Writers Strike Causing Tough Decision For Some

Mandy @ Gone Hollywood | Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Writers Strike Causing Tough Decision For Some - PIC

The writers strike is on, but some stars that have multiple roles on TV sets might struggle with what to do. B.J. Novak, for example, is both a writer for and a star of NBC’s “The Office”. He is a card-carrying member of the Writers Guild, and as such will be on strike. However, he’s also an actor and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and NBC’s studios have made it clear that they expect the actor to show up to work, with or without a strike.

Such dual-roles can be found all over Hollywood. Most TV shows are run by producers who double as writers, and the networks are depending on these “showrunners” to keep things going on set so that work can continue on already-completed scripts.

But the strikers want the showrunners to stand in solidarity with them and have urged showrunners to stop working immediately. The reason: the more episodes studios have written, the longer a strike will continue.

According to a senior network executive,

“The official line on all of our shows is we expect you to show up. We’ve told them that it’s required under their contracts, and they’ll be in breach if they don’t show up.”

But that’s probably not going to happen, according to this showrunner,

“Showrunners will not show on Monday or all week. No one likes to leave a crew unsure of whether or not they have work, or assistants wondering where their next paycheck will come from. And no one wants to leave their baby in someone else’s hands. It’s a difficult time. But I will not cross a picket line.”

If these dual-roled actors and showrunners decide not to work, the networks might take action. “Whether we’ll pursue legal action will be determined on a case-by-case basis,” one network suit said.

But the networks are prepared to go to bat for those who cross the picket lines. If someone gets fined by th WGA for working, an NBC insider said the company won’t hesitate to fight the fines on behalf of the writer.

Source: “‘Office’ stars caught in strike zone” [Variety]; Photo: The Point Media

Writers Strike Causing Tough Decision For Some

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