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Writers Pitch New Deal at Talks

WGA seeks $150M share of web revenue

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 5, 2007 3:35 AM CST
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(Newser) – Striking Hollywood writers presented a new contract proposal at talks yesterday that would cost studios some $150 million over three years, Bloomberg reports. If accepted, the deal would give writers a percentage share of revenue from internet and digital media. It's a potential starting point for fresh negotiations to seek an end to the month-long strike that has hurt network and movie productions.

Securing a percentage is important because the Writers Guild of America believes members never earned their fair share of income from home video, now worth $17.6 billion in annual revenue. "The guild is desperately trying to get that kind of equation because they don't want to get screwed again,'' said one analyst. Studio representatives said they were studying the proposal for discussion today.

Striking film and television writers, including Duane Poole, left, picket outside NBC Studios Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Striking film and television writers, including Duane Poole, left, picket outside NBC Studios Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)   (Associated Press)
Peter Sears, a writer with The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, gathers signs to distribute to striking film and television writers who will picket outside NBC Studios, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Peter Sears, a writer with "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", gathers signs to distribute to striking film and television writers who will picket outside NBC Studios, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, in Burbank,...   (Associated Press)
Striking film and television writers including Rance Howard, left, who is the father of director Ron Howard, picket outside NBC Studios Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Burbank, Calif. Talks have resumed between the WGA and studios. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Striking film and television writers including Rance Howard, left, who is the father of director Ron Howard, picket outside NBC Studios Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Burbank, Calif. Talks have resumed between...   (Associated Press)
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