• February 20, 2009

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is making big strides in contract negotiations with producers, reports The Hollywood Reporter, while SAG is dominated by internal strife. At least 50 of the 70-plus broadcast pilots to be produced come under AFTRA's jurisdiction. If SAG does not resolve its domestic problems, AFTRA gains status in the TV business, as well as giving a boost to digital production. AFTRA projects are required to be shot on means other than film. Two studios--Twentieth TV and Sony TV, which has a long-standing relationship with AFTRA--are doing all their pilots this year under the AFTRA agreement. For others, such as Warner Bros., Universal and ABC Studios, the portion of AFTRA pilots is more than 70%.