Will writers choose to do an end run around the producers they are on strike against and create programming for the Internet? Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick have done just that with their Quarterlife webisodic series, which has, ironically, now been licensed by NBC for primetime telecast in the spring. If this migration to the Net is to succeed, better get on board for Net Neutrality. Or the writers will face the very same distribution bottleneck on the Internet that they do today with the AMPTP controlling television.
The head of the union representing striking film and television writers has issued a stark warning to US media companies that writers and audiences will migrate to the internet in the event of a prolonged strike... With the strike in its second month, Patric Verrone, president of the WGA West, said the dispute was creating "entrepreneurial possibilities for the talent community to go directly into production and distribution". He added: "With every day that goes by, our members are exploring internet TV. The ability to explore this business without media conglomerates is becoming a real possibility." Some writers have already enjoyed success with web-only content. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay have attracted millions of internet users to their Funny or Die comedy site, where original comedy sketches and short films are available. Link: FT.com /Hollywood warned 'writers will move online'.
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