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I understand this happened recently. He has brought attention to himself during the writers strike with his blogging on The Huffington Post very critical of the union's leadership.
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If this is true – what a weak and selfish move. He obviously has a bigger rainy day fund than most of us.
What took him so long? He’s thumbed his nose at the WGA and other writers in general since the get go.
does this mean we get a sequel to undercover brother?!!
John has hated the WGA since the arbitration process almost made him lose his credit on “Three Kings.”
Jerky writer/director David O. Russell tried to get John’s name removed from the film and the WGA’s horrible arbitration process almost let it happen (as it favors bigger names over smaller ones.)
Since then John has DESPISED the WGA and used all his skills to badmouth it. And since he’s a great speaker and a really smart guy (and a helluva writer) John has gotten bigger and bigger platforms to do this (even on the liberal Huffingtonpost.com who you would expect to be on the pro-union side.)
If John has let his hate drive him to exit the one organization that fights for him and his fellow writers (and makes sure he can one day do crazy things like retire and have health insurance,) I say good riddance.
go John!
Typical. He’ll never work again. Good. Undercover Brother?
Please.
Good riddance! Ridley is a hack and is one of the most hated writers in town. Hopefully this means he’ll finally stop pushing his incredibly stupid (not to mention illegal) idea that the WGA should become a movie studio.
Good riddance to bad rubbish. By the way, John, now that you’re no longer a member, you no longer have any cred to bray about the Guild leadership.
Good. Frigging. Riddance.
Yeah, he did bring attention on himself at the Huffington Post – and not in the good way, either.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-j-elisberg/wga-strike-primer-corre_b_78335.html
Not a very big loss to the WGA, is it? In my everso humble opinion.
from Ridley’s NPR blog:
“Some of the Hollywood showrunners are back to work on their shows from Dick Cheney-like stealth locations. Carson Daly is the first late-night host to go back on the air — oh joy. And there’s reportedly at least one high-profile writer who’s crossed the picket line to do rewrites on film scripts … and no, it’s not me.”
He should have just added “…yet.”
Let me know when someone who’s writing I actually admire goes fi-core…
It’s despicable that people who benefited from the protections and union that aided their career advancement would now so readily turn their back on that union because they personally no longer need them
Whoa. What a surprise. [palpatations, palpatations] Never would have thought this possible given all the whining and braying put forth over on HuffPo by said hack. Golly. Fine. Let the egotistical cocksucker go. Maybe he can get that sequel to Undercover Brother up and running. Another lovely contribution to the American landscape and cinema. Here’s your hat, what’s your…
What really sucks about this is John has more money than God. He could have sat this out for over a year if he had too. While working class writers like me have to take loans out on our houses and lower our cost of living to fight for our future. John is a smart guy, unfortunately he’s not a good one.
John Ridley has proven time and time again, through his writings, to have absolutely no character.
This is not a surprise.
What a weasel.
He wrote on some animated series and “Third Watch” with story for “Three Kings,” is he supposed to be one of those huge “A-listers?”
I have to file this in the “who cares?” file.
This happened a month or so ago. He attended the last WGA member meeting because the lists hadn’t been updated yet. Ridley has always wanted the contract negotiations to fail for some reason — it’s all in his blog. This isn’t news.
What a loser.
Phew, I was afraid for a minute it would be an A-lister who took the plunge first.
Exelsior, Mr Ridley!
What?!
Is this true? Omfg, is somebody keeping a list of all the traitorous fi-core scabs I’m going to have to boycott before this thing is over?
I’d actually celebrate if that meant no more postings from Ridley on The Huffington Post, but c’est la vie…
John Ridley is more of a novelty act than a writer. And the novelty wore off long ago.
Well, he should have. Ridley is only acting on the words he has been preaching since the strike started. Granted, much of what he preaches on his site has been untrue, but he seems to believe it to be true.
Ridley going fi-core is no big deal in the end. I am an actor and writer and have read for a couple of his pilots. If that is the kind of writing the networks want, good luck to them.
Ridley sure has come a long way from his old days as a stand up wearing tye die T-shirts.
It’s worth noting that John Ridley is an anomaly in Hollywood — he’s a neo-con Iraq War/Bush supporter — and this is simply an expression of his thinwitted politics. That and his desire to burnish a somewhat dubious reputation as an ‘independent’ thinker unafraid of difficult choices.
I’m guessing this one was easy. John wants attention, John wants to get paid. Good riddance.
I’m disappointed to read this, because I agree with John Ridley for the most part.
People who think Verrone and Young know WTH they are doing are smoking crack. Verrone and Young are improvising as they go.
How do you explain the WGA going into December with the WGA general counsel saying individual deals was a bad idea and then changing course on that subject in the SAME MONTH?
If anyone doubts the WGA leaderships’ cluelessness, remember the 2006 strike.
John Ridley is right, but fi-core is wrong.
Just what every studio exec in town has been waiting for… John Ridley to go Fi-Core. I’m sure “Step Up 3″ is looking for rewrite, buddy… it’s all yours.
What a shame. He’s one of the most successful well-paid writers in Hollywood. Sad to see him cross over to the dark side. He’s hurting the guild, he’s hurting his fellow writers. Whether or not he agrees with the leadership, unity is the only thing that will help striking writers. What a shame.
Who?
Ridley’s in trouble, though: David O. Russell hasn’t gone Fi-Core to re-write Ridley’s crappy-ass scripts into decent movies.
So one screenwriter went Fi-Core. That’s hardly worthy of it’s own headline.
No guts, no glory John. I’ll bet when the WGA gets their deal, he’s the first back in line with his hand out asking for everything the real membership won for him payment and royalty-wise… John should get the $250 internet payments forever.
Ok, comment #2 is the funniest (and truest) thing written since this strike began. I encourage all of you to check out Ridley orginal script and the Russell “rewrite” to see the difference between typing and writing.
Fi-core? He should go hard-core. It could use someone of his talents.
Ridley gets work because of ‘Three Kings’ – a movie that David O Russell wrote. John, you’re treading water. The Guild is your life preserver.
It’s about time someone did…
Oh, this is a funny joke. This beige brother John Ridley (disclaimer; I am slightly beige too) who is writing with George Lucas, (Tuskegee Airman project) the same George who quit the Writers Guild twice over a credit dispute over Star Wars Empire Strikes Back.
Sir George wanted to have the credits roll on the screen after the movie was over but both of his unions ruled against him. (DGA/WGA)
Sir George pouted and took his toys away and resigned from both guilds.
Now, this John guy, first goes on NPR and dissed the WGA and the strike in the first or second week of the strike. I quickly take notice of his motives — he’s getting his mantra from his Guru George Lucas.
If George wants me to John to his FORCE against the WGA and there is a fat check in it for HIM then he will BE LIKE GEORGE…
This brother is paid so what does he care if he forgets reality! GEROGE IS FOR GEORGE. (lol)
But like most people who struggled and grew up in poverty or had ancestors who had that shared life experience – as soon as they make it out of the ghetto they forget how rough it was by hating the struggle and blaming the victim – usually someone who looks just like you. In this case it’s a writer looking for a fair contract.
Being African American and having the opportunity to write for George Lucas is because our civil rights leaders fought and died for Affirmative Action – let’s face it riots in the streets can be a great equalizer too. My point is if you forget where you come from you are destined to repeat it.
We still love you John, you come back to the ghetto anytime.
He’s a hack. Who cares? Stop posting this doom and gloom. There will be spineless people who cave. Fact. We can’t do anything about that. We just have to hope that those imbued with character outnumber those packed full of rat shit.
Heads up, fight on and remain calm.
Congrats, John.
Others will follow you. It just takes a few more of you before the quiet mass of cowards like me join you.
We don’t need the studios, we don’t need the guild, and we’re tired of militant, out of touch, loud mouthed 50 and 60 year olds walking around in their red shirts and Crocs telling us what to do with our lives.
The Guild had no exit strategy, no plan, no possible way of dealing with the studios, other than their emotions. All the skywriting, bring your dog to picket days, and pencils in the world won’t change the fact that this was ill conceived from the start.
I’m an actor. I went in on a couple of Ridley’s pilots. To say a sitcom script stood out for being bad is really saying something. I feel sorry for the studios that he is the first guy to go fi-core.
Actually, I thought the first comment was the funniest.
The ONLY good script David O. Russell ever wrote or directed was Three Kings. Maybe that had something to do with the Story…
I have respect for John Ridley. Not because he went Fi-Core, but because he stood by his convictions. He has been openly challenged to go Fi-Core by other writers who were irrate at his contentions with the guild leadership. I’m certain that wasn’t the basis of his decision, but still… The writers are dividing themselves by demonizing any writer who does not fully support the guild leadership. The AMPTP doesn’t have to lift a finger to accomplish that goal. If you want to take affront with him for going fi-core is one thing, but to make personal attacks on his resume is really taking the low-road and has been a discouraging and harmful hallmark of too many writers during this strike.
I do not know how this will affect him in the long run, but I have a feeling he will not experience many repercussions. I certainly don’t foresee writers immediately following suit, so it has little bearing on the guild or the strike. And if other writers do eventually go fi-core it very probably won’t be because Mr. Ridley did. It will be because of the reasons he did.
John Ridley does not have have the authority to turn back all the gains that writers have fought and struggled for over the years. Period.
Ridley didn’t go fi-core out of any deeply-held principle. Having made a bunch of ill-advised and opportunistic real estate investments that went south, the guy just needs money. And now he’ll get a free ride on other people’s sacrifice.
perhaps it´s hearsay, but i heard say that NBC/Uni offered to reup the Untalented Mr Ripley´s deal if he went fi-core, in the hopes of unleasing a fi-core torrent. they apparently floated this offer to a couple other also-rans but only JR bit… God knows it wasn´t b/c of the only show that came out of his previous deal, Platinum, for UPN.
ReelBusy: “I’ll bet when the WGA gets their deal, he’s the first back in line with his hand out asking for everything the real membership won for him payment and royalty-wise… John should get the $250 internet payments forever.”
Unfortunately, and (it seems to me) unfairly, a fi-core non-member DOES get the same deal that the members get. All of the economic benefit, none of the responsibility.
good for him!
What a jackass. Do y’all read his blog? He had a great one before the strike that was about him explaining to his very young sons why good black men don’t cry.
John Ridley is not someone I look to for terrific judgment.
If one douche going fi-core generates its own headline, then I figure the fact that I took a solid dump this a.m. should get its own website.
So, John Ridley can’t write and he’s not really black? Brilliant! I would love to read sample scripts of those who criticize John Ridley. I’m sure they’re the brightest and most creative writers among us.
Fi-core is LEGAL and ETHICAL – especially when our guild wants to starve its membership by attempting to fold REALITY TELEVISION into the union. WTF?
Why not try for PORN WRITERS as well? The strategy should be Porn Writers, then Reality Television… Then, deprive the moguls of something they value before attempting to unionize reality TV…
To Fabriani and Lehane . . I mean “chicken” at 10:53:
. . . Ridley going fi-core is the equivalent of Shanon Tweed saying she’s done with “acting.”
“we don’t need the guild, and we’re tired of militant, out of touch, loud mouthed 50 and 60 year olds walking around in their red shirts and Crocs telling us what to do with our lives . .”
Re: “the militants” at the WGA: See Fabriani and Lehane’s #1 Favorite Theme.
A WGA Supporter
Tom,
LEGAL and ETHICAL still = SCAB. John Ridley will forever be a scab. Hope that is something he can explain to his kids along with the black men don’t cry stuff.
John Ridley is one of the most ethical and decent human beings I know. He is imminently rational, and if he chose to go that route, then he must have some damn good reasons for doing so.
Those who defame him or his considerable talent do themselves the disservice.
I personally have no intention of scabbing, but at the same time I don’t think we should attack people like John Ridley for doing what they feel is right for their careers.
I was and am all for the WGA’s proposals on downloads and streaming videos, but I don’t see why they had to push for the unionization of reality tv and animation at this time. I think it would be better for them to lock in the internet, get a new contract, and then in the future worry about the unionization of animation and reality tv (which I think should be unionized).
The Guild leaders may have just been a little too overly ambitious.
As for the studios, big deal, the whole industry will be shaken up buy the internet anyway. I already don’t buy music anymore, as I can go on youtube and watch music videos that the music companies themselves upload there (they get part of youtube’s internet revenues.)
Eventually we’ll see direct to internet tv and movies, and that will get serious competition to cable.
I actually think the strike is really pushing this forward. As people can’t find struck tv shows on television, they simply turn more to the internet.
So ironically, both the networks and the guild may be killing off television as we know it! The last strike helped cause an explosion in talk shows, reality tv shows, and cable, (along with more spec and indie scripts).
When all is said and done, Ridley will be back writing novels…where he should have never left. His screenwriting talents aren’t that considerable, but the man can write a good book.
“So, John Ridley can’t write and he’s not really black? Brilliant! I would love to read sample scripts of those who criticize John Ridley. I’m sure they’re the brightest and most creative writers among us.”
Hey “Tom”
Give me your email and I will be HAPPY to send you a script or two. Which would you prefer: feature or tv show? I’ve sold several of both. Top studios and networks. So yes, I AM one of the brightest and most creative writers among you. AND I imagine much younger than you.
Dave,
The explanation may go like this… “Son, once… a while back… The WGA decided to strike over issues that weren’t any of our business – like Reality Television and Animation… and they wouldn’t drop these issues… and forced a strike. Even though I knew it was poo poo, daddy and other union writers decided to band together and fight for the issues our leadership felt were important enough to cost us our livelihoods… all the while assuring us that the short term discomfort was worth the long term gain (internet, streaming). Son looks confused (Why did you strike over Reality TV when residuals was the issue? he thinks). (Dad may mention here… Do you remember when I wouldn’t let you buy lunch at school or go to the Hanna Montana concert? It wasn’t because I didn’t love you… but the Writers Strike).
So, I put that red t-shirt on and marched with my colleagues in rain and snow until I saw the strike rules apply to some members and not to others. When the strike dragged into the New Year and daddy couldn’t pay the mortgage on our home, I decided enough was enough (because I DIDN’T BELIEVE IN THE PRINCIPLES the battle was waged over) I went back to work. We kept the house, my writing’s gotten better through the doing and you’re in a private college now – which my wages paid for… So, there are some bitter, twisted strangers out there who don’t understand why I did what I did and choose to call me a scab (when late night TV hosts and show runners and others break strike rules and are not labeled scabs).
I know it’s confusing. But, what they call me doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is the writing…
But, what matters to me most… is you… and you come first… always.
How’s that… for a start?
LKB wrote:
“Stop posting this doom and gloom.”
Wrong!!! Post EVERYTHING. The good, the bad and the ugly. I want to hear it all. The whimps can cover the their eyes and ears.
Tom,
LEGAL and ETHICAL still = SCAB. John Ridley will forever be a scab. Hope that is something he can explain to his kids along with the black men don’t cry stuff.
Comment by Dave Anthony
Nice racist comment, Dave. Any more stereotypical crap you’d like to spew? How about this: all white men are racists, that’s why only 9% of the WGA are minorities.
You’re disgusting.
Why shouldn’t the guy go fi-core?
After all, if Jay Leno can brag about scabbing and other WGA members are happily doing scab work under the table (at least the latter dno’t brag about it publicly), why should Ridley be able to make money like the rest?
To those WGA members who look down on the guy now, were YOU going to pay his rent during the strike?
No?
Then shut up.
Makes sense that the guy responsible for Oliver Stone’s worst film ever, U-Turn, would flip a bitch on the only people standing between him and a day job. Nice going Judas. Hope you’re proud of yourself.
Yipee! John is back!!
F* all you haters, whiners and so-called guild members! Did you all forget, we took a vote and not everyone voted to strike? Fi-core is a legitimate and honorable option in this horrible situation. If a fellow member chooses to do so, so be it. They have that right. To criticize John’s body of work, because you disagree with his right to go fi-core, is indefensible. I happen to know John Ridley, he’s a good man, a good husband and a good father. The reason why he chooses to go fi-core is John’s buisness. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last. When I’m back on the picket line out front of CBS Raford on Monday I won’t be hating on John. I’ll be picketing for what I believe to a just and righteous cause.
Awriter and a friend,
That doesn’t make him any less of a scab. He is what he is, which is a man working while others are on strike. Whether he takes the legal route or not, he is a scab. He made his choice. For every choice there is a consequence. For Ridley it will be hatred from a large group of people.
“To criticize John’s body of work, because you disagree with his right to go fi-core, is indefensible. I happen to know John Ridley, he’s a good man, a good husband and a good father.”
…but not a good writer. *rimshot*
Wannareadme,
I’m sure you have written many wonderful scripts for some of the BIGGEST Networks and Studios – AND you are YOUNGER than me! Which must make you one of the youngest writers in Hollywood. What you care to emphasize tells me a lot about the substance of your writing which is languishing on desks on lots all over town. I’m surprised you didn’t mention THE BLACK LIST, or that you were the youngest screenwriter to be inducted into Mensa… Let’s hypothetically say it’s all true – you’re the youngest, the brightest and most creative mind to sell MANY projects to TOP networks and studios…
I have a friend who called box cars on the hop three times consecutively in a casino and walked out with 20k in 30 minutes… he’s still an idiot…
I don’t read, but if you have DVD screeners of movies you’ve written I’d love to watch them!
“F* all you haters, whiners and so-called guild members! Did you all forget, we took a vote and not everyone voted to strike?”
Damn democracy anyway, I mean, 90% is less than half, right?
“To those WGA members who look down on the guy now, were YOU going to pay his rent during the strike?”
Yeah, he’s having a hard time with that. If he rents out the Taj Mahal for the next 1000 years…he’ll still have plenty of disposible income left over. But it’s cute when you people act like you know what you’re talking about.
“I don’t read”
No kidding? You disguise it well.
Comment by JBM? “To criticize John’s body of work, because you disagree with his right to go fi-core, is indefensible. I happen to know John Ridley, he’s a good man, a good husband and a good father.”
…but not a good writer. *rimshot*
Well now we know you’re not a comedy writer. This is ridiculous! You my friend need to get your priorities straight. Dude kick me your address. When you’re old, this town is done with you and you’re sick lying in a bed; I’ll send you a script to snuggle with. lol CUT TO:
FORRESTLAWN – EARLY MORNING
Comment by JBM’s funeral is taking place and the only person there is his gardner, who is looking for a check.
this strike is really becoming a big joke..someone please tell patrick verrone, either strike or dont strike. dont start to pick and choose which shows can have writers and which ones cant. correct me if i’m wrong, but didnt theWGA say at the start of the strike, any writer caught writing during the strike will not be allowed to be a mamber of the WGA, when the negotiations are over and done with…so why the change of heart, and tactics?…looks like someone is grabbing at straws.
“still out of work”
Awriter and a friend,
Like your friend John, I’m not that great a writer, either. But at least I can leave “traitorous hack” off my resume, along with “writer-director of Cold Around the Heart.”
Tom
Send your mailing address (or a PO box if you prefer) and i will send them.
Or I guess you could go RENT them. And I could make a few cents. Ha.
By the way, loved you making fun of my use of all CAPS. How cute and teen age of you. Did that make you feel all young?
I’d rather not post the titles here and reveal my identity. I mean, no one else is, are they?
Tom
Didn’t you say in your post that you would “love to read” some sample scripts?
My, my, aren’t you full of it.
Seems to me you could do with some reading. Perhaps you would learn a thng or two.
Also, if you are indeed a member of the WGA (which I highly doubt) then you would know the final product is much different from the script. Also, which version of my script did you want? My version or one of the rewrites? Because you see, “Tom”, most of us working writers get rewritten on studio films. Even Alan Ball got rewritten (and that guy is an amazing writer) Ever read the first draft of American Beauty? I did. He could Nabokov a run for his money.
So my point, read the SCRIPTS, you lazy ass couch potato.
Rant all you want, Ridley has shot his egotistical self in the foot and lost the respect of MANY in this town. Not that any of his crap TV pilots will ever go to series, but if they do, he’ll have a helluva time trying to staff them!
Oh, and as for MENSA, I’m not a member. But if I were, I don’t think I would have listed it in my post BECAUSE IT ISN’T RELEVANT!
So sad to see that you thought all those facts I listed was bragging. Guess you haven’t sold anything in a while, huh?
Oh well, chin up. Maybe 2008 will be better for you!
Comments by JBM,
Are you a guild member? What you need to understand my brotha is this. I don’t have a problem with your point of view. I’m pro guild, I voted to strike, I walk the picket, I’m losing money and I’m not a deep- pocket, A list writer.
What I have a problem with is your personal attack on John.
If you are a guild member, you understand 10% of our brethren voted not to strike. You probably understand John is not the first guild member to go Fi-core. You know we live in America, a democratic society, where
people can vote openly and freely.
Just as I support your right to “free speech” I support John’s right of “free choice.”
I’m sure your a good person so please hear this. I’ve know John for over fifteen years. I’ve been around him, I ‘ve worked with him, I don’t hang or see him often, but I admire him and consider him a friend. And in a town full of people worthy of personal attack John is not one of them. He’s good people. In a town full of assholes, you’re dogging John Ridley? Writer please!
He’s not a hack, he’s a talented writer. As to your calling out his material. “Who hasn’t written some shit?” But writers keep on writing my friend! Because that’s what we do.
Okay! John Ridley went Fi-core! Let it go.
Are you walking the line tomorrow? I am, I’ll be CBS Radford Main Gate. Let’s have a bagel and some coffee and talk about something positive.
“Commet by JBM, I ain’t mad at ya…this strike is messin’ with all our emotions.”
awriter a friend
A Writer & A Friend:
I’m so glad John Ridley has someone as kind in loyal as you in his life. Considering how the entertainment business relies heavily on relationships and reputation, you’re Kate Winslet to his Leonardo DiCaprio.
I’m sure I don’t have to point out what symbolizes his career.
It’s so romantic.