'CSI: NY' Goes On Without Writers

See Also: 'Happily Never After' Episode Guide

The strike continues to affect the entertainment industry.

The final three episodes of CSI: New York written before the strike began are set to air early in 2008, and two of the episodes were produced without the help of the writers. When the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike November 5, the crew of New York was halfway through the twelfth episode, "Happily Never After". According to sources, the show's "non-writing producers" completed the remaining two episodes. "On our show we work so closely [with the post-production staff]. They're committed to making as great a show as we are," executive story editor Sam Humphrey told the New York Post. "So with all the strike stuff, we have a lot of faith in their abilities and can't wait to get back to working with them."

The People's Choice Awards will have a different format this year. The WGA declined to give a strike waiver for the event, so it is unlikely that celebrities would show up to receive awards. Queen Latifah will host the show on January 8 as planned, but instead of a live event at the Shrine Auditorium, the awards will consist of pre-taped segments. "For 34 years, the People's Choice Awards has been the show that lets the voice of the fans be heard," said Fred Nelson, president of the organization. "With the reinvention of People's Choice, we're allowing entertainment enthusiasts to have even more influence on the show. In addition, the new approach will give fans a more personal glimpse into the lives of their favorite actors and musicians." The awards show is asking fans to submit questions that can be posed to the stars when they give their acceptance speeches.

As the WGA strike continues, the situation is putting stress on the economy of the Los Angeles area. The LA City Council's Housing Community and Economic Development committee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the situation. An overflow crowd of WGA supporters attended the meeting, but the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) did not send a representative. Various estimates were given at the hearing, citing anywhere from $380 million to $2.5 billion in lost revenue for the local economy before the strike is over. "This strike will not kill the L.A. County economy, but it will certainly act as a brake on the L.A. economy," said Jack Kyser, chief economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. He went on to say, "The pain is growing each day the strike goes on. That concerns us." The WGA stood up to say that they are ready to negotiate whenever the AMPTP returns to the table, and City Council president Eric Garcetti introduced a motion to the full City Council, calling on both sides to resume negotiations. "It's time to resolve this with a fair contract and get everybody back to work," he said.

The article about the final three episodes produced for CSI: New York is from The New York Post. Information about the People's Choice Awards can be found at Variety's Award Central. To read more about the City Council meeting, check out Variety.

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