With the foundation laid for a new contract, the Directors Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have agreed to begin negotiations for a new contract.
The two have been getting together over the last month or so to develop the parameters of the negotiations, and as a result some insiders say a deal could possibly be reached in just a few days.
If that happens, it would put a tremendous amount of pressure on the Writers Guild of America to make a deal.
Similar to the auto industry, once a deal is struck by one union, it's considered a pattern to follow for the others.
This is something the Writers Guild has feared, as they have laid blame on the Directors Guild for the deal made over 20 years ago which developed the standard for the industry in how people were compensated for DVD sales.
Even though the writers are still paid far above the average salary of regular Americans, they still whine about the amount they make on DVD sales, along with what they perceive as missing out on potential internet sales.
Why they should get paid residuals is even questionable. Many other writers in the media aren't. They get a straight salary just like most other workers do. It's not like anybody owes them anything.
Some writers have been even sneaking around attempting to influence the Directors Guild to line up with their goals. Why should they? The Directors Guild doesn't represent the writers, as the Writers Guild is quick to say when it suits them.
For example, on Friday the Screen Actors Guild and the WGA issued a joint statement saying: "We wish the DGA well and hope that they achieve a fair deal that incorporates principles that will benefit all creative artists. The DGA has to do what is best for its membership, but it is important to remember that they do not represent actors and writers."
Of course the Screen Actors Guild has no legal say in the WGA negotiations with the studios either.
The fact that the Directors Guild and the AMPTP is getting together, shows they've already worked out their major differences. It would be hard to believe that they'll stick to a hard line laid down by the Writers Guild, otherwise it would seem the studios would have balked.
Depending on the deal struck, this could have implications on Hollywood for years to come. Not only the financial situation, but potential alliances as well. This is definitely a big moment in media history.
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