TV Writers Turn to Web in Strike’s Wake

Source: Reuters

An online network formed by professional TV and film scribes during the Hollywood writers’ strike earlier this year unveiled a slate Wednesday featuring contributions from the minds behind the likes of “The Office” and “Die Hard.”

Strike.tv plans to launch this summer with more than 40 short-form programs, including comedies, dramas and a game show.

Some programs will be serialized, while others will be stand-alone; the site has yet to secure advertising.

Participating writers include Lester Lewis (“The Office”), Rob Kutner (“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”), Stephen E. de Souza (“Die Hard”), Karen Harris (“General Hospital”) and Ron Corcillo (“Malcolm in the Middle”).

The impetus for the online network came from writers who wanted to generate revenue for out-of-work colleagues. To that end, Strike.TV pledges to donate the first three months of ad revenue to the Entertainment Assistance Program of the Actors Fund.

However, Strike.tv is also intended to become a profitable venture in its own right, allowing participating writers to own their intellectual property. Its creators also anticipate it could be an alternative to the studio system as well as a breeding ground for programming that studios could co-opt.

Strike.tv has also attracted talent including Bob Newhart, Timothy Dalton and “Saturday Night Live’s” Kristen Wiig.