November 8, 2007
Day Four. Updates.
Let me see if I can paint the past week for you really quickly.
OCTOBER 29. Monday. We get to work knowing it'll probably be our last week of work. We are frantically writing what will be our final script. Pencils down is coming soon. We are hoping against hope that a strike will be avoided. Everybody's tense. Our show airs tonight, the third episode, and if it does as well as it has been going, we're looking like we'll get a full-season order. Everything you dream of as a working writer might just happen... just in time to walk out of the offices.
I debate for hours, literally hours, about finally going to a meeting to sign up as our official strike captain. I ask other people on staff if they'll do it, or if they're interested. Most people say to me that since I am sympathetic to every person's situation in the room, and because I'm the most passionate about both striking and working, they'd rather I was the one in charge. Besides, I'm the one who's had all of the information. And I've done this before. For years now. I walked the line with Top Model (I would love to post a link but my archives are terribly broken. Can someone help me fix Moveable Type? AB's very busy with her strike duties!). I helped with the early organization for Comedy Central, which led to several shows going Guild.
[I just heard a group of high schoolers marching outside on their way home from school, shouting, "Strike! Strike! Right, left, right! Strike! Strike! Right, left, right!" Thanks for the solidarity, my friends.]
I go to the strike captain meeting. I ask several questions. I get a notebook. I'm in. It's happening. I'm doing exactly what I resisted doing, because I know how involved I get. These past few days of updates should tell you, I can't just do something a little.
OCTOBER 30 -- Tuesday. The numbers for episode three were even better than we've had in the past two. This doesn't usually happen. We get to work to find out that the network has picked us up for the back nine. This should be a huge celebration. This is celebrated very, very quietly. With a heavy heart. Because there might not ever be that back nine. Does this mean we have jobs to come back to when the strike ends? Not necessarily.
OCTOBER 31 -- Wednesday. The script. The script. Keep working on the script. Try not to think about it. Try not to be upset. At midnight the contract expires. We have until midnight to get this script right. And then it might be pencils down. It's tense. It's frustrating. There is no good news.
Ironically, it was seven years ago today that I left Austin in my Honda Civic with Eric and Chris, headed to Los Angeles to try and make it as a writer and performer. I headed out with just about nothing, not even a script. Just a lot of hope.
I get an email from Eric. Pictures of his brand new twins. Our lives went in very different directions.
I won the football pool several months ago, and I have been promising the writers' assistants and PA's that we'd get together to spend it on a few drinks after work. It hasn't calmed down for a second. Tonight, in the weird calm while we wait to find out if there's a strike, we can actually get a couple of drinks. We're sad, because this would have been a fun tradition. And now it might be the last time we can do it.
NOVEMBER 1 -- The contract has expired, and we are asked to assemble that night at the convention center, one block from where I got married, to find out what's going to happen. Seven years to the day that I arrived in Los Angeles, I'm driving on the same stretch of highway to find out that I might not have a job anymore. And that's exactly what happens. A strike has been called. Like a punch to my gut. The crowd is rowdy, loud, anxious, knowing what we're fighting for, not knowing what'll happen tomorrow.
I remind myself that I've known this was coming for a year, at least. I knew about it when we were negotiating with Comedy Central. I knew this strike was coming when Top Model was thrown under the bus. I knew they knew this strike was coming. I'd been saving. I'd paid off my student loan during Mencia. My car was paid off during Hot Properties. I've got bills, I help my family back in Connecticut, I've got expenses I couldn't have imagined just a few months ago. But I'll be okay. For a little while.
We get an email from the Guild suggesting we clean out our offices by the end of the day.
NOVEMBER 2 -- Friday. Last day. Comedy writers try to be funny about it all, but this is no joke. Every script change is critical. When someone pitches something lousy, or something meant to be crude, we shout, "Pencils down! That's it! It's in!" I joke that we should put up a card at the beginning of Act Four that reads, "It was during this time that the Writers Strike was called. This Act Four is a first draft, and all we could get out before Pencils Down." And then just a chaotic five minutes of television, with people saying, "Joke to come" and "I'm supposed to do something here that justifies why I'm holding this prop that will be used in the next scene" and "Shit, I can't remember what this joke was because it was pitched two weeks ago, but if we were allowed to go back through the notes and find it, I promise you what I was about to say here is seriously funny and makes the whole thing that much more enjoyable. Emmy!"
But we had to clean out our offices. And hug. And hope we'll get to go back there soon. Our show was on a forced hiatus that week, so we couldn't even say goodbye to the cast and crew. I loaded up my car with my things, and Jenny's things, as she never got a chance to clean out her office. I hugged everyone and hoped I would see them soon, and not outside the building.
NOVEMBER 3 -- Saturday. I am at the Guild for a three-hour meeting to find out how we're mobilizing, what to tell everyone, how to prepare, what to say, what to do.
That night I join some friends for more strike talk. It goes late into the night.
NOVEMBER 4 -- Sunday. I'm driving home and it's two in the morning and I'm on the 101 south when a car swerves in front of me to reveal a car parked in the center lane of the highway. I slam on my brakes, but there's nothing more I can do. Bam. My airbags go off, there's a weird sound in the car, and traffic is going past me at ridiculous speeds on all sides. I'm okay, but that's all I know. I'm alive. I don't understand how. My hood is up by my shattered windshield. How am I okay?
I'm alive. The people in the other car are okay. Miraculously, a tow truck appears behind me and keeps anyone from smashing into me. I call stee, and he drives to where I am. They shut down the highway. Ambulances, fire engines. I see stee unloading Jenny's things from the trunk of my smashed-up car into his car. The CHP tells me that there wasn't anything I could do to avoid the accident, and that I'm lucky to be alive, and that everybody's walking away from this thing. The woman who stopped her car on the highway says she got a flat tire and she was scared to move over, and just stopped her car. I fall asleep at five in the morning, after filing with my insurance company.
I can only sleep for a couple of hours. I'm up, jittery, anxious, still grateful to be alive. No car. Can't go anywhere. People call to check up on me. Offer rides. Bring food. Be with me. Stay with me. I try to sleep, but I can't. I make an appointment with my doctor. I don't want to go to the emergency room. I want my doctor, because he'll know if I'm okay. I have health care. Thank you, Writers Guild. I organize my team and we're showing up on Monday morning. Alex sends an email: "Carpoolers. It's not just a hit show, it's who we are! I'll pick you up in the morning."
There are rumors that the strike will be averted before midnight. They negotiate from ten in the morning, until the strike is called on the east coast at nine pm. We get an email. Negotiations fell apart. STRIKE ON.
NOVEMBER 5 -- Monday. I'm picked up, bruised and swollen, and I head to my gate. I hold a sign, direct traffic, and get things moving. I pass out shirts. I sign people in. I get into an altercation with security (see earlier post). I'm in strike mode.
Dan picks me up and takes me to the doctor. My doctor gives me a stern lecture, both on not going immediately to the hospital from the scene, and for being on strike. He sends me to an orthopedic specialist who gives me x-rays. He gives me the all-clear, and tells me I'm doing the right thing by striking. Beverly Hills, man. It's crazy. He gives me Vicodin and says this: "Right now you're in some kind of weird happy mode because you're not dead and you're busy with the strike. You have a lot on your plate right now, but I want you to know that in the next few days you're going to be in a lot of pain, and the trauma of what you went through yesterday might hit you emotionally. It might start hurting everywhere, and I want you to be prepared for that. All this energy you have, all this passion... you might want to be aware that it might suddenly just end. And that's okay. You were in a bad ass auto accident, and you really did a number on your body. It just isn't letting you know yet because you're focused on this. Take care of yourself."
I start taking the Vicodin, but only when I'm not on the picket line.
So in one day I went from living the Hollywood dream to: No job, no car, and on drugs. I lived an entire True Hollywood Story in twenty-four hours.
And THAT's why I'm fighting for residuals, pension and health care. Because in a flash, everything can change. I'm lucky as hell. I loved my car, but it saved my life. And as soon as I'm able to buy a car? When we're not on strike? My ass is getting another Honda.
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thank you all for your emails and support. I love the readers of pamie.com.
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Dear Pamie,
First off, I just wanted to say I'm sure you are receiving tons of emails from all your supportive followers, so I"m sure my email is probably a dime a dozen. either way, I felt that I needed to be a voice, even if I'm one in a thousand, to tell you how proud I am of what you are doing.
I've been a huge fan of yours for years. I fell in love with your writing through TWOP. I read your entire site from beginning to present one month when I was unemployed. I even took pictures with my camera phone of a bunch of copies of "Why Moms are Weird" that you signed in a Pasadena Barnes and Noble. And I sent you and Stee candy for Easter (along with a windup chick.)
Anyways, point being, I think you are awesome, and I make a point to follow everything you do.
I just wanted to thank you additionally for keeping such great reports on the strike on your website. It really makes me feel like I'm fighting along with you (ive been wanting to go over to Radford to visit you guys and show your support, since I work and live in Van Nuys, but havent been able to get away from work.)
My dad used to be a television writer, and I remember the months and months that would go by before he found work again. Unfortunately, writing for morning talk shows doesnt lead to a lot of residuals (since they are rarely reaired). But I do remember the stress of my mother having to be the only one working, because of how fickle this business can truly be. And to think that people can be benefiting from your creations again and again while writers get squat... makes me angry in a way I cant describe.
I am behind you guys and everything you are asking and more. I have already posted a few bulletins on myspace (which I know you have much disdain for, but for ME, anyways, its the best way to get across to a lot of people.) trying to educate people on why you guys are doing this. If you want to see it, you can go here.
Additionally, if there is anything I can do to help you guys out, please let me know. I hope you guys get what you want, nay, what you DESERVE and you can get it soon, so I can get back to enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Sincerely, with 110% support,
Allison Levitan
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Hi, Pamie,
I used to check your site every so often when you were writing Gilmore Girls recaps, mostly when I was looking for something to make me laugh (in a good way!) And I'm sure you don't remember this, but a few years ago, I was in charge of booking guests for a USC talk show and tried to coordinate a day to get you to come on shortly after your book was released, given that I enjoyed it so much. It's been awhile since I've checked your site, but today I saw a link to your site on United Hollywood and I was compelled to go read your experiences on the picket line. And once I got started with today's entry, I couldn't seem to stop and went back to check all your olders.
First (though it's belated and given the current working conditions, a little futile) congratulations for getting the job on Samantha Who?)
Second. In May, I graduated from USC with a BFA in screenwriting. It's been my dream and my goal to write for TV since I was fourteen years old. When I wasn't hired for an industry job post graduation, I took a retail job as a shopgirl at the Harry Potter store in Santa Monica. It pays the bills while I keep working on a spec, a pilot, a novel, for the day I can get paid to do what I love to do instead of retail. I am not a member of the WGA. And the day this strike was made official, I closed up the laptop, because even if I'm not yet a part of the union, I am a writer, and pencils down means pencils down. It doesn't seem fair to me that I could stockpile a bunch of scripts and have them ready to hand over the day the strike concludes while the rest of you are out fighting for a future that I hope to be a part of. I wish very much that I could walk the picket line with all of you. The next time I have a day off from work, I'm hoping to drop by at least two of the lines with sunscreen, bottled water, and cookies for everyone.
I wanted to write this email to say thank you for holding to the courage of your convictions, and know that I wish all you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Molly Shalgos
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Pamie,
I know you are getting a lot of support e-mails but I figured another one can't hurt. It's breaking my heart to read your blog these days because I know you are being kept from doing something you love, even if it is for a cause you deeply believe in.
I grew up just outside of Flint (no, I don't know Michael Moore but my grandmother says my grandfather almost married his mother...that's close, right?) and my father worked for GM for over 40 years. As you can imagine, I've lived through a few strikes and lockouts in my day. Mostly as a kid who didn't really understand what the deal was. What I do remember is my father spending hours in front of the TV watching the news. Or standing next to him along a chain link fence, surrounded by signs and honking and nice ladies who brought hot cocoa and donuts. But mostly, I remember the sound of pride in his voice when he talked about what he was doing, the history behind it and what it meant for *my* future. I didn't get it at the time but I do now because I've got straight teeth and a college education and a bunch of other things I might not have if people hadn't stood up and demanded what was their due. My dad's on permanent disability these days and without all the fighting and sacrifice of the union workers, he might not be living as comfortably as he is now. That little extra security goes a long way, and I am more grateful for that than anything else.
Plus, no one appreciates weekends more than I do, and I know who I have to thank for those!
I am not sure why I am sharing this with you. Maybe so you'll have more proof that what you are doing now will make a difference later. Some girl might be out there right now, standing next to her dad on one of the picket lines, learning what it means to believe in something and have the courage to make a difference when things get complicated.
Anyway, I am out there standing beside you in spirit. I've always been a fan and proud of what you've accomplished but never so much as I am right now.
Take care,
Amber
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I read what you wrote about Monday's strike and I know you don't know me at
all but that was incredible of you. Thanks so much! Just know that all of us
regular TV viewers are behind your efforts 100%
Keep fighting the good fight!
Elizabeth
Washington, DC
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Pamie-
Good luck with everything. I love your blog, everything you've ever written, basically, and consider myself a writer. Eventually- I hope. Right now, I'm just trying to make it through school. Anyway, I've read your blog for years, and I just wanted to let you know I support all of the members of the WGA, and hope you get what you deserve. I'm trying to get the word out as much as I can, and here's a link to a post I just wrote on my blog. If there is any false information, please let me know. Again, good luck, and I truly hope you all succeed.
Sincerely,
Maria
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Hi Pam,
Your United Hollywood article made me a little weepy. On the whole, I believe strikes give voice to injustices and no matter how small the success after the strike, it always paves the way for others. What you are doing is going to benefit so many different organisations in the long run and it's truly an inspiration.
It's not uncommon for an audience to root for the underdog whether it be on screen, stage or in a book. I'm glad that this Strike, while not at all pleasantly entertaining, has still managed to garner an audience. I can't help but feel proud of "your guys" too and I'm "Woo"ing as loudly as I can from New Zealand to wish all of you continuous creative success.
Best Wishes,
Bella
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a little pic of my dark tv i took tonight in support!
[CLICK THAT LINK, IT'S AWESOME! -- p.]
love yer blog!
shiva
Shiva also created some support banners if you're interested.
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For those of you who are LiveJournalers, or anybody looking for more information, go see this. THANKS, EVERYBODY!
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Hi,
You don't know me. Long-time reader, no time commenter or emailer. Anyway, just wanted to say I support the strike. And to go on with y'alls bad self. In all honesty, I started reading about the reasons for striking this morning, and now I feel HORRIBLE for watching Pushing Daisies online yesterday between two of my law school classes. I won't be doing that again. No more internet watching until this is all resolved. I'm not sure why I have all of this swelling of the heart and solidarity with the WGA, but I do. Perhaps it's because I constantly root for the underdog. Or maybe it's that as a fledgling writer I can easily see myself in y'alls shoes. Nevertheless, keep it up. I hope y'all get everything y'all ask for.
-Matt, a fellow Texan
P.S. My fiance put Samantha Who in our Season Pass list. It's funny.
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Hi. I just wanted to let you know that even folks as far away as Austin who don’t even know you (but think you are hilarious) support you out there on the line. I used to read your blog back before blog was even a word, when the Internet was this cool new thing and I told everyone about your site. And I laughed myself silly. But time passes and, well, sorry, I forgot about you when I quit sitting in front of a computer all day and started freelance writing for a living. Anyway, I’ve been reading United Hollywood to keep up with the strike goings on and was so excited to see your name. Then I was even more excited to see that you made it out there and are not only a working writer but a strike captain and everything. Go Pamie! I remember reading about you leaving Austin and it’s such a true inspiration to know that you made it. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and your life and being a shining example of the good things that can happen.
I’ll be in LA next week and hope to walk the line on Monday to show my support. Strike! Shut Down! Hollywood’s a Union Town!
Thanks,
Lynett Oliver
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Hi pamie!
I was going to be sending you an email of support very similar to the one you posted yesterday, "Subject: Go, Norma Rae, Go!".
I'm a strong unionist and I walked with striking teachers when I was 3 years old. My mom is a teacher and is currently the first female president elect in union history. I would never cross a picket line. Therefore, there will be no TV boxed sets and internet streaming for me, until the writers get their fair share.
Thanks for bring those of us who can't walk the line with the writers, news from the front.
Good luck and I hope there is a speedy resolution.
In solidarity,
Amber
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Nothing particularly creative or awe inspiring to say here. But I
just wanted to drop you a note, that I'm sure will land among
thousands of others, of support. If I lived anywhere closer I would
be there with strike cookies every morning for you. Good work, stay
strong, and all of that, and best wishes.
Sabrina
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P-
I am so glad that you and other writers on strike. I think it is important. I think that the writers get the short end of the stick. Without the writers there is no product. It has to be written in order to be spoken or sold. The writer is the backbone to any movie or TV show. Of course I don't need to tell you that. You know first hand.
It is funny because living in Louisiana these past few years I have gotten to see the film industry first hand. This state gives tax breaks to production companies to film here. This has its pros and cons. There was this production company called Emerald Bayou Studios that came here and was going to open its studio here. They were going to use this giant cotton mill in this smaller town. Of course they told the people in this town that they were going to supply jobs and business to this small community.
All of these people quit there jobs to take these classes for film production and set design. They offered me a job doing set construction making these flats but I was too busy. I have too much on my plate right now.
Well needless to say they got what they could from the state and from this community and they split. So all of these people who put all of this time and money into this process got screwed.
I have made it my life's work to avoid big business America. I love what I do and I would not trade it for anything. Just like all of these writers out there. This is their passion and they should be treated like the contributors that they are. That you are. I believe that the writers are the foundation to the industry and should be payed and treated accordingly.
I hope that you all get what you are asking for. I hope that you get the respect and the benefits that you deserve. Good luck on your quest. I hope that it all works out - for all of you. Take care and I hope that you are well. I also hope that your holidays are great. Say Hello to your family for me.
S-
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Pam, I don't know if you know about www.fans4writers.com yet. It was started by the creepy (to quote stee) Joss fans who sent pizza on Monday, but they're trying to grow it to do a bunch of other things, namely they're taking donations and to give to the WGA strike relief fund. I thought first and foremost it would make you smile to see that there is a site being built to incorporate all fandoms in support of you and your craft, recognizing that without writers we'd have no shows to squee about. I also wanted to say I'm proud of you, you're like a superhero out there directing traffic and giving interviews, I wish there was more I could do personally... which brings me to my other point, I'm going to try to get the fans4writers people to add a boycott page for the new media issue because I think you're right in that the announcement of a boycott of all downloadable media until the strike is over really could make a difference. Anyway... just had to write you to say those things... sorry for being a gushing fangirl :P
~Lis
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Pamie:
Just caught up on your blog entries, and wanted you and the Who? staff on the line that we are all behind you. Tomorrow, hopefully by mid-morning, I will be venturing out from Westlake Village (about 30 miles north of downtown) to join your line. What can I bring? Waters? Band-aids? Sunscreen? Bourbon?
I also read the letter from Creative Screenwriting and was floored. Your response was right on target, and I hope that the CS folks reconsider their position and let their subscribers know as much. I'll be emailing them after I'm done here.
For my part, I have informed all of our My Visual Pitch .com writers and the industry pros that solicit their material from the site that we will not be actively promoting any unsigned writers until a favorable agreement is reached. You should know that I have heard back from writers both here and in the United Kingdom voicing their support. Just this morning, I received a note from a very talented comedy writer from Bubblin' Dublin in response to my email stating that the Guild in Ireland lends its full support. That's just one example, and I hope it helps rally the troops on those long days.
FYI, I placed our official position on the MVP website, here, and will be practicing what I preach, too. Although I have several projects in the works, pencils down means... pencils down.
Hope to see you tomorrow, and if you're not too wiped when you read this, please let me know what you guys most need on the line.
I wish you every success,
Pamela Schott
President/CEO
Visual Pitch Productions, Inc.
http://myvisualpitch.com
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(Tomorrow we will all be at the FOX lot, at 10 in the morning. If you want to show your solidarity, wear a red shirt and come join us.)
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From my friends at House, a forwarded email:
Go to www.aol.com and look at the banner ad across the top...
It says "Watch the hottest new tv shows, all free" -- and there's the House logo.
Click on the banner and sure enough, eps. 1-5 are there in their entirety for your viewing pleasure. There are no ads embedded, but they are promoting hulu (which nbc is launching as an alternative to iTunes where they were only allowed to charge $1.99 per episode).
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Okay, that's the email round-up for today. I'm exhausted. If you wrote and I didn't write back to you yet, I very much appreciate all of your support. Tell your friends. Spread the word. Boycott internet downloads and tell the companies you will not pay for internet downloads or dvds until the writers get a fair contract.
I heard that announced on Hot 92 Jamz in the (rental -- (thank you, insurance)) car this morning, and I burst into applause.
On the line today, my friend Brently came out and played the ukelele for everybody, saying the Sexy Ukelele workers will not cross the picket line. People stopped by our sad little gate and brought food, coffee, and bottles of water. And Heather, a pamie.com reader and a script supervisor, walked with us.
I very much appreciate your support. Let's hope this strike ends soon, because wouldn't we all rather go back to spend this much energy trying to figure out what's happening on Lost? I'm exhausted, y'all.
Posted by pamie at 3:18 PM
