Highlighting its seriousness about upcoming negotiations, the Screen Actors Guild has spurned the notion of seeking a four-month extension of the current film-TV contract, which expires June 30.
SAG's national board refused to consider the matter Friday. Move would have delayed the start of talks with studios and networks to late summer, several months after SAG is expected to have hired a new national executive director.
The idea of extending the guild's contract expiration until 2002 had been floated several months ago but was turned down by SAG's national executive committee.
Remaining resolute
Guild leaders have said a delay would signal a lack of resolve about the need for an improved contract. Such a move could also take away leverage from the Writers Guild of America, whose contract expires May 2. The WGA is entering its sixth week of negotiations today.
As expected, SAG's national board chose former WGA West exec director Brian Walton as chief negotiator in a near-unanimous vote on Friday.
"He brings a unique set of skills and solid collective bargaining experience to the table," SAG prexy William Daniels said.
No talks date
Walton, who served as WGAW topper between 1985 and 1998, gave no timetable for launching talks, although SAG leaders are aiming for an early April start date. Walton said he will first consult with leaders of SAG and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (which negotiates the contract jointly) and will then announce scheduling.
As Daniels has done, Walton played down the idea of a strike. "There is a deal to be made here," he said. "Everyone involved should look for a fair and progressive result. There is no solid reason not to find one."
Walton's selection received a strong endorsement from Vance Van Petten, exec director of the Producers Guild of America, who cited both Walton's WGA work and his recent consulting for the PGA.
"He will really help SAG a lot because he's a smart negotiator who knows labor law," Van Petten said. "Brian is a great hire. This is the most upbeat I've been about the labor situation in a while."
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com