This kind of disdain for writers is part of that old wound. But Norman said that today things are different, and that people who write for the movies and television generally want to be in Hollywood and make it their life's work. What I see in the strike is that more than ever before, writers are trying to portray themselves as a body of professionals. It's trying to create a new mind set in the studios. While negotiators have been mum during contract talks, there were indications Thursday that writers might have won some concessions.
Respect is hard to quantify in cold cash.
It involves recognition from one's peers. A seat at the table when key artistic decisions are made. The Guild contends that this practice downplays writers' contributions and belies the collaborative nature of movie-making. If you took the written words off a script, what you have is a book. You can tear the pages off, the audience can pay 10 bucks and read the movie.