The Negotiations

Here's a statement released by the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) about their new deal:

STATEMENT REGARDING AMPTP WGA NEGOTIATIONS
LOS ANGELES, November 29, 2007 – "The AMPTP today unveiled a New Economic Partnership to the WGA, which includes groundbreaking moves in several areas of new media, including streaming, content made for new media and programming delivered over digital broadcast channels. The entire value of the New Economic Partnership will deliver more than $130 million in additional compensation above and beyond the more than $1.3 billion writers already receive each year. In response, the WGA has asked for time to study the proposals. While we strongly preferred to continue discussions, we respect and understand the WGA’s desire to review the proposals. We look forward resuming talks on Tuesday, December 4.
We continue to believe that there is common ground to be found between the two sides, and that our proposal for a New Economic Partnership offers the best chance to find it.”

Look at how they're lumping the writers into a group. Sure, $1.3 billion sounds like a lot, and it is, before you divide it among all the writers in the guild. But considering that half of the WGA's members can't make the $30K a year that qualifies them for health insurance, it looks like the studios are being stingy.

And this press release doesn't explain how the writers will be paid, just that it'll COST the industries more. Compare the WGA release, which is more explanatory as to how that money works. Writers earnings will increase by 3%, while companies are projected to grow by 10%.

And checking out the WGA statement, you see the companies offered a plan that proposed fixed rates, not residuals. Not only does that pave the way for another strike after years of money inflation, but it means the companies can load up the earnings without any change to writers' pay.

But I think the most ridiculous part of the AMPTP release is the "above and beyond" cliche phrase. I understand that they didn't have witty writers to come up with a better one, but the phrase makes it seem like the companies are barely squeaking by in their earnings and can hardly afford to offer more. May I remind you that the writers get 4¢ on a $20 DVD? Maybe this pie chart will help put things into perspective (fast forward to 3:05 in the video). If I were to get a slice of pumpkin pie that size on Thanksgiving, I'd reconsider whether I want to visit my relatives again.

Hey Carson Daly, maybe you can use that joke.