Surviving The Writers Strike

There are no Tony Sopranos, Kendall Roys, or Carrie Bradshaws without writers.

Prologue: normally only paid subscribers get the pleasure (or pain) of getting TWO newsletters a week but due to the upcoming Writer’s Guild Strike authorization vote, I found it necessary to ease anxieties and address financial and creative concerns.

When the Writers Guild of America, the union representing writers across film, television, radio and other media, went on strike in 2007, the strike started out kinda exciting and it seemed like a big fun party for all the picketers.

Without writers we wouldn’t get the masterpiece that is “Atlanta”

There were funny signs, Jay Leno showed up with doughnuts, a car full of UTA assistants came by with cookies, and Tina Fey was out there, walking the line and being adorable. I heard Matthew Weiner, the creator of Mad Men, carried a sign that read “Mad Men.”

Well, the novelty wore off, the realities set in and went on strike for 100 days in 2007 and 2008 and impacted the film and TV industry for over a year and there’s no telling how long this strike may last, or how far-reaching its effects may go.

Now, us writers may need to strike again because making a living being a writer is nearly impossible lately. I won’t get into specifics because frankly I’m tired yelling about how bad and unfair writer’s pay has become, but you can read more about it here.

I must pause here to say that I’m completely with my union and agree with everything we’re demanding.

This was literally at the last place I worked!

But I’m scared.

Many people are. Non-writers are too. A strike is a last resort. But if and when a strike becomes necessary, it is important to be prepared. I asked my own financial advisor and some writers that were at the picket lines in the 2007 strike for some tips.

Here’s what we recommend.

Don’t Try To Take Advantage of the Situation

Asking how to turn a WGA strike to your advantage is maybe not a great way to make inroads as a writer in Hollywood.

I know we live in a "I gotta get mine," world, but this is literally a case of giant corporations versus the middle class. (And yes, most screenwriters qualify as middle class).

Postpone Major Purchases.

If you can get by without making a major purchase, wait until the contract is settled. Maybe hold off getting that yacht.

Volunteer

Almost every writer I know plans to picket but also has a little “strike” project planed out (aka, writing a TV or feature script on spec).

While that’s fine (and low key annoying, like how dare you be so productive!), I think it’d be grear, if you can afford it, to volunteer. I used to do it a lot in high school and recently started to do more of it. It’s like instant Prozac. There’s plenty of dog shelters, soup kitchens, nursing homes, youth mentoring programs and other organizations that need help. You can find any organization you like here. You’ll do good and you’ll feel good.

And hey, maybe you’ll get some ideas for your next script.

Get Your Credit In Order

During a strike (or any financial emergency), a loan can help keep strikers afloat while they go without income. But a bad credit score will make getting a loan, particularly one with lower interest, more difficult. Plus, a credit check can help prevent the pitfalls that can come about from opening up too many credit lines.

Don’t Invest In Streamers (Right Now)

Last year, it looked like Netflix (NFLX -2.12%) might be a goner. Shares dropped more than 75% off their all-time high as subscriber growth dried up and revenue was flat.

However, the stock has recouped much of that loss after management announced plans to launch an ad-supported tier. Nevertheless, if you have owned Netflix stock for 12 months, you're still down -- albeit only 10%. But because of the strike, storm clouds are gathering. Work stoppage could be devastating to them.

Build Up an Emergency Fund

It may be too late for this strike, but it’s good to create an emergency fund anyway. The usual rule of thumb: set aside between three and six months’ worth of expenses. But in highly competitive fields like film and television, if you can, put away a year’s worth of expenses.

There’s a Strike Fund If You Need It

Most unions have a strike fund so you won’t fall too far behind on bills. The WGA has 0% interest and they have a cushy +$20 million fund available so writers don’t lose their homes or anything drastic.

Support your Coworkers and Stick together!

Don’t cross picket lines, don’t blame us (blame the CEO’s!), and just as a general rule, don’t be dicks. Strike or not. We could all be a little more empathetic and kind.

A great way you can support me as I will be stomping around the picket lines while also low key panicking about my own income is upgrading to a paid subscription.

If it isn't for the writing, we've got nothing. Writers are the most important people in Hollywood. And we must never let them know it.

-Irving Thalberg

In solidarity,

XO

Eden