In the midst of the continuing battle between the WGA and AMPTP (the writer’s and the producers), the struggling newly re-launched studio “United Artists” (being run by Tom Cruise) has signed an interim deal with the Writer’s Guild so that writer’s can start working on United Artist projects.
United Artists needs all the help they can get, as their first major project, “Lions for Lambs” only managed to make under $15 million despite having major stars such as Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford on the poster.
No real details are being given about the deal, other than the fact that it’s a “INTERIM” deal, which essentially means the deal is only in place until a new deal with the AMPTP is struck. That means this agreement really isn’t that big of a deal, but it is nonetheless a positive thing for all involved.
First, and most importantly, it means some writers can get back to work. That’s a good thing. Secondly, it give United Artists the opportunity to keep the doors open. That’s a good thing. Thirdly, it’s only an interim deal, which means each side only have to live with it until a new binding deal between the WGA and AMPTP can be struck (whenever the hell that is, since both sides are acting like ignorant asses).
I do hope this can set some sort of model. If the WGA and AMPTP can’t reach a deal NOW… then how about some sort of non-bindind 1 year maximum interim deal just for the time being for everyone??? Get both sides to make some concessions, knowing that it’s only for a year (or less) and keep people working while you try to sort your shit out!
It’s not hard. Just say for the next 6 months:
PRODUCERS: “Ok, just for the next 6 months, we’ll give the WGA everything they want in terms of royalties and digital rights on stuff that is produced in that time frame. BUT… that’s off the table in 6 months while we work out our permanent deal.
WGA: “Ok, for just the next 6 months we’ll forget about reality TV, Animation and the right to sympathy strike in the future. BUT… we still want that in the permanent deal that we’ll work on in the next 6 months”
See??? Each side gives up a little something that’s not permanent… they still get to yell and scream at each other and make cute little propaganda videos and act like children… but all while writer’s get to write and producers get to produce with temporary interim deals in place.
Here’s hoping the United Artists interim deal sparks these kinds of thoughts.
Actually, a lot of you have hit on why I can’t support the WGA during this strike.
I grew up in a small town with a large UAW presence. About half the town worked at the truck plant. I’ve seen strikes, I’ve seen negotiations, and the WGA isn’t acting in any way I’ve ever seen a union behave, and I certainly don’t think they’re getting good results. They’re actions do not suggest they have the lower tiers of their membership in mind, but that the leaders have some other agenda.
This deal is utterly meaningless since UA has nothing remotely close to production. They’re not interested in buying many spec scripts or in having a large development slate, so this interim deal will have no impact.
Tarmac – Immature indeed. They play the card that LA’s economy rest of the shoulders of the AMPTP but last time I check the WGA was also a part in this strike. The so called IMAGE WAR of November and December for the publics’ (non-hollywood) opinion is so FALSE!
Kristina – Too True!
Tom hypnotised them with his Scientology voodoo. I can just imagine the WGA strapped to chairs and watching some whacked-out brainwash video, Zoolander style. “RELAX!”
Ugh. I think it’s a knee jerk reaction to hate the producers and say “stick it to the man” etc.
But seriously…f*** the WGA. They’re being so damn…IMMATURE!
There are rumblings that Lionsgate, The Weinsteins, Lucas Films are also about to sign interim deals with the WGA. Looks to me that the smaller studios are ready to cut deals as the losses for them in the short term would far outweigh anything they will gain by giving writers a bad deal. On the other hand the big 5 studios who control the AMPTP are in it for the long haul
I think this is the best entertainment news I have heard thus far in the New Year.
I don’t know how Crusise/Wagner’s revamped UA will fare in 2008. But if the strike continues, they might just be one of the few studios that will have a decent lineup for 2009. But…the questions are what were the conditions of the deal, and what example(s) can it show other studios and/or producers to follow?
I just find the (supposed) attitude of WGA heads utterly disgraceful. I found this when i was reading Bond 22 news yesterday from here (http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/bond_22_preprod_diary18.php3):
“In a report on the current writers strike in the USA, Deadline Hollywood has revealed pay details on the script Paul Haggis turned in for Bond 22. According to the site, “Paul Haggis walking the picket line during the morning shift at Sony, the studio that’s paying him $4+ million (rumoured near $5 mil) for the new Bond script. Then again, screenwriters were told to picket their primary place of employment … or else.”
OR ELSE? Look, i don’t know for sure and admit it could be distortion by the media but i know damn well that i would not support and have no respect for a union that dealt with me in that way.
Doesn’t deals like this undermine the AMPTP, since they are made outside the Producers authority
I just don;t understand how striking wirters are allowed to work! THisw has underminded the Union. WGA should not even exist is they are going to pick and choose who can and cannot work. When a Union goes on strike NO UNION MEMBER can work. Or is this just because they are Hollywood and dont live in the real world
Hey CW05
Crude… be exactly 100% correct sir.
Why don’t they all do this? Because they’re a bunch of whiny little wanktards who want to get their way. Stupid stubborn idiots.