Final thoughts about my L.A. trip

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

As much fun as I had these past few days hanging out with some of The Office writers, I don’t want to minimize the seriousness of the strike. The writers are clearly weary, worried about their crew, and ready for everyone to get back to work. They do try to keep the mood upbeat, though, because they are, after all, comedy writers, and the funny just kinda flows out of them without much urging.

I do want to mention one interesting thing that happened during Wednesday’s picket. A couple of WGA board members stopped by to actually picket with us, and asked people if they had any questions about what was going on. I didn’t talk to them myself, but when I asked later what this meant, I was told that WGA board members hardly ever picket, and NEVER ask picketers if they have questions.

The interpretation was that this was a hopeful sign that there was positive movement in the negotiations. I heard buzz that the impetus is to get a deal worked out in time to salvage the Oscars (Feb. 24), which will suffer the same fate as this year’s Golden Globes if a deal is not struck. If a deal is not worked out by then, the fear is that it could be a LONG time before we see any more progress.

Of course all of this is speculation at this point. With the joint media blackout between the AMPTP and WGA, we won’t know until we know.

Thanks to the Office writing staff for letting me hang out with you guys this week! And it was a pleasure to finally meet writer Brent “Workout Fiend” Forrester and editor Dave “Dwight Isn’t the Only One Who Loves Starbuck” Rogers.

A special thanks to The Office’s co-executive producer and writer Jen Celotta, who was one kick-ass trip coordinator. This visit has been in the works since November, and it simply never would have happened without Jen.

Lastly, I want all of you Tallyheads to know that I told as many writers as I could, multiple times each probably, how much they mean to us. They are pretty humble about the attention, but they know they are loved.

Let’s hope for a resolution very, very soon.

Posted in WGA Strike

16 comments

Thanks so much for sharing that. I’m very hopeful that things will be worked out soon. I miss our show dearly.
16 | Cayce80 Wed. Jan. 30, 2008 at 7:21am
Apparently SAG has come out against the DGA deal and says it will not be a template for actors’ bargaining. I don’t know what this means for writers, but it doesn’t sound too hopeful…

link
15 | TobyFan Wed. Jan. 30, 2008 at 6:46am
DestroyPhone- that’s what she said?

Thanks again Tanster! It means a lot that you took the time to give us a full recap on the strike frontline. You totally rock my socks off!
14 | Cher is Bonto Sun. Jan. 27, 2008 at 10:31am
Thanks, Tanster for letting us in. I love the speculations and thank you for letting the writers know we appreciate them.
13 | italianfood Sun. Jan. 27, 2008 at 6:55am
We love you, Writers!
12 | DorkyDancer Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 9:28pm
Well this proves it; the writers are phenomenal. Let’s hope their funny gets flowing back to new episodes instead of spilling on the sidewalk.
11 | alaskalyn Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 8:03pm
Knowing they know how much I love them makes me swell…with happiness.

Crossin’ my fingers here in Green Bay.
10 | DestroyPhone Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 7:04pm
Great job! Thank you for being a symbol for all us Tallyheads to support all the (Office) writers!

I hope some of the writers can join Office Chat soon. As a TallyHead newbie…I would love to speak/listen to them.

Thanks again!
9 | LovesItalianFood Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 6:10pm
Go writers! End the strike only when it’s right!
8 | Shunned Ryan Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 5:14pm
I’ve been re-watching S2 today and marveling at the incredible writing. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and for letting them know how much we appreciate them!
7 | black cat Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 4:50pm
Thank you so much for the wonderful coverage of your strike visit.
6 | TheOfficeB*tch Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 4:38pm
I was just watching a bunch of stuff from the Office Convention. Hilarious. I LOVE these people and I miss them! Come baaaaack!
5 | Brigette Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 3:08pm
Maybe the WGA negotiators could pick up some negotiating techniques from Wikipedia. That, and wear a woman’s suit. That is, if they’re not already women.

Dinkin’ Flicka.

Michael

Pippity Poppity, give them the Zoppity!!!!
4 | LtlKidLvr Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 2:23pm
I am so jealous but also so glad that you could go and just let them know how much we support them.
3 | Emily Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 2:14pm
Thanks, Tanster. I really hope they are finally reaching a fair deal for the writers. They ARE this show. Maybe they should use some of Michael’s negotiation techniques.
2 | Annelise Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 2:09pm
End. The. Strike.
End. The. Strike.
Say it with me.
END. THE. STRIKE.
1 | The Office Fanatic Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 at 2:08pm