How will the strike affect 'Lost?'

andrew Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

plz just start lost back up me and my family really want to get back to my favorite tv siries ever so plz bring it back

andrew Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

plz just start lost back up me and my family really want to get back to my favorite tv siries ever so plz bring it back

Branjo Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

I think the writers should get what they want, THEY ARE LOST not the actors and certainly not the production staff. We are used to watching poorly written garbage on TV and it seems a lot of people can't tell the difference between hollywood dribble and something that holds your interest. I think lost is an awesome show, how many people will put something else off in order to watch lost? Give the damn writers the respect they deserve, they are the ones who created it and keep our interest in a great show. TV is bad enough these days, Lost and Hero's were the best American dramas that I can remember for a hell of a long time. Strike your heart out guys and I hope you get what you want, admirers of the show will still be here when you get back on track

Tman Sun, Dec 30, 2007 at 09:03 AM EST

Hey why don't we all just stop watching television (except news) and start talking to each other....Taking our famalies to the Gym and playing games. Learning about the world around us in REALITY (trees, flowers, animals) Wow what a world that would be!

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J Losty Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 12:03 AM EST

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Scott Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 01:34 AM EST

The best part of the strike is that there is now even less of a reason to watch TV. My viewing over the years has decreased as the studios pump out garbage year in and year out, and now with huge breaks in shows I hope the rest of you jump on the wagon and go play with your kids or something useful.

God Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:07 PM EST

i dont get why they dont get some british writters in there to write for them. we're not on strike!

LUKE.DOT.MAN Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:00 PM EST

Grr! they cant just stop at episode 8! it will make the whole thing a complete disaster! i dont want the stupid strike to carry on Lost is an amazing programe i would do anything to keep it going (if i could) i cant belive they are doing this and me and my friend Pele are the only ones in my class that like Lost because we are smart enough to get the story line of it and i hope im right in thinking what the story line is my class mates are stupid and dont like Lost because they dont understand it.

amanda Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 03:38 PM EST

The strike is all about greed and wanting more money. A writer's annual income is about $200,000. $200,000?! While people are losing jobs, their homes, and can't afford neccessities in life. But you are right.. they should get $.10 instead of $0.03 on a freakin' DVD (that's sarcasm). Especially with DVD sales down because average people in the U.S. can't afford it. These writers have absolutely NO sympathy from me. And if I have to deal without Lost, so be it. I'll watch re-runs until the suits finally give in to this ridiculous greed. This is almost as bad as the baseball and hockey strikes. I hope viewerships go down after this so these writer's can be out of a job. And then feel the REAL pain.

Tina Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 12:28 PM EST

Should the show need to make use of Walt again, by the time this writer's strike is over, he'll be needed to play Michael's part. As if these people don't already look like they've been on the island WAY more than 100 days! I say shoot the remaining finished scripts and by the time that last one airs, we hope they've been out of the strike long enough to shoot the final two episodes and everything stays on track. Honestly, the last strike lasted 22 weeks, and if this one matches it, we're pretty close to things still coming together as planned. I am in favor of the writers and the viewers. I agree that they've KNOWN this strike was coming for a LOT of months and should have had most of the scripts finished by now, unless they wanted to drag their feet and force the viewers to put the networks' feet to the fire because the eps of Lost we've already waited SO long for will be further postponed. What can we, as viewers do, though, to hurry this along?

lia Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 11:31 AM EST

yes, damn those writers for wanting their fair share! the executives and studios should be able to keep ALL the money from dvd sales, how dare those filthy filthy people whose talent is half the reason we watch the shows we watch, how dare they want to get paid for their work! now stop it with all this me me me drek and get back to work Comrades!!!!!!!

Jen Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 12:06 AM EST

Without good writing, no matter how good the actors are a show is nothing. I am highly anticipating the return of LOST, and hope the writers get what they deserve and come back ready to kick ass. Good Luck Guys.

Lesley Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 09:09 PM EST

I will say this: I work as a teacher and it doesn't bother me that they are striking to earn more money then I may ever see collectively in my life. People should be paid fairly based on the career they enter and the market demands involved in that career. My favorite shows could not exist without these talented writers and they are the lowest man on the totem pole when it comes to the creative talent. You could not bring in a scab to write "Lost"; these people can't be replaced by any Joe Schmo on the street. They are brilliantly talented and should be respected as such.

Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 07:37 PM EST

AAR: the Battlestar Galactica websiodes really were just promotional material for the show. Supposedly, they didn't even get the rights sorted out correctly, so it was far from clear who owned them or whether they could be included on series DVDs.

Also, there's more to this than just pay - it looks like the WGA wants control over stuff it doesn't have power over now (specifically, reality TV, animated content and new media content).

P.S. from elizabeth Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 07:24 PM EST

P.S. Our zero-sum economy really rips everyone off except for those who are closest to the profit that drives it, hence the need for collective bargaining. Too many suits are in fact greedy jerks with no internal life or conscience, and the market cannot regulate that. Checks and balances MUST be applied to maintain a reasonably free market. Why? WE DO PAY the freight (we watch their sponsors, we internet, we buy DVDs), and the END-USERS are the ALWAYS ones who get the worst shaft in these situations. PRIORITIES, Hollywood! We are your ultimate boss, and if you mess with us, a lot of us will shut you off.

elizabeth Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 07:13 PM EST

I see this from both sides. When teachers and soldiers are compensated what high-profile Hollywood players are paid, I'll feel more sympathetic. When our economy can once against support potential prosperity for everyone, instead of 70 percent of us being underemployed and underpaid (anyone watch Bill Moyers last week?) and living paycheck to paycheck due to offshoring by major corps, I'll be more sympathetic. On the other had, the writers should be paid according to how their material is used. (And to be fair, there are a lot of middle-class writers, although I doubt they write for LOST.) As for what the cost of LOST is to us, it is twofold: It is broadcast on PUBLIC airwaves, and we support those airwaves with our taxes, and, also, we support the sponsors who do pay them. WE DO *PAY* THESE PEOPLE when we watch their products. I was disgusted with all parties in MLB in the 90s I'm still striking them. Hollywood is next.

Jonathan F. Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 07:11 PM EST

I'm very concerned about this strike threatening the quality of Lost episodes. One of the objectives of the whole 16-episdoes-a-season idea was to provide consistently solid episodes, and with a strike I'm afraid the quality may be at risk. Pray with me, Lost addicts.

AAR Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 04:05 PM EST

Aren't they also striking because they aren't being paid (or are being paid VERY poorly) for internet material, like stuff on websites and webisodes? I remember hearing something about this when Battlestar Galactica did those webisodes and it was basically done on pennies (actors included). It's nice they did it for free, but nice don't pay the bills. Would you put in overtime without compensation?
And to Beezus and Lizzy- it is almost criminal what school teachers make. Wishing you luck and respect, because I couldn't do your jobs.

ardleighstreet Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 03:40 PM EST

I'm with Damon & Carlton. Lost is so good I'd wait for it as long as I have to. They should get part of the revenue on DVDs etc. They are the reason there is a show in the first place. Without a writer actors would not have the motivation and words to preform their talent.All writers don't have big salaries or have staying power over the long term. The majority of writers in the WGA aren't necessarily WORKING writers. I support the writers. I wouldn't want something I created to be profitable to everyone but me. How fair is that?

Jonathan F. Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 03:37 PM EST

This is terrifying news. End the strike!

piepie Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

hollywood, get over yourselves.

Lizzy Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

Shout out to Beezus: I, too, work in education and we will never get paid what we're worth, esp. those of us in special ed! That said, the writer is the show, there wouldn't be anything worth watching without them. Just bring LOST back soon!

Don Walters Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 12:14 PM EST

They actually have 14 of the 16 scripts written, they just haven't all been filmed yet. More than that, call it greed, but writers make about 3 cents for every $20 DVD sold and they make no money on downloaded content. So if you download a movie for $20, that all goes to the company (let's say disney) and there is no overhead for DVDs or cases, and the writer's get none of it. It's more an issue of respect than anything. They write the shows and movies we love and they don't get paid nearly as much as actors, directors, producers and without them, everything sucks. I love the daily show and colbert report, but those guys can't make a show without their writers, they can't do it on their own. If anything, it's the larger corporations being greedy. They don't want to share any of the profit. If you patent an invention and then Sony markets and distributes it for you, don't you think you should get something for each item sold? It was your idea after all. Just saying.

Joyce Weiss Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 12:09 PM EST

I sure hope this matter gets resolved in a timely fashion, but more than that - it should be resolved favorably for the writers - look how much pleasure, escape and diversion they provide to us!! They should get their due and rather quickly!
Joyce

Roger Yeakle Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:50 AM EST

If it last to long I will just wait and buy the DVD when it comes out ,We the fans of the show have waited long enough ,I think the plot off the this is to make us suffer by the time it starts up I will have forgot where it left off, maybe they should hire scabs ,I am not a fan of it but come on now how long do we have to wait for everybody to realize without us there is no them.

Beezus Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:48 AM EST

I sure am glad I work in education where I get paid fairly for my contributions to society...wait...I don't and never will regardless of a strike!...yet another value judgement from our society...

Kevin Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

beeboppp,

If you worked on something, got paid fairly for it, and then saw the the people you worked for, were selling it differently than you had agreed on and making an obscene amount of money, money that you were not seeing a penny of, would YOU feel greedy if you wanted some of that NEW SOURCE OF MONEY?

I think you'd feel resentful and want what you were due.

BeeBoppp Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM EST

Hey, they need another mercedes.
Greed, once again, rears its ugly head.

Wendy Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:04 AM EST

YAY!!! MORE REALITY TV...WOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO

Petra Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 11:00 AM EST

Great news!! Last year they dragged the show and spent more time on soapy, cheesy storylines more than ever and then they announced that there would be three shorthened seasons with two full years of material. And now they will have 4 seasons for 48 episodes. Both the writers and the producers will earn more money no matter what the result of the strike is. I hope Lost ratings go down when it comes back.

Kevin Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

I for on am outraged, OUTRAGED that we the viewers who pay our good money every week that the writers don't just suck it up, after we're paying for this right?...wait...what we AREN"T PAYING A DIME for this? It's free every week? To us? Quality Entertainment, for free?

Hmmm...we should respect the creators on this and without writers, everybody is speachless.

Paul Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 10:45 AM EST

buddahead508, you realize that Cable is affected by the strike, too, right? TV, Cable, Films - all fall under the guise of the WGA, as well they should. The producers should give in quickly or we're going to still be here 6-7 months from now.

Dutch Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 10:43 AM EST

The show goes on hiatus from May to February to accomodate an odd 16 episode season and these Cats only have half the eps written 6 months later? Lame! I'm mostly for the writers on this strike issue but this whole thing should have been a complete NON-issue regarding LOST and their high priced writing team. Big mistake putting a delayed season on hold half way thru, better figure it out C&L or you'll have even fewer fans follow you to the bitter end.

Dutch Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 10:43 AM EST

The show goes on hiatus from May to February to accomodate an odd 16 episode season and these Cats only have half the eps written 6 months later? Lame! I'm mostly for the writers on this strike issue but this whole thing should have been a complete NON-issue regarding LOST and their high priced writing team. Big mistake putting a delayed season on hold half way thru, better figure it out C&L or you'll have even fewer fans follow you to the bitter end.

Nick Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 10:26 AM EST

We're used to not getting any answers, so honestly, who cares. Lost takes another 5 month break. Awesome.

buddahead508 Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 09:25 AM EST

writers are even MORE important than these OVERpaid actors,so PAY them already & let's get the season going...b4 we ALL defect to internet & cable,in disgust

buddahead508 Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 09:23 AM EST

writers are een MORE important than theses overpaid actors.....pay them already!!!!!

Jack M Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

We're used to having new episodes of Lost only being shown every other decade or so anyway, so I wouldn't worry about the writers' strike at this point.

AAR Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 08:38 AM EST

16/2=8. THAT'S why there's a cliffhanger in Ep. 8. No conspiracy, just simple storytelling. And if this strike goes on for long (and I have a feeling it will run through the New Year), those eight episodes are going to be a welcome change to whatever reality tv show is on (and this is coming from a person who loves reality tv).

Adam T. Martin Tue, Nov 6, 2007 at 08:34 AM EST

Alright suits, pay the writers what they want and we can have our full season of Lost.

Capice?

TheBookPolice Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 10:18 PM EST

"RyRy," first of all...your handle here implies that it is YOU who is the d*o*u*c*h*e*bag. Second of all, as a member of a union, let me tell you that you're a moron. Do you honestly think that compensation to writers should NOT reflect changes in media and technology? Do you think the writers should be paid at silent-film rates? And do you REALLY think that the writers of LOST wrote their episodes the way they did because they SOMEHOW knew FOR SURE that there would be a strike? Idiot.

D.J. Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 06:02 PM EST

RyRy,

Oooooh....sorry the strike inconveniences you. Don't you think that the people that write the shows that you watch (even Lost) deserve to make their piece of the pie? Media is changing and the terms of contracts must be updated in accordance with that.

Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 05:38 PM EST

Argh. This will eventually get resolved, so how about now rather than later.

Mike Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 05:06 PM EST

The fate of Lost is the main reason I hope the writer's strike gets resolved quickly. With the shortened season, we were supposed to be treated to Sopranos-quality episodes. I can't help but wonder if quality will be affected if the strikes cuts into production time, but not enough to justify scrapping the season.

Mike Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 05:06 PM EST

The fate of Lost is the main reason I hope the writer's strike gets resolved quickly. With the shortened season, we were supposed to be treated to Sopranos-quality episodes. I can't help but wonder if quality will be affected if the strikes cuts into production time, but not enough to justify scrapping the season.

RyRy Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 05:04 PM EST

this is why the writters don't deserve anything... hello a cliffhanger on the episode they last wrote coinciding with the strike... how convenient.

what d*o*u*c*h*e*bags

TheBookPolice Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 04:35 PM EST

::incoherent stuttering:: God, I can't wait for February. Please, suits, give them their due!