WGA makes deal with NYC indie community

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The striking Writers Guild of America has signed interim agreements with several independent film production companies based in New York.

The WGA East and West divisions have signed pacts with GreeneStreet Films, Killer Films, Open City Films and This is that corporation.

"The independent film community in New York helped revitalize the motion picture industry with its boisterous originality, drive and resourcefulness. The interim agreements these companies have signed with the Writers Guilds are a reaffirmation of their dedication to great writing, bold innovation and good, old-fashioned, New York City street smarts," Michael Winship, president of the WGAE, said in a statement.

"We are thrilled that the WGA was immediately open to negotiating an interim agreement with our four East Coast independent production companies," said Jason Kliot and Joana Vicente of Open City Films, also representing GreeneStreet Films and Killer Films. "We would like to thank the guild for their thoughtfulness during the discussions. The companies, known for their support of groundbreaking independent films, were glad to show their support for the WGA during this difficult time."

The WGA has been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since Nov. 5.