Online Shows Raise Concerns about Union Contracts
The influx of Web series such as NBC's "Coastal Dreams, CBS's mockuentary "Clark and Michael" and ABC's "Voicemail" are raising fears that the growing ventures into Internet shows will operate without union contracts.
For many of the Web series , networks are hiring nonunion writers and guild writers who are working outside of union contracts. In some cases, networks and television studios have created separate nonunion companies to create original online entertainment on limited budgets .
They also have launched digital studios that serve as "farm teams" for new concepts on the Web that might one day rise to the ranks of of prime time.
NBC Universal has created its own digital production company to create Web originals. It has also hired nonunion writers to create online extensions of prime-time shows such as "Heroes," in which the tales of people with extraordinary abilities are continued in graphic online novels. These writers work closely with the producers and TV writers to ensure the characters and overall online experience is consistent with the show.
These nonunion digital production companies also are creating original content online. ABC, for example, has formed Stage 9 Productions to create original Web entertainment. CBS just launched ILab to make sexy re-edits of shows and eventually create original Web video.
Cable pioneer Turner Broadcasting System Inc., owner of TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network, is attempting to break new ground with its online comedy network Super Deluxe. The website features sketch comedy from unknown performers and such name acts as Bob Odenkirk and Dave Foley.
Guild officials say they have negotiated deals with a number of independent producers offering more flexible terms than traditional network contracts. For example, the Screen Actors Guild recently announced a deal to cover an original Web series, "quarterlife," by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, producers of the hit television series "thirtysomething" and such films as "Blood Diamond." The Writers Guild is finalizing a similar deal.
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