What are you watching this summer?

[Cyclenall]

Now some of the fanfic writers have joined their "brethern" in Hollywood by pledging solidarity and support by refusing to write any fanfic until the strike is over.

I kid you not. . .

Well right now both sides seem to be at war. This is gonna be a long one. In June the actors and directors contract is up, and they will be negotiating over the same issues. Imagine if the WGA strike is still going on them... you think it's bad now? Imagine Hollywood as a ghost town. TV is going to be much different when it's over. Another nail in the coffin for scripted TV.

This is absolutely gonna destroy the economy out there, and it's not affecting those famous people you see picketing on TV or supporting them by bringing them food and drinks either.

Would you say this is the largest TV show crisis in at least 18 years? I have never seen this before so I don't know.

[lurkey]

I think it is going to increase the growing minority of younger (4-40 years olds) potential viewers who are apathetic about television. We are seeing generation of viewers who don't live or die over what's on television. It started with SAG,writers and director's strikes of '80s and '90s. The Internet, gaming, etc are overtaking television as the main source of entertainment. When Halo 3 almost outsells the latest and greatest movie of the week, you might have some trouble.

As for the fanfic writers, I doubt many would go through with it unless there is fandom pressure to do so. And I don't see the pressure to fall in line. There are many non-TV/movie fandoms (HP as an example) where there is no call to "strike".


Is it the largest crisis in the last 18 years? Yes, I think so. Of the small, yet growing, sector of alternative entertainment that could (if they played their cards right) subvert the "Hollywood" system. Not now, of course. But they can put themselves in better position to capture the next generation's attention and entertainment dollars.

[Brent]

Now some of the fanfic writers have joined their "brethern" in Hollywood by pledging solidarity and support by refusing to write any fanfic until the strike is over.

I kid you not. . .

Well right now both sides seem to be at war. This is gonna be a long one. In June the actors and directors contract is up, and they will be negotiating over the same issues. Imagine if the WGA strike is still going on them... you think it's bad now? Imagine Hollywood as a ghost town. TV is going to be much different when it's over. Another nail in the coffin for scripted TV.

This is absolutely gonna destroy the economy out there, and it's not affecting those famous people you see picketing on TV or supporting them by bringing them food and drinks either.

Would you say this is the largest TV show crisis in at least 18 years? I have never seen this before so I don't know.

For sure, and I think if it goes on for a few months like 1988 did, it will be THE worst in TV history. There's a lot more to lose this time around.

[Cyclenall]

Is it the largest crisis in the last 18 years? Yes, I think so. Of the small, yet growing, sector of alternative entertainment that could (if they played their cards right) subvert the "Hollywood" system. Not now, of course. But they can put themselves in better position to capture the next generation's attention and entertainment dollars.

I was thinking along the same lines as this. There could be a chance for big changes that some of us want.

If it gets bad enough, there could be a video game "boom" and a lot more people who didn't play could start or something, lol. This could really kick start the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC gaming further. The same for other media.

For sure, and I think if it goes on for a few months like 1988 did, it will be THE worst in TV history. There's a lot more to lose this time around.

I agree.

How will animated shows be affected that are made in the US?

[Brent]

Is it the largest crisis in the last 18 years? Yes, I think so. Of the small, yet growing, sector of alternative entertainment that could (if they played their cards right) subvert the "Hollywood" system. Not now, of course. But they can put themselves in better position to capture the next generation's attention and entertainment dollars.

I was thinking along the same lines as this. There could be a chance for big changes that some of us want.

If it gets bad enough, there could be a video game "boom" and a lot more people who didn't play could start or something, lol. This could really kick start the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC gaming further. The same for other media.

For sure, and I think if it goes on for a few months like 1988 did, it will be THE worst in TV history. There's a lot more to lose this time around.

I agree.

How will animated shows be affected that are made in the US?

From what I've heard, most have already filmed this season's episodes(at least as far as the ones on FOX go). Now if this strike goes on into the spring, then next season will be affected. They film a lot earlier than other primetime shows.

[Cyclenall]

From what I've heard, most have already filmed this season's episodes(at least as far as the ones on FOX go). Now if this strike goes on into the spring, then next season will be affected. They film a lot earlier than other primetime shows.

I don't think you need to film animated shows. You mean create for shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.

[GalvestonDuck]

Is it the largest crisis in the last 18 years? Yes, I think so. Of the small, yet growing, sector of alternative entertainment that could (if they played their cards right) subvert the "Hollywood" system. Not now, of course. But they can put themselves in better position to capture the next generation's attention and entertainment dollars.

Not without actors...especially well-established SAG names. And SAG stands with WGA (it's clear by pics of the actors on the picket lines), which means they stand against scabs and will blacklist them. Sure, indies can try to use new, indie actors, but they won't get the dollars like the big-names will.

[lurkey]

Is it the largest crisis in the last 18 years? Yes, I think so. Of the small, yet growing, sector of alternative entertainment that could (if they played their cards right) subvert the "Hollywood" system. Not now, of course. But they can put themselves in better position to capture the next generation's attention and entertainment dollars.

Not without actors...especially well-established SAG names. And SAG stands with WGA (it's clear by pics of the actors on the picket lines), which means they stand against scabs and will blacklist them. Sure, indies can try to use new, indie actors, but they won't get the dollars like the big-names will.

And as long as they don't submit their work to signatories of the AMTPA, they are in the clear (at least that's my understanding from an industry podcast I listened to this morning).

By subverting the "Hollywood" system, I mean independent distribution of their work. Basically, cutting the middleman (the networks) out of equation. RSS feeds, Itunes, bittorent, etc. . . Create your own "network" of content.

[lurkey]

From what I've heard, most have already filmed this season's episodes(at least as far as the ones on FOX go). Now if this strike goes on into the spring, then next season will be affected. They film a lot earlier than other primetime shows.

I don't think you need to film animated shows. You mean create for shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.

They have WGA writers and they are on strike, also. Much of the animation, though, is done overseas. I don't know how many shows are in the can, but I think South Park might have stop production. Their shows are often topical and is often finished the day the episode is aired.

[GalvestonDuck]

And as long as they don't submit their work to signatories of the AMTPA, they are in the clear (at least that's my understanding from an industry podcast I listened to this morning).

By subverting the "Hollywood" system, I mean independent distribution of their work. Basically, cutting the middleman (the networks) out of equation. RSS feeds, Itunes, bittorent, etc. . . Create your own "network" of content.

They'll still be blacklisted...and then most likely never able to submit to AMPTP. I wouldn't take that risk, especially if I wanted my movie or series to be distributed to a large mainstream audience...and if I wanted residuals, benefits, and pension.

And as for video games, cyclenall -- many of those are WGA writers also, since video games are part of the new media (and part of the reason why the WGA is striking). Game writers want their fair share also.

There's no doubt this will take a big chunk out of the entertainment industry for weeks.

And you wonder why I hate movie and music piracy.

[Brent]

FOX has announced the January-May schedule and 24 has been shelved due to the strike. The episodes they have will NOT air in January as planned. Also a TON of existing shows change timeslots and new or returning shows(including summer staple Hell's Kitchen in April).

FOX ANNOUNCES REVISED LINEUP FOR 2007-08 SEASON

"AMERICAN IDOL" RETURNS WITH 2-NIGHT, 4-HOUR PREMIERE TUESDAY, JAN. 15, AND WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16

ADDITIONAL PREMIERE DATES INCLUDE: "TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES" JAN. 13 AND 14; "THE MOMENT OF TRUTH" JAN. 23; "NEW AMSTERDAM" FEB. 22; "UNHITCHED" MARCH 2; "WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD" MARCH 3; "THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES" MARCH 7; "HELL'S KITCHEN" APRIL 1; AND "CANTERBURY'S LAW" APRIL 11

MIX OF ORIGINAL AND ENCORE EPISODES TO BEGIN IN JANUARY; "BONES" MOVES TO FRIDAYS STARTING JAN. 4; "PRISON BREAK" RETURNS TO MONDAYS JAN. 14; "'TIL DEATH" MOVES TO FRIDAYS BEGINNING MARCH 7; "BACK TO YOU" AIRS WEDNESDAYS AT 9:30 PM AS OF MARCH 12

"24" PREMIERE POSTPONED TO ENSURE "DAY 7" PROVIDES NON-STOP ACTION

In light of the recently announced strike by The Writers Guild of America, FOX has revised its lineup for January and the remainder of the 2007-2008 season. (The new schedule is subject to change, pending resolution of the strike.)

The highly anticipated drama TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES will have a two-night premiere on Sunday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Monday, Jan. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the show's regular time period. PRISON BREAK, which has its last November airing on Monday, Nov. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), returns to Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) beginning Jan. 14.

The seventh season premiere of 24 is being postponed to ensure that "Day 7" can air uninterrupted, in its entirety.

Television's No. 1 show, AMERICAN IDOL, returns for Season Seven with a two-night, four-hour premiere event Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). New game show THE MOMENT OF TRUTH premieres Wednesday, Jan. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Two popular FOX dramas take over Friday nights starting Friday, Jan. 4, when BONES has its time period premiere at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT and encores of HOUSE begin weekly appointments at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT. Comedy TIL DEATH also moves to Fridays, beginning with the time period premiere on Friday, March 7 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT).

HOUSE will air in its regular time period after AMERICAN IDOL on Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) starting Jan. 22, and also will encore on Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) beginning March 10. An original episode of HOUSE with guest star Mira Sorvino will immediately follow Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, Feb. 3, as previously announced.

In addition to AMERICAN IDOL, the Sunday-night animated comedies THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD as well as ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS!, COPS and AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK all will continue with original episodes, while a mix of original and encore episodes is currently planned for HOUSE, BONES, TIL DEATH and BACK TO YOU. Encore episodes of BACK TO YOU will follow AMERICAN IDOL on Wednesdays (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) beginning March 12.

Several new and returning shows are set to premiere in the spring. The drama NEW AMSTERDAM debuts Friday, Feb. 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The Farrelly Brothers comedy UNHITCHED premieres Sunday, March 2 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) for a six-week run in the time period. On Monday, March 3, unscripted role-reversal series WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title) debuts (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Friday, March 7 marks the series premiere of comedy THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT). Fiery chef Gordon Ramsay suffers no fools on Tuesday, April 1 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), when HELL'S KITCHEN returns for Season Four. And new drama CANTERBURY'S LAW starts making its case Friday, April 11 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

New series joining the FOX schedule include:

About TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES: TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES is an exciting reinvention of the "Terminator" film franchise. Again facing relentless Terminators that will stop at nothing until 15-year-old John Connor (Thomas Dekker), the future leader of the resistance, is eliminated, Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) stops running and starts fighting back against fate and the machines that are out to get her son. The show also stars Sumnmer Glau as John's classmate, the fearless, otherworldly Cameron; and Richard T. Jones as FBI Agent James Ellison.

About THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (previously announced as NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, working title) will put contestants to the test the lie detector test to reveal whether or not they are willing to tell the truth for a chance to win half a million dollars. The new game show is hosted by Mark L. Walberg.

About UNHITCHED: Executive-produced by the Farrelly Brothers, this single-camera comedy revolves around four unattached friends who actually want to be married and must navigate the tricky waters of dating in their 30s. The series stars Craig Bierko, Rashida Jones, Johnny Sneed and Shaun Majumder.

About WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title): Set in a primitive, remote location, this unscripted series explores what happens when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man's world, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots.

About THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES: From Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, this comedy stars Parker Posey as Sarah, a successful children's book editor who reconnects with her estranged and free-spirited younger sister Coco, played by Lauren Ambrose. The series also stars Scott Cohen as Sarah's no-strings-attached boyfriend, Marcus; Michael Arden as her loyal and slightly terrified assistant, Buddy; and Ron McLarty and Dianne Wiest (in a recurring role) as the girls' meddlesome parents, Ronald and Talia.

About NEW AMSTERDAM: This drama series tells the story of a brilliant and enigmatic New York homicide detective, John Amsterdam (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who has a profound secret: He is immortal, and will not age until he meets his one true love. Also starring are Zuleikha Robinson as Amsterdam's new partner, Eva Marquez; Alexie Gilmore as Dr. Sara Dillane; and Stephen Henderson as Omar, Amsterdam's sole confidant.

About CANTERBURY'S LAW: From the producers of "Rescue Me," this courtroom drama centers on rebellious defense attorney Elizabeth Canterbury (Julianna Margulies), who's willing to bend the law in order to protect the wrongfully accused. The series also stars Aidan Quinn (in a recurring role) as Canterbury's husband, Matt; Ben Shenkman as her colleague Russell Krauss; and Keith Robinson and Trieste Dunn as Chester Grant and Molly McConnell, the associates rounding out Canterbury's legal team.

RECAP FOX JANUARY THROUGH MAY
(All times ET/PT except as noted)

MONDAY

Monday, Jan. 7:
7:30 PM-CC ET ALLSTATE BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (LIVE)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 14:
8:00-9:00 PM PRISON BREAK
9:00-10:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES (Time Period Premiere)

Monday, March 3:
8:00-9:00 PM WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (wt) (Series Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES

Mondays, beginning March 10:
8:00-9:00 PM WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (wt)
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE (Time Period Premiere)

***************************

TUESDAY

Tuesday, Jan. 1:
8:00 PM-CC ET ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (LIVE)

Tuesday, Jan. 15:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 22:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

Tuesdays, beginning April 1:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM HELL'S KITCHEN (Season Premiere)

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, Jan. 2:
7:30 PM-CC ET TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)

Wednesday, Jan. 16:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 2)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 23:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (Series Premiere)

Wednesdays, beginning March 12:
8:00-9:00 PM THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:30-10:00 PM BACK TO YOU (Time Period Premiere)

***************************

THURSDAY

Thursday, Jan. 3:
7:30 PM-CC ET FEDEX ORANGE BOWL (LIVE)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 10 (No changes to lineup):
8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?
9:00-10:00 PM DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS!

***************************

FRIDAY

Fridays, beginning Jan. 4:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE (Time Period Premiere)

Friday, Feb. 22:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM NEW AMSTERDAM (Series Premiere)

Fridays, beginning March 7:
8:00-8:30 PM TIL DEATH (Time Period Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES (Series Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM NEW AMSTERDAM

Fridays, beginning April 11:
8:00-8:30 PM TIL DEATH
8:30-9:00 PM THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES
9:00-10:00 PM CANTERBURY'S LAW (Series Premiere)

V***************************

SATURDAY

Saturdays, beginning Jan. 5: (No changes to lineup)
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK
11:00 PM-Midnight MADtv
Midnight-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

***************************

SUNDAY

Sundays, beginning Jan. 6: (No changes to lineup)
7:00-7:30 PM VARIOUS COMEDY ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM VARIOUS COMEDY ENCORES
8:00-9:00 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

Sunday, Jan. 13:
7:00-7:30 PM VARIOUS COMEDY ENCORES (West Coast only)
7:30-8:00 PM VARIOUS COMEDY ENCORES (West Coast only)
8:00-9:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

Sunday, Feb. 3 (Super Bowl Sunday):
6:00 PM ET SUPER BOWL XLII (Approx. 4 hours, LIVE)
Approx. 10:00 PM ET HOUSE (Original episode; guest star Mira Sorvino)

Sundays, beginning March 2:
7:00-7:30 PM COMEDY ENCORES (West Coast only on 3/2 due to NASCAR)
7:30-8:00 PM COMEDY ENCORES (West Coast only on 3/2 due to NASCAR)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM UNHITCHED (Series Premiere)

Sundays, beginning April 13:
7:00-7:30 PM COMEDY ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM COMEDY ENCORES
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

[lurkey]

They'll still be blacklisted...and then most likely never able to submit to AMPTP. I wouldn't take that risk, especially if I wanted my movie or series to be distributed to a large mainstream audience...and if I wanted residuals, benefits, and pension.
.

This is what I was listening to this morning. The first 24 minutes was about the strike.

[Brent]

Well the fate of Family Guy is mentioned, and it seems to be in worse shape than some other shows.

"Family Guy" creator-exec producer MacFarlane was another very vocal showrunner at the rally. He maintained that the upcoming episode of "Family Guy" on Sunday is the last fully produced episode in the can.

There are other episodes close to being finished, but MacFarlane has made it clear that he has no plans to help put those segs together. MacFarlane also has another unique bit of leverage: He provides voices for many main characters on the show, and he said he would not step into the studio to record any further.

So couldn't Fox just go ahead and use other non-WGA producers to wrap things up?

"They could, but it would be unwise," MacFarlane said. "Because I would be angry."

Twentieth isn't saying what it will do.

"Our hope is that he returns to work and completes his non-writing obligations on those episodes," a spokesperson said.

Losing "Family Guy" in the middle of the November sweeps would be tough for Fox, which counts on the longtime Sunday night staple. It wouldn't be immediately devastating, however. In a testament to just how strong "Family Guy" is, the show does very well in repeats.

News Corp. prexy Peter Chernin, meanwhile, asserted in an earnings conference call with investors that Fox's animated skeins were far ahead in script preparation and that the strike could "help growth in market share in Fox Broadcasting."

[GalvestonDuck]

This is what I was listening to this morning. The first 24 minutes was about the strike.

I'll give it a listen tomorrow when I can (no speakers here).

I've been listening/reading what other screenwriters have been saying and what the WGA rules say -- and that's basically that it's not wise to scab during a strike if you want to have a future in writing. You might be able to do it and get work now, but you won't be able to make a living as a writer because of the backlash.

[Pburgh]

Duckie, great to see ya.

[gtalum]

I'm so glad for this strike. It will help my wife and I to break our TV "addiction". I'm half tempted to get rid of the TV altogether as it is.

These writers are likely striking themselves out of jobs, as well. This will only serve to add to the proliferation of so-called "Reality" TV.

[GalvestonDuck]

These writers are likely striking themselves out of jobs, as well. This will only serve to add to the proliferation of so-called "Reality" TV.

I disagree. They're doing it for the sake of their jobs, as well as directors, actors, and others.

[Brent]

I have to agree gtalum here on one point... this is only going to continue the death of scripted TV. If this strike does indeed go on til the Spring, the fall schedules for next year are going to have a lot less scripted and a lot more reality and game shows.

[GalvestonDuck]

Brent, if that's the case, music might follow...and there's no such thing as reality music, is there? Without proper compensation from producers for internet music and downloads, writers and singers could face the same situation as television and screen writers, actors, and directors...as well as those other dozens of names you read in the credits.

Why We Strike -- http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononho ... e-wat.html

[Brent]

Brent, if that's the case, music might follow...and there's no such thing as reality music, is there? Without proper compensation from producers for internet music and downloads, writers and singers could face the same situation as television and screen writers, actors, and directors...as well as those other dozens of names you read in the credits.

Why We Strike -- http://getresponse.com/t/9603051/556840/177360075/

I fully understand why they are striking, I'm not saying they are wrong, but I can guarantee the already declining viewership of scripted TV will get worse. Even in 1988 when the networks ruled, cable was a baby, and the internet wasn't in wide use yet, viewership declined 10% after a 5-month strike which was largely over the summer! This is occurring in the middle of the season, it is the worst possible time.