An Apology (Strike Talk)

[Roberto Orci]

How are you?

As you know, all screenwriters are engaged in a labor dispute with the major studios and media conglomerates that subsidize much, but not all of the media content that we consume. It may go on for a very long time. All the other writers I've talked to on every level are ready to hold out FOREVER, all the while figuring out ways to make a living out of the internet without studios.

So now the hard part for me and Alex and Ehren and all fans of Transformers is that the movie may suffer (unless of course you hate the first one so much that you feel our inattention is a bonus). It may be pushed back or a host of other thing may happen to it. For that we apologize truly.

will keep you posted...

[Curiosity Inc.]

No need to apologize, amigo.

I obviously can't speak on behalf of everyone here at DM.Net (nor would I want to), but I'm quite sure that everyone here is in full support of the writers -- you and Kurtzman, especially.

Don't worry about us or the movie. Just keep fighting the good fight.

ETA: I'm a little stressed and tired over finals, with a mild cough, but otherwise fine. Thanks for asking.

[Easy-E]

That stinks.

[bliss81]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

How are you?

As you know, all screenwriters are engaged in a labor dispute with the major studios and media conglomerates that subsidize much, but not all of the media content that we consume. It may go on for a very long time. All the other writers I've talked to on every level are ready to hold out FOREVER, all the while figuring out ways to make a living out of the internet without studios.

So now the hard part for me and Alex and Ehren and all fans of Transformers is that the movie may suffer (unless of course you hate the first one so much that you feel our inattention is a bonus). It may be pushed back or a host of other thing may happen to it. For that we apologize truly.

will keep you posted...

thanks. i would rather it have to be pushed back. try to strive for the best and surpass what you have done in the past. that is the challenge for you and alex. i know it will be difficult, but i know with ehren you guys can make a better script.

the strike is a problem, but hopefully once it is done, you'll be able to give Transformers II your 100% commitment.

I accept your apology.
hehe...

as the aussies say it, 'no worries mate'. unless TF II is canceled all together. then, i will truly be worried.

[Curiosity Inc.]

Speaking of which...

Not sure how many of you have checked that site out recently, but you really should get over there if you haven't already.

That link goes to LateShowWritersOnStrike.Com, a blog run by the writers of the Late Show with Dave Letterman. It's updated every weekday, and there's some good stuff in there. The lighter side of the WGA strike, if you will.

Enjoy.

[mikeyrukus1]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

How are you?

As you know, all screenwriters are engaged in a labor dispute with the major studios and media conglomerates that subsidize much, but not all of the media content that we consume. It may go on for a very long time. All the other writers I've talked to on every level are ready to hold out FOREVER, all the while figuring out ways to make a living out of the internet without studios.

So now the hard part for me and Alex and Ehren and all fans of Transformers is that the movie may suffer (unless of course you hate the first one so much that you feel our inattention is a bonus). It may be pushed back or a host of other thing may happen to it. For that we apologize truly.

will keep you posted...

This is a part of life that few understand. I want to tell you that I respect you and yours for standing up for what you believe in. Although this may hurt some now, it looks like things will have to get worse before they get better. Once thing you said when we talked stuck with me.

"This is the last democratic way to enter into the business, not everyone is born to look like Tom Cruise or Will Smith."

I appreciate what you guys are doing to keep that from being taken from literally thousands of people. Hats off

[bliss81]

Hey Roberto,
what ARE you doing in your free time anyway? any books or comics you're divulging yourself into?

[Takezo Kensei]

Sucks man. Aren't you guys doing other stuff though? Last I heard you and Alex were producing or directing your own stuff. You're allowed to work on that aren't you?

[Laurens]

But you can keep writing on TF2 from say, the local deli, right? So that once the dispute is resolved, you can immediately hand in a strong draft to speed up production.

I, of course, don't know what I'm talking about.

[Chamelion]

Let's hope through all this your minds are constantly coming up with cool ideas to utilize in the sequel. While you can't write, or even perhaps jot them down on cocktail napkins, im sure the creative juices are in a constant state of motion. by the time you can pen, you may come up with the ultimate sequel that would rank up with the likes of Aliens, Terminator 2 and Godfather 2

Or you could just go bonkers. whichever

C

[Angelophile]

Pft, don't need to apologize about that. How are you doing in the meantime? I know a few screenwriters that have dual careers who are doing work for Marvel, DC and other comic companies to tide them over while the strike continues. Ever thought about doing something with IDW to keep your hand in, or would that be considered scabbing?

[Takezo Kensei]

Originally Posted by Laurens

But you can keep writing on TF2 from say, the local deli, right? So that once the dispute is resolved, you can immediately hand in a strong draft to speed up production.

I, of course, don't know what I'm saying.

No one can stop you from scribbling down ideas on cocktail napkins.

[Roberto Orci]

Originally Posted by Takezo Kensei

No one can stop you from scribbling down ideas on cocktail napkins.

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

[Chrischzz]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

I suppose that counts for almost all creative output you deliver?

Baking scripts in cookie letters, knitting it in granny-style sweaters, pissing it in snow, mime-ing it, teaching a parrot to tell it, or dong it by making graffity in the subway...

Ah well.. if you have nothing to do in the meantime.. we're moving here internally in the company.. we need someone to pack the archive,...

[Easy-E]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

14 weeks?

Oh My, Transformers 2 is in BIG trouble.

[Laurens]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

This is actually a good thing. Now you guys have the time to come up with an airtight script for TF2. If you guys can do that, your apology is accepted indeed.

[Laurens]

Originally Posted by Chrischzz

Ah well.. if you have nothing to do in the meantime.. we're moving here internally in the company.. we need someone to pack the archive,...

Which is actually not a bad idea at all. Chrischzz works in Amsterdam (right?), now Tarantino wrote Pulp Fiction in Amsterdam...

[Takezo Kensei]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

So wait? It just means you can't hand stuff in or write stuff at all? I mean, are you allowed to scribble "ideas" for say TF2 but aren't allowed to show them to the studio until everything's cleared up?

[mikeyrukus1]

SO how would online content work in this situation?...let's say you have a tv show that you're producing and decide to forward the project and release to online streaming rather than with the studio? Obviously you could get advertising dollars from clients that would normally advertise on tv, because people aren't watching tv now because of this situation. You can cut the studios out completely, still be able to create, and make the advertising dollars necessary for all parties to benefit. Would that work?

[Chrischzz]

Originally Posted by Laurens

Which is actually not a bad idea at all. Chrischzz works in Amsterdam (right?), now Tarantino wrote Pulp Fiction in Amsterdam...

If you want Transformers 2 talking about mayonaise on fries, hookers & weed..


Though we're publishing scientific things etc.. combine those two and great dialogue will arise from that..

Heck.. then we can publish the script in one of our journals.. And you can get a nobel price for it if it's a scientific breakthrough...

[relentless]

i dont think anyone would blame you for whatever happens to transformers 2, be it a rushed script later on or if the entire thing gets all together scrapped. it would definitely suck but i think its safe to say that you wouldnt be held responsible for it. the guild is doing what they're doing for the good of you three writers and you guys deserve it.

my question is though, since everyone is not working, how are all of you making ends meet? does the guild provide everyone with a livable amount or do you have to find other work in the meantime?

[Bloodrose]

Ouch. Bad news. But no need to apologize. At least you came here to share details about what's happening.

So, what Angel asked: How is your freetime go?

[Angelophile]

Aye, have you been out on the picket lines?

[FreakNasty]

The writers being on strike is one thing, how about the other staff that work on TV shows/movies who are not on strike who need the money.

I can be sympathetic to the writers cause but there are so many other people who cannot AFFORD watching the writers go on strike. So close to Christmas, the strike feels less and less important to me.

Not trying to be an ass Orci, but I cant help but feel for the other staff. Because in the end, with them not able to put gifts under the tree for Christmas really sickens me.

[Wankertron]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

How are you?

As you know, all screenwriters are engaged in a labor dispute with the major studios and media conglomerates that subsidize much, but not all of the media content that we consume. It may go on for a very long time. All the other writers I've talked to on every level are ready to hold out FOREVER, all the while figuring out ways to make a living out of the internet without studios.

So now the hard part for me and Alex and Ehren and all fans of Transformers is that the movie may suffer (unless of course you hate the first one so much that you feel our inattention is a bonus). It may be pushed back or a host of other thing may happen to it. For that we apologize truly.

will keep you posted...

Fight the power, Bob.




Fight the power.