SAG, AMPTP talks end without deal

LOS ANGELES, May 6 (UPI) -- A group of Hollywood TV and film producers said its 18 days of negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild ended Tuesday with no new contract.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued a statement noting it had "agreed to extend our talks with SAG on a day-to-day basis through today, as long as the parties were making progress."

"We therefore regret to report that insufficient progress has been made to extend negotiations for a third time," the AMPTP statement said. "Indeed, the negotiations were thrust into reverse by SAG's persistent refusal to acknowledge that the three deals already struck with the writers, directors and (the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) reflect the economic realities faced by everyone in our industry, including actors.

"In particular, significant differences remain on DVD residuals, streaming, made for new media, and new media use of clips and library material. Under these circumstances, with SAG's continued adherence to unreasonable demands in both new and traditional media, continuing negotiations at this time does not make sense."

The AMPTP said it will begin scheduled negotiations with AFTRA Wednesday.

The group also said it has offered to resume negotiations with SAG at a future date.