Writers Strike’s Implications on Classic TV DVDs
The Writer’s Guild of America has officially gone on strike, and while that will have obvious and immediate implications for currently running shows (for instance all the late night talk shows have already been forced into reruns), it may affect the releases of classic tv show DVDs in the future. One of the original issues the Guild had was the revenues from TV DVDs. They felt they deserved more than what they were getting. The issue has since been taken off the table but it is sure to be revisited in the future as the release of TV DVDs becomes more and more popular and profitable.
While some studios spare no expense when releasing their shows on DVD, adding all kinds of extras to the set (Paramount is one that immediately comes to mind. Their “Star Trek” series’ DVDs are packed with extras), many prefer to maximize profit and release barebones sets. Still more, and this is a very touchy subject with many classic television stars, expect the actors to provide extras (such as episode commentary, interviews, etc) for free. This has angered many. “Adam-12” star and current Screen Actors Guild National First Vice President Kent McCord has spoken out sharply about this issue and about Universal Studios, who own the rights to “Adam-12”. CHiPs stars Larry Wilcox and Robert Pine have also spoken out about the issue of actors not being paid for contributing to the DVD releases of their shows.
What do you think? Do you think the actors and writers deserve more compensation? Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts!
classic television, writers strike, WGA, tv dvds, universal, paramount
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