Article Contributed on: 11/12/2007 9:17:54 AM
My daughter Liz Lorang left this morning in my little RV to join the WGA picket lines in Los Angeles. She will be blogging her experience on our blog at
www.thewritereviews.wordpress.com. As an aspiring TV writer, she decided that this was one of the best networking opportunities she'd ever have, not to mention a chance to support something she believes in - writers, who are the backbone of the entertainment industry. Without them, hit shows would not be hits, actors wouldn't have lines or plot lines and the entertainment industry would grind to a halt - the proof is and will be the lack of new episodes, such as THE DAILY SHOW with
Jon Stewart (which Liz and I got to see in person - a memorable event).
So I wish my daughter well on her adventure. She's gotten the education she needs to make it as a TV writer. Now she needs connections and opportunity. I imagine that someone will notice her and her fresh ideas. Hollywood, after all, needs fresh ideas. They tend to play "follow the leader" way too much - for example, the current new season is filled with characters with special abilities or in fantastical situations - based on the popularity of HEROES and LOST. But viewers need more shows and characters that they can relate to while, at the same time, being entertained.
So TV network and producers, appreciate your writers by giving them more creative leeway as well as giving in to their union's current demands. And at the same time,find some fresh blood to liven up your industry. Like my daughter! Be sure to check out Liz's experiences from the sidewalks of L.A. alongside tthe WGA writers on strike at our blog, The Write Reviews, at www.thewritereviews.wordpress.com.