Show runners get nasty letters

According to an article in the New York Times, CBS and Fox have sent out letters to show runners informing them of a breach of contract for not continuing thier producing work on the TV series. What it does NOT include are the possible consequences for not showing up. The article only mentions no pay, which I assume they expected. If, however, they could be fired for this offense, that would change the landscape of television as we know it

Eisner calls strike "stupid"

For some reason, Michael Eisner is still giving speeches. He addressed the WGA strike in his latest speech, calling the strike stupid, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Not unexpected for a former studio head... but here's the twist: he blames Apple. It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots here. Eisner's exit from Disney was, in large part, due to his falling out with Pixar a company Apple head Steve Jobs founded. Eisner says that writers should "wait a few years" before asking for digital revenue. Maybe if they hadn't been screwed on home video sales by people like Eisner, they would have.

Some WGA members uneasy about Rule No. 8

A new story from Variety suggests that some WGA members may fall out of line--though not go back to work--Thursday. The WGA requires all writers to submit drafts of everything they were contracted to be working on for 'validation.' However, the networks could launch a lawsuit against the writers for handing over company property to the WGA. Most writers--and their lawyers--feel that the wrath of the WGA is better than lawsuits from the networks.

The most severe consequence would be expulsion--though if enough writers do it, it will likely be dealt with a slap on the wrist. Either way, the rule puts writers in an uncomfortable situation when they--well, are already pretty uncomfortable.