Studios, WGA keep the faith
Extension of talks 'a good sign,' a vet negotiator sez
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Sources close to the talks caution that both sides remain apart on many key issues that must be resolved to reach an agreement, thus averting the much-feared back-to-back strikes. But much of the pervasive pessimism has gradually dissipated as talks extended well past the original two-week deadline set by the Writers Guild of America.
"The fact that the talks have gone into the fourth week is a good sign of a willingness to reach an agreement," a veteran negotiator said. "If the WGA had walked away after two weeks, it would have shown they were probably planning to go on strike, instead of being willing to be creative about finding a solution."
Many Hollywood insiders had expected the WGA to pull the plug on the talks, which began Jan. 22, and tell the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers to return in early April in order to maximize its leverage. The current film-TV contract expires on May 2 while the Screen Actors Guild's pact ends two months later.
Friday's negotiations covered creative rights issues for film and long-form TV, which had been the focus of most of the talks during the third week. The WGA is seeking guaranteed access to sets, payment of writers during principal photography and elimination of the possessory credit but the companies have maintained that the union must work out a deal with the Directors Guild of America first.
For the first time since negotiations started, both sides then took the entire weekend off rather than meeting on Saturday. Beginning today, reps will resume full negotiations on all issues.
The WGA has also disclosed further information about complaints filed last week with the Natl. Labor Relations Board over alleged failure by producers and NBC to disclose information about whether it has stockpiled scripts in order to withstand a potential strike. The companies named were Wolf Films, Universal City Studios Inc., Studios USA Television, USA Development and Studios USA Pictures Development in the production of "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
The guild filed an additional complaint against Wolf-produced "Arrest & Trial" over failure to disclose contract information.
Dick Wolf claimed he had been singled out over his criticism of WGA strategy. "I've been a member of the Writer's Guild for over 20 years. I am appalled that I am clearly targeted by the guild for being outspoken."
