[ricochettty]

This is the end it seems. I think it went on for to long. Still sad to see it go.

Simpsons’ Co-Star Speaks Out On Contract Negotiation Stalemate



Until now, the voice cast of Fox’s animated comedy The Simpsons had not addressed publicly the ongoing salary dispute with producer 20th Century Fox TV, which threatens to end the run of the veteran series. This morning, co-star Harry Shearer, who voices several supporting characters on the show, broke the silence with a statement that explains the actors’ position in the contract negotiations and discusses a failed attempt by his representatives to reach a deal with the studio that involves a dramatic salary cut (more than 70%) in exchange for profit participation. (The Simpsons actors are currently making $400,000 an episode, 20th TV has been pushing for a 45% pay reduction.) The latest deadline for reaching an agreement between the studio and the actors is today, though the two sides had extended the process past previous deadlines. Here is Shearer’s statement:

For many years now, the cast of “The Simpsons” has been trying to get Fox to agree that, like so many other people who’ve contributed significantly to the show’s success, we be allowed a tiny share of the billions of dollars in profits the show has earned. Fox has consistently refused to even consider the matter. Instead, it’s paid us salaries that, while ridiculous by any normal standard, pale in comparison to what the show’s profit participants have been taking home.

Now, as the show enters its twenty-third season, we are engaged in what will probably be our last contract negotiation with Fox. As you may have heard, the network has taken the position that “The Simpsons” no longer makes enough money and that unless we in the cast accept a 45% pay cut, they are not going to bring the show back for a twenty-fourth season.

Obviously, there are a lot more important things going on in the world right now, in the streets of New York and elsewhere. But given how many people seem to care about what happens to our show – and how much misinformation has been flying around – I thought it might make sense for at least one member of the cast to speak out directly. I should note that I am speaking only for myself, and not for any of the other actors on the show.

Fox wants to cut our salaries in half because it says it can’t afford to continue making the show under what it calls the existing business model. Fox hasn’t explained what kind of new business model it has formulated to keep the show on the air, but clearly the less money they have to pay us in salary, the more they’re able to afford to continue broadcasting the show. And to this I say, fine – if pay cuts are what it will take to keep the show on the air, then cut my pay. In fact, to make it as easy as possible for Fox to keep new episodes of “The Simpsons” coming, I’m willing to let them cut my salary not just 45% but more than 70% – down to half of what they said they would be willing to pay us. All I would ask in return is that I be allowed a small share of the eventual profits.

My representatives broached this idea to Fox yesterday, asking the network how low a salary number I would have to accept to make a profit participation feasible. My representatives were told there was no such number. There were, the Fox people said, simply no circumstances under which the network would consider allowing me or any of the actors to share in the show’s success.

As a member of the “Simpsons” cast for 23 years, I think it’s fair to say that we’ve had a great run and no one should feel sorry for any of us. But given how much joy the show has given so many people over the years – and given how many billions of dollars in profits News Corp. has earned and will earn from it – I find it hard to believe that this is Fox’s final word on the subject. At least I certainly hope it isn’t, because the alternative is to cancel the show or fire me for having the gall to try to save the show by helping Fox with its new business model. Neither would be a fair result – either to those of us who have committed so many years to the show or to its loyal fans who make our effort worthwhile.

[Tazqoaap]

wow...

[DrCeshing]

Update, the show's been renewed for two more seasons.

Frankly it's shit now, I watched a newer episode recently and couldn't get through it. I much prefer the older ones.

[ricochettty]

Wha ? I guess I am old news.

[Erwtbimp]

it got renewed this morning

[biannaruh]

I won't miss it

I never found it interesting enough to watch to begin with

[Abedgebeefs]

I won't miss it

I never found it interesting enough to watch to begin with

You prefer soaps right?

[VotsUtegems]

Never seen an episode in my life and couldn't give a shit less lol. It's annoying that the show would even still be on. No show should last that long.

[biannaruh]

You prefer soaps right?

and your point is?

[Madjostok]

I stopped watching shortly after Hartman died...

[LeslieMoran]

Greatest sitcom ever, but the new episodes I can't believe were even written by the same people... It was fitting that money squabbles would be the nails in its coffin.

[nerrttrw]

Can't believe it's been renewed, they really should let the show die with some dignity.

It's like night and day watching old and new episodes.

[machpamb]

They must be running out of material. I was never a fan of the show, but kudos to them for creating the show.

[DEMassteers]

They got a two year renewal.. The material will never get old because they use new writers and new stories as it's a must.

The problem is, like most show, I lost interest in it after about 5 season but once in a while I do still catch an episode if nothing else is on..

The show makes more $$ in syndication than it does on it's first run which is why the actors were willing to forgo their salaries and ask for 70+% of the total income the show brought in. Fox said NO.. I wonder why..

[Madjostok]

Can't believe it's been renewed, they really should let the show die with some dignity.

It's like night and day watching old and new episodes.

exactly... just like Nick should kill Spongebob after 11 fucking years... They're not on the same level but just as unfunny....

[OWV9LSxH]

I never watched the show so it doesn't affect me much.

[Erwtbimp]

exactly... just like Nick should kill Spongebob after 11 fucking years... They're not on the same level but just as unfunny....

You're not Spongebob's demographic. My three year old would beg to differ about how unfunny you think spongebob is

[Madjostok]

You're not Spongebob's demographic. My three year old would beg to differ about how unfunny you think spongebob is

Your 3 year old doesn't know any better but then again what 3 year old truly does? Do you know how many cartoons I thought were hilarious when I was 3 that I look back upon and cringe at? I really don't think Spongebob is really meant for the preschool demographic even if they do market toys for them.

[Erwtbimp]

Its definitely not meant for the 18-30 demographic

[Madjostok]

Did I say it was? Besides... I'm over 30 hahaha