Production halted on 'One Life to Live,' 'All My Children'

STAMFORD, Conn., June 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" went on summer hiatus 11 days earlier than planned due to a labor dispute, Deadline said.

The recently revived online dramas were to take a break from taping June 17, but shut down Thursday because of labor issues between Prospect Park Productions and IATSE Local 52.

"As a result of a dispute with the IATSE, The OnLine Network is beginning a long-planned hiatus for both 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' tomorrow instead of June 17," the company said in a statement Wednesday. "The hiatus is scheduled to end on Aug. 12 pending resolution of this labor issue. Right now we have 40 episodes of each show ready to post through September, and if we can resolve this issue by August, we can get back into the studio on time so audiences will enjoy uninterrupted postings of their favorite shows."

Prospect Park has denied the union's allegations it exceeded its $120,000-per-episode budget, which would mean the shows' technician crews are entitled to higher pay.

The producers said they have met all contract requirements with IATSE, and as an Internet start-up "cannot afford, and our business model cannot sustain, traditional broadcast rates."

"The popularity of the shows is matched by the continued passion and excitement from the fans," Prospect Park said. "We are committed to these shows, and to the nearly 300 jobs they produce, thus we are exploring every legal and logistical option to maintain our production schedule."