AMPTP-SAG deal remains elusive

LOS ANGELES, June 12 (UPI) -- A group of U.S. TV and film producers said Thursday it is "frustrated and discouraged" with Screen Actors Guild leaders as a June 30 contract deadline looms.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television producers issued a statement Thursday saying it is committed to negotiating a new contract with SAG.

"AMPTP has been negotiating with SAG for a total of 28 days since April 15, 2008," the producers said. "We are frustrated and discouraged that on June 12, with 18 days left in the month, SAG's Hollywood leadership is already saying that it's unlikely a deal will be made by June 30. We hope that this statement does not signal the intention of SAG's Hollywood leaders to bring our industry to a halt. We remain committed to working as hard as we can to reach our fifth labor agreement of 2008 by June 30."

AMPTP added that "while we have made some progress with SAG, we are still far apart on fundamental issues."

The Writers Guild of America went on strike against AMPTP late last year. The work stoppage crippled much of the U.S. film and television industry for more than three months.

The WGA, the Directors Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have negotiated new contracts with AMPTP in recent months.