Why the Writers Strike is Missing the Point

So by now I’m sure everyone knows that the Writers Guild of America is on strike.

The quick version is that the writers (understandably) want better residual profits from DVD sales, and a fair cut of internet and other “new media“ sales.

The studios, of course, say no dice.

Rearranging the Deck Chairs

What they’re completely missing is that, like it or not, the old distribution model is dying.

There’s no longer a need for a few giant middlemen to get your product in the hands of the people. While they’ve been fighting eachother over their broken business model, some filmmakers are realizing the obvious — they can do it on their own.

Welcome to the Internet, Population: You

Instead of standing around with signs shouting at cars, trying to get a better seat at the table— why not build your own?

Think about it — All it would take is one (or a team) of writers (hey you’ve got the time now!) to team up with one (or a few) of the big name actors who are claiming to support you.

Between the two of you, you should be able to get some money together. Why not produce your own web show?

Geeks have been doing it for years, and doing it quite well.

Think about it — No suits telling you to rewrite the ending to fit into their “target demographics.” Actually show off your own talents instead of rehashing the same tired crap over and over.

Seriously, what’s stopping you?

All it Takes is Once

All it would take is one solid script and one recognized name. Sign a deal to show your masterpeice on Vimeo or iTunes.

Think of all the press it would generate. Really, think about it. Ever heard of Radiohead? What have they done recently?

You Might Even Save Smalltown America!

No, really! The big theater chains won’t screen your stuff because of their contracts with the studios?

Screw ‘em.

Give the disappearing independant movie theaters a much needed shot in the arm and refuse to play your stuff anywhere else.

Give the people a reason to love going to the movies again! When’s the last time you went to an indie theater?

I can only speak from my own experiences but I’ll take the worn carpets and charm of the Cedar-Lee or the Clay-Zel any day of the week over the $6.00 bottles of water and sticky floors of the big chains.

The Studios Don’t Want to Pay You?

Who cares?

Control your own product. Control your own profits. You wouldn’t be the only one thinking this way.

You could even get Trent Reznor to write your soundtrack.