WGA Issues 'Pattern of Demands'

Guild emphasizes new-media revenues

Leaders of the Writers Guild of America have made their top priority winning a larger portion of new media revenues for their members.

The WGA laid out its position on May 18 as part of its 25-item "pattern of demands" for upcoming contract negotiations. The demands, which 12,000 WGA members will be asked to endorse, are a guide for negotiators. Guild leaders stressed they're most interested in establishing formulas for Internet reuse and for work created specifically for the Internet, cell phones and other digital platforms.

"We look forward to bargaining a contract that benefits all writers," said WGA West prexy Patric Verrone. "As new creative opportunities and income streams emerge in the entertainment industry, we must ensure that writers get their fair share of revenue generated by the content they create."

Demands also include guaranteed jurisdiction over reality TV, animation and gameshows, increased initial pay in all areas, hikes in minimum pay and residuals at the CW network, an improved homevid residuals formula, increased caps on company pension and health contributions and inclusion of language addressing product integration in guild-covered work.

05-22