Writers’ strike threatens the Oscars
p2pnet news | Movies:- “It’s one thing to demolish the Globes, a show presented by a group of obscure foreign journalists who, outside of the actual night of their awards, are taken about as seriously as Paula Abdul. But the Oscars are a different story. The academy is an institution held in high regard by one and all, both inside and outside of Hollywood.”
Well, maybe not by all, but the point is taken, and it comes in a Los Angeles Times post which says the real story behind the demise of the Golden Globes, “is that the writers strike has quietly metamorphosed into the story of how Hollywood is being shut down by two unions, the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild”.
Striking Hollywood writers, “effectively spiked this year’s normally lucrative Golden Globe movie and TV awards, usually festively handed out during a gala dinner,” said p2pnet, also quoting Variety as saying, “Cancellation of the kudocast due to the strike could cost the local economy upwards of $80 million, according to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (Same org values the Academy Awards at around $130 million).”
Now the Holy of Holies, the Oscars, is being threatened.
“The WGA has made it clear that it is prepared to picket the Oscars,” says the LA Times.
It’s a move “fraught with peril,” says the story, and if that happens, will it be the WGA’s D-day or its Waterloo? – it wonders.
“If SAG’s top stars stay away, will an actor-less Oscars really put the hurt on the studios, depriving ABC of its biggest payday of the year, or will it cause a backlash, since many movie fans will wonder how punishing the academy’s noble efforts to honor good work helps the union cause?” – says the LA Times.
However, union leaders figure they’re cool.
“I understand how meaningful awards can be to a lot of people – I was nominated for an Emmy once, in the last century,” says SAG President Alan Rosenberg. “I’m sure we’ll take some heat. But if the Writers Guild is picketing, we will follow their lead. I’m assuming no one will be crossing the picket line. You certainly won’t see me on the red carpet. I know it’s the Oscars, but we’re taking a stand – the bigger the event, the greater the impact.”
Also See:-
Los Angeles Times – It’s a writers strike but actors play a major role, January 14, 2008
p2pnet – Striking writers stop Golden Globes gala, January 8, 2008
Variety – Golden Globes ruin has ripples, January 7, 2008
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January 15th, 2008 at 9:16 am
To hell with Oscars!
January 15th, 2008 at 9:38 am
As much as I hate to say it,
I hope they all get fired and the stations go for non-union writers.
They’ve screwed the actors, and even the viewers, and I know that many of the “smaller people” (for example actor/actresses with minor roles, film and vfx studios, etc…) are hurting the most, with delayed filming and canceled shows.
While I do sympathize with how they feel they should get a cut from this “super lucrative online sales” yet, as in the case with the RIAA and MPAA losers, they are looking to make a quick buck from a “possible market”, whether it really brings about a profit or not.
I would be interesting if they went ahead with the Oscars and took out Awards having to do with writers all together.
Or better yet, have them sit through a solid 4 hour run of reality trash for 1 week, to understand what they have brought about.
Okay, I will admit it… I am a bit pissed off because the Golden Globe awards cancellation lead to to the cancellation of my business trip to NYC, so I am a bit pissed off… But that’s
Just my two cents
January 16th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Oh noes !! What are we all going to do? Mankind is doomed..
Screw the Oscars, seriously..
January 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
just wait to see what happens when the DGA strikes later this year. that’ll be the best. no crappy movies for a while. and hopefully a lull in reality crap tv shows and soaps.