OLTL Head Writer Discusses The Strike
Digest: Why is it so important to come out to the picket lines on a regular basis?
Ron Carlivati (OLTL Head Writer): I don’t think any of us wants to be on strike, but one reason I come to the picket line is to spend time with my fellow writers. This is such a difficult time for all of us, but to be around other people who are going through the exact same thing you are does help to lift your spirits.
Digest: How did it feel to have so many actors come out to support you all, especially from ONE LIFE TO LIVE?
Carlivati: I was so incredibly touched to see so many of our actors there. They’re just an amazing group of people, and to hear that they miss us as much as we miss them really means the world to me. The support we’ve gotten from the entire cast and crew has been overwhelming and I’m so, so grateful for it.
Digest: What is it like for you, being away from the show for such an extended period of time?
Carlivati: It’s the worst. I’ve been working at ONE LIFE TO LIVE for over 11 years, (not to mention watching it for many years before that!) I truly do love the show and it’s killing me not to be there. And I know the rest of my team feels the same way. We’re just really anxious to get back to work.
Digest: How do you feel about the possibility that someone else will be writing while you’re striking?
Carlivati: Obviously it’s very upsetting, especially now that I’m Head Writer and do feel a sense of responsibility for the stories. I understand that the show must go on, and I want it to, but it still doesn’t make this any easier. I do have a lot more to say on the subject but I think I should just leave it at that.
Digest: What impact has the strike already had on soaps?
Carlivati: Right now, none. What you’re seeing on the air was written by my team and me before the strike.
Digest: In your opinion, how devastating could this be to daytime if it’s not resolved soon?
Carlivati: I’m just praying it is resolved soon so I don’t even want to speculate about that!
Digest: What message do you have for fans?
Carlivati: I just want to thank the fans for watching and supporting the show. There wouldn’t be a ONE LIFE TO LIVE without them and I’m well aware of that. I was a fan long before I was a writer so I just try to write the kinds of stories that I remember watching and enjoying and hope that the fans feel the same way. I also want to thank Soap Opera Digest for voting us Most Improved Show of 2007 and I’m crossing my fingers that the strike ends soon so we can keep that momentum going in 2008!
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Soap Opera Digest does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.