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'Breakthrough' in writers strike
03/02/2008 11:12 - (SA)
Los Angeles - A breakthrough in contract talks has been reached between Hollywood studios and striking writers and could lead to a tentative deal soon, a person close to the ongoing negotiations said.
The two sides breached the gap on Friday on the thorniest issues, those concerning compensation for projects distributed via the internet, said the person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.
A second person familiar with the talks, also speaking on condition of anonymity on Saturday because he wasn't authorised to comment publicly, said that significant progress had been made and a deal might be announced within a week.
The people did not provide specific details on the possible agreement. Major points of contention include how much and when writers are paid for projects delivered online after they've been broadcast on TV.
The studios have been insisting that programmes be streamed online for a certain period, deemed promotional, during which writers would forego residuals. When payment kicked in, the companies sought to limit it to a flat $1 200 fee, while the guild wanted a percentage of a distributor's revenue.
The Writers Guild of America did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the trade group representing the studios, declined comment, citing a news blackout agreed to by both sides during the talks.
Guild leaders have said they are fighting for a piece of the future, reflecting the widespread belief that internet-delivered entertainment fare would inevitably claim an increasing and perhaps even dominant market share.
Although work remains to be done on elements of the agreement, prospects for a deal appeared solid, said those close to the situation. The tentative agreement would have to be approved by a majority of guild members.
The guild, whose 3-month-old strike has brought the entertainment industry to a standstill, began informal talks with top media company executives on January 23 in an attempt to reach a new deal covering governing work for film, TV and digital media.
Academy Awards
The fate of the February 24 Academy Awards has remained in question, with the guild so far declining to grant its blessing to the show. A union refusal to cooperate with the Golden Globes decimated the ceremony, which was boycotted by supportive actors.
Oscar organisers and producers have vowed they will stage some type of show, with or without union support - but a writers guild deal would allow this ceremony to proceed in its full, star-studded glory, providing an invaluable promotional showcase for movie studios and their films.
- AP
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South Africa
