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Clooney, WGA Part Ways Over Disputed Credit

Filmmaker takes reduced role in union after Leatherheads flap

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2008 11:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – George Clooney has all but severed his ties to the Writers Guild after a dispute over screenwriting credit for the new film Leatherheads, reports Variety. The film's director, co-producer, and star says he overhauled a weak script, but a 2-to-1 arbitration vote went against him. He didn't publicize the move because the strike, which he supported, was imminent.

“When your own union doesn't back what you've done, the only honorable thing to do is not participate,” Clooney said. Rather than resign and become unable to work on any WGA-sanctioned production, he opted for “financial core” status. The irrevocable move means he pays limited dues but can’t vote or attend membership meetings, Reuters reports.

Renee Zellweger and George Clooney answer questions at a news conference about their new movie Leatherheads. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, in Salisbury, N.C.
Renee Zellweger and George Clooney answer questions at a news conference about their new movie "Leatherheads." on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, in Salisbury, N.C.   (AP Photo/Salisbury Post, Wayne Hinshaw)
George Clooney catches a football tossed to him by someone in the crowd to be autographed during his last of stop of a promotional tour for the new movie Leatherheads Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Greenville, S.C.
George Clooney catches a football tossed to him by someone in the crowd to be autographed during his last of stop of a promotional tour for the new movie "Leatherheads" Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Greenville,...   (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)
Actor George Clooney makes an appearance on NBC's The Today Show in Rockefeller Plaza, to promote his new movie Leatherheads on Thursday, April 3, 2008, in New York.
Actor George Clooney makes an appearance on NBC's "The Today Show" in Rockefeller Plaza, to promote his new movie "Leatherheads" on Thursday, April 3, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Cast member/director George Clooney arrives at the premiere of Leatherheads in Los Angeles on Monday, March 11, 2008.
Cast member/director George Clooney arrives at the premiere of "Leatherheads" in Los Angeles on Monday, March 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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