Subject: Support WGA strike!


An open letter to:
Members of the Directors Guild of America
Members of the Screen Actors Guild
 
Re: The Writers Guild of America Strike
 
Dear Fellow DGA & SAG Members,
 
It is disappointing and distressing me to see the WGA and the AMPTP fail to
reach an equitable decision in the current contract negotiations.  What
distresses me even more, is the lack of active support for our sibling scribes. 
I
find it incredulous what news agencies are reporting, that other unions are
"watching this strike very closely to see how it will affect their
negotiations." 
That's precisely what the AMPTP is counting on you to do, sit and watch, as
precedence is set.
 
The biggest enemy before us is a pervasive apathetic attitude. I have
witnessed folks shake their heads in empathy and mentally batten down the
hatches for a long cold winter.  I urge you to heed my warning, do not be
empathetic, be active.  This is not just a WGA contract they are negotiating, it
is YOURS.  As far as the AMPTP is concerned, they are setting the ground
rules for ALL upcoming contract negotiations.  The DGA and SAG cannot sit
back, letting the writers "tow the line," only to reap the benefit, or criticize
the
detriment when it's our turn at the table.  Let's not repeat mistakes in our
history.
 
The "vein of gold in the mountain" of DVD sales was not something that
Producers or Studios created.  It was a natural progression of technology and
consumer behavior in how our products are delivered and consumed.  How
can the disparity in economic equity be justified? I find it offensive that
studios
reap billions in profits from the sale of our collective creative work from
which
we earn mere pennies in revenue.  I find it deplorable that DVD
manufacturing companies are earning more revenue than the creators of the
content.  If we fail as a collective on this issue at this immediate point in
time, I
can assure you it will not be fixed when the SAG and DGA contract
negotiations finally commence.  It will steel the AMPTP resolve that DVD
residuals are NON-NEGOTIABLE.
 
The `no strike' clause in the basic agreements in the current contract only
means you cannot refuse to work, but you can support the sacrifice WGA
members are making.  Honoring your contract and supporting the WGA are
not contradictory.  You can walk the line, you can rally the troops, you can and
must actively support the cause.
 
I applaud the individuals and organizations who taken it upon themselves to
actively and physically support the WGA on the strike line.  I've heard
inspiring stories from the front lines today.
 
Now it's time for you to not let your creative brethren hang in the wind.  If we
can be divided, we can be conquered.  Only as unified creative professionals
acting in solidarity will we be victorious. Timing is critical, ACT NOW!
 
I'll see you on the picket line.
 
Jackson Douglas
Member of the Directors Guild of America
Member of the Screen Actors Guild
Steadfast supporter of the WGA