WGA: AMPTP brought talks to halt

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Representatives for the Writers Guild of America say talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers broke down Wednesday.

"Today, just hours before the expiration of our contract, the AMPTP brought negotiations to a halt," the WGA Negotiating Committee explained in a statement Wednesday night.

"The companies refused to continue to bargain unless we agree that the hated DVD formula be extended to Internet downloads. This morning, we presented the AMPTP with a comprehensive package of proposals that included movement on DVDs, new media, and jurisdictional issues. We also took nine proposals off the table. The companies returned six hours later and said they would not respond to our package until we capitulated to their Internet demand."

The negotiating committee said the AMPTP had not responded to proposals the WGA feels are important.

"Every issue that matters to writers, including Internet reuse, original writing for new media, DVDs, and jurisdiction, has been ignored. This is completely unacceptable," the news release said.

WGA members have voted to authorize a strike, however, a possible walkout is not expected to be declared until at least after Thursday's membership meeting, The Hollywood Reporter said.