Although the three-month strike by US film and TV writers is a distant memory for some, TEC Video believes it is something we cannot just forget, and there are long-term lessons for the industry as a whole.
With massive repercussions at the time that included the abandonment of production of late-night talk shows, sitcoms and prime-time dramas, thousands of off-camera crew put off work, a cancelled Golden Globes and ultimately a cost around $733m to the Los Angeles' Film and TV Industry, the Writer's Strike demonstrated just how valuable writers are to the industry. The strike virtually brought production in Hollywood to a halt.
What are the local implications?
Says Candice Ashwin, head of TEC Video, “A writers strike would no doubt adversely impact the local industry. TEC Video wholeheartedly supports the empowerment of South African scriptwriters.”
For South African scriptwriters, the strike was an eye-opener and emphasised the importance for writers to ensure that everything they believe they're entitled to be included in the initial contract of employment.
The South African Script Writers' Union (SASWU) and the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) both expressed solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Lessons were learned from the Strike, especially regarding the issue of residuals from Internet downloads and new media. With the Intellectual Property (IP) Rights regime biased against writers, the issue of IP Rights is said to be a key SASFED initiative in 2008.
On a slightly different note, following the strike Hollywood is more open to collaboration and is seeking production alternatives. This means that more opportunities are available for South Africans in what is now a global marketplace.
TEC Video treats such industry developments as a real learning curve. A full-service Video Production Company, TEC Video develops, directs and produces the highest quality communication material.
Visit our PRESS OFFICE: TEC Agency & Video is an advertising, design & video production agency which focuses on the essence of your brand through quality execution.- more....
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