Feb 03
Breakthrough Between Hollywood Studios and Striking Writers?
Los Angeles, Calif — Feb 03, `08 — A breakthrough in contract talks has been reached between Hollywood studios and striking writers and could lead to a tentative deal as early as next week, a person close to the ongoing negotiations said Saturday, the AP reports.
The report further said, “The two sides breached the gap Friday on the thorniest issues, those concerning compensation for projects distributed via the Internet, said the person, who requested anonymity because he were not authorized to speak publicly.
A second person familiar with the talks, also speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to comment publicly, said that significant progress had been made and a deal might be announced within a week.”
The Reuters reported, “Any deal would have to be endorsed by the governing boards of the WGA’s East and West Coast branches and ratified by the union’s rank and file.
The chief sticking point in the labor dispute has been the question of how much writers should be compensated for work distributed over the Internet and other digital media.
According to the New York Times, Friday’s breakthrough was an agreement on payment of “residual” fees for the advertising-supported online streaming of television shows.”
The last major strike to hit Hollywood, a walkout by screenwriters in 1988, lasted 22 weeks and delayed the start of that year’s fall television season. More at AP and Reuters.