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How A WGA Strike Could Delay 24

by Diana on October 30th, 2007

November 1st is a scary day for the entertainment industry.  No, I’m not talking about Halloween hangovers. November 1st is the day that the Writers Guild of America contract runs out.  If a last minute deal isn’t made by Thursday between the writers and the producers union(AMTPT), writers of your favourite shows, including 24, will be on strike.  That means no new episodes will be written, leaving shows with a limited run of episodes to air before tv screens go black.  Confused?  The WGA is fighting for content residuals on DVD’s and new media(ie streaming content, webisodes).  The studios haven’t been budging and the WGA recently voted with over 90% of members in favour of a strike.

A strike would effect 24 harder than other shows because production started on September 10th, leaving no time to bank scripts before its scheduled premiere on January 13th, 2007.

Maureen Ryan recently spoke to FOX and 24 executive producer David Fury, about the likelihood of 24 being delayed if a strike occurs.  FOX is playing it safe, simply saying that, “We’re hoping that all parties can come to an agreement and a strike can be averted. However, in the event one does occur, we’re prepared.”

David Fury gave a little more detail.  His comments to Ryan are below,

Fury said that if the writers work past their contract date, as some think might happen if progress is made in negotiations, Jack Bauer may indeed return in January. “As of right now, I think Fox will premiere ‘24’ as scheduled,” Fury said, but he noted that “it really depends on if and when the writers are called to walk out. If the strike does hit on Nov. 1, it certainly makes sense for Fox to delay the start, even if the lack of new programming hurts their bottom line.”

The last writers strike occurred in 1988 and lasted 5 months.

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