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Galactica Boss: Without Strike, Studios Would "Rape and Pillage"

071108ronalddmoore.jpg
Ronald D. Moore Carole Segal/SCI FI Photo
Ronald D. Moore says that if WGA members had not gone on strike to fight for their rightful piece of the DVD/Internet pie, studios would have continued to "rape and pillage."

Speaking to IGN.com, the Battlestar Galactica show-runner cites the experience he had with the BSG "Resistance" webisodes that preceded Season 3. After fighting to get some form of extra compensation for the content, he says Universal told him, "We're not going to put any credits on it. And we can use it later, in any fashion that we want."

When Moore then refused to hand over the produced material, it was seized anyway. "That experience," he says, "showed me what this is all about. If there's not an agreement with the studios that specifically says, 'You have to pay us a formula for use of the material' and this is how it's all done, the studios will simply rape and pillage."

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Posted by TV Guide News
Nov 8, 2007 4:04 PM
I feel for the writers and hope they can get the studios to see reason soon. I know it isn't "convenient" for TV fans, but without the writers, there is no TV!
Posted by tazzy
Nov 8, 2007 5:19 PM
We are behind you WRITERS!!!
Posted by Ranger99
Nov 8, 2007 6:57 PM
As a professional writer myself in the UK I can see why the WGA writers want compensation for their work appearing on the internet and other delivery platforms such as mobile phones.

I agree 100% with their cause, especially when you look at Ron Moore's experience with the Galactica 'Resistance' webisodes.
Posted by clivex
Nov 8, 2007 7:15 PM
No we aren't. They're paid enough.
Posted by patobrien
Nov 8, 2007 10:29 PM
People on here complain all the time about the networks. Finally a way to stick it to them. While I hate that so many people are going to be out of work and I'm concerned about the status of a few shows (in particular, K-Ville, and the money and jobs it has created in N.O.), as a creative person myself who deals with licensing issues I assure you it's not just about the money.
Posted by ctheslayer
Nov 9, 2007 7:44 AM
I agree that the nets have to share the profits - but I fear that this is the end of free on-line content for the viewing public.

If the writers get a share, then the actors will want a share and the Directors then too.

Out of all the 3 in the group the writers probably make less - and I don't have an issue with them getting a cut. But actors and directors get buckets of money and I will not be supportive once they start putting their hand out.

There is only so much pie to go around and the network - if willing to share - is not going to take a huge loss in revenue to do so - so that means there will be no FREE online viewing - just to pay everyone for their share.

The internet is supposed to be free - and the greedy people in Hollywood are killing that notion.
Posted by mryjhnsn2
Nov 9, 2007 8:23 AM
Way to go, Ronald!!
Posted by sdelmonte
Nov 9, 2007 9:36 AM
I'm 100% on the writers' side. The actors and directors should get their cut, too. Not all of them (not by a long shot) are mega stars who make millions, and they deserve their fair share.

Studios make enormous profits, and there's more than enough to go around. They're just being greedy bastards. I never download shows illegally because I feel I should support the studios who make the movies and shows I love. Now the studios need to show the same consideration to their talent.
Posted by Keira
Nov 9, 2007 9:50 AM
I'm with the writers but ick... I don't like throwing around the word rape, even in a cliche.
Posted by missbrooke06
Nov 9, 2007 11:41 AM
Hey Ranger!
I would have thought we would have gotten a
"Save the Writers, save the World!!!!"
from you!!!;)
Posted by Mr. Furley
Nov 9, 2007 12:56 PM
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