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via the internet. This led the executive producers to sit down with the network execs and map the show out to its finale. I dare say the show is going to be as good as it's ever been in the upcoming season. Perhaps, even better. But we've got to end the strike first.

As for "ridiculous was accepted," that is still a valid point. However, the ridiculous is firmly in the minority, especially where scripted television is concerned. You have only to watch shows like Brothers and Sisters or Heroes or Smallville or My Name is Earl or Without a Trace to see how far television has come. I find it significant that an example from the seventies needed to be used to illustrate this issue. A lot has happened on television over the last thirty years. And I'd like to point out that the same producer behind Charlie's Angels, Aaron Spelling, is the same man who brought us 7th Heaven.

>>>>>>I support the writers, but we need to think about getting work ourselves.
This is Helium isn't it?

Aren't we all here because we need another outlet for writing we can do?
Aren't many here to do what they think is writing?

Wouldn't we all like to see our names on the scrolling credits after a particularly badly written TV show?

Sure we would. Who's in charge here? Let's get going.

Get the buses together and bring your notebooks.

There's work out there for all of us.
Some of it will still be badly written, but at least there's senseless people willing to pay for it.<<<<<<

Whi le this call to arms may appeal to some, I must reiterate my caution. There are dire consequences for a scab writer who intends to have a career in the TV and Film Industry. But if you are determined to try to break in during the strike, might I suggest that you at least seek out the non signatory companies.

The WGA has posted a list of all the companies they've struck on their website. There are hundreds of other production companies that are not on the list. The downside is that because they aren't regulated by the Guild there's a good chance that they can pay you $1 for your material then proceed to make millions from it. But at least you won't harm your Guild eligibility after the strike is over.

If I haven't managed to dissuade you from becoming a scab, then at least take a computer instead of a notebook. Unless you're planning to handwrite hundreds of copies of your 60 page television script for everyone who'll need a copy of it, you're going to need it. Oh, and I forgot to mention all the rewrites you'll have to do. Most likely on set in front of everyone if you're hired on a comedy.

And please, do me the favor of trying to make the script the best you can. There are already too many people trying to get by on the lowest common denominator. And contrary to popular belief, there aren't that many senseless people waiting around to pay for bad scripts.

So if you're familiar with Final Draft being something other than your polished work and you're not seriously considering a writing career in Hollywood and you can churn out a decent script that won't tick any of the crew off upon reading it, welcome to Los Angeles.

For More Information:
Why We Fight - video
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=oJ55Ir2jCxk

The Office Is Closed - video
http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=b6hqP0c0_gw

www.wga.org
ww w.unitedhollywood.blogspot.com /
http://www.amptp.org/

Learn more about this author, Lori Crawford.
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