Apple Signs Writers Guild Contract, Setting Possible Precedent for Future Negotiations

[MacRumors]

Apple has signed the current Writers Guild of America master contract, agreeing to terms above the minimum for programming offered free online. This is significant because it could have implications for the next round of WGA talks ahead of the expiration of the current contract in May 2020, Variety reports.

In a message to WGA West members, President David A. Goodman and executive director David Young wrote:

These deal terms are significant. First, the current MBA does not contain minimums or residuals for projects on free-to-consumer services (think Crackle). Terms have to be negotiated on a writer by writer basis. Except, now, at Apple.

Second, while almost all Guild-covered Internet programming has thus far been under a subscription (consumer pay) model -- like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu -- Facebook has already launched shows on their free-to-consumer service. As this market develops, it will be imperative to negotiate MBA protections for writers creating content for such services. Our Apple deal moves us in that direction while the 2020 negotiations are still two years away.

In other words, the better deal (for writers, at least) that Apple agreed to with the WGA could act as a starting point for contract negotiations, rather than the lower standards in the current contract.

Apple has been active in developing shows and movies for its own platforms in recent years, including signing actress Lizzy Caplan for its new series "Are You Sleeping?" and landing the TV adaptation rights to Gregory David Roberts' 2003 novel "Shantaram."

Article Link: Apple Signs Writers Guild Contract, Setting Possible Precedent for Future Negotiations

 

[farewelwilliams]

"These deal terms are significant"

just as significant as WGA's "win" in 2007

 

[Art Mark]

It’s good news for all involved.

 

[benj4min]

So, does this mean that the original Apple programming will possibly be "free" to view? No subscription model? If so, I'm curious about how they plan to monetize. I can't imagine ads throughout the content. That wouldn't feel very "Apple" at all.

 

[Cloudkicker]

As a member of WGA, I am skeptical. I fear they'll screw writers out of income. When has Apple used their long claws to push money on the table *towards* someone else. Rhetorical.

 

[zantafio]

Now let's hope Apple will also sign a contract with the Film Actor Guild.

 

[Apple blogger]

Not being from USA, I didn’t understand the meaning of the article. Could someone help me understand it in an alternate way?

Thank you

 

[Vjosullivan]

Not being from USA, I didn’t understand the meaning of the article. Could someone help me understand it in an alternate way?

Thank you

Apple have made a collective agreement with the writers' union on payment for their work (on TV shows, movies, etc.). This should also include details of payments for repeat runs, different media, etc. It massively simplifies contract negotiation and lets everyone know what is expected of both parties.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

So, does this mean that the original Apple programming will possibly be "free" to view? No subscription model? If so, I'm curious about how they plan to monetize. I can't imagine ads throughout the content. That wouldn't feel very "Apple" at all.

Including it with the hardware would be quite Apple, though. Buy a $1000 iPhone or Mac? Have iLife and iWork on us.

 

[0388631]

Writer's Guild? What do they do? Supply the booze and cigs?

 

[Apple blogger]

Apple have made a collective agreement with the writers' union on payment for their work (on TV shows, movies, etc.). This should also include details of payments for repeat runs, different media, etc. It massively simplifies contract negotiation and lets everyone know what is expected of both parties.

Oh! That’s great then! Thank you

 

[charlituna]

Apple have made a collective agreement with the writers' union on payment for their work (on TV shows, movies, etc.). This should also include details of payments for repeat runs, different media, etc. It massively simplifies contract negotiation and lets everyone know what is expected of both parties.

and apparently they agreed to a much higher contract than what the guild would require for the media they are working with. generally streaming is treated to lower terms than broadcast tv but it sounds like Apple is actually using the higher cost broadcast contract which is great for the writers. plus basically everyone else cause they can use this to get Apple to use their higher level contracts as well.