Film studios will be hurt, but not in the same way the television industry will be. Movie scripts have been stockpiled for the last several months, which means that production on films can go on as planned.
On the other hand, television has a much smaller production window. For example, scripted shows taping right now could be seen next month or sooner.
Although the immediate effects won't be crushing, they will be evident. The first thing to be affected will be the late-night crew: Leno, Letterman, Conan, Stewart, and other shows produced daily will have to look for ways to fill their time in the absence of writers.
Most prime-time scripted shows have a bit of a buffer, given that they tend to have advanced episodes "in the can." Zachary Levi, star of NBC's Chuck, told TV.com yesterday that his show is currently shooting its 11th episode, which puts it five episodes ahead (episode six aired last Monday) of what's currently airing. Most primetime shows have about a month or two's worth of television set to go, but after that, networks may have to turn to their last resort...reality television.
The strike will also have a major impact on projects in the works. Excited for the new Joss Whedon show Dollhouse that was announced yesterday? Better hope the two sides can come to an agreement.
