If you’ve been following the contract dispute between the producers and actors of The Simpsons vs. Fox, then you know that things are still pretty up in the air at the moment. While the show’s producers have agreed to the 45 percent cut that the network was asking for, the voice talent is still hoping to negotiate a better deal. “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,” writes Harry Shearer, the voice of Mr. Burns, Smithers, Ned Flanders, and plenty of other characters, in a statement.
Shearer — who makes it clear that he’s only speaking for himself — is certainly far from being unreasonable in his demands. In fact, as he explains, “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.”
Unfortunately for longtime fans, he has already been told that there are “simply no circumstances” under which Fox will entertain his offer. Considering that by all accounts the network wants next year to be the show’s final season — even if contract disputes get resolved! — we find it interesting that they’re making things so difficult in what should be the home stretch. Don’t you? [via Vulture]