AFTRA talks in trouble

So much for easy contract negotiations. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is having a tough time cutting a deal with the studios and networks - and the big stumbling block centers on clips of actors' work appearing online. That's the same issue gumming up talks with the much-larger Screen Actors Guild. AFTRA president Roberta Reardon warned in a statement to members that "a resolution may not be quick or easy." The statement was issued on the ninth day of talks - and two weeks before SAG was supposed to resume its negotiations (it's been assumed that AFTRA would have a new contract in place by then). "We've already delivered a strong message that performers will not relinquish consent for excerpts in new media, which would compromise the integrity of members' work, their reputations or their employability in scripted programming," Reardon said. From Variety:

Studios and broadcast networks can use clips for promotional purposes but are required to negotiate with the performers when the clips are used for entertainment. The companies are seeking to develop a market for clips to compete with pirated footage on the Web but assert that being required to seek individual approval from thesps would be so cumbersome as to preclude the feasibility of the business model. Essentially, the congloms are telling the performers unions that the only way that actors can retain any control -- and make any money -- over reuse of clips online is by removing the consent requirement. But Reardon contended that, with safeguards, the industry can "satisfy and profit" from consumers' desire to access content legitimately rather than through piracy.