Writers are trying to position themselves to gain proper compensation for new media and to keep producers from taking back what writers deserve. The negotiatons didn’t go well. Now we’re on strike. Simple. But actually, it’s not so simple. First, read this, written by my buddy Ryan, one of the hardest working guys in show business. He’s currently working on a popular TV Show, but thanks to the strike, they finish shooting early December and wrap up post production just in time for Christmas, at which point, he’s out of a job. Along with thousands of others. Ryan sez:

I have no political interest in this, my concern is purely economic
and rooted in the desire to continue working in the entertainment
industry. I understand both sides have their grievances. I also know
that this will end. I am merely trying to be a catalyst to a swift end
to the thousands layoffs that have begun and will only grow.

If you have a vested interest in this strike one way or the other
please feel free to join us by focusing your campaign on the opposing
side.

My suggestion is a barrage of phone calls, emails and letters to both
the WGA and AMPTP. If all of us affected by the strike took one hour
of our newly freed up time to make ourselves heard there would be no
choice.

They would be forced to bring this strike to a end sooner than they
would have otherwise.

Don’t know what to say? “Please stop the strike, please stop the
strike…..” Until they hang up. Then hit redial.

This is not about me its about us all so if you can spam better than I
can please be creative. If you can add better or more specific
contacts to this email please help!

If you don’t think this will work, just try me.

And if I missed anyone please forward this to them.

Thanks,

LAID OFF

He also passes along some contact info to make things easier:

Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
Attn: Sue McDermott Mercer, Counsel
15503 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, CA 91436

Tel: 818/995-3600
Contact: Vanessa Pelech, Assistant to Sue McDermott Mercer, Counsel
818/382-1759
contact page

WGA, West
Address 7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Telephone (323) 951-4000, (800) 548-4532
Fax (323) 782-4800
Creative Rights (323) 782-4741
Credits (323) 782-4528
Executive Offices (323) 951-4000

(the WGAw has a nifty page loaded with support links. Click here.)

The point is, this strike isn’t just about writers out of work. It’s about an entire industry.