SAG gets poked around

The studios and networks weren't happy with Guild President Alan Rosenberg pronouncing that a deal is unlikely by June 30, when the current labor contract expires. The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, which is the umbrella group representing the media companies, issued a statement just a few hours after Rosenberg's comments appeared in Variety. "We are frustrated and discouraged that on June 12, with 18 days left in the month, SAG's Hollywood leadership is already saying that it's unlikely a deal will be made by June 30th," the statement read. Rosenberg blamed the lack of progress with the studios and networks on AFTRA reaching a separate deal two weeks ago that presumably undercut SAG's more aggressive bargaining position. SAG's leadership in L.A. has its own people to deal with; some of its NY members are not happy about the campaign to attack the AFTRA deal and urge members to turn it down - especially AFTRA members who also belong to SAG. Confusing, ain't it?