Final thoughts about my L.A. trip

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.

16 comments

1. 
   1. The Office Fanatic  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 2:08pm

   End. The. Strike.
   End. The. Strike.
   Say it with me.
   END. THE. STRIKE.

2. 
   2. Annelise  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 2:09pm

   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.

3. 
   3. Emily  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 2:14pm

   I am so jealous but also so glad that you could go and just let them know how much we support them.

4. 
   4. LtlKidLvr  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 2:23pm

   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!!!!

5. 
   5. Brigette  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 3:08pm

   I was just watching a bunch of stuff from the Office Convention. Hilarious. I LOVE these people and I miss them! Come baaaaack!

6. 
   6. TheOfficeB*tch  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 4:38pm

   Thank you so much for the wonderful coverage of your strike visit.

7. 
   7. black cat  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 4:50pm

   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!

8. 
   8. Shunned Ryan  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 5:14pm

   Go writers! End the strike only when it’s right!

9. 
   9. LovesItalianFood  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 6:10pm

   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!

10. 
    10. DestroyPhone  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 7:04pm

    Knowing they know how much I love them makes me swell…with happiness.

    Crossin’ my fingers here in Green Bay.

11. 
    11. alaskalyn  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 8:03pm

    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.

12. 
    12. DorkyDancer  Sat. Jan. 26, 2008 | 9:28pm

    We love you, Writers!

13. 
    13. italianfood  Sun. Jan. 27, 2008 | 6:55am

    Thanks, Tanster for letting us in. I love the speculations and thank you for letting the writers know we appreciate them.

14. 
    14. Cher is Bonto  Sun. Jan. 27, 2008 | 10:31am

    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!

15. 
    15. TobyFan  Wed. Jan. 30, 2008 | 6:46am

    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

16. 
    16. Cayce80  Wed. Jan. 30, 2008 | 7:21am

    Thanks so much for sharing that. I’m very hopeful that things will be worked out soon. I miss our show dearly.

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