Another strike? Ugggggh.
June 28, 2008
Well, seems we’re back in a familiar place. Another looming strike. Now, it’s the actor’s turn. I can tell you from a screenwriter’s perspective that most everything (assignments, rewrites, etc) have slowed to a crawl.
Sad thing is, I don’t know much about the actors struggle. I’m not sure what they want in addition to what we’ve already been given. Truth is, I just don’t have the heart for it. The WGA strike sapped me of all my strength. I don’t have any desire to read Nikki Finke’s blog 10 times a day, nor all the trades. I can’t walk in another picket line or watch people attack each other on message boards.
I’m done.
I will support the actors as best I can, but man…I sure hope they don’t strike. Not even for my sake – for the rest of the town. I read somewhere that the WGA strike cost the city 2 billion dollars. 2 billion? I don’t know about you – but I don’t have that much dough lying around.
Here’s hoping that everyone comes to their senses before it’s too late.
I hear that. The actors should get what they deserve and people should come to their senses about it instead of sacrificing time and a whole lot more money and strength from the industry.
Hi, Joe. New reader - new, jealous reader. And I have a question for you: how long have you been a screenwriter?
Not a professional, paid screenwriter - a screenwriter. When did you sit down with a computer and start typing your first script?
I collect statistics like this. It makes me feel good. Or terrible, depending on the response. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Thanks!
Hey Ryan,
I would say, I started typing my first script in ‘96. Moved out here in ‘98. It took me 2 years to even get an agent to read a script (that first guy signed me).
I received my first (tiny) paycheck from writing 2 years later and was able to quit my day job about 3 years after that.
Wow, that’s some pretty fast career progress! (I’m sure it didn’t feel that way to you.)
I’m just now in that stage of getting people to read my work. So maybe in a couple years, I’ll be earning tiny paychecks.