Friday, May 5, 2017

WGA Approves New Film, TV Contract

The WGA West and East have approved a new film and TV contact, leaving just the need for the guild members’ ratification, which is expected.

The development led to jubilation at the guild meetings in both Los Angeles and New York Thursday night, plus praise for chief negotiator David Lloyd.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Writers Guilds of America, West and East and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers concluded negotiations and reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.

Also Read: Here's What It Took for Hollywood Writers Not to Strike

The previous contract between writers and producers expired at midnight on May 1, but both sides agreed to a 10-minute extension to hammer out the details. Among the issues that needed to be sorted out between producers and writers was “span” — shorthand for the length of time writers work for what they’re paid. Writers on television are usually paid per episode, even if a short order series requires the same amount of time, or similar, to complete as a traditional season length.

The WGA sought higher compensation on shows where the work schedule for writers runs more than two weeks per episode.

Also Read: Strike Averted: Hollywood Writers, Producers Reach Tentative Zero-Hour Deal

Among other WGA demands were stronger economic and workplace protections, paid family leave for writers, the health care plan, and exclusivity.

Despite the avoidance of a strike, the WGA sent out a letter early Tuesday stating that while the WGA certainly did not get everything the writers wanted or deserved, the work was done.

Deadline was first to report the WGA’s new film and TV contract approval.

Read WGA’s Letter Detailing $130 Million in Gains From New Contract With Producers

Strike Averted? WGA Deal Reportedly Done

AMPTP Offers More Money for WGA Health Plan as Contract Negotiation Deadline Looms

Source: the wrap feed