Members of the WGA were joined by members of dozens of unions from around Los Angeles, including: SAG, DGA, AFTRA, IATSE, Studio Utility Employees Laborers Local 724. IBT Local 399, IBT Local 64, IBT Joint Council 42, Professional Musicians Local 47, California Nurses Association, CWA, ILWU, NABET, SEIU, SEIU-UHW, SEIU Local 1877, SEIU Local 721, SEIU Local 6434, SEIU Local 99, Local 121RN, SOULA, CIR, Unite HERE, and United Farm Workers.

Congregating at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Ivar Avenue, the assembled crowd was first serenaded by the Belle Air Brass Quintet, musicians with American Federation of Musicians Local 47 there in support of the WGA.  At the same time, agents from CAA, ubiquitous at all recent WGA pickets and rallies, went through the crowd offering scones and other treats. Then, a portable stage drove into place and Writers Guild West President Patric M. Verrone welcomed the crowd and introduced Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys.

Keys, who contacted the WGA and asked to take part in the rally, performed two numbers - “Go Ahead” and “No One” - to great response from the already enthusiastic crowd. Said Keys, “I'm a writer. Without words, there are no songs. Without words, there are no stories. I'm here for your cause.” After her performance, she added: “Stay strong! I'm supporting you! Let's walk!”

With that, the stage cleared Hollywood Boulevard and the several thousand writers and others in attendance marched down Hollywood Boulevard toward Grauman's Chinese Theater, the front line of the crowd carrying a banner which stretched most of the way across Hollywood Boulevard: “Solidarity with Writers - We're All On The Same Page.” Leading the procession were several large trucks each bearing the logo of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Along the route, both on the street and workers in the surrounding office buildings waved signs stating their support for the WGA.

Said screenwriter David Benioff (Troy), reacting to the events around him: “It was a really inspiring rally. It was great hearing from all the labor leaders from the different organizations. It made us feel like we were part of something bigger than us and that this will all lead to changes down the road that will benefit writers today and in the future. It was a special day and seeing that sea of red coming down Hollywood Boulevard felt good.” 

In front of the Chinese Theater, the portable stage once again appeared and again Verrone welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their continued support and solidarity “in this fight for a fair and equitable contract.” He then introduced several guest speakers.

Joining Verrone on the platform first was Eric Garcetti, president of the Los Angeles City Council and representative for Hollywood, where the rally was taking place. “I'm a proud supporter of the WGA, along with all the members of the City Council who have voted to support you in this fight.” Other elected officials in attendance included State Senator Gil Cedillo, Assembly member Hector De La Torre, and former Assembly member Paul Koretz.

United Healthcare Workers-West (SEIU-UHW) President Sal Rosselli then came to the platform. “SEIU loves the WGA. SEIU represents 650,000 workers in California and we're here to help win this strike. The SEIU has something to say to the studios in the entertainment industry: We have a saying in our industry - you take one of us on, you take all of us on!”

“I thank all of my Teamster brothers for being here,” said Leo Reed, secretary-treasurer and division director of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399, then saying to the writers: “You keep that line up until you get a decent contract. You are acting like a union. You're in control. Keep it up and you will prevail!”

John F. Bowman, chairman of the WGA's Negotiating Committee, added: “Dealing with uncertainty is the nature of show business. So is paying a fair wage to the highly skilled. We are your partners and together we will conquer the internet, just like we did the talkies. Pay us and we'll go back to work. Show some soul and we'll show some flexibility.”

Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind) said that, since he was a student, he's been writing - and he's never stopped writing. His career is here because he's always persisted. “But on November 5th, I stopped writing. And I won't pick up my pen again until we have a fair deal.” 

Screen Actors member/actress Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy) said to the companies: “Share.” She added: “One of the many things this strike has taught me is what solidarity means. What consumer power means. How difficult and important it is for all of us to stand together to fight for our livelihood.”

To close the event, Verrone told the crowd: “When they ask us what this strike was about, we should quote Robert Towne from Chinatown: 'It's the future, Mr. Gittes.'“

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. For more information, please visit: www.wga.org.