the job; the strike; the bucks; the strife

[sab]

So.

I got the paperwork via e-mail with all the (nice, big) dollar figures in. BUT, the producer moved the meeting to Monday. With a little "and bring the paperwork in so we can get it signed" at the end. He also mentioned that a "new show at the network" was keeping him busy today, which, okay, maybe it's reality or a panel show or whatever, but still, suspicious, no?

Anyway, so I e-mailed back, told him I'd be happy to meet him for coffee Monday and talk about the project, but that I wasn't prepared to sign anything until the strike's over.

And that brings us to the mo.

Thank y'all for your comments and advice, really. This is just a horrible sticky wicket and it means a lot to me to have troops advising me and supporting me. The strike is serious business, and since I'm not that many years or months away from wanting to reap my own percentage of back-end profit on digital distribution, we have to stick this one out.

I spoke to my lawyer this morning and we talked about various potential workarounds, but unless something uncannily deus ex machina happens before or during my meeting Monday, it doesn't seem likely.

I am hoping he holds out till after the strike's over, because I genuinely have a ton of good ideas for this project and am positively itching to get to work on them. But, in the end, whatever, dude.

Back to the salt mines!

Comments

[lizlet.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I didn't chime in before because I had no good advice, but it definitely sounds like you're making the right decision. Also, if you want to pin your hopes and dreams on something -- a federal mediator has set up a meeting for 10 AM tomorrow. Not that it'll lead to anything. But hey. People are still in the game.

BTW, I'm using Nikki Finke for my strike coverage source. Highly recommended by me.

[twentyfivepast.livejournal.com]

I meant to reply to your other post about this -- honestly, yeah, I don't know what else I would do in that situation, but hopefuly the strike'll be over quickly and everything will work out for the best. ♥

[thassalia.livejournal.com]

Glad you're going this route!! I hope he holds out until the strike's over as well! FWIW, I think you're doing the right thing, the only thing, to guarantee a future in your industry. And still, regardless, congrats on getting the meeting, having someone recognize your talent!!

[txvoodoo.livejournal.com]

I think you did the right thing, hon, even though it's gonna be difficult. But hey, you, like me, have done broke before, right? HANG IN THERE. Give a shoutout if you need a mental lift, or just an ear.

I believe in karma. I think this will be good for yours.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

The meeting Monday might end up being technically illegal all by itself, but I think you're good so long as its purpose is to say, "Sorry, not strike-breaking, but please keep me in mind for when we're all able to write again." I am a bit suspicious of the timing for that very reason, but if we were to unilaterally not work with suspicious character, we'd never work at all.

I think you're doing the right thing.

Signed,

Will Probably Have To Consult The WGA To Find Out Which Of MY Projects I'm Still Allowed To Work On Myself

[somedaybitch.livejournal.com]

just heard about this from Bron, and those who advise you are wise. it's been interesting being on set and watching/hearing all the tiny tensions; teamsters talking about how they can continue working as long as no one's actively picketing us cuz then they aren't crossing the line; the showrunner being both a producer and the wga's lead negotiator; how long the eps we already have written are going to take to film; how pissed everyone is at the idea of scabs, of any stripe.

the one part of me says "ZOMG,YAYZ, MAKSABEM!!!!!!!!", and the other says "NOOOOOOOOOO. RUN SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!11. DANGER, WILL ROBINSON!!!", so i'm glad to hear you're waiting it out.

the producers are refusing to budge, which is bullshit, and the writers are deeply unhappy; they would not take kindly to anyone's thwarting of their efforts, however the good and honest intentions. you're either for the wga, whether you're in it now or not, or you're against it.

[notpoetry.livejournal.com]

I really hope this all works out for you and I'm crossing my fingers hard.

We're having our own issues with the strike here on the east coast; the head of my department sent out an e-mail, warning us that producers and agents are already approaching graduate students with offers to try and get them out to LA and write and cross picket lines. They're actively recruiting scabs, which is unbelievable.

[pene.livejournal.com]

how infuriating E. such ugly timing. but good on you and your advisors.

also... sticky wicket... heh.

[projectjulie.livejournal.com]

oh crumpet. I've been behind and I didn't think to check in here until now. mostly it just all seems horribly unjust. you understand the lay of the land much better than I do, and I know you're doing what you have to. sending so much love.