Today, famed bloggist Nikki Finke posted news on a dispute between Tyler Perry's new independent production company and four of his writers, fired after nearly 100 episodes of his new television series.  Whether the injustice is on the part of Tyler Perry or the picketing writers, to my mind, is secondary to a larger issue: the prevailing lack of respect with which many folks in Hollywood handle each other's interests.

For a look at the original article, click here:  http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/writers-at-tyler-perry-studio-to-take-strike-action-will-picket-grand-opening-and-ask-invited-guests-not-to-attend/

On Nikki's site, www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com, I posted the following response:

To the writers affected by these tactics,

Thank you for your support of independent media. Based solely on the articles I read here on DHD, my sense is that the faith and spirit of your previous business dealings with Tyler Perry’s production company is not being honored. If my understanding of the situation is correct, my fear is that these events reflect negatively on all independent producers and on independent media at large. Certainly, there are plenty of independent producers who, in the wake of success, have taken undue advantage of talent’s willingness to work on a budget.

Without more information, I can’t comment on the specific situation you’re facing. I will say that especially in the wake of the strike and the blooming complications between SAG and the AMPTP, there are many of us out here working to bring our industry into a future of financial and creative solidarity and liberty.

Again, thank you for taking a chance with independent production. My prayers are with you for a fair deal, and I hope all independent producers take this opportunity to renew their commitment to their content, their talent, and to a Hollywood that inspires and nurtures our global creativity and culture.

Remember, we live and work in the single greatest creative community in the world. To those who think that priviledge comes without ethical and creative responsibilities, I implore: Consider the long-term consequences. Shape up or ship out.

Some folks will simply dismiss this kind of issue as typical Hollywood.  My experience is that real filmmakers look after their films first and foremost, and look after one another as an immediate second priority.  We are the carnies and theater folk, and we all know the importance of solidarity and trust.  Without trust, you can't make movies.  It's really that simple.

Yes, there are ancillary and supporting businesses that don't get that inner circle mentality, and yes, they muddy the waters.  As artists, as a community, and as family, we must not stand for it.  Whoever made the stink on Tyler Perry's show, they oughtta known better.

As a community, it's up to us to conduct our business with integrity and love.  Asking others for help and advice is well and good, but passing our business whole-hog to agents and studios only compromises our values and interests.  When artists take accountability for their interests and needs, 90% of these problems go away. 

Did we have these kinds of disputes when we were patching together shows in college?  No.  First comes the show.  Second comes the community.  Then we get paid.  That goes for everyone, producer, talent, and craftsperson alike.

This kind of issue is a needless embarrassment, especially as it comes from the independent film community.  My heart goes out to both Tyler Perry and the writers affected, and at the same time, I implore everyone in the industry to take a long, hard look at their values.  With that accomplished, it's way past time to filter out the noise.

We all know how to make money in this business, at this point.  We all know which projects have big audiences, and which ones have small audiences.  We also know which projects are important to us personally, and which ones aren't.  We know how hard it is to do something with limited resources, and we all know when those resources are available, and when they aren't.

Deciding which projects to commit to isn't hard, and it doesn't take a committee to do it.  Once that commitment is made, having reasonable expectations is just as easy - unless somebody is lying.  If somebody lies, they need to be brought to the community so we know who to trust.  So long as everyone is being truthful, it's show first, community second, and everything else after.

If I ever forget that, I trust you to remind me with as much respect as possible.  Right now, I'm sending out the reminder: Showfolk take care of their own.