Some tensions have surfaced in the first two weeks of contract talks between studios and actors, but sources close to both sides still believe a strike this summer is highly unlikely. The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists plan to begin negotiations today with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for a new three-year contract. Turning point came when both sides signaled they had no issues deemed worthy of a strike. Details on the provisions of the proposed pact have been mailed to members. A simple majority of the Writers Guild's membership now must ratify the three-year deal with producers.
Investors yawn as writers' strike is averted.
Studios seen as having had little to lose. Talks were conducted amid overhanging issues that made a walkout unpalatable to both sides. Although WGA members gain more money and some creative rights, they fail to get a boost in residuals for reruns on cable or in payments for videos and DVDs. For others, having screen deals go forward was paramount. As with athletes, screenwriters' careers are usually short.