“They’re Not Yet Within Shouting Distance”
According to Variety, the headlined quote comes from one official from the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and his assessement of the informal negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The behind the scenes talking has been so ineffective that neither side can even settle on a date for when and if formal talks between the two parties will begin.
Those close to what is really going on say that the gap between the DGA and the AMPTP is so vast you could drive the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier through it, sideways and still not touch each parties table.
While the DGA is showing signs of regret over the WGA’s inability to deal with the AMPTP, top leaders in the director’s guild haven’t totaly given up hope for their own talks but have stated empatically that no talks can begin until at least some semblence of an “appropriate” platform starting point can be established.
The same WGA-AMPTP sticking point, mass media compensation, is what is blocking the start of solid talks between the DGA and the AMPTP.
This is why I think it’s ridiculous for people to point fingers at the WGA. Writers aren’t the only ones clamoring for a new deal on internet/new media compensation. It’s everyone who’s NOT working for the studios!
This is where I sigh loudly, pick up that book I was working on, download some Farpoint casts, and pick out a DVD to watch later…if I wasn’t at work that is.
Seriously…is anybody surprised?
If the AMPTP were to suddenly deal in good faith over new media with the DGA, they’d have to start doing the same with the WGA…and explain why they’ve refused to do so before now. They’d also have to be willing to offer the same concessions to the Screen Actors’ Guild as soon as those negotiations open.