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SYDNEY -- The Australian Screen Council looks set to implode, just 30 months after the screen industry lobby group was formed to present a united industry voice in the Oz government's free trade negotiations with the U.S.

The Australian Writers Guild has withdrawn from the group, alleging negligence by the former administrating body, the Australian Directors Guild.

AWG topper Jacqueline Woodman accused the ADG of ignoring the scribe guild's complaints and declared a future arrangement untenable.

The ASC sought to "unite the Australian screen production industry, speak with one voice to government, increase its net returns and enhance its cultural contribution to the Australian and international communities."

Org was effective during the initial free trade campaign but has been invisible ever since.

It was always an uncomfortable alliance between traditional foes, the Screen Producers Assn. of Australia, actors union the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the AWG and the ADG.