20 of 33

Write now Article Tools

As I was browsing Helium I came across this topic about the WGA strike that is currently crippling the L.A. area. As I read through the topic area, I discovered an article and realized that many of the ideas put forth in it are pretty widespread non-industry thoughts regarding the strike.

If I may, I'd like to clear up some of these issues.

>>>>>>It's incredible that all of these entertainment based creative organizations are either striking or seriously thinking about it.

What surprises me even more is the fact that unlike other well-known and well publicized strikes over the years; there are no "scabs" lining up to fill these roles.

There are millions of people all over the world and the Internet who legitimately can write. There are twice that number in the same places who like the idea of thinking they can.<<<

While I do agree that there are millions of people who can write, I must point out that they are unprepared to write a screenplay or television script. Writing for the screen is a completely different animal than writing prose. Without studying the craft over the course of an average of 10 years and 20 scripts, a new writer would not be able to turn out a filmable draft.

A screenplay is frequently called a blueprint. This is because it's such a tightly structured frame that is waiting for directors, actors and cinematographers, etc to come in and add their own unique take to the show. That being said, the script is also a political document in that the writer has to be very careful not to step on anyone's toes while writing it. Lots of newbies pepper their screenplays with ANGLE ONs or CLOSE UPs which are political don'ts that will initiate unnecessary power struggles on the set at best or get the writer fired at worst.

To answer the question where are the scabs; they're simply not good enough for the studios to hire. No matter how good a writer is at prose, unless they have screenwriting experience, they will not be hirable. The studios are already hemorrhaging money. They can't afford to waste it on scribes who haven't proved they can turn out a product.

As for the writers who have the necessary experience because they are pursuing a career in the Industry, they are not crossing picket lines for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the Guild is absolutely right on the issues they're arguing. Second, any non-guild member who crosses a picket line will be barred from guild membership for the rest of his or her life. If you

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Effects of the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) strike?
We want to hear your view. Write now!