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Sad Business: "The Office" Shuts Down Production

In an expected move, studio NBC Universal has shut down production on comedy The Office.

The decision comes after stars Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson, in addition to writer/actor hyphenates B.J. Novak, Mindy Kaling, and Paul Lieberstein, have not shown up for shooting again on Day Two of the WGA strike.

Executive producer Greg Daniels has also not reported for work this week to render non-writing services as part of his role as showrunner. The writing staff, as well as other WGA members, have been heavily picketing the lot where The Office shoots.

In related news, reports have reached me that Tina Fey has not crossed the picket line to film her scenes for NBC's 30 Rock, despite being quoted yesterday that she would be fulfilling her acting obligations to the series.

Production has also been halted on comedies Back to You, Old Christine, 'Til Death, Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory as well as drama Desperate Housewives.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I work on a high profile show that got shut down today. It sucks but it's a good thing too. If enough shows go black then, hopefully, it will provoke the studios to negotiate or at least begin discussions again. We're just all praying that this is over quickly and doesn't go on for weeks or months which would really hurt everyone.
11/06/2007
Anonymous said…
It's a tough choice but I think that the decision of high profile actors, such as Steve Carell and Tina Fey, to not cross the line is commendable. Yes, they make a lot of money but this could lead to huge repercussions for them financially and politically within the industry. They are putting themselves on the line by making this statement and their actions could have a big (and hopefully positive) impact on the strike.
11/06/2007
Anonymous said…
Oh no! Not The Office!
11/06/2007
Halvorsen said…
As much as I support the reasons behind the strike, I do feel badly for the PAs and other lower paid workers who will be feeling the effects of the strike financially much harder than the stars of the show. Let's hope the shutdowns help the discussions progress (or rather, start up again).
11/06/2007
Anonymous said…
Great now my show went black today. I agree with the writers plight but production staff has to pay the bills too!!!
11/15/2007
Anonymous said…
I feel bad for people in the industry who rely on regular paychecks to make ends meet.

I don't feel sorry for us: its only TV and quite insignificant to our daily lives.
11/15/2007
Anonymous said…
Guess I'll be playing video games for a few months, I mean, when I play games, I don't ever even really think about watching TV! Call of Duty 4 or Halo 3 anyone?
11/15/2007
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