battle hits the fan, and us poor little scabs with no mortgages, private school bills, or hummers… seem to be doing alright with the strike….
Yeah, I feel really bad.
You know some of us want to do this the right way. But I guess in the eyes of others it easier to look at something new and call it shit. You know, I can hear you writers out side the studio now.
P.S. We don’t want to scab, we want to work.
Flame away —
Gen Y – Wannabe
I’m wondering how does the average person who is watching/reading this and lives in the LA area and understands that this is a bigger concern in the entire labor movement, how to help and support the writer’s efforts. If you look to the recent labor negotitations in the LA area alone: supermarket workers, public enforcement, Longshoremen, hotel workers et al., then you have to look to how the “trickling effect” is not working and this is a sign of the times and of things to come and thus a fight all should likewise be concerned.
I’m a screenwriting student at USC. It’s a tiny program, and I know not a single student who has expressed interest in scab writing. I do however, know of many trips planned in the coming week to join the picket line with snacks, etc. As for internships, especially the paid ones: if the WGA strike fund is going to pay my rent and school fees during the strike, then I’d be happy to quit. Give me a break.
I’m an Emerson alumna and that’s quite disappointing. They don’t seem to understand the whole point.
Gen Y –
With spelling and grammar skills like yours, it’s hard to imagine why you’d have a hard time getting legitimate writing work.
/ sarcasm off
Just wanted to say that I support the writers 100%.
More importantly, as someone who’s been working hard for the past 4 years hoping to one day work for television, I am hoping the strike resolves as soon, and as amicably, as possible.
With all the “he said, she said” BS coming from both sides, I’m hoping they’re aware of the viewers and the young students (all of them) they are impacting.
Gen Y – your message was a bit splashy and I take issue with some of your points, but I agree on one point:
I’d just like to say that I’ve been turning to the internet for content since 2002 (out of necessity). And the studios and networks were quite aware of it, since I’ve received a few threatening letters from them myself.
Thing is, I think the networks and the studios saw the new media wave coming, but rather than address the issue years ago, they’ve only tried postponing it for as long as possible.
So- why not work with us instead of blaming us?
this blog is SUCH a shill for the WGA it’s frankly pathetic. They are equally as sleazy as the producers. Stop equating them with ‘the labor movement’
The labor movement was factory workers being forced to work at the age of 14 for 17 hours a day for $2 an hour. This is about getting an extra couple hundred of bucks for crap being showed on NBC.com. Wake the ‘F’ up, morons.
I will 100% guarantee you that at least 10 writers will make their careers when they cross the picket lines. It happens every time this crap happens. Hollywood is a dog eat dog cut throat business very much unlike Los Angeles in general which is pretty laid back.
It sucks but it’s reality.
All of this ‘oh the poor writers’ crap is getting old. THEY left the negotiating table. THEY did. Now HUNDREDS of people who make a fraction of a fraction of what they make, normally serving their needs on set, are out of a job and applying for work at Ralph’s.
Again, the producers aren’t blameless. They need to be more flexible with the royalties but it was the writers who decided they would cut off their nose to spite their face.
This strike is about a bunch of selfish rich people suing even richer people.
Do the writers deserve royalties from ‘new media’ work that they do? Sure. The sum yearly total most would see? $200. Internet broadcasting isn’t HUGE business just yet. Basically, this strike is forcing 10,000+ support staff out of work so these 2 sets of losers can quibble over $200. Bravo. Well done.
Ah, Gen Y … I remember my angry youth as well. Quite a motivator.
I just had to chuckle that the lead line for your rant: “Seriously? Seriously????” Is another example of a WGA writer (those “some folks in H-town” who “think they’re doing a good job”), whose words for a hit show (Gray’s Anatomy) became a cultural catchphrase.
We all borrow from each other, and we’re all in this together. Best of luck with your future career. Seriously.
I think you miss the point completely Gen. The writers who are striking are doing it to improve YOUR future in this industry. Yes its true, you, like me are the future of this industry. But how are we helping ourselves but taking the rug out from underneath us?? This is not an issue of lack of creativity, its an issue of fair compensation.
For the record, just because you can sell a script when everybody else in town isn’t working doesn’t make that script good. It doesn’t make you a bona fide writer either…it makes you an asshole.
I am a recent Emerson alumni and this disgusts me. I am ashamed that I graduated from Emerson and I will never give a dime back.
Amen for your posts Nikki…bring on the powerhouse agents as well as the JJ Abrams/Peter Jacksons/Stephen Speilbergs to bring this strike to an end.
Hopefully I’ll still be working with you all when the dust settles.
I have a friend who is a writer and was very success but then hard times happen during the last strike when he was working so hard to get his feet back in the door with his script he written…blam the strike.
So one day WGA came by and asked my friend if he was going to cross the picket line and he said no. After they left I’d asked him why not and he said…once the strike is over those who crossed the line will be reported to the guild by the same people they’d worked with and for….nobody likes a scab.
Another USC writing student here. I really want to go to the picket line, and not to shmooze or network — that’s disgusting. I want to go because I support the writers, and because what they’re doing out there is going to hopefully make a better future for aspiring writers like me, and I’m really grateful for that. Plus, all my favorite writers in one freakin’ place! Sorry, fangirl moment.
Journalism typically ranks somewhere between used car salesman and media mogul on the list of public trust. But as a former journalist, I must say there was a lot more ethical thinking in that field than in screenwriting, if these students represent the future. And to think they’re closeted in the ivory tower of education, where one really has the freedom to act ethically without regard to things like mortgage payments. I guess our institutions of higher learning are becoming (or perhaps have already become) little more than soulless trade schools.
For those who may be listening: You do not report to your internships if you hope to have a career that includes the Writers Guild. You do not try to steal our jobs. You wipe the saliva of desire off your lips with the back of your hand and spend a minute wondering what you’ll do when you are a working writer and the right time to lay down your pencil has arrived.
Roger S. H. Schulman
http://scriptwriting.blogspot.com
Too bad for the little shits — the WGA’s Strike Rules Compliance Committee (otherwise known as the Scab Killers) is up and running. I encourage anyone with info on scabs to call the Scab Tip Hotline — and coming soon! — you’ll be able to fill out a lovely discreet form online.
Not that it matters, but I’m currently a non-union screenwriter. I’m planning on joining someday. I’ve been working with just one television producer for the past year. She’s my only contact in the business, so far. I’ve written four movies of the week for her, all of them have been produced and made it to air on cable channels like Lifetime. I’ve been more than pleased with our working relationship. She’s given me a terrific opportunity to write the kinds of scripts I’ve always wanted to write, and the words are flowing faster than I thought possible. I’m pleased with my contacts and fee, get paid right on time, and receive nothing but respect on each project. I’ve finally managed to climb out of debt with the money I’ve made working with ___ these past twelve months. I love my job, for the first time in my life. I have a husband and two children.
I’m not calling my producer’s office for the next script assignment, but what do I do when the phone rings and it’s her asking me if I want to write the next project? Oh yeah… I’m supposed to say ‘no.’ I wonder what color my next parachute will be?
After the petty bickering and personality clashes I’ve been reading about from both sides in the negotiation rooms, I’m more pissed than ever that I can’t work while you folks sort your contracts out. Get someone into that negotiating room who knows what they’re doing. The men you’ve chosen to do the talking suck at it. Replace them with someone better fit to deal with the producers. Shave your demands on DVD residual increases by one % point. Ask for the same amount in downloads. If it was up to me, I’d say forget about the online ‘promo’ issue. Personally, I don’t think it’s crucial at this moment. Take the producers nonsensical three year examination of the new media potential, with some kind of stipulation that a new residual formula must be established at the conclusion of the study.
The producers are greedy assholes. They are bloated and corrupt. They lie repeatedly. They have no argument. I’ve yet to hear anything from their side that sounds makes sense. So why can’t the WGA’s best minds come up with a way to drag them into a non-partial setting and turn their own contradictory words against them?
Bring in the AGENTS to deal with this fiasco, please! I still don’t have one yet but hope to one day, once you guys fix your business out. I hear they’re supposed to be good at talking things out and making deals.
Now go ahead and point out all the grammar errors and mistakes I’ve made that render my opinion meaningless. I could use the laughs while I’m on forced vacation.
Preach it. Pete and his minions are a bunch of hacks.
First of all, students are not ensconced in some “ivory tower” at least not grad students (well, maybe undergrads at USC). The rest of us have bills to pay, including mortgages.
UCLA is very clear about what it expects of its students: no scabbing and are united on that front.
Solidarity!
But — ashley — to advocate some sort of tip line like that is absolutely horrendous. That’s akin to Nazi Germany or Stalinism. If someone scabs it will hurt them enough on their own. Besides, do you not see the potential for abuse, misuse, people could report anyone they want, regardless of the truth? It’s like the McCarthy era all over again.
As a UCLA MFA Screenwriter myself, let me assure you that ashleyyouscareme is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. UCLA MFA students are united in their support of the WGA.
In fact, a MAJORITY of the MFA Screenwriters from the UCLA program have been marching on the picket lines DAILY to show that support! We know that the WGA is not only protecting current members–but the future members as well. Our collective futures are being negotiated and we FULLY SUPPORT the WGA’s efforts. You WILL see us walking the line with the WGA every week until this strike is over.
Let me make this 100% clear:
UCLA SCRIBES WILL NOT SCAB!
Let me second what my fellow Bruin Scribes have said:
We are not planning to head down to the lines, we have been down on the lines. We are not bringing baked goods, we are carrying signs. We are not visiting, we are walking full shifts.
UCLA MFA Screenwriting students will be on those lines until this is resolved. This fight will have a profound impact on our lives and careers as well. That was made abundantly clear in our classrooms BEFORE the strike started.
Many of our Professors are strike captains. Some of our fellow students are WGA members. We are well informed and solely dedicated to the cause of working writers and a fair contract. There are no scabs in Westwood. Richard Walter and every Bruin Scribe to graduate North Campus wouldn’t stand for it; and we, the current students, wouldn’t either.
My writing partner and I live in Dallas and somehow managed to score big time LA/NY management. Still not sure how it happened when you live in Texas cuz “everyone” thinks you have to live in LA to be a “good writer.” We aren’t members of the WGA since we’re first time writers. Anyhoo – we were working on a deal with a company BEFORE the strike hit since back in September when they first got the script and we got notes back. The company is getting our final draft on Wed. If this thing gets optioned – am I now supposed to tell them “No” because the strike? Am I supposed to feel guilty? Puh-leeze. Been busting my ass on this screenplay for so long. It is my dream to get this going. There’s no way you could call us “scabs” or “little shits.” Whatever.
I’m a current Emerson student, and I’m appalled at that professor’s statements. I know many aspiring screenwriters (as well as being one myself), and we all support the writers. Most people I know have gone to the picket lines to support the guild. We consider scabs the lowest of the low, and we certainly wouldn’t become one. To the Emerson alums who decided to lash out at Emerson because of one professor’s statements (probably a bitter, failed screenwriter): you should be ashamed of yourselves. Is it fair to punish thousands because of one? Show some support. For the writers and the Emerson students who want to help their cause.
That quote from an Emerson professor is very misleading. I’m an Emerson Student currently in the LA program and pursuing a career in TV writing. The strike is definitely a very hot topic among everyone out here and especially my peers in writing.
But I have yet to hear ANY student discuss scabbing. In fact, the conversations immediately move towards how to support the strikers and how to avoid any action that could be interpreted as scab behavior.
If anything, Emerson students have been strong, strong supporters of the strike. The day after the strike, every member of my writing class was filled with questions about how to support their fellow writers.
We understand how this strike is ensuring our own careers as future writers and how important it is on a wider scale for the industry. I would just hate for the Emerson student body (or film students in general) to be characterized from a single quote from one misled student.
I am a current Emerson student, and today was the second day I’ve taken a four hour shift out on the picket lines here in LA. My internship is unaffected by the strike, but as a (hopefully) future member of the guild, I feel I owe it to the writers to show my support. I am not alone, nor am I the only current Emerson student who has been out on the lines to show support. It makes me sad to see so many people assuming that because students want information about what they can and can’t do, the assumption that all of us are looking to scab and take advantage is being made. Some students may be that opportunistic, but the majority of us are not.
I want to thank the WGA writers, encourage them to stay strong, and offer my continued support. I appreciate it more than I can say, and will continue to volunteer my time out on the lines whenever I can.
As an emerson student i support the strike.
This professor was talking about a discussion that took place in a class when a WGA strike captain served as a guest speaker. Many questions and comments were voiced in the class in the spirit of young students trying to figure out the issues at hand. This professor does not speak for the official policy of the Emerson LA Center but is merely bringing up issues that came up in class.
I want to register my strong protest to Ms. Finke who has wrongfully characterized the Emerson LA students with a profanity. In fact, Emerson LA students and alums have earned an excellent reputation in the various fields of the entertainment industry in which they have chosen to intern and eventually work.
This statement was sent to all Emerson LA faculty and students and was sent last week prior to this blog entry. It was drafted by Emerson LA in communication with Patric Verrone, WGA-West President, and representatives from the USC and UCLA screenwriting programs.
**************************
As I hope everyone is aware, there is currently a WGA strike occurring in Los Angeles and New York City. While certainly none of you planned on participating in your L.A. internship during a Guild strike, you should be aware that labor/management issues are facts of life in the entertainment industry. We encourage you to study the issues and inform yourselves about the history that resulted in this current work action. Being informed about these issues will help you with your future plans especially if you hope to work in the entertainment industry after graduation.
For those students who have aspirations to be creative writers in the entertainment industry, I must ask you to pay special attention to the current strike. Some of you may have actual opportunities to submit written work for possible production during this time. While it may be an exciting opportunity for you, please consider the long-term consequences of this choice. The WGA has issued stern warnings to both its members and non-members about submitting written creative material during the work action. The WGA looks very negatively upon this choice and will make it virtually impossible for anyone who does this to join the Guild in the future. We here at Emerson LA do not want to stop you from pursuing your goals to be a writer. However, we do want you to make informed, wise choices that will not compromise your future career.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT:
When I sent my email to Nikki Finke, alerting her to the particular situation film school students face, in regards to the strike, my intention was to bring attention to the moral and ethical dilemma facing students before their careers have even officially started and I was curious how other film school teachers were handling the situation. This was a story the students and I were facing together and since I hadn’t seen it written about elsewhere, I thought Ms. Finke would like to investigate. Since their comments and mine have been taken out of context, I think it’s appropriate to provide some back story here.
Last week, a strike captain from the WGA was invited to my class to discuss the strike with my Emerson students (and any other interested faculty and students) so that the they could become familiar with the issues, negotiations, the strike and most importantly, what it means to for them and their futures.
Having never been faced with union issues before, many students had questions. Their queries reflected sympathy, curiosity and ettiquette, rather than opportunistic exploitation. Hence: “How do I cross a picket line for my internship when my sympathies lie with the strikers?” (Students must go to their internships in order to receive credit for their courses in LA.)
As the discussions became more intricate, it became evident to everyone that opportunities might come up for Emerson film school students, many of whom have terrific spec scripts, and that they might need to make moral and ethical decisions on how to proceed if they were approached by a producer, during this time period. Most of their questions reflected concerns about getting in trouble for writing while at the same time wanting to keep the momentum of their fledgling careers going.
Most students expressed their strong support for the Writers as well as their urge to join the union once they qualify. To my knowledge, none of them are working at jobs that union writers are striking against. (I suspect they are all busy writing term papers.) I suggested my students join the picket lines if they felt so inclined, so they could show support and the strike captain specifically told them to go to their internships and how they could show support when talking to the strikers.
Obviously, this is not the normal fodder of a writing class and our discussion gave both them and me “Food for thought”.
I was shocked and dismayed to see the virulent responses to Ms. Finke’s posting and to see my comments about this interesting situation liken to “E-Coli”. After all, it is appropriate, especially within a university setting, to ask questions, and and it is also reasonable that the students might be seeing opportunities for themselves as well. (And again, I emphasize, to my knowledge, no Emerson students have acted on this opportunity and NONE of them deserve the kind of nastiness that has been posted on this blog.)
When we ended class, I had the sense that the students were fully honoring the strike. Before they left, however, I told them that I was working on getting a representative from the AMPTP to come talk as well, so that both sides of the negotiations are represented. I can only imagine what the blog response to that class wil be.
I don’t know of any Emerson student who has taken the strike as an opportunity to advance their career, as this article wrongfully suggests. I was unfortunately one of the only student’s whose internship was directly affected by the strike. However, I decided to support my co-workers and complete the remainder of my internship hours on the picket line.