AMPTP makes concession in contract talks

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The association that represents Hollywood's movie studios has made a concession regarding residuals in its negotiations with the Writers Guild of America.

The action taken by Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers marks the first compromise from either side in contract talks that have grown more heated in recent weeks, increasing the possibility the guild's 12,000 voting members would stop working on Nov. 1, the Wall Street Journal said Wednesday.

The AMPTP withdrew a controversial proposal to withhold the payment of residuals until after a specific television show or film had recouped its cost, the Journal said.

Writers are now paid residuals on their work without any restrictions on the profitability of the product.

"Today, the AMPTP took one of its many rollbacks off the table. We welcome that, and hope it means the companies are ready to begin serious negotiations," the WGA said in a statement.

The WGA said earlier this month it would call a strike authorization vote before the Oct. 31 contract expiration. Results of that vote are expected to be announced Friday.