Read on Twitter
Who knows what contributions I will be remembered for, but one of my most practical is the *WRITERS ROOM ASSISTANTS XMAS GIFT ALGORITHM* which I have been told has spread widely.
Writers rooms take note. Minimal math required. But your gift problems solved.
It goes like this:
Writers rooms take note. Minimal math required. But your gift problems solved.
It goes like this:
1) Write the names of all the assistants you are gifting on the board.
2) Let's say you have a Writers Assistant plus 2 PAs.
So... 3 people.
We're giving cash here, let's not be silly. Cash is what your assistants want and need.
2) Let's say you have a Writers Assistant plus 2 PAs.
So... 3 people.
We're giving cash here, let's not be silly. Cash is what your assistants want and need.
3) Write the names/positions of all contributing writers.
(Staff Writers should be exempt from this. They may volunteer. Refuse this.)
Let's say an EP + 2Co-EPs + a Super-Prod + 2 Story Editors. Up on the board with you.
So far no scary math!
(Staff Writers should be exempt from this. They may volunteer. Refuse this.)
Let's say an EP + 2Co-EPs + a Super-Prod + 2 Story Editors. Up on the board with you.
So far no scary math!
4) Assign to each position an X value based on their station.
Showrunner/EP should be 5X (more if they like). Co-EP 3X. Mid-level 2X. Lost contributing lever 1X.
Showrunner/EP should be 5X (more if they like). Co-EP 3X. Mid-level 2X. Lost contributing lever 1X.
5) Add up your Xs!
(It's just adding. Don't be scared!)
Our hypothetical room would go like this... for 15X:
(It's just adding. Don't be scared!)
Our hypothetical room would go like this... for 15X:
6) Decide how much you all want to fit each assistant.
The amount is up to the group. Personally I believe it should be NO LESS THAN 2 WEEKS' SALARY. More if the studio cuts off their pay over the holiday. This is a noxious studio custom and Showrunners should and can fight this
The amount is up to the group. Personally I believe it should be NO LESS THAN 2 WEEKS' SALARY. More if the studio cuts off their pay over the holiday. This is a noxious studio custom and Showrunners should and can fight this
*PLEASE BE GENEROUS*
Whatever your $$ issues are I promise your assts' are worse. And they are doing your research & taking your notes & getting your lunch for pennies while somehow making rent & paying student loans.
Let's say you decided to give each $2000.
So... $6000 total
Whatever your $$ issues are I promise your assts' are worse. And they are doing your research & taking your notes & getting your lunch for pennies while somehow making rent & paying student loans.
Let's say you decided to give each $2000.
So... $6000 total
(I seem to have broken the thread chain here. Continues... at #7...)
