Hollywood Unions Seek Revenue from IPod TV showsFive unions representing actors, writers and directors have called for joint talks seeking revenues generated by the sale of TV shows on Apple’s iTunes software. “We have not yet heard from the responsible employers of our members,” their joint statement said. “But we look forward to dialogue that ensures that our members are properly compensated for this exploitation of their work.” ABC became the first network to allow viewers to download episodes of their shows after they air, with other networks expected to follow. The joint statement was issued by the Writers Guild of America, West, the Writers Guild of America, East, , the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild and the Directors Guild of America. The unions had not yet called ABC or its parent, Walt Disney Co., to discuss how much of the $1.99 charged for a single episode should go to the union members. Agreements between the groups already cover the reuse of their work on the Internet or in “pay per view” models. 10-24 |