AMPTP responds to the WGA with 1,000-word document

They may not be talking, but the AMPTP and WGA sure know how to bicker.

"AMPTP: Setting the Record Straight" is 1,000 words of who did what to whom and when, a response to this morning's blistering attack by WGA East president Michael Winship and other WGA statements over the past three days. You can download the AMPTP's "Setting the Record Straight" here.

Key points --

* The AMPTP says it's made it clear repeatedly that they oppose any expansion of WGA jurisdiction into reality and animation. It also insists that the WGA's continued push for that oversight is why talks broke down.

* Winship and WGA West president Patric Verrone were not in the negotiating room Friday.

* The AMPTP claims it presented a new version of the economic proposal at 2:30 p.m. Friday, rather than at 6 p.m. as asserted in Winship's letter.

* The AMPTP may believe the phrase "rock concert" is inherently shameful.

-- Dave McNary and Dana Harris 

Comments

[Bill Writer]

Yes, sweatshop runners generally oppose the organization of their workers. Regardless, reality and animation writers, many of whom get no medical benefits and are forced to work horrendous hours, should be in the guild. We're not surprised, however, that Simon Legree et al opposes this move.

[IATSE Mom]

Wow-

When you are a company or represent companies and put something like this on paper you're doing it's usually because it's what legal counsel tells you to do along with your PR firm in case something ends up in court. At least we now know that at least someone from the AMPTP is taking minutes in the negotiating sessions. I wonder how the WGA's minutes read. I do hope they are taking minutes.

I'm completely speculating here... but I think the AMPTPs and WGA's legal bills are about to blossom after the release of this document.