Y&R Script Editor Talks About The Strike

Lynsey Dufour is the script editor for the CBS daytime drama "The Young and the Restless." At 25 years old and currently walking the pavement in Los Angeles as a striking member of the Writers Guild of America.

What do strikers want? A fair contract. It's simple. They make money; we make money. We're asking the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers) for 2.5 percent of the profits from new media, which includes digital downloads from the Internet. The studios refuse to pay, saying, "It's promotional." These "promotions" are full episodes with advertising, or they're purchased from iTunes, hence they still turn a profit. Kids are watching shows on the Internet. This market is our future. It's estimated that over the next three years, this outlet will bring in $4.6 billion of revenue. We deserve a tiny share of that. Secondly, we want to increase our current rate of 4 cents per DVD sold to 8 cents. (Keep in mind if there are 8 writers on that show, they have to split it.) The studios make $20-$30 off a DVD sale. We aren't asking for that much.

Is it all about the money? A strike is always about the money. The average studio mogul makes millions, while the average writer makes about $60,000 a year. The studios want to continue turning a profit, but residuals are often a question of keeping our heads above the water. Visit unitedhollywood.com. It's a site put together by WGA writers to inform the public about what's happening.

What's the mood/atmosphere out on the line? The camaraderie is astounding. Over 3,000 people a day (in Los Angeles) are out picketing. It's amazing to be a part of such a united front. All 18 of the writers on "Y&R" are behind the union. The guild is the only one working for us 100 percent of the time in Hollywood. We owe it to them and ourselves to stand up for our future. It's also a great networking opportunity. I've met everyone from the executive producer of "CSI: New York" to the head writer of "Desperate Housewives" to the cast of "The Office." We also have incredible support from SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Their contract is up in June and they basically want what we want; a fair deal. Without actors and writers, the studio couldn't sell a product and make money.

Source: Sun Journal