I’ve been glued to the LA Times and Variety coverage of the looming Writers Guild of America walk-out. It’s a very tough situation. In my opinion, the writers absolutely deserve residuals on DVD and internet viewings of their work. Without the writers, there would be no movies, television dramas, sit-coms, etc. At the same time, I feel for many thousands of crew members, as well as writers, who will be without work, likely for months on end, if the walk-out happens on Monday. (“If” is actually an optimistic word to use, considering that the WGA is already making signs and gearing up for picket lines.)

My heart also goes out to junior level writers whose careers will go on hiatus, possibly forever, if this is a lengthy strike. There are also countless projects that will invariably be shelved for good–movies that won’t get made, promising TV series that will ultimately be canceled. Teamsters will also feel the financial hurt, as they are being urged not to cross WGA picket lines. On the far end, of course, is the consumer of television and movies, who will notice that they’re seeing a whole lot of re-runs and “reality” shows in the near future (reality shows, or “unscripted” television, will not be affected by the strike). The WGA will meet with studios and networks tomorrow morning for a last-ditch attempt at negotiation.