TVSquad

I have no evidence that any of the strikes I'm about to mention will actually occur (nor do I have an exact definition of what some of them actually do). It is simply a hypothesis of the effects of such strikes.

One issue with being a television writer is that a writer's contributions are not as tangible as certain other creative roles. Only slightly more visible is the director's role. The most tangible and visible is the actor, who is immediately seen on camera.

Currently, the television writers are on strike. There is a good possibility that the actors will strike next year. But what if other people that work in the television studios went on strike, the ones who are even less visible to the public. I think those would also create problems for the industry in different ways. For example...

Gaffers' Strike: A gaffer has many definitions from the head of a motion picture electrical department to just a lighting technician, but it is someone who deals with the electricity and lighting of a show. It's a silly, outdated term that sounds a little too much like "Goofy" for my taste. Nonetheless, if the gaffers went on strike there would be no lighting for any production, so we'd be watching a black screen while the actor's spoke their lines (unless the sound directors went on strike too). Most people would think the screen on their TV went out. This would be a good opportunity for voice actors.

Key Grips' Strike: If the grips went on strike, nobody would be able to hold the cameras or the dollies, so every shot would appear wobbly. It would be like one of those low-budget independent flicks which are made with a camcorder. This would be particularly problematic if the viewer was prone to seasickness. Granted, it would make watching TV more like a video game but I think more people would tune out and turn it off rather than watch it continuously.

Extras' Strike: We all know from the Ricky Gervais' HBO series that extras have it tough. What if they went on strike? Then the social scenes of any television show would have to use some sort of stand-ins for the people. Perhaps cardboard cutouts or blow-up dolls? Perhaps they'd simply throw in any old thing on the set into the scene, such as the Assistant Director's pet frog. I think the viewing audience would initally be taken aback but eventually adjust to this new format.

Caterers' Strike: If the caterers went on strike, then all film crews everywhere would go hungry. This is particularly problematic for the actors. For some of them, the catering table represents their sole source of food. If the caterers went on strike, more film crews would have to either eat out more or starve to death. This could cripple television production.

In conclusion, let us not forget the contribution of the myriad of other laborers who work for our entertainment. Have I forgotten any?