TV producers, guild anticipate strike

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

TV producers, guild anticipate strike
# Shows start production early in hopes of softening blow caused by walkout if summer negotiations fail
By Gary Gentile

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Article Launched: 05/12/2007 03:02:03 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES -- Hollywood studios are speeding production on movies and TV shows in preparation for a possible strike by writers and more trouble next year when contracts with actors and directors expire.

TV networks, which are in the midst of planning fall schedules, also might pack their lineups with more reality shows and other unscripted fare as protection against a possible strike.

"It's simply sound business," said Nicholas Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates on behalf of the studios.

"Based upon the public statements of the Writers Guild, it's quite clear these are going to be very contentious negotiations," he said. "Their statements are bellicose, so we've got to prepare for the worst."

Read more: http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_5881490

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We are good friends of TV producer Frank Merwald. He has had an increased work load for some time now as studios rush to beat a strike date.

[Deja Q]

1. Apart from remaking old tv pretty badly, what do they do these days?

I thought TV and movie remakes were unscripted because it's based on existing material or was clearly made without a script out of abject rottenness.

Though my worst criticism goes to sponsors, who do the same thing on a bigger scale. :D :P I've never cared for piano music and sultry voices to sell my something I already know about.

If they tried making original material, I'd side with them. And by 'original' I don't mean "a new view on an old tv show" like how many of them are.

Or, rather, I don't know where the criticism ends and the cynicism begins.

[murielm99]

2. What do they do these days?

They have so-called reality shows, so that they don't have to pay real actors.

[Fierce]

3. The studios have been pushing more "reality"

so they can get rid of guild actors and writers.

[KoKo]

4. K&R....Let's GET THIS POST UP THERE! Over Five so it goes on Front Page!

[porphyrian]

5. Fuck TV. Let them go down in flames, the irrelevant bastards.

I can get inane bullshit anywhere, and I don't have to sit through commercials for it, either.

[Missy Vixen]

6. We're sick of reality TV

I'd also like to mention that someone I consider a friend is an associate producer of a show currently "on the bubble". Maybe it doesn't matter to some here, but she's a good Democrat and needs to keep her job...

Julie