Representatives of Hollywood studios and striking writers have
negotiated a breakthrough in contract talks that could lead to a
tentative deal as early as next week, a person close to the
proceeding said Saturday.
The two sides bridged the gap Friday on the thorniest issues,
those concerning compensation for projects distributed via the
Internet, said the person, who requested anonymity because he was
not authorized to speak publicly.
A second person familiar with the talks, also speaking on
condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to comment
publicly, said significant progress had been made and a deal might
be announced within a week.
The people did not provide specific details on the possible
agreement. Major points of contention include how much and when
writers are paid for projects delivered online after they've been
broadcast on TV.
The studios have been insisting that programs be streamed online
for a certain period, deemed promotional, during which writers
would forgo residuals. When payment kicked in, the companies sought
to limit it to a flat US$1,200 fee, while the guild wanted a
percentage of a distributor's revenue.
The Writers Guild of America did not immediately reply to a
request for comment. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers, the trade group representing the studios, declined
comment, citing a news blackout agreed to by both sides during the
talks.
(Agencies via Xinhua February 3, 2008)