I remember this almost happening a few years ago and before that there weren’t rumors of strikes since the late eighties I believe, but it’s happening again. And I feel, it’s well deserved. Not just because I’m a writer who plans to write for TV and Film one day but I think REALITY TV has totally taken over any real essence of TV watching. I mean there’s actually a category for REALITY TV in award shows. I’m not gonna front, I do watch some of them, (it’s not like you have a choice because our choices are becoming scarcely limited for scripted shows) but for the most part, what happen to original scripts, plots, storylines, characters and quality productions?
What alot of people do not realize when they get on these reality shows is that, production houses, studios and networks would rather (in my opinion) pay a what looks to be a large grand prize to ONE winner of a reality based program competition of about $250k to 1 million and provide room and board for 6-12 weeks, THAN pay seasoned actors their day rates, S.A.G pay scales and WGA pay scales PLUS residuals. Then you have to sign these contracts that really forfeit any rights you have, although I don’t know the total workings of a reality production, I assume for the most part unless you’re a returning ‘character’ that the public loves, it doesn’t offer you any residual income?
You see when you add it all up…. these reality shows still GET ADVERTISERS who buy air time from these networks and studios and other mediums to promote their products, shows, events and services or commercials. So for EVERY commercial break of EVERY episode of that reality show, these shows & networks are making anywhere (in my opinion) about $300k to a 1 million! Those are VERY rough figures but most likely not too far out the ball park. And you as a contestant may get $10k – $500k grand prize, WHEN, you probablly could make more than that over the years through residual income from being on that show.
Another thing is the production companies and edit your character, name and image any way they truly want to and once you sign gag agreements and liability disclosures, you have to SIT and watch some the of the biggest mistakes of your life OVER and OVER again in re-runs, DVD sales and Internet downloads.
Also reality shows are really —launching boards for aspiring actors and models /performers whether they’ve paid their dues or not. Some have actually worked their butts off and did training and invested in their career while most get INSTANT celebrity for what? It’s like why pay for training when you can just send in a lewd and crazy tape and if you are controversial enough or have a certain look you get picked and that’s that. Then what you get are people who aren’t even on the show for the ’show’s purpose’ they’re just on to get their 15 minutes of fame!
There’s pros and cons to everything but with the age of technology…GEE WHIZ! where’s the artisty & creativity. Am I so against Reality that I would never think of going that route? If I had NO other option to get discovered, maybe and if the contracts were to my liking but for the most part, I’d rather contribute to the legacy of tv/film and the stage the way they were ‘meant’ to be.
The current strike is for Television and Moving Pictures writers (screenwriters and television writers) but it’s a launching pad that could move to other areas of entertainment for writers and performers. So know the facts and let me know your thoughts.
For more information about the writer’s strike, visit: WGA
Here’s another link: More non-hollywood friendly…LOL
Filed under: Entertainment
