Why the Hostility Toward Actors and Writers?
Artists are trying to get the best deal in a difficult situation, writes John Altschuler. By Readers Aug. 2, 2023 11:58 am ET An actors strike picket line in New York, July 31. Photo: Michael Brochstein/Zuma Press Why is Matthew Hennessey so upset that actors and writers are willing to put their careers on the line for better wages and working conditions? (“Striking Actors Have Lost the Plot,” op-ed, July 28). Why does he frame a strike as an exercise in narcissism? This strike isn’t about vanity, it is about surviving as artists. Mr. Hennessey condemns artists for wanting to share in the profits made when their work is reused. He mocks the concept of residuals by stating, “Personally, I would like to be paid a residual payment every time someone reads one of my articles.” But when the work of writers and actors is rerun, that me
An actors strike picket line in New York, July 31.
Photo: Michael Brochstein/Zuma Press
Why is Matthew Hennessey so upset that actors and writers are willing to put their careers on the line for better wages and working conditions? (“Striking Actors Have Lost the Plot,” op-ed, July 28). Why does he frame a strike as an exercise in narcissism? This strike isn’t about vanity, it is about surviving as artists.
Mr. Hennessey condemns artists for wanting to share in the profits made when their work is reused. He mocks the concept of residuals by stating, “Personally, I would like to be paid a residual payment every time someone reads one of my articles.” But when the work of writers and actors is rerun, that means more money for the producers. That obviously isn’t happening with Mr. Hennessey’s articles. If his material were collected and reissued, he would get payment for it.
Mr. Hennessey can “go on strike” whenever he likes and test to see what value he contributes. Meanwhile, hardworking actors and writers are simply trying to get the best deal possible in a difficult situation.
John Altschuler
Studio City, Calif.
Mr. Altschuler was executive producer of “Silicon Valley,” “King of the Hill,” “Beavis and Butt-Head” and “Lopez.”
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