Unity was the theme tonight as more than 500 writers gathered at the Beverly Hilton for an update on the WGAs looming showdown with the Association of Talent Agents, now entering the last 10 days before their franchise agreement expires April 6.
“The guild is always united,” said a writer leaving the packed International Ballroom.
“Absolutely united,” said another, pumping his fist.
“Whats a synonym for united?” laughed another. “Thats what it is.”
The meeting follows the latest broadsides each side hurled at the other following todays bargaining session, with the ATA accusing the guild of threatening to throw “our industry into chaos,” and the WGA vowing that “we wont be intimidated by another threat from the agencies.”
Earlier today, the WGA posted a video on YouTube about packaging, saying that “Hollywood talent agencies have a business model rife with conflicts of interest. This means they do whats best for them, even if its not best for their clients. These conflicts hurt writers. The situation is bad, and its getting worse.”
Here it is:
To date, no progress has been made at all on the two key issues: TV packaging fees and agency ties to affiliated production companies. WGA members will begin voting on Wednesday for a new Agency Code of Conduct that would ban both practices, and if a deal isnt reached, the guild could order its members to fire their agents en mass. Nearly 800 members – including some of the top writers and showrunners – have already signed a pledge to fire their agents who refuse to sign the code.
Earlier today, the WGA said its ready for that eventuality, releasing Read More – Source
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