11 November 2007 @ 08:08 pm
The writer's strike signs should be blank...  
It is really important that all 1,053 people from this Rack of Lamb group learn more about the writer's strike and why it is happening:

I was doing some looping for my pilot on Friday morning in Santa Monica and was less than a ten minute drive from FOX studios where the writer's rally was set to take place. I wanted to show my solidarity with the people who (in my experience and belief) are truly responsible for the creation/design/fiber/lifeblood of every show & movie that exists. The onus is on the director and the actor to take what is given to them and execute their job with intense respect for the material. However, that material DOES NOT EXIST without the writer, we have NOTHING without the writers and creators, and this, is an immutable truth.

I want you all to realize that at the very core of this strike is the necessity for the writers to be shown more respect by the studios and corporate machines. The very least I could do was park 8 blocks away, walk to the rally, cheer on the speeches (which were quite entertaining, but what do you expect from a group of 5,000 writers?) and burn the images into my head so I can tell my grandchildren about it one day.

During the rally, a very good point was made by one of the speakers, he said that the strike was for the majority of the writers who make up the WGA and are NOT millionaires. They are the ones that depend on those residuals, that money really means something to them. This strike is necessary to help the little guy, the underdog. I always find myself rooting for underdogs...hell, I'm a Cubbies fan born and bred. Anyway, I just thought you all should hear a little bit about what I think about this whole situation...getting it from an actor's perspective. I'll go to bat for those guys any day.

After the rally, as I was walking among arguably the largest throng of creative minds in our modern western literary culture I enjoyed the quiet peace of the unity shown on this day. I eventually skirted out of the crowd and crossed over a street leaving FOX behind me to head back to my car so I could get home to a very pregnant wife at which point I heard a man's voice saying, "Michael, Michael." I turned around, and it was Joss Whedon jogging over to me with his hand extended. I was intensely flattered that he came over and introduced himself to me. I have heard from many sources that this man is a class act, and it seems that rumor is true. He has a very approachable quality, and from an actor's perspective, that is a great quality to have as either a show runner or a director. I have less than a handful of writers that I can step outside of myself and just be a fan of their work, and he is one of them.

I left the rally feeling a tremendous sense of unity, and floated a little bit towards my car after my brief encounter with someone who had me at "hello."
 
 
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Drowned Girl Fuschia: Kate breasts and words; icon by fluffy_a[info]fuschia on November 12th, 2007 04:16 am (UTC)
Thank you for sharing your perspective on this; I've certainly enjoyed so much great writing on TV over the years and hope the writers receive what they are owed in respect as well as remuneration.

What a great story about Joss Whedon, too -- I'm probably not alone in wishing to see you acting as a regular on a Whedon-show!
(no subject) - [info]megaloo13 on November 12th, 2007 05:27 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]topazera on November 12th, 2007 05:30 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]cmdrsuzdal on November 12th, 2007 06:08 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]kilverstone on November 12th, 2007 03:14 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]nicers on November 12th, 2007 08:07 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]meimei42 on November 12th, 2007 08:50 pm (UTC) Expand
"Smokin' hot.": SPN WGA from punnky_kitty[info]without_me on November 12th, 2007 04:22 am (UTC)
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Michael. I hope you know that many, many fans are doing what they can to support the writers.
kate: WritersStrikeColbert[info]whatsername30 on November 12th, 2007 04:24 am (UTC)
I completely agree with you Michael. And Im so glad that Joss was so great and at the rally.

Ive been doing a lot of letter writing in support of some great shows with even better writing (specifically The Office, where half of the actors are writers themselves, including Steve Carell) and I basically have been spreading the word. the Canadian Actors guild (ACTRA) went on strike this year for basically the same issues, so I have interest invested into the fight of the issues.

Glad to hear you were out there supporting Michael!
España Sheriff[info]cmdrsuzdal on November 12th, 2007 04:28 am (UTC)
::stops for a minute to imagine Michael in a Joss show::

Also any of you who haven't already might want to wander over to [info]wga_supporters for icons/info, etc.
Kay: You had a bad day[info]lovingthecubs on November 12th, 2007 04:46 am (UTC)
I always find myself rooting for underdogs...hell, I'm a Cubbies fan born and bred.

Power to you! ;]

But I hear where you're coming from. It's a shame it's come to this strike, but it must have been a powerful thing, you being there. I'm glad it left such a grand impression on you, and here's hoping the writers get the respect/money they deserve.
buffiness: Pooh Daisies[info]buffiness on November 12th, 2007 04:51 am (UTC)
Nice to know I'm not the only one who goes all fan-girly around Joss! ;)

Thanks for your thoughts, Michael! Indeed I'd hate to think of what kind of world we'd be in without those amazing writers.
Frolicks About In Summer Skin: Parked Wrong[info]wicked_g on November 12th, 2007 04:51 am (UTC)
As much as I agree that the writers need/should have a pay rise and that even the littlest guy should get the same rights as the big wigs, I can't help but remain a tv junkie at heart: I want my shows back!

Well, fine, they're not gone yet, but still. I also think it's slightly ridiculous that some of the writers are going against the actors who are still crossing the picket lines to finish filming what scripts are left. Not only is it in their contracts (which yes, they can break a la Steve Carell who is also a writer), but a lot of writers tried their best to get as much writing done before the strike started in order for said scripts to be filmed.

Gah, it's a horrid circle. I just hope the writers finally get what they deserve (ah! not in a bad way, honest!), and not because of everyone who deplores the idea of reruns, but because it's what they should have had in the first place.

Edited at 2007-11-12 04:53 am (UTC)
(no subject) - [info]cmdrsuzdal on November 12th, 2007 06:07 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]wicked_g on November 12th, 2007 05:34 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]cmdrsuzdal on November 12th, 2007 06:49 pm (UTC) Expand
daedreams[info]daedream_fanbot on November 12th, 2007 06:08 am (UTC)
Thank you, Michael for showing support for the writers. It's folk like you, actors and other people in the biz, that help show the big guys that we're in it until the bitter end.

Remember, Michael and fellow hobbits, go to fans4writers.com to show your support.

P.S. In my busy head, that little encounter w/ Joss and Michael is the beginning of beautiful collaboration.
(no subject) - [info]electrcspacegrl on November 12th, 2007 06:29 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]daedream_fanbot on November 12th, 2007 06:31 am (UTC) Expand
Kristie: MM WGA[info]kristie_yvonne on November 12th, 2007 06:12 am (UTC)
I plan to read plenty of good books waiting out the strike LOL
while the strike hurts my heart as an avid TV viewer (who will miss her shows badly during hiatus), I feel for the underdog, and wish them the respect they deserve.
TV Whisperer: fan strike support[info]electrcspacegrl on November 12th, 2007 06:13 am (UTC)
I support the strike. I hope it doesn't last long, but I and other fans like me are willing to show our support for the writers over the long haul, if that's what it takes. Solidarity!



Edited at 2007-11-12 06:28 am (UTC)
Rebecca: CELEBS - Michael Muhney.[info]babybonkerz87 on November 12th, 2007 06:42 am (UTC)
It was awesome to see you again on Friday. How random to run into you. But where the hell was Joss Whedon? Haha.

But to be serious, you know I support the strike too, or I wouldn't have been out there. I think it's amazing how much support the writers have been given, by not only the fans, but by the actors as well. Not everyone in Hollywood is only looking out for themselves, and this proves it.
Marion: just kidding![info]entwashian on November 12th, 2007 07:09 am (UTC)
Thanks for weighing in, Michael.

And, to echo some of the above sentiments, YEA, Joss!
Dru: Friends don't...[info]dangerous_47 on November 12th, 2007 07:18 am (UTC)
Well, i just want to say well, 'aww!' I have no idea though why.

But it's great that you were there and being all supportive, and met Joss Whedon. :D
TV Whisperer: vm - joss![info]electrcspacegrl on November 12th, 2007 07:55 am (UTC)
You were Whedonesqued.
Roz: TV - WGA Strike[info]afrocurl on November 12th, 2007 08:00 am (UTC)
After I saw that picture of you from Friday I was waiting to see more of what you had to say.

Thanks for the perspective on it.
iwillrememberu: Red Rose[info]iwillrememberu on November 12th, 2007 09:24 am (UTC)
I have heard from many sources that this man is a class act, and it seems that rumor is true.

As opposed to others? ;)

Thanks for enlighting us a bit more about the strike! It's great you got to show them some support.
Robyn: me/dani/mike[info]bobbinrob on November 12th, 2007 09:53 am (UTC)
yay you meet Joss thats awesome!
I totally support the writers strike!
I hope the get what they are entitled to ...referrably sooner rather than later because i refuse to watch reality tv..lol
Chiara Aka Chandramas[info]chandramas on November 12th, 2007 10:04 am (UTC)
Please let the writers know that we all are with them!!!!

And let us know if there is something we can do! (beside boycott DVD & similar until they won their battle!)

Be our Voice, Hears & Eyes!
Hug & Kisses

PS. You're sooo part of Whedon-world in my mind!!! Hopefully it will happen soon!
Bekki[info]bekki_n on November 12th, 2007 10:45 am (UTC)
Very good of you to stop with the WGA to show your support :) They need all they can get.

And I can just imagine how pleased you were that Joss stopped you to say hi!
Laura: WGA[info]17laura on November 12th, 2007 10:52 am (UTC)
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I totaly support the strike!


I really hope to see you in a Whedon's show soon *_* it would be amazing!
Green Queen: Joss is God[info]green_queen on November 12th, 2007 11:25 am (UTC)
Wow, that's so exciting! Here's to maybe seeing you on Dollhouse *crosses fingers & toes*
soundingsea: vm - lilly - dead[info]soundingsea on November 12th, 2007 12:23 pm (UTC)
Great to hear that you made it out to support the all-important wordsmiths. I echo everyone who says they'd love to see you in the new Joss show (once the writers have a good deal, of course).
Bite My Shiny Metal Ass: ET[info]dizzyangel on November 12th, 2007 01:06 pm (UTC)
great post, the writing is the heart of the show yet many people dont acknowledge that.
i am extremely envious of anyone who meets joss whedon.
madelineanne[info]madelineanne on November 12th, 2007 01:13 pm (UTC)
Thank you so much for the report and it's great that you got to meet Joss Whedon!
I haven't visited the striking writers here in NYC yet, but on Sunday I visited the striking IATSE members to make sure they had coffee and such.
I think people do need to recognize that there are so many people in the entertainment industry who don't make huge money but who make the work that actors and directors do possible.
(Anonymous) on November 12th, 2007 02:20 pm (UTC)
Loved your recounting of the activity on Friday and meeting Joss Whedon, but I just had to say, the title of your post really got me. You're absolutely right!