WGA unites for agents to face each other [WATCH]

Unity was the theme of the evening as more than 500 writers gathered at the Beverly Hilton to take stock of the imminent WGA clash with the Association of Talent Agents, which will enter the 10 days prior to expiration of their franchise agreement on April 6th.

"The guild is always united," said a writer leaving the crowded international ballroom.

"Absolutely united," said another, raising his fist.

"What is a synonym for uni?" Laughs another. "That's what it is."

The meeting follows the latest news after the trading session today, with the ATA accusing the guild of threatening to throw "our industry into chaos," and the WGA promising "we will not intimidated by another threat from the agencies. "

Earlier in the day, the WGA posted a video on YouTube about packaging, saying "Hollywood talent agencies have a business model that is full of conflict of interest. It means that they do what is best for them, even if it is not better for their customers. These conflicts hurt writers. The situation is bad and the situation is getting worse. "

It's here:

To date, no progress has been made on the two key issues: television packaging fees and agency links with affiliated production companies. WGA members will start voting Wednesday for a new agency code of conduct that would ban both practices. If no agreement is reached, the guild could order its members to dismiss their agents en masse. Nearly 800 members – including some of the greatest writers and animators – have already signed a pledge to fire their agents who refuse to sign the code.

Earlier in the day, the WGA declared itself ready for this event by unveiling the details of its action plan, which includes a submission system to bypass the agents and allow the audience to engage their co-authors. during the current recruiting season. The guild says it is also mandated to replace "temporarily" directors and writers' lawyers as proxies if the WGA and ATA do not reach an agreement.

On Monday, however, the APMPTP leadership rejected the guild's request that studios and networks participate in what AMPTP calls a "group boycott" of news agencies that refuse to sign the proposed new code of conduct. by the WGA. In doing so, according to AMPTP, would expose the studios to "a substantial risk of liability for violating antitrust laws".