Foley and the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel (AMEC) hosted a Web conference on the recently announced strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
At this time, it is difficult to predict the length of the strike as well as the financial implications for the entertainment industry. Additionally, the strike has raised a number of complex legal questions, including:
- Can writers who were working on specific projects when the strike was called finish those projects?
- What happens to “spec” scripts already submitted?
- Is a production company obligated to pay to non-writers who are not on strike even if there is no production work?
- What happens to scripts that have been submitted but not yet produced?
- What about writers who also work as producers and directors?
- What if a WGA member continues to work during the strike?
- What if a non-union writer crosses the picket line?
During this Web conference, panelists with direct, hands-on experience with the legal, business, and labor relations aspects of the entertainment industry tackled these and other issues related to the strike. The topics were discussed in a factual, non-partisan manner for the purpose of educating production and business affairs executives on their rights and obligations during the strike.
Moderador
- James D. (Jimmy) Nguyen, Partner, Entertainment & Media Industry Team, Foley
Painelistas
- Carole E. Handler, Vice Chair, IP Litigation Practice, Foley
- Arnold P. Peter, Founding Partner, Raskin Peter Rubin & Simon
- M. Kenneth (Ken) Suddleson, Of Counsel and Chair, Entertainment & Media Group, Foley
- David White, Managing Principal, Entertainment Strategies Group