Hollywood Unions Set to Strike Over Digital Rights

Hollywood is bracing itself for a strike that could severely disrupt film and television production following a dispute between writers and producers over revenues from DVD sales and new media platforms. The Writers Guild of America, which represents writers in television and film, has spent the last few days locked in talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in an attempt to secure a new pay agreement. However, meetings have become increasingly hostile with both sides privately conceding industrial action by the writers is likely. The writers want an, in effect, doubling of the pay they receive from the sale of a DVD, which would see their earnings rise from four to eight cents per DVD sold. They also want a share of income from programmes streamed on the internet by television networks. However, the AMPTP says internet streaming is a promotional tool to capture television audiences that may have missed the initial broadcast. This means the writers are not eligible for payment, it says.
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http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-hollywood-strikes-over-digital-rights-one-step-closer/