WGA, AMPTP May Clear Internet Hurdle

Both the New York Times and Associated Press are reporting that the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached tentative agreement on Internet distribution (or “electronic sell-through”) terms, based on information from unidentified sources.

Since online distribution was the major sticking point in negotiations, this could be the breakthrough in talks Hollywood has been waiting for. A formal deal, subject to WGA member vote, could be announced within days — but as United Hollywood points out, going from informal talks to formal legalese might not be so easy, citing its own anonymous sources who say no draft language exists yet.

Since many writers consider the DGA deal too much of a compromise, any terms on Internet downloads and ad-supported streaming should be as good or better or guild leadership could have trouble garnering majority support from the rank and file.