ScriptSuperhero.com

Perhaps one way to solve the differences between Hollywood producers and WGA writers is to put them all into a better mood; maybe the best way to do this would be a change of scenery. I’d like to suggest setting both sides up in hotels in Las Vegas; negotiate by day, do the nightlife by night.

They always say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Well, maybe that mentality could lead to both sides giving in a little until they meet somewhere in the middle and get a deal done.

In the meantime, networks are laying off hundreds of staffers each time they shut down a show, and all of these innocent tech crew workers are finding themselves unemployed and without any guarantee of getting their jobs back when the strike is over. Those are the real victims of this WGA-Hollywood Producers conflict.

The talent drain could leave a lot of shows worse off for the experience once a settlement is reached and everyone does go back to work.

Late last week, the WGA walked away from strike negotiations with Hollywood TV and film producers after the WGA noted what they felt was a lack of serious effort to reach a resolution.

In addition to the financial considerations previously made public, it appears writers and producers are still far apart on several other “below the surface” issues. This includes the WGA wanting control over reality-programming scriptwriters, which would prevent networks from turning to “unscripted” reality shows in future strikes, in order to fill programming schedules. The also asked for the same sort of control over animated programming. This could prove a tough hurdle for both sides, as the WGA has clear interest in gaining control over these types of programming, while producers seem unlikely to make such concessions as it would make any future strikes much tougher on the industry.

With these issues and more creating ripples between the two sides, it’s not likely that writers and producers will be exchanging diamond rings and walking down the “new labor agreement” aisle any time soon. Get ready for a longer, dragged out conflict before both sides work this one, folks; and get ready for tons of reality programming, game shows and, yes, reruns.