So the Writer’s Strike is over and we are now waiting for the phone call from the studio as to when they want the production people back. Usually it is a couple of weeks before the actors start up so things can get back into place before filming. For many BTL (below the line – carpenters, production, teamsters, electricians, hair and makeup, etc) and the auxiliary companies that work with the studios this strike has been very difficult. Before the build up of studios in the tri state area in the last few years, the TV and movie biz here was very seasonal. And that was how you lived your life. They filmed primarily outdoors with some indoor scenes in buildings, apartments, etc. The season was from about the end of March to Thanksgiving. There was some other work during the slow time but it wasn’t alot. So you saved your money during the busy period, did some “day” work in the winter and waited. Now it is busy all year round. The “old-timers” remember, anticipated the strike and had some money put away. But many others did not.
It has been tough. Many people had to go into debt to keep their heads above water and unlike the writers who are now looking towards an increase in their cash flow from the new contract the BTL people won’t be getting any additional money for their work. So for the BTL people it will be many more months of getting their lives on track again even when they are all back to work full-time.
Being a Duck and Bullies
When I first started getting involved in politics I had to sit down with my children and explain to them what it meant to, “be a duck”. I told them it was inevitable that people will say things about me and that like myself they need to be “like a duck” and to let the comments roll right off them. To not listen to their angry attacks and to also understand that unfortunately that bullies will always be bullies whether they are 50 year old adults or 5 year old children. That bullies are cowardly people who are very insecure about where they stand in this world and need to lash out at others to make themselves feel better. Very sad way to live your life.
Recently I have been using my “duck” talents to ignore the bullies on a local town forum. Anonymity makes the bullies bold. I have been told of ISP searches that have identified the multiple names that many use (in fact, talking to themselves), multiple people using the same name and of local leaders who hide behind their forum names. So be it, I say. Life as an adult just mimics what happened at recess every day. As a child I had to learn to fight my own battles. It turned out to be good training for Hasbrouck Heights politics.
So go ahead. Get it all out of your system. If you want, in fact I have a couple of good four-square playground balls you can take from me if that will make you feel better.
