In relation to Lost

[Shane]

Do you buy that the writers strike is a valid excuse for the break in the show and the shortened season?

There is absolutley no way you could convince me that this show isnt written many many many shows in advance. This plot is just way to involved and complicated for them to not know where this is going and how they are going to wrap the whole thing up.

Or do you really believe that they have people just writing several shows in advance and making all this up as they go along. All the while tying in all the intricate details of what already has occured?

Maybe somebody who is more familiar with TV can chime in?

 

[PDXChris]

The plot had been outlined for awhile, but you still need a script and writers write the script.

 

[Pariah]

The major story points are mapped out through the end of of the show (2 seasons from now). That doesn't mean that each episode is written.

So, yeah. I buy it 100%.

 

[Chaplin]

The plot had been outlined for awhile, but you still need a script and writers write the script.

Exactly. The writer's strike was a big, big deal. It may not seem so much to people not in New York or Los Angeles, but it was huge. That they lost billions is not an exaggeration.

 

[Gaddabout]

Writing a script is a process involving many people. You write a sketch, producers -- and I mean lots of producers, from show runners to set designers to project cost evaluators to network execs -- send it back with comments, you redirect and write a script, goes through the same process, people lobby, people bitch, people who pay the bills gripe about budgets, etc.

I'm sure Cuse/Lindeloff had most if not all of the scripts written, they just hadn't gone through the approval process, so they were not scripts in the production sense of the word. They were not final drafts. Writing it is the easy part. Figuring out how much things cost, how many running minutes it will be compared to how many ads + network/local promo spots have been assigned, and how much OT you'll have to pay the crew ... those are things that delay every script.

With the strike cutting the remaining episodes from 8 to 5, they had to start the process over. It takes time.

When you submit a script for producer review you also submit:

- An estimated budget based on available locales
- A cast of characters, especially guest stars and extras needed for casting to fill
- Any additional cost items such as special lighting, effects, etc.

It's a pain in the butt, but you also have hundreds of people involved in production whose very important opinion can change the script with a single thumbs down. For example if this particular episode needed to simulate yet another 747 crash, you can bet that script was sent back with lots of sarcasm, because the cost would be prohibitive.

 

[Cheesebeef]

absolutely it's a valid excuse.

 

[Bob Chebat]

The writers and all had to know that a strike was inevitable. It reminds of the strike that shut down the NHL for a whole season. Both sides KNEW it would happen well in advance. The writers were not going to agree to a deal that would prevent it, they had to walk out, if for nothing else, to prove they were willing to do so. My guess is that the studios, or whoever they were striking against, were calling their bluff and it didn't work.

Also, the studios did not really do anything to prepare for it. You'd think they would have "pushed" a little harder getting shows prepared for interruption, and they didn't.

Bottom line, yeah, I'm buyin it!

 

[Shane]

Ok cool thanks all.

 

[Chaplin]

The writers and all had to know that a strike was inevitable. It reminds of the strike that shut down the NHL for a whole season. Both sides KNEW it would happen well in advance. The writers were not going to agree to a deal that would prevent it, they had to walk out, if for nothing else, to prove they were willing to do so. My guess is that the studios, or whoever they were striking against, were calling their bluff and it didn't work.

Also, the studios did not really do anything to prepare for it. You'd think they would have "pushed" a little harder getting shows prepared for interruption, and they didn't.

Bottom line, yeah, I'm buyin it!

I don't know if it's the same for the WGA, but for SAG there are requirements for work hours, so even if they thought "hey, there's going to be a strike, let's write for 20 hours to make up for the upcoming lost time", I don't think they actually could. I might be completely wrong though.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Do you buy that the writers strike is a valid excuse for the break in the show and the shortened season?

There is absolutley no way you could convince me that this show isnt written many many many shows in advance. This plot is just way to involved and complicated for them to not know where this is going and how they are going to wrap the whole thing up.

Or do you really believe that they have people just writing several shows in advance and making all this up as they go along. All the while tying in all the intricate details of what already has occured?

Maybe somebody who is more familiar with TV can chime in?

I wish they would have gone the "24" route and waited to start the season, until they should show the entire season in its entirety. I can't say I care too much though. I am waiting for S4 on Bluray.

 

[Gaddabout]

I don't know if it's the same for the WGA, but for SAG there are requirements for work hours, so even if they thought "hey, there's going to be a strike, let's write for 20 hours to make up for the upcoming lost time", I don't think they actually could. I might be completely wrong though.

Are showrunners held to the same requirement?

 

[D-Dogg]

I don't know if it's the same for the WGA, but for SAG there are requirements for work hours, so even if they thought "hey, there's going to be a strike, let's write for 20 hours to make up for the upcoming lost time", I don't think they actually could. I might be completely wrong though.

I thought I had read how a lot of writers had burned the midnight oil up until the deadline to try and finish up some scripts for movies and shows. One of them was a high-profile project.

I'll see if I can find a reference.

 

[PDXChris]

I thought I had read how a lot of writers had burned the midnight oil up until the deadline to try and finish up some scripts for movies and shows. One of them was a high-profile project.

I'll see if I can find a reference.

The new Star Trek?

 

[D-Dogg]

The new Star Trek?

Yes, and it was Abrams who was putting the finishing touches on it.

99% sure that's it.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Yes, and it was Abrams who was putting the finishing touches on it.

99% sure that's it.

Yep, Star Trek.

 

[Chaplin]

Yep, Star Trek.

Of course, that was a movie, and not a television show. That might not mean anything though.