Latest WGA strike news

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

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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Posted in WGA Strike

1010 comments

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Ah… closure is marvelous. :)
1010 | The Office Fanatic Tue. Feb. 26, 2008 at 7:09pm
I am very very happy!!!
1009 | Helen Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 at 6:16pm
As I’m looking at this giant post, I just want to thank you for all your wonderful coverage!
1008 | TheOfficeB*tch Thu. Feb. 14, 2008 at 9:37am
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.
1007 | Condo in America Wed. Feb. 13, 2008 at 11:43pm
Hoorah for Office Thursdays! :) Yay!
1006 | montagerie Wed. Feb. 13, 2008 at 3:25pm
Looks like it’s almost over! Crossing my fingers and toes!
1005 | Beatriz Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 7:04pm
Just heard on the radio that CBS officially announced the end of the strike!!
1004 | Marc Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 7:02pm
yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy….its over…im so happy
1003 | jamfan Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 7:01pm
Wait…so in 7 minutes? We will know?
1002 | vielgluck Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:54pm
Oh, I almost forgot! YAY coming words!!!
1001 | Emma Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:23pm
The source link after Marc’s comment isn’t working :/
1000 | Kaytor Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:22pm
All I can say is YAY!
(That wasn’t supposed to rhyme! :) )
999 | Emma Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:17pm
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.
998 | teampammy Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:02pm
I can’t wait!!!

P.S. They better sell Season 4 way cheap. :/
997 | Leelee Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 5:57pm
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]
996 | Marc Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 5:51pm
This is like Christmas Eve, only it’s Office Eve, and there’s no more Grinch! Pretty soon we’ll have presents!
995 | LoveJim Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 4:13pm
Hallelujah friends! I’m so excited. Tanster, that is the best banner ever. They might just make YOU a writer on the show!
994 | Abbey in PA Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 3:43pm
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!
993 | Pam's BFF Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 1:21pm
Six new episodes?!

I haven’t been this excited since Pretzel Day!
992 | dying star Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:55am
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.
991 | black cat Tue. Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:45am