Here We GO! WGA Authorizes Strike

I really hope WGA doesn't strike...

The guild's vote shows a devastating majority support the strike.

I estimated about 80%, and of the 5500 members who voted, 90% voted for (on a quick tangent I find it interesting that, like elections only about half of those eligible to vote actually voted).

I appreciate the hard line tactics.
Previous contracts have hosed actors, writers, and directors for about two decades now. I hope this leads to actual talks at the table, some leverage, but I really think a strike will weaken our position. Push production to non-union (especially video games and "new media", it's just too easy).

We'll just have to see...

LA Times has a pretty good write up on the current situation here.

Studios and Writers getting closer to a deal

I really hope WGA doesn't strike. I just don't see how it'll actually help things right now.

That being said, it looks like we're one step closer to preventing that from happening.

Story going up everywhere (I just happened to catch it first on the Wall Street Journal), it looks like the AMPTP withdrew one of its residual proposals:

The move by the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers
marks the first concession from either side in contract talks that have
become increasingly hostile in recent weeks, increasing the possibility
of a walkout by the 12,000 voting members of the WGA on Nov. 1. The
AMPTP withdrew a controversial proposal to withhold the payment of
residuals until after a specific television show or film had recouped
its cost.

It's kinda funny to me as this is exactly what I've been asking for for video game residuals...

I guess it's reasonable to be weary of the bookkeeping given fairly recent shenanigans, but I'm glad to see at least one major point of contention fall by the wayside.

Read the rest here (@WSJ Online)!