Who ever really outgrows the concept of asking Santa for their favorite Christmas gifts? Not too many I suspect. Their priorities might change. But having the magical nature of St. Nick bring you what your heart desires is an enduring treat. I sat on Santa’s lap last year. I didn’t have the heart to ask for some of the really big toys that I wanted. However, I still got nice gifts. This year will be different. If the chance arises, I believe I’ll speak up. The only reason to do so is because you have no idea if it will come through.
Los Angeles got an early slow down this year when the Writers Guild took odds with the studios about future revenues for the writers. As a writer in the a different field. I feel for them. I’m betting that many of those writers would be asking Santa for the lost income they are now experiencing. It isn’t just the studios that are starting to feel the loss of the new written word. It has already lead to an early exit to the year for some actors. In turn because productions have tapered off, there are ancillary businesses that are feeling the strain as well.
The Entertainment industry as a whole tends to shut down in the month of December. Most deals have already been done and new deals aren’t considered until after the first of the year. Any gigs an artist plays at the end of the year have been booked long in advance. What will be interesting is to figure out what the rest of America will do without any new TV to watch (other than American Idol). Will the masses being to turn to other means of entertainment to fulfill their needs? Maybe they’ll go see more movies in the interim. However, less movies are being made now too. So that won’t last long if the strike drags out.
My prediction is that people will turn to concerts and possibly books. That’s not a bad thing for musicians or authors. Not bad at all. People want to be entertained and musicians aren’t tied to the writers union. One of my wishes for St. Nick is to increase people’s desires to see music performed live. How about you? What is your prediction?