The performers’ union SAG-AFTRA has finally reached agreement with the AMPTP, the studios’ bargaining group, after a lengthy strike. The union is touting what it says are breakthroughs in many
Continue Reading New SAG-AFTRA Deal Has Hidden Cost for AgentsJody Simon
Netflix Closes Deal with SAG-AFTRA
Netflix may be on the outs with the Writers Guild, but has had better luck in its negotiations with SAG-AFTRA. The SAG-AFTRA National Board just approved resoundingly a new…
Continue Reading Netflix Closes Deal with SAG-AFTRANetflix Must Pay Writers Residuals of $42 million
The Writers Guild has scored a $42 million arbitration award against Netflix for unpaid residuals.
The arbitration involved the Sandra Bullock feature Bird Box. The picture was released for…
Continue Reading Netflix Must Pay Writers Residuals of $42 millionNo Slam Dunk for Broadcasters as Streamers Bid for Live Sports
As the content industry moves inexorably toward a streaming model, linear broadcast and cable channels are looking increasingly to live sports to gain competitive advantage. In the past, streamers have…
Continue Reading No Slam Dunk for Broadcasters as Streamers Bid for Live SportsNo Joke: Lewis Black Sues Pandora for Copyright Infringement
Lewis Black is the latest comedian to sue the music streaming service Pandora for copyright infringement. Black is following on the heels of the Robin Williams and George Carlin estates…
Continue Reading No Joke: Lewis Black Sues Pandora for Copyright InfringementFrom Pulp to Gulp: Tarantino Moves to Dismiss NFT Lawsuit
When new entertainment media emerge, a wave of litigation follows. Novel means of exploitation challenge lawyers to interpret contracts and statutes in contexts that were not originally contemplated. For example…
Continue Reading From Pulp to Gulp: Tarantino Moves to Dismiss NFT LawsuitAnd Then There Were Three: CAA-ICM Merger Closes
The consolidation trend in Hollywood continues with the closing of another big merger. The long-gestating acquisition of talent agency ICM Partners by its rival CAA closed today. The deal was…
Continue Reading And Then There Were Three: CAA-ICM Merger ClosesAnimation Guild Posts Further Gains
The Animation Guild (TAG) is on a roll. The union very recently announced a settlement with the AMPTP, the studios’ bargaining representative, on a new blanket contract, up for a…
Continue Reading Animation Guild Posts Further GainsAnimation Guild, Studios Sing in Toon with New Deal
After coming perilously close to its first strike since 1945, the below-the-line union IATSE ratified an accord with producers in November, 2021. The new Basic and Videotape Agreements covered most…
Continue Reading Animation Guild, Studios Sing in Toon with New DealCan Golden Globes Regain Their Luster?
For many years, the Golden Globes were the kickoff awards event of each awards show season. With its relaxed party atmosphere and awards only in high-profile categories, the Globes were…
Continue Reading Can Golden Globes Regain Their Luster?