ROTTEN TOMATOES: WGA Rebuffs Waiver Requests from Oscars, Golden Globes

WGA Rebuffs Waiver Requests from Oscars, Golden Globes

The writers ain't budgin' -- not even for kindly old Dick Clark.

by Jeff Giles | December 18, 2007

The writers' strike has been going on for weeks, and seems likely to continue indefinitely -- but the Writers Guild of America's resolve remains as strong as ever. Just ask Dick Clark Productions and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Variety reports that the WGA has rejected waiver requests from both organizations, which had hoped to win exemptions for the Golden Globes and the Oscars, respectively. The Academy sought permission to use clips in the February 24 Oscar telecast, while Dick Clark Productions wanted the WGA to allow writers to work on the January 13 Globes ceremony.

No clips? No professionally written punchlines? If you thought these ceremonies were long before...steel yourselves, awards-show fans. You're in for a cold 2008. Dick Clark Productions remains optimistic, however, releasing the following statement:

The Golden Globe Awards, which has a long and friendly relationship with the Writers Guild of America, is obviously disappointed that the WGA denied its request for a waiver. However, we are encouraged by the fact that the WGA has announced that it plans to negotiate agreements with independent production companies. Therefore, we will attempt to reach some type of agreement with them on behalf of the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards, which will recognize and honor outstanding achievements in both movies and television programming made before the strike.

Source: Variety

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(1-7 of 7 posts) | Reply

dahluzz writes:
on Dec 18 2007 06:47 AM

yeah, the writers will be there to collect their awards though. i can live without the patter (i don't think bruce vilanch will scab), but no clips? oh, maybe the producers can pull a 'be kind rewind' and re-shoot the clips themselves! Quick Dick, break out your camcorder.

(Reply to this)

Astr0creep writes:
on Dec 18 2007 09:10 AM

To me, WGA means Windows Genuine Advantage...

Coincidence? I think not!

(Reply to this)

bookworm1994 writes:
on Dec 18 2007 09:18 AM

This stupid strike needs to end now: the only point they're making is that they don't know when to stop. It's the Oscars, you already-overpayed writers. If you deny this your reputation is completely shot. You made your idiotic miniscule point, now come to an agreement and quit acting like martyrs for the industry.

(Reply to this)

thedarkisz writes:
on Dec 18 2007 11:02 AM

The idea that the majority of the writers are "overpaid" is ridiculous. While its true that some writers are able to make a great deal of money, it isn't anymore then the producers or directors make. The average freelance script writer, for television, will sell two scripts a year, making somewhere between 18 and 22 thousand per script. This means that most of the writers are in the middle class.

(Reply to this)

dayfalljesse writes:
on Dec 18 2007 01:38 PM

In reply to this comment (#1370757)
Writers overpaid?? Are you listening to yourself?

The reason the strike is going on is because they are getting screwed by the production and distribution companies, because they are NOT getting the money they deserve.

You'd feel alot differently if in whatever job you do your customer only gave you a portion of what you should be paid for the job.

(Reply to this)

BrianInSD writes:
on Dec 18 2007 01:51 PM

No "witty" banter? No pointless montages? Does that mean the Oscar-cast will actually come in under 4 hours this year? Or will they pad out the running time with a bunch of godawful musical numbers? After being subjected to a couple dozen Debbie Allen-choreographed routines, the writers may be BEGGING to come back to work. Heck, they might even take pay cuts just to make the musical madness stop.

(Reply to this)

Bardego writes:
on Dec 18 2007 07:24 PM

Just announce the winners online and spare us the bull**** that comes with these five-hour ceremonies.

(Reply to this)

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