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Thursday, December 03, 2009

CLOSING A DEAL, OPENING A DOOR



People read my blog because I often react before I think, resulting in unfiltered opinions about the business of show.  Most of those outbursts are perceived (and sometimes imaginary) injustices levied against me or others.  So I thought it only fair, and perhaps a bit out of character, to offer some praise for a change.

Fame and popularity often trigger fear and greed.  The trades are riddled with stories of creatives on hit shows or successful movies battling for more respect and coin.  Someone trying to out maneuver and out play their peers, bosses or rivals.  It's ugly shit that usually boils down to "my dick is bigger than yours".  Showrunners are no exception.  Forgive the sexist slant on this analogy, but writers historically are treated as if they have the smallest penises in town.  We are constantly seeking out means by which to grow our junk.  And what makes our dicks big and hard?  Yeah, money.  I know that sounds base and shallow, but it's true.  Money is the equalizer.  It's the only measure of respect that means anything in Hollywood.  And I know this will sound like bullshit, but it's not about the material payoff, it's about being valued.  We need to be acknowledged as an important part of the creative process.  We create the world that production builds, we tell the story that the director shoots, we hear the words that the actor says.   

A couple of months ago, I got wind that 20th (the mother ship of Fox 21 our co-studio) had no interest in investing in my future.  In other words, they were not going to offer me a sweet overall deal because they saw no long-term value in SutterInk.  And honestly, can you blame them?  I've been very outspoken about how I could never be dropped into someone else's playground and share the ball.  So an overall that allows them to place me on any show, didn't make sense.  And after a couple hostile work environment claims and the whole D-girl debacle, c'mon, I'm lucky Rupe didn't put a hit out on me.  So, needless to say I was expecting a very contentious deal making scenario.  

That didn't happen.  FX Networks and FX Productions (the other co-studio) stepped up to the plate and without disclosing details, began negotiations in a spirit of trust and respect.  Below is part of the email I sent to Landgraf and his executives.  It pretty much sums up my feelings -- 
i want to officially document my thanks and gratitude for the unprecedented way you have conducted yourselves in this negotiating process... it’s one thing to say that you’re a network that supports and nourishes artists but it’s another to back that up with the only true measure of respect creatives have in this town -- cash.  ... the fair and generous deal you’ve made with me fuels my continuing dedication to soa and FX.  your actions speak volumes to your trust in me and that goes a very long way.
I don't know anything about their strategy or their deals with anyone else, but with me and Sons of Anarchy, FX has shown their trust, loyalty and support in my talent.  I thank them and I look forward to season three and beyond.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

AND THE WINNERS ARE...




From SUTTERINK Blog
(screen names)

mepsipax
Poppa_Choppa
Gail
Spooky Lil Girl
leadsled70

From FACEBOOK
(screen names) 

Bernard Kennedy
Danielle Ippolito
Marc Kuechle
Richard Lazzara
Sarah Overman
Seth Chenard
Tonya Farabee
Sue Gabel
Rebecca Lyn Engs
Noelia Fernandez

From TWITTER
(nicknames)

sugarplum
NotoriousJMG 
tat2loser 
c0rpsebunny 
NightRiderAZ  
rosclark7
PyroPoet 
DamonMartin
FudgeDiva
Cali430

I will give folks a few days to send me their info, if I don't hear from them by Friday, I'll choose another.  I won't be able to get the swag out till after 12/11, so please be patient.  

Making it simple to send me your info.  Just email me your name and mailing address at freeshit@sutterink.com

And if you didn't win, which of course most of you did not, you still get the gift of me... on SutterInk Blog, Facebook and Twitter.  Ah yes, I can hear the choruses of "Go fuck yourself writer-man!!" echoing throughout the middle 48.

God bless your mess.









SWAGILICIOUS



Sons of Anarchy fans have truly blown me away this season.  You folks are smart, insightful and absolutely insane.  My kinda folks.  So tonight, after the finale, regardless of how many fucking Twitter followers I have, I will be giving away swag.  Five winners from my blog followers, ten from Facebook and ten from Twitter.  And so I can't be accused of playing favorites and just picking hot chicks and critics (in Mo Ryan's case that's the same thing), I will pick random numbers and count them off the list of followers.

I will post the winners here on my blog and upload the link to Twitter and Facebook. 

I've got minimal swag at my office (it's pathetic, I gotta like blow people for fucking T-shirts) so the gifts will mostly be signed scripts, perhaps a couple of shirts and SOA season one DVDs.  

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UNLESS I PICK YOUR NAME TONIGHT.  I LOVE YOU, BUT I DON'T NEED TO KNOW WHERE YOU ALL LIVE...

If I DO pick you:
- from my blog, post a comment with your name and mailing address (obviously I will not post it). 
- from Facebook or Twitter send me a direct message with the info.

I hope you dig the finale.  I'm very proud of it.  It's one thing to write for my cast, but to be able to work with them as actors and direct is such a fucking joy.  I learn so much from my cast and crew. 

Anyway... enjoy "The Troubles".