The Writers Guild of America is set to start striking today against Hollywood. The 12,000 member union is fighting for better pay from movie companies over DVD sales, online content and digital sales of movies which are a growing source of revenue for the companies. Writers voted last week to begin strike action on Monday but also held out hope that a settlement could have been reached over the weekend. Unfortunately talks broke down Sunday night and a strike seems now certain as writers turn off their computers and start picketing outside of movie studios.

Film producers had prepared in advance by stockpiling screenplays in case the strike goes on for a long time but television programming could be seriously harmed if it goes on for several weeks. American TV shows will feel the loss of writers as new episodes for the fall season can’t be produced and several shows where long-term storytelling is key such as “Lost”, “24” and “Heroes” could stand to lose their audiences as networks are forced to air repeats.

Even if the writers and producers can reach a compromise sooner rather than later they may find themselves in the same situation come July 2008. That’s when the contacts with the Screen Actors Guild and the Directors Guild of America are set to come up and both of their members may also go on strike. If that happens all production will roll to a halt and no new movies or television shows would be produced until both groups reach a settlement. Be prepared to watch a lot of reruns and catch up on your DVD watching!

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