Seems like the Hollywood writer’s strike is going on and on and on and on… so is it going to end any time soon, and are there any negotations? Get it straight from the writers themselves at the Union’s blog.
We’d quote them but then they might complain copyright infringement and picket US.
The writer’s strike has got many people thinking about the Hollywood economy — and how most of the industry don’t lead the glamorous, luxurious life of A-list celebrities.
Though the 2006 study of the Motion Picture Association of America pins the average HOllywood salary at $73,000 a year, most employees get much, much lower than that. The average includes executive salaries, which reach millions of dollars a year. But carpenters, set decorators and scriptwriters are lucky to get $50,000 to $80,000 annually.
Pretty good rate, but factor in that these jobs aren’t steady. Most will work 8 months of a year, and will have to audition or bid for positions. Writer Diana Ljungaeus says “it’s milearned a place where everyone is something else.” Cab drivers are directors, cashiers are stand up comics. Most take two or three jobs to support a craft.
“Very few people can live off the arts of TV, theater and film. It’s a few that can and they live well. The rest of the hopeful are just struggling,” she adds.
It’s official. The Hollywood writers have gone on strike, and it’s bad news for viewers and TV stations already struggling to maintain ratings. It’s TV that’ll be hit first, and possibly the hardest. Expect reruns of The Late Show with David Letterman and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and if the strike isn’t resolved in a month, daytime soaps will recycle episodes too.
In fact, NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker had warned media last week that “A strike will happen at everyone’s peril.” Uhm, DVD marathon anyone?