Los Angeles - The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which represents movie and TV writers, has issued a "Pattern of Demands" for approval by its members -- including increased compensation for reused and original works featured online and released on DVD -- in advance of contract negotiations set to begin in July.

"We look forward to bargaining a contract that benefits all writers. As new creative opportunities and income streams emerge in the entertainment industry, we must ensure that writers get their fair share of revenue generated by the content they create," said WGAW president Patric M. Verrone.

The Los Angeles Times reported that studios and networks are already preparing for a possible strike, should negotiations falter.

Chief studio negotiator J. Nicholas Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, told the Times the demands equated to an "assault on the entire industry," adding, "We are committed to making a deal -- one that is fair to both sides … one that is realistic, reasonable and respects our contributions and our business needs as well as theirs."

Related Links:
http://www.wga.org/subpage_newsevents.aspx?id=2370

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-guild19may19,1,7977015.story