Found on the interwebs and in all likelihood not in the slightest way intended for the comparison in the headline…and yet – alas and alack – perfectly suited for it:
Yes it’s true, hooking up with ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. does pay a shit ton more. But that shit ton turns to just plain shit when you compare it to the dizzying heights you can reach showrunning on, say, Netflix and Amazon.
At last! The Communications Companies formerly known as TV networks and streaming websites may not be giving writers as much loving as we’d like to get, but they’ve acknowledged that they need us in what may be the best (certainly the most time-honored) way of all: By opening their checkbooks:
Earlier this month, when Sam Esmail, the showrunner behind the critically-acclaimed television shows Mr. Robot and Homecoming, signed an overall deal with Universal Content Productions that will pay him $100 million over four years, the news was dutifully reported by the trades. But it was in no way the kind of headline news that sent shock waves through the entertainment industry.
For all you crazy, zany refugees from the tyranny of satellite and cable TV, here’s the latest in what’s happening in the wonderful world of cord cutting, from Luke Bourna at CordCuttersNews. FWIW, we found Discovery’s interest in a la carte TV as a way of keeping its audience, well, fascinating:
Here’s what going on at the Writers Guild of America West this month. One of the best ways to network is to hang with the working writers there, plus there’s a ton going on that can help all of us, including non-members, in so many ways. So, for your edification:
Sat., 3/2. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 3/3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Yesterday, we ran an article by Noam Kroll about Prime Video Direct, the latest addition to Amazon’s boxfull of marketing madness platforms. Here are frequent TVWriter™ contributor Bob Tinsley’s thoughts on the subject. What are yours?)
Go with me here: say, “Amazon Studios.” Leaves a sour taste in your mouth, doesn’t it? But maybe, just maybe, Amazon might be about to redeem themselves.