Turn Off the Laugh Track—Comedy Writers Win Contract

by Mike Hall, Jul 1, 2007

Stop me if you’ve heard the one about the comedy writers, the union, the network and the contract. On second thought, don’t. It’s a great story with a fabulous payoff.

In May, we told you about the more than 30 comedy writers on several of Comedy Central’s most popular shows and their move to win a voice at work with the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and East (WGAE).

Drum roll, please…

Writers on The Sarah Silverman Program, Mind of Mencia, The Showbiz Show with David Spade and American Body Shop reached an agreement June 19 with the laugh network that includes Writers Guild compensation levels, pension and health benefits, credits and a residual formula for reuse (including DVD, basic cable, and Internet).

Rim shot!

A tip of the old top hat to Richard Negri at unionreview.com for passing on the good news about the deal.

Says Jeff Schimmel, a supervising producer of Mind of Mencia:

I’m so proud to be one of the writers who stood together to demand fair and just treatment. I feel good about what we were able to accomplish, not just for us but for the Comedy Central writers I’ve never met, who in the future will also benefit from our efforts.

WGAE President Chris Albers says

These contracts show what’s possible when the companies come to the table and are willing to negotiate. We hope this is a sign of things to come.

Writers at two other Comedy Central shows are also seeking a union contract, says WGAW President Patric M. Verrone.

I’m sure all writers share my gratitude for the fortitude and tenacity of our Comedy Central colleagues, which resulted in an excellent agreement. This success only increases our commitment to win a contract for the writers of Comedy Central’s newest hit, Lil Bush, and Reno 911.

Writers of Comedy Central’s New York-based hits, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report, won WGA contracts earlier this year. With the new contracts, the WGA now covers every live-action show currently in production on Comedy Central.

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