Counter: Set up WGA talks

November 28, 2006 Nick Counter, the producers' lead negotiator with the Hollywood guilds, warned Monday that the WGA's resistance to early talks on a film and TV contract could prompt studio and network execs to act as if a "de facto strike" were in effect. AMPTP executives are shocked because preliminary discussions involved still earlier negotiating dates and dismayed because execs may need to curtail greenlighting film projects and ordering scripted TV pilots, he said. WGA West executive director David Young, appointed to his post in August after serving 11 months on an interim basis, issued a statement in response to Counter's comments.

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