TV shows

I hope that is not what you think I was saying

My point was nobody could have thought they were not going to play tough and do whatever they can to keep the networks going and making money. It is their JOB. When the truckers went on strike my father's company still had to find a way to get goods to customers. It was his JOB. Not everything can come to a halt because of strikers.

I just heard on ET that NBC will be firing everyone who works for The Tonight Show and Conan. Everyone. The only way that wouldn't happen is if they could get guest hosts to fill in for Jay and Conan. So, what would happen to the stars who were willing to guest host and save the jobs of the non-writers who work for those shows?

ET also said that Ellen was told she was not welcome in NY. Is this what would happen to the stars who filled in for Jay and Conan? I completely sympathize with the strikers, but if "non writing" stars could fill in and keep all those other people from losing their jobs would writers be cool with that? Or do they want all those people who are not writers to lose their jobs over this? Personally, I would like to see some stars fill in for Jay and Conan and keep those people employed and I would like to see those stars be able to do so without being made to feel like they are horrible for doing so. Just saying - I hate to see all these people who are not writers and not striking losing their jobs.

It's too bad there are not some kind of union lawyers who can make sure peoples interest are protected from the get go when there is new media outlets like the streaming videos. Maybe some how contracts can be written up with some sort of provision for things like this in the future. Lord knows with technology there will probably be even more outlets in the future!

Nobody who doesn't write can fill in for a writer/performer. So if they hire non writing performers, someone (scabs) will have to write for them. IF they hire writer/performers, indeed they will be shunned.

I do believe William F. Buckley refused to join the unions, so perhaps they can get him.

Ellen dug her own unique hole here as I have pointed out endlessly.

She has options, including becoming non-union.

FC, I just don't see your dad, as a VP, not owner, and not making millions or billions, as being in the same position as the studio heads.

Just given that he is your Dad, I am sure he is a good hearted man.

But even if he wasn't, he still did not have the kind of power and money the studio heads have.

That his truckers threatened him and made his life miserable is appalling.

But I really doubt the studio heads would identify with your dad. I am sure they would screw him, too, and tell him that because of the trucker strike they needed to cut his salary by 50%.

On a much happier note: HEROES IS ON|

Back to unhappy notes:

Watch this to see the studio heads had to say about digital media before the strike.

I wanna give FC and her dad a big hug.

THe studio heads are not good guys. They really are not. THe truckers who threated FC's dads are not good guys.

The handful of bad guy writers, who harassed Eva Longoria got reprimanded by everybody, including the WGA. Most of the writers are polite and nerdy.

The actors and the directors will go on strike in June for the same fight the writers are fighting.


I swear, FC, the true underlings work in the business because it is cool, not because it is the only place they can work. The film editors and camera people are the only ones not on strike and not due to go on strike from this who are really out of luck.

Actors and writers get other jobs to support themselves all the time.

If you choose to work in the Hollywood biz and then try to get sympathy because you got laid off or fired because of the strike, as opposed to the reason being the usual...cuz we feel like it... they really are being disingenuous. The key grip who bemoaned the last strike where his coworkers lost their homes, etc. GET ANOTHER JOB!! The rest of us have to!!!

Ok, now I am starting to foam at the mouth.

These are the IMDB credits of my friend Bruce French, from the IMDB.

He is a brilliant actor.

When he is not making enough money, and he is making less and less, due to ROLLBACKS in residuals, as well as NO RESIDUALS from internet streaming, he has a $15 an hour job selling subscriptions to the L.A. Philharmonic.

These are all guest star or featured roles. He is not an extra.


1. "Passions" .... Father Lonigan (24 episodes, 1999-2007)
... aka Harmony's Passions (USA)
... aka The Passions Storm (USA: summer title)
- Episode #1.2055 (2007) TV Episode .... Father Lonigan
- Passions (2007) TV Episode .... Father Lonigan
- Passions (2007) TV Episode .... Father Lonigan
- Episode #1.2052 (2007) TV Episode .... Father Lonigan
- Episode #1.2050 (2007) TV Episode .... Father Lonigan
(19 more)
2. "The Riches" .... Jim Burns (2 episodes, 2007)
- It's a Wonderful Lie (2007) TV Episode .... Jim Burns
- Anything Hugh Can Do, I Can Do Better (2007) TV Episode .... Jim Burns
3. Jane Doe: Ties That Bind (2007) (TV) .... Father Hannigan
4. "Bones" .... Dennis Campbell (1 episode, 2006)
- Mother and Child in the Bay (2006) TV Episode .... Dennis Campbell
5. Mission: Impossible III (2006) .... Minister
... aka M:i:III (International: English title: promotional abbreviation) (UK: promotional abbreviation) (USA: promotional abbreviation)
... aka Mission: Impossible III (Germany)
6. Walkout (2006) (TV) .... Chief Tom Reddin
7. "Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service" .... Floyd Vernon (1 episode, 2006)
... aka NCIS (USA: short title)
... aka NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (USA: new title)
- Head Case (2006) TV Episode .... Floyd Vernon
8. "House M.D." .... Peter Foster (1 episode, 2006)
... aka House (USA: short title)
- Failure to Communicate (2006) TV Episode .... Peter Foster
9. "Head Cases" .... Daniel Gold (1 episode, 2005)
- Pilot (2005) TV Episode .... Daniel Gold
10. Thank You for Smoking (2005) .... Gentleman #2
11. Sexual Life (2005) .... Priest
12. "The Guardian" .... Attorney Irving (1 episode, 2004)
- The Vote (2004) TV Episode .... Attorney Irving
13. "The Lyon's Den" .... Senior Partner (1 episode)
- The Fifth (????) TV Episode .... Senior Partner
14. "Boston Public" .... Doctor (1 episode, 2003)
- Chapter Sixty-Nine (2003) TV Episode .... Doctor
15. "Gilmore Girls" .... Mr. Leahy (1 episode, 2003)
... aka Gilmore Girls: Beginnings (USA: rerun title)
- Happy Birthday, Baby (2003) TV Episode .... Mr. Leahy
16. "The Practice" .... A.G. Walgren / ... (3 episodes, 1997-2003)
- Special Deliveries (2003) TV Episode .... Atty. Barry Pederson
- Officers of the Court (2000) TV Episode .... Judge M. Walters
- Spirit of America (1997) TV Episode .... A.G. Walgren
17. "Crossing Jordan" .... Samuel Horton (1 episode, 2003)
- Ockham's Razor (2003) TV Episode .... Samuel Horton
18. "JAG" (1 episode, 2002)
- All Ye Faithful (2002) TV Episode
19. "The West Wing" .... Bill Stark (1 episode, 2002)
- Debate Camp (2002) TV Episode .... Bill Stark
20. Mr. Deeds (2002) .... Helicopter Pilot
21. Enough (2002/I) .... Homeowner
22. Sorority Boys (2002) .... Dean Blevins
23. "Ally McBeal" .... Simon McAllister (3 episodes, 2001)
- Neutral Corners (2001) TV Episode .... Simon McAllister
- Judge Ling (2001) TV Episode .... Simon McAllister
- Friends and Lovers (2001) TV Episode .... Simon McAllister
24. "Enterprise" .... Vulcan Elder (1 episode, 2001)
... aka Star Trek: Enterprise (USA: new title)
- The Andorian Incident (2001) TV Episode .... Vulcan Elder
25. "Thieves" .... Redlich (1 episode, 2001)
- Liver Let Die (2001) TV Episode .... Redlich
26. Jurassic Park III (2001) .... Science Reporter
... aka JP3 (USA: promotional abbreviation)
27. "Grounded for Life" .... Amy's Father (1 episode, 2001)
- Love Child (2001) TV Episode .... Amy's Father
28. "Providence" (1 episode, 2000)
- The Unsinkable Sydney Hansen (2000) TV Episode
29. "City of Angels" .... Elliot's Lawyer / ... (1 episode, 2000)
- Jerque Du Soleil (2000) TV Episode .... Mason/Elliot's Lawyer
30. "Strong Medicine" (1 episode, 2000)
- Dependency (2000) TV Episode

31. "Dharma & Greg" .... Doctor (1 episode, 1999)
- See Dharma Run Amok (1999) TV Episode .... Doctor
32. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) .... Son'a officer #1
... aka Star Trek 9 (USA: informal alternative title)
33. The Pentagon Wars (1998) (TV) .... Maj. Gen. De Grasso
34. "The Visitor" .... Father Traylor (1 episode, 1997)
- Caged (1997) TV Episode .... Father Traylor
35. "Pacific Palisades" .... Christina's Lawyer (1 episode, 1997)
- Private Showing (1997) TV Episode .... Christina's Lawyer
36. "Beverly Hills, 90210" .... Dr. Abrahams (2 episodes, 1997)
- Spring Breakdown (1997) TV Episode .... Dr. Abrahams
- Storm Warning (1997) TV Episode .... Dr. Abrahams
37. "The Wayans Bros." .... Mr. Peterman (1 episode, 1997)
- Risky Bid-ness (1997) TV Episode .... Mr. Peterman
38. "Men Behaving Badly" .... Minister (1 episode, 1996)
... aka It's a Man's World (New Zealand: English title)
- Drunken Proposal (1996) TV Episode .... Minister
39. "Party of Five" .... Dr. Kass (1 episode, 1996)
- Short Cuts (1996) TV Episode .... Dr. Kass
40. "Hudson Street" .... Bartholomew (1 episode, 1996)
- One for the Monet (1996) TV Episode .... Bartholomew
41. "Coach" .... Dr. Nichols (2 episodes, 1996)
- Somebody's Baby (1996) TV Episode .... Dr. Nichols
- Her Boyfriend's Back (1996) TV Episode .... Dr. Nichols
42. "The Outer Limits" .... Wayne Fowler (1 episode, 1995)
... aka The New Outer Limits (USA: promotional title)
- Virtual Future (1995) TV Episode .... Wayne Fowler
43. "Star Trek: Voyager" .... Ocampan Doctor (1 episode, 1995)
... aka Voyager (USA: short title)
- Caretaker (1995) TV Episode .... Ocampan Doctor
44. "The Boys Are Back" (1 episode, 1995)
- Get Me to the Church (1995) TV Episode
45. "All-American Girl" .... Mr. Wickes (1 episode, 1994)
- Take My Family, Please (1994) TV Episode .... Mr. Wickes
46. "Picket Fences" .... Danny (1 episode, 1994)
- Remote Control (1994) TV Episode .... Danny
47. Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (1993) (TV) .... Senator Marik
48. Victim of Love: The Shannon Mohr Story (1993) (TV)
... aka Crimes of Passion: Victim of Love (USA: series title)
49. A Case for Murder (1993) (TV) .... Neville Gerson
50. Barbarians at the Gate (1993) (TV) .... Golfer Jay
51. "Herman's Head" .... Minister (1 episode, 1993)
- God, Girls and Herman (1993) TV Episode .... Minister
52. "Who's the Boss?" .... Ted Braddock (1 episode, 1992)
- Allergic to Love (1992) TV Episode .... Ted Braddock
53. "Star Trek: The Next Generation" .... Sabin Genestra (1 episode, 1991)
... aka Star Trek: TNG (USA: promotional abbreviation)
- The Drumhead (1991) TV Episode .... Sabin Genestra
54. "Jake and the Fatman" .... Judge (2 episodes, 1991)
- I Cover the Waterfront (1991) TV Episode (uncredited) .... Judge
- Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (1991) TV Episode .... Judge
55. "Father Dowling Mysteries" .... Aunt Em (1 episode, 1990)
... aka Father Dowling Investigates (UK)
- The Vanishing Victim Mystery (1990) TV Episode .... Aunt Em
56. In the Line of Duty: A Cop for the Killing (1990) (TV) .... Judge
... aka A Cop for the Killing
... aka In the Line of Duty: Blood Brothers (UK: video title)
57. Martians Go Home (1990) .... Elgins
58. "Valerie" .... Mr. Atkins (1 episode, 1990)
... aka The Hogan Family (USA: new title)
... aka The Hogans
... aka Valerie's Family (USA: new title)
- Crimes and Misdemeanors (1990) TV Episode .... Mr. Atkins
59. Where Pigeons Go to Die (1990) (TV) .... Denis Corn

60. "Hardball" (1 episode, 1989)
- The Fighting 52nd (1989) TV Episode
61. "Designing Women" .... Mr. Cohen (1 episode, 1989)
- One Night with You (1989) TV Episode .... Mr. Cohen
62. "Night Court" .... Mr. Laporta (1 episode, 1989)
- Yet Another Day in the Life (1989) TV Episode .... Mr. Laporta
63. "Cheers" .... John (1 episode, 1989)
- The Gift of the Woodi (1989) TV Episode .... John
64. "War and Remembrance" (1988) (mini) TV Series .... Sylvester Aherne
65. Black Eagle (1988) .... Father Joseph Bedelia
66. "Falcon Crest" .... Agent / ... (4 episodes, 1986-1988)
- King's Gambit (1988) TV Episode .... Perry
- Key to Angela (1988) TV Episode .... Agent
- Flying Blind (1988) TV Episode .... Agent
- Conundrum (1986) TV Episode .... Judge Saunders
67. "The Bronx Zoo" .... Priest (1 episode, 1988)
- Behind Closed Doors (1988) TV Episode .... Priest
68. "Moonlighting" .... Reverend Hackley (1 episode, 1988)
- Maddie Hayes Got Married (1988) TV Episode .... Reverend Hackley
69. "ABC Weekend Specials" .... Garf's Father (1 episode, 1988)
- Runaway Ralph (1988) TV Episode .... Garf's Father
70. "Highway to Heaven" .... Thomas Inman (1 episode, 1987)
- Why Punish the Children? (1987) TV Episode .... Thomas Inman
71. Surrender (1987) .... Dream Lawyer
72. "CBS Summer Playhouse" .... Prosecutor (1 episode, 1987)
- Doctors Wilde (1987) TV Episode .... Prosecutor
73. Murder Ordained (1987) (TV) .... Bruce Linton
74. "Matlock" .... Col. Miles (2 episodes, 1987)
- The Court-Martial: Part 2 (1987) TV Episode .... Col. Miles
- The Court-Martial: Part 1 (1987) TV Episode .... Col. Miles
75. "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" .... Dr. Neely (1 episode, 1987)
- Mission of Gold (1987) TV Episode .... Dr. Neely
76. "L.A. Law" .... Brian Mellor (2 episodes, 1986)
- Raiders of the Lost Bark (1986) TV Episode .... Brian Mellor
- Slum Enchanted Evening (1986) TV Episode .... Brian Mellor
77. Who Is Julia? (1986) (TV) .... Dr. Haverford
78. Legal Eagles (1986) .... Reporter
79. Wildcats (1986) .... Mayhew
... aka First and Goal
80. "Newhart" .... Ned Tate (1 episode, 1986)
- The Stratford Horror Picture Show (1986) TV Episode .... Ned Tate
81. Murphy's Romance (1985) .... Rex Boyd
82. Jagged Edge (1985) .... Richard Duffin
83. Fletch (1985) .... Dr. Holmes
84. Deadly Intentions (1985) (TV) .... Dr. Reston
85. "Robert Kennedy & His Times" (1985) (mini) TV Series .... Frank Simpson
86. "Knots Landing" .... Markham (1 episode, 1984)
- High Ideals (1984) TV Episode .... Markham
87. "Hill Street Blues" .... Chaplain (1 episode, 1984)
- Parting Is Such Sweep Sorrow (1984) TV Episode .... Chaplain
88. "The A-Team" .... Al Jackson (1 episode, 1984)
- In Plane Sight (1984) TV Episode .... Al Jackson
89. "Magnum, P.I." .... Ensign Jensen (1 episode, 1983)
- Operation: Silent Night (1983) TV Episode .... Ensign Jensen
90. Christine (1983) .... Mr. Smith
... aka John Carpenter's Christine (USA: complete title)
91. "Hardcastle and McCormick" .... Howard Daner (1 episode, 1983)
- Flying Down to Rio (1983) TV Episode .... Howard Daner
92. "Lottery!" (1 episode, 1983)
- Detroit: The Price of Freedom (1983) TV Episode
93. Mr. Mom (1983) .... Douglass
... aka Mr. Mum
... aka Perfect Daddy (Philippines: English title)
94. "The Powers of Matthew Star" .... Dr. Paul Avery (1 episode, 1983)
- 36 Hours (1983) TV Episode .... Dr. Paul Avery
95. "ABC Afterschool Specials" .... Doctor Vince (1 episode, 1983)
- The Woman Who Willed a Miracle (1983) TV Episode .... Doctor Vince
96. "Fame" .... Dennis Mitchell (1 episode, 1983)
- Relationships (1983) TV Episode .... Dennis Mitchell
97. Sweetwater (1983) .... Driver
98. "Family Ties" .... Dr. Rogers (1 episode, 1982)
- A Christmas Story (1982) TV Episode .... Dr. Rogers
99. Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) .... Officer #2
... aka Flying High II
... aka Flying High II: The Sequel (Australia)
100. Mysterious Two (1982) (TV)
101. "Dallas" .... Jerry Macon (4 episodes, 1981-1982)
- The Maelstrom (1982) TV Episode .... Jerry Macon
- My Father, My Son (1982) TV Episode .... Jerry Macon
- Showdown at San Ángelo (1981) TV Episode .... Jerry Macon
- Gone But Not Forgotten (1981) TV Episode .... Jerry Macon
102. First Family (1980)

103. "Soap" .... Hotel Clerk (1 episode, 1979)
- Episode #3.8 (1979) TV Episode .... Hotel Clerk
104. "The French Atlantic Affair" (1979) (mini) TV Series .... Specht
105. Rendezvous Hotel (1979) (TV) .... Frank Leonard
106. "Kaz" (1 episode, 1979)
- Trouble on the South Side (1979) TV Episode
107. "Roots: The Next Generations" (1979) (mini) TV Series .... Calloway
108. Terror Out of the Sky (1978) (TV) .... Eli Nathanson
... aka The Revenge of the Savage Bees (USA)
109. "The Waltons" .... Beau Pauley (1 episode, 1978)
- The Calling (1978) TV Episode .... Beau Pauley
110. Bloodbrothers (1978) .... Paulie
... aka A Father's Love (USA: TV title)
111. When Every Day Was the Fourth of July (1978) (TV) .... Court Clerk
112. Coming Home (1978) .... Dr. Lincoln
... aka Hemkomsten
113. Ruby and Oswald (1978) (TV) .... Robert Oswald
... aka Four Days in Dallas
114. It Happened at Lakewood Manor (1977) (TV) .... Tom
... aka Ants (Philippines: English title)
... aka Panic at Lakewood Manor
115. Curse of the Black Widow (1977) (TV) .... Summers-Hospital Administrator
... aka Love Trap (USA: reissue title)
116. Rollercoaster (1977) .... Bomb Squad #2
117. Waiting for Godot (1977) (TV) .... Lucky
118. Pipe Dreams (1976) .... The Duke
119. The Savage Bees (1976) (TV) .... Police Lieutenant
120. Helter Skelter (1976) (TV) .... Officer Ocher
... aka Massacre in Hollywood (USA: video title)
121. Man on a Swing (1974) .... Check-Out Man

Self:

1. Special Thanks to Roy London (2005) .... Himself

Holy Crap that's a long list!!!

I don't think you really got what I meant before comparing my dad. I just meant that whether or not my dad agreed with the teamsters or not (and he was not one of those in negotiations with them) he was told it was his job to get goods to customers. So all I was saying is no matter what, the people whose jobs it is to keep the networks running as best as possible are going to have to do so if they want to keep their jobs, regardless of what they really feel about the strike. So my point was no matter how ugly the story Aerwin brought over, it really was what I expected would happen - not that I agreed with any of it - but that of course they are going to do things like that. I'm not surprised by it and I won't be surprised by a lot of the ugly things that are about to happen.

I understand how you and others feel about Ellen's decision. I really do. Or about how you will feel if someone fills in for Jay and Conan. I am just one that feels maybe some people should be able to make what they feel is the right decision for THEM and yet not feel the wrath. Maybe they would really want to help keep the other people in their jobs. Maybe it would be someone who is really in need of money. I don't know, I just wish it all didn't have to happen in the first place.

Anyway, I really hope you see that I am not justifying the studio heads actions. Writers do deserve way more than they are getting or even asking for.

Thanks for the hugs though. My dad really needs them right now!


ETA: I just wanted to add that maybe I come at this at a different perspective because of where I grew up. The sticks and farmlands of Illinois. I get very emotional about people losing their jobs. I've been there with my dad and with my first hubby. Perhaps these people in show biz are used to this and way more prepared for it than people in the heartland. It's probably a whole different way of thinking between Sugar Grove, Ill. and Hollywood! Maybe anyone who fills in for Jay and Conan would not be doing so for other people's sake (as I would be tempted to do) but for their own publicity or something and of course in this case I could see the writers turning against that person.

I also want to add that I am so glad I am not in a union and am self-employed and don't have to worry about being told I have to strike or anything. I set my rates (which are very reasonable) set-up my own time and days off. It is the very best! No, I am not rich or famous, but I am happy!!! and pretty stress free when it comes to works! Except when kids miss the potty!

For Heroes Fans!

Quote :

'Heroes' Creator Apologizes to Fans
Tim Kring admits mistakes were made at the beginning of season 2, but promises to get back on track

On the chilly Monday morning that Hollywood's writers went on strike, Heroes creator Tim Kring called from the streets outside the Hollywood studio where his NBC series is shot. ''Yes, I'm picketing my own show,'' says the 50-year-old writer-producer. ''So surreal.''

But Kring wasn't calling to discuss labor woes — he was calling to explain why Heroes, suffering a creative decline and a 15 percent ratings drop from the same period last year, went from Human Torch hot to Iceman cold. The good news? A turnaround appears to be under way. After weeks of sluggish storytelling, the Nov. 5 episode recaptured some of last season's fanciful energy. We've also seen the next two episodes — and we like them, too. The cliff-hangers are back. Narrative purpose has been discovered. Old favorites like Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) and Horn-Rimmed Glasses (Jack Coleman) take center stage. Even more encouraging: Kring himself is keenly aware that Heroes is broken. Here's his candid critique:

THE PACE IS TOO SLOW ''We assumed the audience wanted season 1 — a buildup of intrigue about these characters and the discovery of their powers. We taught [them] to expect a certain kind of storytelling. They wanted adrenaline. We made a mistake.''

THE WORLD-SAVING STAKES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED SOONER The premonition of nuclear apocalypse created a larger context that unified every story line last season. Kring now sees that Volume 2 (the first 11 episodes of season 2) would have been better served if Peter's vision of viral Armageddon had appeared in the season premiere rather than episode 7. ''We took too long to get to the big-picture story,'' he says.

THE ROOKIES DIDN'T GREET THEMSELVES PROPERLY New Heroes Monica (Dana Davis), Maya (Dania Ramirez), and Alejandro (Shalim Ortiz) ''shouldn't have been introduced in separate story lines that felt unattached to the show. The way we introduced Elle (Kristen Bell) — by weaving her in via Peter's story line — is a more logical way to bring new characters into the show.'' (That said, Kring says a few newbies won't make it beyond this second volume, which wraps Dec. 3.)

HIRO WAS IN JAPAN WAY TOO LONG Hiro's (Masi Oka) time-bending adventure in 17th-century Japan — where he mentored samurai hero Takezo Kensei (David Anders) — finally came to an end on Nov. 5. But Kring says it ''should have [lasted] three episodes. We didn't give the audience enough story to justify the time we allotted it.''

YOUNG LOVE STINKS Kring regrets sticking Claire (Hayden Panettiere) with a super-dud boyfriend and forcing Hiro to moon over a cutesy princess. ''I've seen more convincing romances on TV,'' he admits. ''In retrospect, I don't think romance is a natural fit for us.'

Yet while Heroes has finally found some dramatic traction, this second volume is pretty much a wash. The Dec. 3 episode has been retooled to function as a potential season finale — a move inspired by the writers' strike and a desire to give the show ''a clean slate'' when it goes back into production for Volume 3. At that point, Kring wants to craft a rebooted Heroes that can attract new fans and win back those who've tuned out: ''The message is that we've heard the complaints — and we're doing something about it.''

Quote :

Soap writers cross the picket line

'Restless' scribes opt for 'financial core' method

Several WGA scribes on sudsers have decided to cross the picket line to keep their jobs.

According to several people with knowledge of the situation, a high-ranking writer-producer on CBS's "The Young and the Restless" has informed the WGA that he plans to go "financial core" -- that is, give up full membership in the guild and withhold the dues spent on political activities in order to continue writing during the strike.

Another source with knowledge of the situation added that two other scribes on "Y&R" have also opted for financial core status, and one other is considering it. A writer on NBC's "Days of Our Lives" may also be considering crossing the picket line.

The WGA -- which recently formed a special committee to handle info about strikebreaking -- refused to comment Monday on whether any members have gone fi-core. "This is an internal matter that we choose not to discuss," guild spokesman Gregg Mitchell said.

Defections are still very much the exception to a strike that has, at least so far, generated widespread public displays of solidarity among scribes of all levels. There have been no reports of writers on primetime or latenight skeins picking up their pens, and a slew of top showrunners have continued to withhold producing services despite studio threats to hold them in breach of contract (Daily Variety, Nov. 7).

( Oh ye of such little faith. )



I wouldn't want to be these people when the strike's over.

My mom will be thrilled! I think she would go postal if she couldn't watch The Young and The Restless!!

Heroes was beyond awesome last night. I really love that show and now because of the rich blowhards TPTB it is going to end in Dec. So is Pushing Daisies. But seriously do you think they even care about us the viewing public? SUCKS!!!!! You know back in the 80's when the writer's strike occured TV lost ten percent of their audience and that was way before internet and other diversions. When some of these shows do come back I suspect it will be a bigger drop than that. Then where will the revenue be? And really do they think we want to subsist on all reality tv. I know I don't. GRRRRRR! I'm mad. I deserve my tv. yes I do.

I know. I am heart sick about Pushing Daisies ending so soon More will follow. After the holidays most shows will be done for the season. You are right. There is going to be a bigger drop off. Idiots. Why couldn't they just part with the damn 4 cents

Other than AI and the dancing shows, I don't watch any reality shows so I don't know what I am going to do I guess rent some movies I have wanted to rent and just haven't found the time.

I've been reading the Frazz-FC discussion with great interest.

I have to agree with Frazz on every point. I've worked personally on the corporate end of things at a major studio and when a movie does so well they're handing out hundred dollar bills to the employees, well, you know they're doing REALLY REALLY well. I've worked for them. I've been to their offices. I've had friends work on their bonuses, which is more than a year of someone's salary. That's just the BONUS. Like, "here's your check! Have a great holiday!"

Frazz is also right about Ellen. She could have performed for them without benefit of the cameras. They would have gotten a personalized Ellen comedy show. How cool would that have been for those who showed up? That would have made it more special.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: when you try to please EVERYONE, you wind up pleasing NOBODY - including yourself.

So, yeah, you can be a good egg and a warm and generous person and still make some really horribly bad decisions. Nobody is saying she made her decision to screw anyone over, just that she really (once again, as Frazz said) should have had someone advise her that the repercussions from her actions would ripple far beyond that day.

RE: Ghost Whisperer vs. Heroes in the ratings. You know, sometimes it's better to start out a nice little show with a decent following that slowly builds, than something that BAM outta the gate everyone falls over themselves gushing about. See, there's wiggle room for improvement the first way. The thing that happens with the outta-the-gate shows is that there's a tremendous backlash. Even if the show is still great, people may get spoiled and say it's going downhill. They wanna be really dazzled. It can totally backfire.

Personally, I adore Heroes and believe it remains consistent. I also love Ghost Whisperer and have been there since the beginning. Also, YES! David Conrad is SMOKIN'. Also? Jennifer honey? Could you cover those things up? Please? A good majority of your viewers are women and we don't wanna see them jiggle-especially at a funeral. (I told you they call it the Breast Whisperer, right?)

So, there's my 2 cents.

Just a note about Ghost Whisperer: every time I tune in it is one of the three episode I watched originally.. like reruns from the previous year...three times in a row. I tend not to be home when it is on, but I would most likely make a point to watch it if I was not having the Groundhog day experience each time.

Does it have may more reruns than most shows, or is it just some bizarre coincidence?

********

LOL, Green Eyes and I have met the devil. Hollywood really isn't like your average midwest farm community.

You know I watched Ghost Whisperer a little at the beginning but it wasn't dark enough for me. I like JLH though she is cute.

After CSI Heroes is my fav right now. I flove it and they are taking it away from me the bastards. Does anyone watch House? I love it too.

I've watched The Ghost Whisperer every single week and no, it does not have more reruns than other shows. Just during the summer and around the holidays like all the other shows. In fact it has way less reruns than shows like ER and Lost did before this season when they decided to make it a mid-season show so as not to have so many reruns. Though I have had that happen to me with other shows I seldom watch. I might watch a show just once the whole season and then for some reason nothing else is on so I decided to give that show another try and naturally it will be the very one and only one I saw

I usually love J-Love's clothes on that show. Yes, many are too low, but she still wears some really gorgeous vintage dresses. Sadly, I would never look that good in them

GE, I think you are 100% right about it's better not to be a powerhouse right out of the gate. The same thing happened with Desperate Housewives. Everyone complained that the second and third season were nowhere near as good as the first. However, this season is getting rave reviews!

You know, I never said I didn't agree with the writers or why they are striking. I totally sympathize with them and I have said the studio heads are wrong. I just said I don't like strikes. I know it is all the writers can do, doesn't mean I have to like strikes. I also pretty much just said I feel sorry for people who are forced to lose their jobs. And I always will. Regardless of where they work or what their career is, I still hate to see someone forced out of their jobs for whatever reason. It's one thing for someone to be out on strike, it's another to be fired because "other" people went out on strike. In this case it's Hollywood and you in the biz/know say they should know, be prepared and all that, so that is the way you see it. From that Hollywood standpoint. You know those type of people a million percent better than me. I get that. You are writers. I get that too. For me, I just hear statements on the news of "massive firings" and I feel terrible for them. Maybe all of them are perfectly fine with it and and are totally prepared. They know these things happen are they are not that upset. I don't know them or how their lives are so maybe I am worrying about people that I shouldn't be worried about. I hope that is the case. I hope they totally understand the situation and agree with it and are cool with it. That would make me feel much better about the situation. I just know in my personal life, if either hubby or I were forced out of our income right now we would be up a creek without a paddle. It's a huge worry for me. I guess I think of them as feeling like I would feel but maybe that is not how it is for them.

So anyway, I never said the writers are wrong in what they are doing or why. I never said the studio heads are right. I think they are behaving terribly. I just think it is sad all the way around. Like I said before, I think it is terrible that there wasn't some way that there were contracts written in such a way that protects writers better in situations like this. Like in the old days when actors didn't get any money when shows went into syndication. Those actors from Gilligan's Island got nothing for all those reruns. I think that has changed right? Now actors get a percentage right? At least I think I heard that. Anyway, it is terrible that those actors got nothing for their work being shown over and over again for decades the world over. Writers should get a percentage also if their work is shown via other outlets. BTW, are the actors of the shows streamed on the internet compensated for that? Is that something that will be an issue in their upcoming strike? Man, thank god for movie rentals, because with all the strikes I don't think we are going to see our shows for a hell of a long time

You know there is a stagehand strike right now which has caused Broadway to temporarily close shows like SPAMALOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please let that strike be over so Clay can have his run in Spamalot. There are worries that the shows that didn't have great sales before the strike will not be able to come back after!! Oh noz, more people for me to worry about

Anyway, it has been fun and enlightening discussing this issue. With Luca gone and not much to do in the doll thread until she comes back, this has been great!

This is an interesting read - mostly for the comments that follow. Most of the comments are from writers. I found their comments informative.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/urgent-ellen-cancels-next-weeks-nyc-trip/

FC, I don't think we ever thought that you were thinking studio heads=right. Writers=WRONG.

I just think Frazz and I are trying to explain some things that someone outside of the business may not understand. Your thoughts that there should never be a strike are commendable, but unrealistic. When the corporate heads have their mansions and their garage filled with Mercedes(es), and they're crying poverty and won't give the writers ANYTHING, and negotiations break down because they refuse to budge at all, the writers cannot just suck it up YET AGAIN and just say "oh well" because in the same way the suits can't just give into demands when a strike is threatened, the writers can't just give in to them because then the suits know they can intimidate the writers and force them to accept whatever measely crap they're offering. Then the balance of power will be even more unbalanced.

RE: Ellen:

Ellen Defends Breaking Strike Lines
By Steve Friess,USA Today
Posted: 2007-11-15 12:58:42
Filed Under: TV News
(Nov. 15) -- For a woman who has built recent success on serving as a perky, non-controversial daytime TV alternative to the likes of Rosie O'Donnell and Star Jones Reynolds, Ellen DeGeneres has been taking a disorienting thumping in recent weeks.

First came her mid-October on-air breakdown on her eponymous syndicated talk show over adopted dog Iggy, which was taken away from her hairdresser's family by the rescue organization because such a placement violated their rules. And now she has been rebuked by the Writers Guild for not shutting down her talk show during their strike.

"It's just an interesting time for me right now," DeGeneres says. "I try not to pay attention to anything, and I try not to read or watch TV or pay attention to what other people's opinions are. I know a lot of people are talking about a lot of things, but I'm just trying to do my job and trying to explain my support for my writers."

DeGeneres says she's baffled as to why she has been attacked by the union but other syndicated hosts who have not suspended production — including Rachael Ray and Oprah Winfrey — have not. She did suspend production for one day in solidarity and has canceled some shows to be filmed in New York, but she's still filming in Los Angeles.

She says she's in a tough spot as a syndicated program, obliged by contract to provide programming to stations that air her show. Also, she says, she has 135 staffers she wishes to keep employed. "What's sad is I support my writers 100%, I love my writers and I miss them, and it's hard coming to work right now.

For her part, DeGeneres is trying her best to navigate the storms and focus on her latest project, the first "Ellen's Really Big Show" variety production, which will be filmed before a live audience tonight in Las Vegas. The show is a marquee attraction of The Comedy Festival, a week of comic concerts that this year also features Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and many others.

For DeGeneres' show, which is being taped for airing Monday on TBS (9 p.m. ET/6 PT), she'll be joined by Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, magician Lance Burton and several lesser-known acts.

"I've been wanting to bring variety television back for a really long time," says DeGeneres, who suggests this may be the first of a series of specials. "I grew up watching them, and I like them, and I think we have a form of that now with American Idol and America's Got Talent. We're all searching for new and exciting things that we don't see all the time."



FC, I think what Frazz was trying to say is not that there are a lot of re-runs of Ghost Whisperer, but that every time she sees a re-run, it's one of 3 in a continuous loop. Like all they're showing are these 3 episodes she's already seen.

I find that happens with me ALL THE TIME. Like, I never ever watch a show and I'll happen to catch one. Then there's a repeat and I'll start to watch it and realize it's the ONE AND ONLY show I ever watched. It will happen a few more times. Really creepy. I think it's the same thing at work when I keep tuning into a movie at the exact same point (on cable).

Quote :

Late Night Hosts May Be Coming Back

Quote:

Talks are underway to bring the laughs back to latenight.

Reps for several of the major latenight skeins -- including "Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien"--- have been engaging in secret backchannel conversations with each other about when it might be appropriate for their hosts to return to their studios. It's unlikely anything will happen until after Thanksgiving, however--and even that could be optimistic.

Still, according to several network execs with knowledge of the situation, there's been talk of resuming production on some shows as early as next month, with Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 mentioned as possible return dates.

Aw, I love Ross the Intern on Leno! He has a video blog and he talked about how it looks like they will all be laid off tomorrow. As always he handles things with his great sense of humor! But, he says he is scared and sad. He seems like such a sweetie! I sure hope The Tonight Show brings him back when things are all settled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIelXaMofZo

I LOVE Ross the intern! I never knew he had his own blog, so that is saved now! He has done some of the funniest things. I haven't seen him for a while, since I don't normally watch the show anymore........WOW, he has lost some weight, he looks great. I have some reading to do to catch up on him.

Sky, he was on Celebrity Fit Club and that is how he lost all that weight! He looks great! He cracks me up like you wouldn't believe! I just love him!! Hubby - not so much. He finds him too over the top, but tolerates him because I INSIST we always watch him!

My hubby probably wouldn't tolerate him much either. Ross is a riot. I loved it when he went skydiving and when he covered the Oscars one year. I'm going to be watching all his videos. I wonder how I missed the Celebrity Fit Club?

Quote :

Friday, November 16, 2007
THEY'RE GOING BACK TO THE TABLE

The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) have issued the following statement today:

“Leaders from the WGA and the AMPTP have mutually agreed to resume formal negotiations on November 26. No other details or press statements will be issued.”


We can’t add much. Don’t know the backstory of what’s led up to this.

We have confirmed that the AMPTP is NOT requiring us to stop striking in the interim as a pre-condition.

More as we get it.

Quote :

Studios and networks will resume negotiations with striking writers on Nov. 26.

The WGA remains on strike. The companies recently dropped their insistence that the strike had to stop, at least temporarily, as a condition of restarting negotiations.

The Friday night announcement came on the 12th day of the strike in the form of a joint statement from the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers.

Both sides have agreed to a news blackout.

"Leaders from the AMPTP and the WGA have mutually agreed to resume formal negotiations on November 26," the statement said. "No other details or press statements will be issued."

Shortly after the joint statement was released, WGA West president Patric Verrone sent an email to the WGA membership.

"This announcement is a direct result of your efforts," Verrone said. "For 12 days I have repeated that a powerful strike means a short strike. ...Now it is equally important that we now prove that good news won't slow us down, either. We must remember that returning to the bargaining table is only a start. Our work is not done until we achieve a good contract and that is by no means assured. Accordingly, what we achieve in negotiations will be a direct result of how successfully we can keep up our determination and resolve."

Backchannel efforts have been ongoing throughout the strike to restart the talks, spurred partly by the fact that the negotiations were progressing on Nov. 4, the final day of bargaining. Since then, as job losses and show cancellations gained momentum, agents, high-profile screenwriters and showrunners have exerted pressure for a resumption of talks.

WGA leaders were angry over what they saw as a lack of substantive response by the AMPTP after the guild took its DVD residuals increase off the table. By contrast, the companies contended that they had made significant moves in new-media compensation for streaming video, providing a six-week window for promotion and giving the WGA jurisdiction over made-for-Internet work that was based on existing properties.

Verrone had indicated that for his union to restart negotiations, it needed to receive assurance that the companies would offer more in new media than they did on Nov. 4.

As for the companies, AMPTP president Nick Counter had said he needed to be convinced that the guild wanted to make a deal. He had moved away from last week's stance that the guild would have to stop striking in order to return to the table.

"For true negotiations to take place, there has to be some expectation that a deal can be made, but by their past actions and their current rhetoric that certainly doesn't appear to be the case," Counter said in his most recent statement.

On Wednesday, the WGA trumpeted a pair of surveys showing the public had plenty of sympathy for the writers, with backing of 69% in a Pepperdine poll and 63% in a SurveyUSA poll. Companies received a only a smattering of support, with 4% and 8%.

That same day, IATSE topper Thomas Short had blasted WGA leaders over job losses, noting that more than 50 TV series have been shut down by the strike. "The IATSE alone has over 50,000 members working in motion picture, television and broadcasting and tens of thousands more are losing jobs in related fields," he said.

Quote :

November 17, 2007 -- IN its first dramatic move since the beginning of the Writers Guild strike, NBC has fired "nearly the entire production staff" of its struggling, late-night staple, "Saturday Night Live," sources told Page Six.

One tipster told us, " 'SNL' laid off all their staff until further notice. Their production staff, even long-term employees, were let go." Another source confirmed that "90 percent of the 'SNL' staff was fired."

And while The Washington Post reported yesterday that NBC might lay staff off at Jay Leno's "Tonight" show, "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" and "Last Call With Carson Daly" - all of which immediately went into rerun mode on Nov. 5 - those staffers would at least get paid for two more weeks. But an insider confirmed to us that "SNL" staffers got no severance.

Although no official announcement had been made as of last night about firings at any of NBC's late-night shows, multiple sources confirmed to us that "SNL" staffers learned of their axing yesterday morning. Reps for NBC declined comment.

Despite being scrooged out of their Christmas-season paychecks, the "SNL" crew still has a big heart. Playbill reports that the cast plans to perform a nontelevised show tonight at the New York Upright Citizens Brigade Theater on West 26th Street. Ticket proceeds from the sold-out performance, which was produced by Lorne Michaels, will benefit the Writers Guild's strike fund.

The strike has drawn such famous-faced picketers as Sarah Silverman and Kathy Griffin in Los Angeles and "SNL" alumna and current "30 Rock" star Tina Fey in New York to the picket lines. The writers have been fighting for a slice of the dough that networks make off of DVD sales and Internet-streamed content.

Meanwhile, one powerful name is playing Santa Claus to his loyal colleagues. CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman has quietly announced to his staff that he would pay them out of his own pocket over the holidays if the strike continues.

I always LOVED Letterman!

NY Post

Letterman is too cool.

Dod anyone see Moonlight? Good and creepy. I loved it. I cannot wait for next week. Does anyone know how many episodes they have in the can?