Latest WGA strike news

An Office staff member answers questions about the strike

How many finished and unaired episodes are there right now? — Survivor Man, The Deposition, plus how many more?

That’s really it. There are a few other scripts that could theoretically be shot, but my guess is that The Deposition will be the last completed episode we have unless this thing is resolved.

When the strike goes into effect, all production for the show shuts down, is that correct? That includes editing as well?

Well, maybe — it’s very confusing as to what we can and cannot do. You can read about the issues involving producing duties vs. “writing” duties at wga.org. Both sides have different views as to what constitutes “writing.”

Are you at a “clean” stop right now? That is, no partial production of an upcoming episode got started before the strike?

Yes. Totally coincidentally, we had a shooting hiatus week last week, so a new episode is supposed to begin shooting Monday.

I know you guys usually shut down production in March. How would a strike impact that? That is, is the March shutdown a hard date, regardless of the length of the strike? Or is it a possibility that once the strike ends, you’ll extend the March shutdown date and try to make up for lost time?

I honestly have no idea. The strike might last one day, in which case very little would change. If it lasts a long time, then we might have to completely rejigger the schedule, including when the original spring production hiatus was planned. It all depends on how long it lasts.

Do you guys have any say in what NBC runs in your timeslot when new episodes run out? I’ve read that there is a possibility that the BBC version of The Office might be run.

No — we have absolutely no say in any matters of scheduling, even when we’re not on strike.

Anything else you want to add?

Just that no one really relishes the idea of striking, but these issues are so important — not just to us, but to anyone who works on a TV or movie set — that we feel we have no choice.

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998 comments

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1. 
   998. The Office Fanatic  Tue. Feb. 26, 2008 | 7:09pm

   Ah… closure is marvelous. :)

2. 
   997. Helen  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 6:16pm

   I am very very happy!!!

3. 
   996. TheOfficeB*tch  Thu. Feb. 14, 2008 | 9:37am

   As I’m looking at this giant post, I just want to thank you for all your wonderful coverage!

4. 
   995. Condo in America  Wed. Feb. 13, 2008 | 11:43pm

   In response to the Ask Auselio article – major props to Steve Carrell and the rest of the actors/writers for helping to spring $2000 for each crew member! It just reinforces the fact that The Office possesses the generous and tight-knit solidarity many people do not realize is a possibility in the glamor and glitz atmosphere of Hollywood.

5. 
   994. montagerie  Wed. Feb. 13, 2008 | 3:25pm

   Hoorah for Office Thursdays! :) Yay!

6. 
   993. Beatriz  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 7:04pm

   Looks like it’s almost over! Crossing my fingers and toes!

7. 
   992. Marc  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 7:02pm

   Just heard on the radio that CBS officially announced the end of the strike!!

8. 
   991. jamfan  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 7:01pm

   yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy….its over…im so happy

9. 
   990. vielgluck  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 6:54pm

   Wait…so in 7 minutes? We will know?

10. 
    989. Emma  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 6:23pm

    Oh, I almost forgot! YAY coming words!!!

11. 
    988. Kaytor  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 6:22pm

    The source link after Marc’s comment isn’t working :/

12. 
    987. Emma  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 6:17pm

    All I can say is YAY!
    (That wasn’t supposed to rhyme! :) )

13. 
    986. teampammy  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 6:02pm

    Since I don’t want my hopes to be dashed across the rocks, I’m going to wait until there are new episodes until I really believe the strike is over.

14. 
    985. Leelee  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 5:57pm

    I can’t wait!!!

    P.S. They better sell Season 4 way cheap. :/

15. 
    984. Marc  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 5:51pm

    Hey everyone, in case you’re curious we’re supposed to find out if the strike is officially ended at 10pm EST tonight. I’m not sure if this is common knowledge.. I wasn’t able to find it posted anywhere but I’m personally very interested in it! :D [source]

16. 
    983. LoveJim  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 4:13pm

    This is like Christmas Eve, only it’s Office Eve, and there’s no more Grinch! Pretty soon we’ll have presents!

17. 
    982. Abbey in PA  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 3:43pm

    Hallelujah friends! I’m so excited. Tanster, that is the best banner ever. They might just make YOU a writer on the show!

18. 
    981. Pam's BFF  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 1:21pm

    1006 — Great TWSS!

    Let’s keep ‘em coming (TWSS). I’ll frigging take 6 episodes if that will erase Celebrity Apprentice off the Thursday schedule!

19. 
    980. dying star  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 10:55am

    Six new episodes?!

    I haven’t been this excited since Pretzel Day!

20. 
    979. black cat  Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 | 10:45am

    I’m so thrilled we get our favorite show back! I’m a little bummed that it’s only six episodes, but I’d be happy with six *minutes* of new content, so I’ll take it.

    I’ve read that My Name is Earl is planning to have nine new eps, so it may be hard on those “Tonight, an all-new Earl!” weeks not to have an “all-new Office” as well. But, as my mom always said, beggars can’t be choosers. I’m guessing Greg Daniels is choosing quality over quantity.

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