Okay, so I posted a little blurb here earlier, now for the skinny.
Variety gave us the report, but a quick trip over to the Writers Guild of America, West’s official site gives us this statement:
“Today, just hours before the expiration of our contract, the AMPTP brought negotiations to a halt.
The Companies refused to continue to bargain unless we agree that the hated DVD formula be extended to Internet downloads.
This morning we presented the AMPTP with a comprehensive package of proposals that included movement on DVDs, new media, and jurisdictional issues. We also took nine proposals off the table. The Companies returned six hours later and said they would not respond to our package until we capitulated to their Internet demand.
After three and a half months of bargaining, the AMPTP still has not responded to a single one of our important proposals. Every issue that matters to writers, including Internet reuse, original writing for new media, DVDs, and jurisdiction, has been ignored. This is completely unacceptable.”
That was a press release dated October 31, and now Variety tells us that while WGA leaders told attendees at a November 1st meeting that they should go to work today (November 2) and wait for a call or email from strike captains. That said, it looks like Monday will be the day.
Variety says that Nick Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, said the companies believe they can make a deal by moving on other issues but insisted that increasing the DVD formula is a nonstarter.
“Due to overriding business reasons, no further progress can be made because of the WGA’s continuing efforts to substantially increase the DVD formula,” he said. “We are ready to meet at any time and remain committed to reaching a fair and reasonable deal that keeps the industry working, but the DVD issue is a roadblock to these negotiations.”
I hate to keep pointing it out, but the WGA has a point in the case of DVD sales. I also hate to keep pointing out my interview with director Terry George, but he said, “Hotel Rwanda made $23 million at the box-office and $48 million on DVD, and writers and actors were completely excluded from that profit.” I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t make a whole lotta sense. I am not saying they should get a huge cut considering the production companies are the ones forking over the money for the films, but with these negotiations dealing with Internet and other digital media residuals the WGA simply doesn’t want their current crappy deal swinging over to new media.
Makes sense to me…
We’ll keep you updated.
