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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Television Writers are the Change Agents

I recently had a discussion with someone about the television writers strike. His perspective was that "they otta just get back to work and quite whining". I, as you can imagine, have a different perspective based on a little experience with digital rights. The world is changing pretty quickly and intellectual property is a slippery slope. Internet TV didn't exist when a lot of the writers negotiated their agreements. There are new verbs. new technologies and way to disseminate media that was not clearly defined by a writers' contract.

Here's my thought about fairness. Those greedy entertainment executives need to have a reality check and start embracing the backbone of the industry. The days of work for hire (WFH) are gone. If I produce something that is distributed to a wide audience and generates revenue, then I, as a writer should share in that stream regardless of the medium.

If canceling the Golden Globes is any indication who has the power, then the executives better start playing nice. Internet TV is coming and I for one, can't take any more reality TV or game shows.

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