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As many of you may already know, my union, the Writers Guild of America, west, went on strike as of 12:01 Monday November 5th. Many of us tried our best to avoid the strike but have been forced to by the AMPTP and their failure to offer a fair contract for the percentage that writers receive on DVD sales and new media downloads and streams. If we don't fight now to define the payment terms for how our works are distributed on the Internet we will be in the same boat as those writers in the late 70s and early 80s who failed to see the oncoming cable TV and VHS tape markets. So I guess the only way to send them a message is for us to stop working - no more latenight shows, no new scripts for TV or film (although most studios have enough material to film thru the end of the year.)
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Granted, the average working screenwriter earns $200,000 a year. That seems like a lot of money to people who don't work in the industry - but in the scope of things, that is not a lot of money when you compare it to the billions of dollars the studios make. Without writers there are no stories, no dialogue, no plots, no characters. It's time the writers get the respect we deserve. This strike will most likely be long and expensive - but I'm ready to fight for what is right.
So how does this affect me personally? I have been independently wealthy since I was in my early 20s. I have always had a knack for survival and I am hands down the most successful person I know out of my peer group. In short, I am doing better than anyone I know. I'm not saying it out of fear on insecurity; it's just the way the world works. Karma has rewarded me with lots of good things. Things many of you can't afford and will never own. It's nice to know that I can walk into any restaurant and order whatever I want without looking at the prices. I wouldn't be caught dead in Ross "dress for less." I always win one way or another, and I have never been wrong. I know that last statement is hard for some of you to swallow - but it's pretty much true. I know basically everything and cannot document any times where I was wrong or even said the wrong thing. I think that is why I have so many friends and why I always end up winning. Let's Hope I'm right about this strike. LOL!
Since I moved to Hollywood I have earned over two million dollars in writing and producing fees. I will not suffer at all financially. Most of my writing friends will do fine living off of their savings and the WGA strike fund - but not as good as me. As for my two TV projects in development - well they are placed on hold until the strike is over. Luckily any and all re-writes for the 3rd cut of "SnowBlind" - which was done under the WGA's low-budget agreement, were done before the "pencil's down" strike order.
Here is the worst part -- Since we are on strike that means we cannot write for money, so technically, since I earn "money" from this website thru ads and merchandise (about $5,000 a month), I am no longer allowed to write for this website until a new deal is signed. I did not make the rules, trust me.
Sorry - that's the way it works.
Best,
Brett
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