ATA Says WGAs Code Of Conduct Is “Unacceptable To All Agencies”; No Talks Scheduled Before Deadline

The ATA said tonight that the WGAs new Agency Code of Conduct is “unacceptable to all agencies,” and without holding out any hope that the two sides will return to the bargaining table before tomorrow nights deadline, has instead said that it will host a meeting of member agencies next Wednesday to discuss “the WGAs harmful proposals.” It now appears more and more likely that their current franchise agreement will expire Sunday night at midnight, which will automatically disenfranchise all talent agencies that refuse to sign the Code – including all the major agencies.

“Since last year, we have repeatedly tried to meet and engage in meaningful, productive conversations with the WGA,” Karen Stuart, executive director of the Association of Talent Agents told her members tonight. “They refused and would only agree to meet via their formal negotiation process involving the passing of documents and a 50-person room. These methods are not conducive to an honest, productive dialogue. As negotiators, we all know this is not how you get a deal done. We provided a comprehensive solution that gives writers what they want – choice, transparency, and safeguards. Meanwhile, the WGA continues to take a no compromise stance – just two days ago, they sent us a modified version of their proposal that was materially identical to the previous version of their proposal.”

The WGA, she said, “claims it has broad authority over agents and is empowered to force agents to sign a Code of Conduct that regulates the conduct of agents in all respects. The WGA claims it has the right to delegate its authority to managers and attorneys to negotiate for writers. ATA disagrees.”

The WGAs Code, which was overwhelmingly approved by the guilds members, would ban packaging fees and force agencies to sever their ties with affiliated production companies. The Code, Stuart said, “Is unacceptable to all agencies – from those that employ two agents to those employing 2,000. The Code would impose a unilateral mandate, granting the WGA power over your business operations and providing the guild with an unprecedented level of control to dictate how your agency operates. This self-proclaimed power grab will enable the WGA to change the terms of the agreement on 90 days notice, after the initial fixed term, regardless of the effect it will have on agencies and their business models.”

Earlier today, however, 12 small agencies — none of them ATA members — signed a statement of support for the WGA.

See Stuarts full letter here.

Stuart also told her members that the WGAs Code would establish a “harmful new precedent” that would require agencies to:

• Disclose confidential client information, even against your clients wishes, including but not limited to, quarterly financial statements, copies of deals, and invoices.
• Report regularly to the guild on a variety of subjects, including employment data, film budgets, and lists of projects where the agency is providing services.
• Get the guilds approval (or disapproval) of film finance deals negotiated by your agency on your clients behalf.
• Subject all disputRead More – Source

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Deadline

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