WGA West prexy Patric Verrone didn't mince words when talking about the strike, the prospect of the DGA reaching a contract agreement with the majors soon or the politics of award show waivers in an interview today on Fox Business Network.
On the WGA’s decision to approve the NAACP Awards, Verrone said flatly: “It’s a wedge. It’s a way to create competitive pressure. The purpose of all of this is to get a contract – to get a good contract – and by making the decisions that we’re making, we’re hoping that, strategically, the conglomerates come back to the table.”
As for the DGA, Verrone made it clear that everyone at WGA HQ is waiting with baited breath for news of a DGA-AMPTP pact.
“We’ve been just as anxious as you to hear news from the Directors’ Guild talks. We hope they make a good deal, and when they close their deal and it does become public, we’ll take a look at it very, very carefully but our strike doesn’t end until a deal is made with the writers," he said. "The deal we make has more influence not only on writers but on actors down the road so there has to be a settlement that ends all of this for everyone. We’re the ones out on strike right now. We’re the ones who have to go to work before anyone does.”
As to whether the strike and all the financial hardship it has caused WGA members and others will ultimately be worth, Verrone sez it's an easy calculation.
“We’re on strike here for the future, particularly new media. And, what we earn back or what we’ve lost in earnings over the past few weeks – sure, you can weigh that pound for pound, dollar for dollar against the cost of the strike – but because we’re striking for the future, because we’ve got the entire wave of writers, actors and directors being paid in new media on the line, it’s incalculable.”
And of course, what would a Verrone interview be without the obligatory Oscars question. Verrone suprised a bit in telling Fox Biz's David Asman that he wants the show to go on as skedded Feb. 24.
“I hope so. I want to have a chance to win my Oscar pool in my office too. But at this point, we need to make a deal with the conglomerates.”
(Pic and transcript provided by Fox Business Network)
Agian an other chance to embrace the majority of workers (below the line) effected by this strike,not a word spoken only above the line,we do excist you know,we are the majority.
When I look out at the skyline of L.A.,I see some pretty big buildings,It must have taken alot of finacing,and very talented architects,but with out the workers to build them they would never been standing,but wait a minute!!!!the same holds true for my car,the house I live in,the roads and all the wars present and past.If you are tired of being a pawn and want to be a solider,a solider for the most important things in life,your family and self determination join us on Sat. 19 10a.m. till 6p.m.at 2520 W.Olive Ave. Burbank Ca. for the 1st. of many rallies.To be continued............Feb.9 to be discussed
Posted by: Frank Sr. | January 16, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Patrick veronne just wants to make a name for himself. He has handeled this strike wrong from the beginning. They should have been negotiating deals while keeping the industry working. Especially before the holidays and to keep our economy afloat. He is to ignorant to understand the huge loss financially everyone has suffered including our economy. I am glad to hear fellow below the liners are going to rally !!! Amen!!! see you there!
Posted by: K. K. | January 16, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Verrone, is patting himself on the back for Holding this town Hostage!
The Wounds just get Deeper and Deeper everyday you guy's walk this line! It'll take even longer for these Wounds to heal!
I have No respect for any of you, for taking all of us So-called "Below the line People" Hostage!
You ruined a lot of peoples Christmas's!
The WGA should of been at the table long before this happened, But Verrone just wants to be a gunfighter and be a hero!
You're No Hero!
Let's go back to work!
Get a Mediator and Stop this Nonsense!
Posted by: Jon Marshall | January 16, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I am not a member of any union nor am I a writer, I am someone who's loved ones are being effected by this on going strike. Not only are the workers of the motion picture industry suffering but so are their families so we will all rally together on Saturday, the 19th.
Posted by: SUZY | January 16, 2008 at 10:04 PM
"Baited breath" is what my cat has. "Bated breath" is what people have while they wait for the DGA deal.
Posted by: Ashley Gable | January 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I'll be there
Posted by: Lighting Guy | January 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM