Some interesting developments in the WGA strike drama. Over the weekend, the Internet and major media were buzzing with optimism as news of serious progress trickled out of those informal talks between the WGA negotiators and some top Hollywood studio executives.
The rumors were flying so fast and furious; the WGA leadership was forced to ratchet down the euphoria with a reality check despite the media blackout surrounding the undercover discussions.
In a letter sent out to the membership WGA Presidents
Patric M.Verrone and
Michael Winship declared, "...we are still in talks and do not yet have a contract." The WGA Presidents asked the striking writers to stay the course until there is a deal. The letter was posted Sunday on the pro-WGA blog United Hollywood and other Internet sites.
Also yesterday, four New York independent filmmakers and the WGA announced the signing of interim agreements.
RKO Productions signed a pact with the Writers' Guild shortly after the undercover talks began on Jan. 23.
Days later, similar agreements were signed with Overture Films, The Film Department and Intermedia.
These deals allow the companies involved to hire WGA writers now and crank-up their businesses immediately while others remain stalled due to the strike.
On Sunday, January 27, the stars strolled the red carpet at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards without the worry of crossing a WGA picket line. The SAG Awards got a 'high-five' of a waiver from the WGA, a reward for the actors' steadfast support and solidarity with the striking scriptwriters since the walkout began on Nov. 5.
And more positive news for viewers and entertainers, the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was granted a waiver from the WGA allowing the musical celebration to go ahead on Sunday, Feb. 10, with union writers and without pickets.
The WGA has yet to announce a decision on the mother of all kudocasts, the 80th Annual Academy Awards set for Sunday, Feb. 24.
Meanwhile, the effects of the strike continue to show-up in areas outside the entertainment industry. The Burbank Spa and Garden is the place I go for those 'personal' treatments. The spa's Beauty Center Manager
Celia Wolin has noticed a drop off in visits by clients since November and of those who are coming in, "very few are not for the writers" but they "want to get a settlement" done fast.
Also, Wolin regularly interacts with distributors who say businesses in the beauty industry are being hit hard by the writers' walkout.
In contrast, one of the pivotal leaders of the AMPTP, Disney CEO
Robert A. Iger, has signed a new five-year contract. Disney sent out a press release about the contract on Friday, Feb. 1.
Last year, according to reports, Iger received a compensation package worth around $27.7 million. The new contract includes millions of dollars more in salary, bonuses and incentives.
Nevertheless, the big studio honchos apparently have finally come to terms with the reality of sharing a fair chunk of the entertainment windfall with the scriptwriters who help create it.
Thrilled as I am with whatever progress is being made, I'm saving the wild cheers and applause until there is an official announcement of an agreement.
Check back for updates.