No Progress in Writer Contract Talks

Negotiations continued this week between the Writers Guild of America and Hollywood producers although both sides were not close to reaching agreement on a new contract. The Los Angeles Times reported the Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers remain divided over the compensation for writers whose work is used in new media and in home entertainment formats. The current contract expires Oct. 31. The two sides are not downplaying the possibility of a strike if no agreement is reached on a new contract. Daily Variety quoted West Coast branch Guild President Patric Verrone as saying a strike on Nov. 1 was “a real option.” Alliance lead negotiator Nick Counter told Variety that the industry was prepared fro a walk out and that “companies all have contingencies and will be ready in the event a strike occurs.”