Guild signs interim pact with Media Rights Capital
The Writers Guild of America has signed an interim agreement with Media Rights Capital, a new independent film finance and production company. The company, which works with such creative artists as Larry David and Ricky Gervais, is financing various films, TV shows and several original online programs, including animated shows by "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane.
"This is an exciting agreement that will open up opportunities for writers, especially in new media," said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West, and Michael Winship, president of the Writers Guild of America, East. "We know that Guild members will be eager to be a part of the MRC creative team."
The guild also has signed similar agreements with David Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, the Weinstein Co. and United Artists. The agreements contain terms that Hollywood's striking writers were seeking in talks with studios that collapsed last month and are intended to apply pressure on studios to return to the bargaining table.
The agreements, however, will be superseded by any deal the guild eventually strikes with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
-- Richard Verrier
