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No mainstream media outlets -- People, CNN -- even mentioned the WGA protest. And Barack Obama, though invited, did not attend the gala Atlanta event at Tyler Perry Studios. Here's who did: Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett Jr, Holly Robinson Peete, Tracey Edmonds, music mogul L.A. Reid, singer John Legend, baseball legends Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. Mary J. Blige, Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight performed. Said Tyler: "I was embarrassed by the success." He should be embarrassed by the shame.
(Photos courtesy Terence Long/WGAW)
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Why is it always the guys who need writers the most, who treat them the worst?
Methinks Tyler Perry was being penny wise, but pound foolish. These sorts of things, especially the kind of shenanigans that get you on a union shit list, are a symptom of problems that will cost him big in the future. Now while the big studios can brush them off, Perry doesn’t have a massive parent company to shelter him, yet.
I expect his company to either fold, or be absorbed by one of the big companies within 5 years. He had a chance to go beyond his own personal brand and build a truly independent media empire outside of the Hollywood system, free from the vicissitudes of riding a hot streak (because they never last), and I think he just blew it.
And did I just use the term “methinks” and “vicissitudes?” When did I start talking like a 19th century academic?
Perry’s fortunes are secure. The turning point for him will be if this union situation escalates and he becomes a pariah around town just when he’s started to get some legitimacy. I just read the article on People about the studio premiere and it would be a shame if Tyler’s penny pinching embarrass the people who are out there celebrating tonight. There is no reason an African-American owned studio isn’t union. Do the right thing Tyler. Go union.
All while he was busy celebrating the opening of his Atlanta studio with many of Hollywood’s black elite… tut-tut-tut… in time Tyler… in time.
For a bunch of writers, you think they would know to use “who” instead of “that” on the poster about getting fired.
Living in Atlanta all my life, every media outlet down here I’ve worked with, one thing is whispered amongst the staff – workers have no rights and unions are not allowed. Georgia is a ‘right to starve’ state.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t the state law rejected union involvement?
Either “whom” or “that” would be grammatically correct, although most people prefer to use “whom.”
I wish I could have marched with those writers. We’re behind you!
Tyler Perry is a DGA member who get healthcare through that union. If there were any solidarity amongst the unions, the DGA should censure him.
On the “who,” “whom” or “that” issue – They could have just said “Meet the writers Tyler Perry fired.”
You can’t take a non-union writing job on a show THEN decide you want union benefits! You just can’t! Tyler Perry did what producers do, they exploit people and these writers had to know they were being exploited. I agree he should be a signatory to the Guild but let’s not fool ourselves…the writers who were so desperate to work that they would accept these jobs are part of the problem. And, definitely not victims.
All you grammar people need an L for Loser.
Tyler thought he couldshow off his fascist side on his way to legitimacy. I guess He isn’t that powerful. Well F him. Maybe an honest guy will take his place. It’s too bad for all the respectable folks out there who will be misrepresented by his cheapness and folly. Maybe his dress is stopping the blood from gettting to his brain.
Honestly I don’t the blame the guild fro striking back at Tyler either. He should’ve shown more respect as a leader. Question is what’s going to happen next? I keep hearing a SAG strike too.
Yeah, a real surprise that the mainstream media didn’t show up to a story that’s potentially embarrassing to “The One.”
great! the wga got it’s 5 only black members to picket the only black studio! way to go wga! payback john ridley!
the white wga has spoken!
Georgia is, indeed, a “right to work for less” state, which means that so-called “union shop” contracts are illegal, and workers under union contracts cannot be required to join the union. But it doesn’t mean that “unions aren’t allowed”.
You’re wrong. Right-to-work-for-less don’t outlaw unions or union membership — whatever the Bushites may have attempted, the Wagner Act is still on the books.
Although the laws and the atmosphere in Georgia have traditionally been anti-union, many right-to-work-for-less states have very strong unions — Nevada and Florida are good examples — and union membership is increasing both nationally and in the historically anti-union Deep South.
Bottom line: organizing, and joining a union, is not (yet) illegal in any state of the Union. I have my issues with the current WGAw leadership, but I applaud their efforts in this case.
Nikki – How can you call yourself “neutral” and “un-biased” with regard to the strike/union issues, yet still write, “He should be embarrassed by the shame”???
Psybill – Georgia is a “Right to Work” state – meaning, a worker can not be forced to join a union in order to work at a job. Such a law does not prohibit or ban unions. Contrast this with California, you are forced to join the union (i.e. the WGA/DGA/SAG) that represents the workers at the job. Wouldn’t you rather have the freedom to choose for yourself whether to join a union rather than have the government force the union upon you?
I am so sick of how writers are treated like crap. I think WGA needs to have more power and more unity like SGA and demand more RESPECT!!!!
“You can’t take a non-union writing job on a show THEN decide you want union benefits! You just can’t! Tyler Perry did what producers do, they exploit people and these writers had to know they were being exploited. I agree he should be a signatory to the Guild but let’s not fool ourselves…the writers who were so desperate to work that they would accept these jobs are part of the problem. And, definitely not victims.”
I tend to agree. As much of a jerk as Perry may or may not be, if he doesn’t want to join a union he doesn’t have to, simple as that. As for the fired writers, they’re going to have to try and prove in court that they were fired for illegal reasons. And until that judgement is made one way or the other, I’m not condeming anyone for doing anything other than getting by the way the system lets them.
You can’t take a non-union writing job on a show THEN decide you want union benefits!
Comment by The Right Coast — October 6, 2008 @ 7:35 am
Um… sure you can. why can’t you? that’s how most organizing is done nowadays.
Of course the employer doesn’t have to go along, at least not easily. The NLRB sees to that.
Yeah, David –
The government is really forcing people to join the WGA. It’s not AT ALL that writers like, say, reality writers, are desperately trying to join the union and are being prevented from doing so by the Conglomerates.
Because when you get down to it, nobody wants a health plan or pension or a fair wage. Nobody.
Union no!
re: w. bush
“That’s how organizing is done these days?” Are you living in the 1920’s. Union membership is down, down, down starting with Reagan administration busting the Air Traffic Controllers. Everyone knows TV shows work under union contracts. When you are hired on a show not under a union contract your eyes are wide open and you accept that job knowing you have no protection. And only after there’s a groundswell (if you can call this case a groundswell) do you scream, “Union!” I don’t feel bad for those writers one bit and not b/c I’m a Writers Guild Member but b/c they made their beds and now they’re looking for another place to sleep.
It’s not AT ALL that writers like, say, reality writers, are desperately trying to join the union and are being prevented from doing so by the Conglomerates.
Comment by Ashley Gable
I know this is off topic, but Ashley, if there was any truth to what you claim, how come reality writers aren’t walking off the job en mass?
How come they didn’t walk off their jobs while the membership was out on the bricks?
Doesn’t really look like desperation to me. The Arizona Copper Mine Strike of 1983, now that was desperation.
Those writers look pretty damn happy.
All I can say for a spiritual man like Tyler. His actions weren’t so spiritual….
Let him know…
http://www.tylerperry.com
Of course the media didn’t mention that Obama’s good pal is a union buster. They were too busy slurping. Thanks to providing a list of those all too happy to cross a picket line. I know never to work with or give money in any way to those turncoats.
Right coast-
Thanks for the heads up.
Just because you have your eyes ‘wide open’ when you go in, that doesn’t mean you can strive to make your situation better…
I suppose your attitude explains why so many guild members (continue to) work on non guild shows. At least you don’t feel bad for them, you got yours, right?
Crystal Diane Stevens-
Thanks for posting, you make my day!
Yes, w bush, I do get mine. And when I get offered a job on a non-union show I say “no.” Mostly b/c I’m aware what I’m getting into. But what you write is really more indicative of how things currently work in America and you my friend are part of the problem. Can’t make your massive mortgage payment? Don’t worry, it’s the lenders fault. Get into an auto wreck w/o auto insurance? No, problem it’s the other drivers fault. Take a job on a show that isn’t a signatory to the writers guild? No, problem, it’s not your fault. I know you, w bush! You’re the guy that blames “the man.” You’re the guy that doesn’t accept responsibility for whatever pickle he’s in b/c it’s not your fault. I feel sorry for you, w bush and not b/c of your ridiculous handle but b/c you’re the guy that won’t look in the mirror and accept responsibility. Grow up!
California law does force a union, but it does not specify a particular union. Thus, Reality and (non-Fox) animation writers are in the IATSE.
I feel and support the writers. Their former boss is taking advantage of their naivete and good faith when he hired them to help get the show off the ground from the very beginning. Tyler Perry isn’t the Christian man that he’s portraying to the public and his faithful flock. He’s choosing money as his God and fame as his lover. Tyler is becoming a rich-ass bitch and an Oprah clone. Now, that he has money, he can callously get rid of undesirable people and cut people out because, they had the balls to call him out and read him the business. He can’t handle the truth and he thinks that he’s above reproach. With all of his money, he’s still a lying and deceitful street hustler and a cockroach. While our country is facing a financial crisis, he parties up a storm with his rich posse and opening his new studio. If the writers want to know where their health benefits went to, go look at Tyler’s new multi-million dollar studio. They should take his sneaky and lying ass to court. They should stick it out and let justice prevail.
Well said TJ. All of these writers spat on their own union by taking these jobs, then got upset when their work fell flat and they got fired. If you read the recent Hollywood Reporter article on Tyler, you would know that there is NO WAY his studio will be going anywhere, regardless to the union pressure. Financially, he has always bet on himself and literally uses his own money for every aspect of his company. I know one of the fired writers and they all made REALLY GOOD money while they were employed with TPS. Congratulations Tyler. That part of town needed you, and obviously the stars you invited to the opening were not swayed by a small group of sad and disgruntled people.
“You can’t take a non-union writing job on a show THEN decide you want union benefits! You just can’t! Tyler Perry did what producers do, they exploit people and these writers had to know they were being exploited. I agree he should be a signatory to the Guild but let’s not fool ourselves…the writers who were so desperate to work that they would accept these jobs are part of the problem. And, definitely not victims.”
Right Coast, if you are a WGA member as you implied in a later statement, I hope someone tracks back your statements and gets you kicked out.
Organizing in this day and age is difficult, but it isn’t impossible. They’re allowed to work a non-union job as non-WGA members and decide they want to push for collective bargaining when they feel they are getting screwed.
Neither here nor there in relation to the Perry issue at this point, but to those who post stating that you can’t take non-union employment and then decide you’d like to go union… yes you bloody well can. You can organize your workplace and request to be recognized as part of a union. That’s how unions come to exist in the first place.
Bravo to Tyler and the WGA for sorting this out.
I love Tyler but can’t bear House of Payne! I never watch the show because it is awful. I don’t know how it lasted this far. We need urban family shows like this but for me it just was not working. Now that those writers are gone, I hope it will do leaps and bounds. I understand giving opportunities but you want your brand to be quality, Tyler. Hire the best!
Is it at all possible that TP is not completely clear on the way all these Unions work given his whirlwind, express train to the top?
A few details may have been left out as he and his execs made sure their names were spelled correctly on those massive upfront checks.
Just a thought… he just may not have known.