Archive for November 13, 2008

No Negotiations Watch: Variety Says Talks “May” Resume

No sources. No hint of what makes him go for the line. But Dave McNary writes in Varietythat TV-Theatrical negotiations could resume next week.  The article follows today’s session between federal mediator Juan Carlos Gonzalez and the AMPTP. The producers have said SAG already has the “last, best and final” offer on the table. The economy has only gone south since the offer was made.

Here’s all McNary offers:

No date’s been set yet for the resumption of SAG contract negotiations, which broke off July 16 after 42 sessions. Neither side had any comment Thursday.If SAG and the AMPTP meet again, the earliest possible date would be next Thursday. The AMPTP restarted negotiations for three days this week with the Intl. Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees about the West Coast contract covering 18 locals; those talks are scheduled to resume Monday through Wednesday.It remains unclear if SAG and the AMPTP can reach a deal. SAG’s negotiators have contended they have to achieve sweeter terms than the other Hollywood guilds, while the congloms have insisted repeatedly that they won’t revise their final offer, especially amid a souring economy.  

 

No Negotiations Watch: Almost Qualified Attendance?

For a group that’s hired an agency to help with communications, the Allens sure are sending some mixed messages. The latest on the SAG website, announcing an “Important Caucus” is today’s case in point. 

All paid-up SAG members who work the Television Contract are invited to an important caucus Tuesday, November 18, 2008 to discuss the New Media streaming of TV series made prior to July 1974.

A very special invitation to members who worked on shows produced in the 1950s (such as Maverick), 60s (such as Bewitched) and the 70s (such as The Brady Bunch).

Come early and bring your membership card.

Participation is limited only by the fire rules.

Topic: The AMPTP proposal to pay no residuals for the New Media streaming of television programs produced prior to the advent of residuals in perpetuity.

When: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: James Cagney Board Room
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

OK, so we’re limiting this to (pick one)
1. Members who work TV-Theatrical.
2. Members who used to work TV-Theatrical.
3. Anyone who has a SAG card.
4. We’re not sure.

Are the Allens really endorsing qualified attendance and is it a step towards qualified voting? Or is just another example of our communicators not communicating well?

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