The one who wrote Coraline, and co-wrote the book of Good Omens and made the TV show, also the Sandman comics writer and co-creator who made the Sandman TV show. Quite nice really.
I want to be a professional writer someday… should I join a Union?
When you become a professional writer you should definitely join whatever organization best serves your interests. For SF and Fantasy authors in the US, for example I’d recommend the SFWA. If you’re in the UK I’d suggest the Society of Authors. If you become a screenwriter the WGA (or the WGGB) are excellent. There are other organizations out there. Some of them are unions, most of of them are more akin to trade associations, which tends to have a lot to do with laws on what and how you can unionize.
But these questions and answers may explain it for you.
How does the WGA strike affect you as a TAG member?
Most animation writing work in Los Angeles County is performed under The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, agreements. These contracts are separate from the WGA contract. If you are working under a TAG contract, you can continue working.
What if I am working on a show or production with WGA writers?
Several productions where animation work is covered under TAG collective bargaining agreements are also staffed by WGA writers. You can continue performing your work duties as requested, but do not perform any WGA covered work. Remember, struck work can include small requests like, “can you punch up this joke?” If you are approached to do WGA work, please contact TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan at Steve.Kaplan@tag839.org. Also, be prepared that you may face a picket line at your studio and be asked to honor it.
What should I do if there is a picket line outside of my studio? Will I be protected for honoring it?
It’s your personal decision to choose whether to cross the picket line or honor it. Honoring a picket line shows your support for the WGA writers, their union, and the labor movement. The TAG agreements do not expressly prohibit employees from honoring lawful picket lines. Therefore, employees working under the agreement retain their right granted by the NLRA (National Labor Relations Act) to honor a lawful picket line. However, should you honor the picket line, it is the employer’s right to temporarily and/or permanently replace you through due process.
Can my employer fire me if I honor a lawful picket line?
Under existing law, employers have a legal right to temporarily replace any employee who refuses to cross a picket line with employees who are willing to work. Different laws apply depending on whether the strike is considered economic or in protest of unfair labor practices. The WGA strike would most likely be considered an economic strike.
What if I work remotely? Am I protected for honoring a picket line if I don’t have to cross one physically?
Workers who are remote are not presented with a picket line. Therefore, they should continue to work. Unless a worker encounters a physical picket line, they may continue their work. Any collective work-stoppage may become a plausible violation of a collective bargaining agreement.
A friend of mine and I were rewatching good omens and they suggested when watching the Shakespeare scene that either you or Terry hate or think hamlet is overrated.
Confirm or deny? You think its overrated, just wanted to have a nice lil Shakespeare scene?
Terry had long been dead when I wrote that scene, which isn’t in the book, and I love Hamlet.
Hi Neil! Fun thing I heard today while watching Game Grumps: Dan (44) learned how to put on condoms from your Death comic books. He goes on to praise what an important PSA this was for sex Ed before the internet. Just thought you might enjoy this little tidbit. Have a good day!
ALT
