Pay the Writer, or Else
When it comes to writing, there isn’t much more that I am passionate about then pay. I believe we should paid a fair amount of money for our work: the higher, the better.
Today, Sandra Williams sent to me a link to a Harlan Ellison clip where he takes a passionate stand for getting paid for everything that he writes. With the Writer’s Guild of America strike now in its 11th week, it should serve as a reminder for all writers that we should get paid for all that what we do. Curiously, we wouldn’t ask a doctor to remove our spleen for no pay nor would we expect someone to clean our house for free. Why is it that when it comes to writing, we cave in so easily?
Personally, I don’t mind helping a writing colleague out, but I get mad when this person does their work for low wages, setting up the rest of us. How so? Because the expectancy of many employers becomes this: “Person A worked for X amount, why should I pay you more?” My answer: because I am worth more.
The Ellison video is candid, emotional, and he uses foul language. But, he gets his point across — I am curious to hear what you have to say about the video and this subject.
Tags: Harlan Ellison, Pay the Writer, Writer's Guild of America
Writing | Matthew C. Keegan, 17 Jan 08
By sir jorge, January 17, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Yes, pay the writer is right!
By GradBlogger, January 17, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
Very true. I think a lot of times it depends on the profession and the general public’s opinion. This holds true for more than writers, but photographers, djs, and web designers too where when asked about their hourly rate, it’s such a wide spread.
It all comes down to if you want quality or if you want craigslist… imho.
By Matt, January 18, 2008 @ 10:48 am
GradBlogger, I agree: there is such a widespread when it comes to talent.
My brother-in-law has been dj’ing for 25 years and has seen it all. I have photographer friends who battle the same problem: some people expect something for nothing.
Good point about craigslist too — that site attracts most of the bottom scrapers.
By Pets For Sale, January 18, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I cannot believe Hollywood is allowing themselves to be shot in the foot by allowing this strike to go on. They know the writers desereve the money, just pay them and get back to making some entertainment. They are losing more business than they would be paying the writers!
By Matt, January 18, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Pets, I couldn’t agree more! Losses have exceeded one billion dollars and will continue to rise at a fast pace daily. I’m not sure what the studio executives are thinking — I’m tired of reality t.v. dominating the airwaves too.
By ecommerce-expert, January 18, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
I don’t understand Hollywood. This is obviously not the first writers’ strike, and it keeps happening! The video link gets its point across and as a writer, I agree that writers should get paid what they deserve. There’s gotta be a deeper reason for this whole mess.
By Daniel, January 19, 2008 @ 2:57 am
the losses have been mounting steadily. but the producers seem to think that its only the actors and the actresses that carry forward a movie. but writers, who form the backbone of a movie are an ignored lot.but although the costs would rise but then justice would be done.
By Matt, January 19, 2008 @ 7:20 am
Daniel & e-Commerce — I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that this strike should continue. Apparently, the producers think so despite the losses. The latest word is that the two parties will enter into informal talks next week. At this rate, nothing will be settled this month. Bizarre!
By meg, January 20, 2008 @ 12:16 am
Ellison video is intense but everything he says hold true. Producers pay so little sometimes none at all, with all this psycho-bubble about the writer making his name with such a big production. Perhaps a regulated rate can be established.
By Tess, January 20, 2008 @ 12:21 am
If the story is getting to the viewers and makes to blockbuster, why not take care of the writers and pay what is due? We do whatever we do to earn a living and nothing motivates more to bring out our best than good, reasonable pay.
By weareza, January 20, 2008 @ 11:26 am
if no writer their are no movies come to the theater .I believe Hollywood must think about it alot.
By Val, January 21, 2008 @ 4:13 am
What do you call writers who present themselves in the middle of all this for a meager fee? I think this is why producers are not counting their losses. For as long as the actors & actresses are still into it, the masses will see the story right down to the end even the story sucks.
By sintra, January 21, 2008 @ 4:22 am
I can only subscribe on what people here said. It is outrageous what is happening. But partially was writers’ fault too because they accepted it for so long.
By Matt, January 21, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Meg: A regulated rate will probably be how this issue is resolved. I can’t imagine anyone settling for something less.
Tess: That makes perfect sense! Pay the writers an amount they deserve and remove money from the equation. A writer who doesn’t feel that he or she is being stiffed, will write better.
Weareza: It is television that is being impacted the most, although I am sure movies will be effected too.
Val: At some point someone will have to capitulate. Billions of dollars is on the line; I cannot believe that the producers (let alone the studios) will continue to lose millions daily without resolution.
Sintra: I’m not sure the writers have had much of a choice — the internet is a new playground, one that is just now being monetized by the film and television industry.
By John, January 21, 2008 @ 9:49 am
It is amazing what some writers will work for making it difficult for all writers.
By Sandra, January 25, 2008 @ 11:07 am
I thought you would like that one Matt.
I agree it’s crazy how the strike is still continuing on. I bet they wouldn’t take so long figuring out how much to pay the actor.
By Jason Pearson, February 29, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Thanks for this article. It really gives me a better perspective on the writer’s strike. Instead of being annoyed that my shows aren’t on, I am annoyed that the people responsible for them aren’t getting their fair share.