Hollywood’s directors get new deal
HOLLYWOOD directors have reached a tentative contract deal with
the studios. The agreement puts pressure on striking writers to end
a walkout that has lasted more than two months. The directors’
contract could serve as an industry template for the central issue
of new media compensation among other Hollywood unions.
“Two words describe this agreement %26#151; groundbreaking and
substantial,” said Gil Cates, chairman of the Directors Guild of
America’s negotiating committee. Among other things, the agreement
increases wages and residuals for each year of the contract. It
also establishes guild jurisdiction over programs produced for
distribution on the internet and sets a new residuals formula for
paid internet downloads.
But the Writers Guild of America said: “It’s important to
remember that they do not represent actors and writers.”
AP
