Thoughts about the Writers Strike

I’m a writer.

I’m not a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, although I have several scripts stored at the WGA East.

I like that the WGA is trying to put the writers’ best interest at heart.

Let met tell you a bit of my story. I’ve been trying to break into the business since 1996. I’ve been to film school. Some of the people I graduated with are now very successful writers and producers in Hollywood. I don’t begrudge them one bit. I’ve had some minor successes, but as it stands I’m not a Hollywood writer. Nor have I sold my screenplay.

I would give my right arm, my first born, my little doggie and I would go without sex for the foreseeable future all for a shot to write for a TV show. Yes, I want it that badly. So when I see the striking writers claim that they are not being treated fairly, keep in mind that I would take their job heartbeat. And I would not complain about it. In fact I would work twice as hard for even half the money.

The writers should realize that they are in an exclusive ‘club’ that is overwhelming male (and white). This is a club that is not exactly rolling out the red carpet for new members. Ask any would-be writer how easy it is to get your union card?

As I understand it, the chief complaint amongst the writers is that they are not being compensated for online downloads. To a certain degree I can sympathize, but listen, we’re not talking people in bad working conditions. We’re not talking about coal miners working their fingers to the bone. We’re not talking about sweatshops and seamstresses in horrid unclean, unkempt working conditions. We’re not even talking about individuals earning minimum wage. This strike is about wealthy people wanting more wealth. End of.

In that respect I find it extremely difficult to empathize with a group of people who are already extraordinarily privileged. Sure they’re not making as much as the show producers, but they’re all making more than I am!

For every union member, there are ten of us wannabes breathing down their necks. As it stands, I don’t think the writers have a bad deal. It’s just that the producers and networks have it so much better.

If these writers want to be as privileged as the producers, then maybe they should consider going into producing.

Now if you’d like me to write for your TV show, by all means contact my agent Isabel Atherton at Limelight Management.