[update: Don't even read this post and instead read Marc Andreesen's Rebuilding Hollywood in Silicon Valley's Image)]
Above you'll see the Writers Guild's very specific, informative video on what they're asking for in contract negotiations.
- To recoup part of a deep cut they took in home video residuals 20 years ago
- To get more then zero from any Internet revenue, which Studios claim is "promotional only. " (Even if they make money.)
Constant video and text blogging of WG strike coverage:
Though I'm in general pulling for the Writers here, I can't help but feel they're missing something giant here. The incredible coverage of their strike, from both the inside and outside, blogged even by really famous writers only further reveals the awesome power of the Internet and how irrelevant legacy television and movie Studios can easily become. The Writers say this negotiation is critical because whatever the next dominant (Internet) distribution channel becomes, they need to make sure their needs are represented in whatever relationship they have with the Studios. They interestingly assume the Studios will be utilizing this Internet distribution channel. Dear Writers: There are employers other than the Studios! The entire Internet is out there! You're singing union folk songs. I want you to kick the Studios' butt, trust me! But a real revolution would be to just leave the Studios. Madonna left her label. Radiohead has proven they don't need theirs. Small artists were never served by mainstream distribution channels to begin with. Start your own Hollywood 2.0! You have the talent. Do you have the vision?
Your own WG website linked to a story pointing out a lack of mainstream media coverage of the strike. This is the very system you're campaigning to remain a part of. I feel bad beating you guys up when you're down, but you're part of the problem if you want to preserve this stuff in any form.
