Todd Robinson, an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director, has dedicated nearly four decades to the film and television industry. He has worked on notable projects such as White Squall, Lonely Hearts, and The Last Full Measure. However, his journey in Hollywood has not been without challenges. In 2007, while participating in the writers’ strike, he faced a devastating wildfire that threatened his home and forced his family to evacuate.
During the writers’ strike, which was his second since joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Todd and his wife, Elizabeth, found themselves without any income. As a director and writer, Todd’s career often went through ups and downs, as did Elizabeth’s career as a literary agent turned manager. However, the strike elevated their concerns and made them realize the high stakes involved. They were the visible face of American labor in a fight against powerful corporations who prioritize cost-cutting rather than adequately compensating successful creators.
In 2007, Todd’s peaceful sleep in his childhood bedroom was abruptly interrupted when his mother woke him up with news of a wildfire threatening their home. It was 4 a.m. in Los Angeles, and the flames were rapidly approaching. Todd’s entire family had to evacuate within minutes, leaving behind almost everything except their wedding album. As his wife bravely faced the chaos, Todd heard fear in her voice for the first time. The wildfire left destruction in its wake, but miraculously their house survived, albeit with severe damage.
Todd uses this experience as a metaphor for the current state of the entertainment industry and the broader labor force. He sees it as an approaching firestorm, representing a destructive force that aims to diminish workers’ rights and collective bargaining power. Todd highlights the financial struggles faced by writers, explaining that even with a yearly income of $150,000, various commissions, taxes, and expenses leave them with minimal net income. This makes it difficult for them to enjoy the fruits of their labor or support their families.
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Drawing from David Leonhardt’s article in The New York Times, Todd addresses the “fracturing of work” in America, where pay disparities reinforce a tiered workforce. Executives in the industry earn exorbitant salaries, while writers and actors struggle to make ends meet. He mentions the alleged tactics employed by companies during the strike, like cutting sidewalk shade trees to discourage picketing, showing a lack of empathy and understanding towards workers.
Todd vividly recalls the day he returned to Los Angeles after the fire and witnessed the devastation firsthand. The once vibrant neighborhood was reduced to ashes. While his house was still standing, it had suffered significant damage, leaving Todd and his family to deal with the aftermath. He reflects on the parallel between the destruction caused by the fire and the impact of the writers’ strike on individuals’ lives and the industry as a whole. Both events consumed money, destroyed property, and disrupted lives.
Amid the wreckage of his home, Todd finds his strike sign from 2007, which survived the fire. It serves as a reminder of the shared sacrifice and mutual suffering endured during that time. He believes that through such experiences, a community can foster understanding, solidarity, and unity. Todd recounts how the Writer’s Guild learned of his family’s plight during the fire and how striking writers showed up unannounced to support them. This act of compassion and empathy reinforced the power of coming together in times of crisis.
In conclusion, Todd Robinson’s career in the entertainment industry has not been without its challenges. However, his experience during the 2007 writers’ strike and the wildfire that threatened his home have given him a unique perspective on the struggles faced by workers. He believes that labor rights and collective bargaining are vital in creating a fair and equitable industry. Through unity and empathy, workers can support one another and bring about positive change in the face of adversity.
