Striking Writers Give Hollywood The Business

Soon-To-Be Indies Poised To Cross The Ultimate Picket Line

Last month, I shared my thoughts on the Hollywood writer's strike. The focus of the post was how we could all stand to turn off the television so we could devote more attention to using our businesses to build wealth instead of just dreaming about all the possibilties.

            

My post ended saying, "Didn't anyone see this coming? I am all for standing in solidarity with union brothers and sisters to fight for what is right. But I hope that some of the striking writers are also using some of their new free time to explore how their God given talent can be used to generate income on their own terms so they never have to strike again."

My Hope Was Realized

Yesterday's Los Angeles Times reported that striking writers are meeting with venture capitalists to launch entertainment companies that would circumvent Hollywood and bring their talent straight to consumers. And ABC News reports that in a few weeks, Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien will return live to late night television -- sans the writers. Hmmm, I wonder how funny that will be.

Now, A Prediction

I predict that before too long, one or more of the well funded newly launched production companies with no union ties will lead some of the best talent away from network contracts and straight to a whole new way of life. Talk about crossing the ultimate picket line.

Hollywood, change your business model or it's curtains!

I only have one question: Guys, what took you so long?!

January 9, 2008 Update: I'm not a big fan of Snoop Dog, but I do like what he is reported by ABC News to have said said to people like Jay Leno and David Letterman at the Critics Choice Awards a few days ago: "Be like Snoop Dog. Write your own materials and learn how to get paid without a strike." Woof!

Comments

[Angie]

The deal with the writers is the same as it has always been. A few head honchos have the audacity to think that they can control someone else's dreams, desires and talent. It is the same for Indies, minorities and women. Being all of the above I know all to well how this feels. Kudos to the writers for standing up for themselves.

[Debbie]

I'm a television writer and we new the strike was going to happen way before we hit the picket lines. Fortunately, writers are a resourceful lot and many found other ways to earn a living with gigs like providing web content, writing for video game programs and collaborating with indie producers. This is a volatile industry and having something else in the works is always a wise choice.