Welcome to Strike Watch!

With all the confusion around the writer's strike and what it's doing to popular television shows, I decided to create a site for fans of all shows to come and find out important information regarding their favorite programs.

First off, as an aspiring screenwriter and avid television fan, let me say I am behind the writers 100%. If you wish to find out ways to support the writers, check out Fans for Writers.

Secondly, I encourage anyone to send me any news regarding the strike to will.ohargan@gmail.com or leave a comment on this post. I will do my best to update this as often as I can.

DGA to begin talks with AMPTP

If the AMPTP treats directors like it did writers, at least the directors will have time before they go on strike. The director's contract ends in June, but the WGA strike may have some effect on how the DGA conducts itself in the upcoming talks. While the DGA talks won't have a direct effect on the outcome of the WGA strike, the writers could show just how much the AMPTP is willing to budge, hopefully avoiding a DGA strike.

However, if the DGA gets a deal before the WGA, what does that mean for the writers? Well, it depends on what the producers get.

WGA strike may effect award shows

This article takes the position that this is a bad thing. Honestly, most of the prewritten stuff for the award shows is trash anyway. Think of the last Oscars. Of all the prewritten segments, only the best director introduction where Lucas was made to feel bad and the musical number with Will Ferrell and Jack Black were worth the time. Jon Stewart isn't commenting on how it will effect him. And Bruce Vilanch is, well, however you feel about Bruce Vilanch won't be changed here.

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.