AFTRA Revises Fundamental Cable Residuals Statistic

Monday morning, a person approved to speak regarding AFTRA contacted "The Hollywood Reporter" to exhibit an unpredicted statistic: 91 percent of AFTRA fundamental cable shows round the air by mid-May 2011, the foundation mentioned, were produced beneath the industry standard "Sanchez" residuals formula that produces run-by-run obligations.That was newsworthy, because the Sanchez formula contrasts in what AFTRA seemed to be noted for applying in fundamental cable: an "exhibition day" or "exhibition window" approach that typically produces minimum residuals. The union remains significantly belittled for applying such formulas, which AFTRA states were essential to have the ability to achieve unionization in the focus on all.It's broadly believed that AFTRA still mainly uses such formulas, nevertheless the statistic purported to prove otherwise. We went an account relating to this disclosure Monday mid-day. The foundation see the story and reaffirmed the 91 percent figure soon after that.The very next day, however, an origin within AFTRA, together with the prior source, modified the statistic, telling THR the particular figure is 84 percent, that the 91 percent figure required it's origin from the subset of AFTRA fundamental cable series, known to as OPO or "one production only" shows.That isn't how a statistic was presented yesterday. "The Hollywood Reporter" regrets getting relied on any mistakes approved by AFTRA, which we apologize towards the site visitors.Despite "THR's" repeated demands, AFTRA rejected make use of a categorized report on its fundamental cable shows or possibly to provide the amounts that AFTRA states calculate to 84 percent and 91 percent. Accordingly, "THR" is unwillingly verifying people figures as unverified.Furthermore, the AFTRA source mentioned Tuesday that "round the air" did not really mean suggests which were round the air. Rather, AFTRA mentioned that by "round the air" it meant suggests which were either (a) being created, (b) on hiatus or (c) happen to be acquired to series but were not being created. That appears to encompass both existing shows even people inside their last season and completely new ones that haven't yet commenced production.To summarize, "91 percent of AFTRA fundamental cable shows round the air" was modified with the union to mean "84 percent of AFTRA fundamental cable suggests which were either (a) being created, (b) on hiatus or (c) happen to be acquired to series but were not being created.InchThe origin within AFTRA, as well as the source approved by AFTRA, spoke on condition of anonymity.OPO's which are talked about around the series by series basis represent basically part of fundamental cable series, because AFTRA also provides numerous system-wide deals, including people with Disney, MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. The 2nd two offer exhibition day residuals, according to AFTRA.(All of the formulas and deals under discussion interact with scripted shows. AFTRA also provides jurisdiction over unscripted shows, but people aren't relevant here.)The AFTRA source thought that there has been about 95 OPO shows and 10 shows under system-wide deals. Despite several demands, the union rejected to provide precise amounts to be able to condition exactly the amount of AFTRA shows were under Sanchez terms. The union also rejected to provide all of the their scripted fundamental cable shows and indicate the appropriate residuals formulas, notwithstanding "THR's" demands.It's difficult to reconcile the whole estimate the AFTRA official reported by mid-May 2011 105 shows with totals created from "show sheets" the union creates for La and NY. The Jan./Feb. 2012 types of individuals list about 41 and 17 scripted fundamental cable shows, correspondingly. That's no more than 58 (having a couple of uncertainty, due to omission in the network in many cases), as with comparison while using 105 suggests the AFTRA official reported by mid-May 2011, to begin dating ? some 7 or 8 several days earlier.Suggesting grounds for your roughly 45 show differential (i.e., 105 minus 58), the AFTRA official mentioned that might be no show sheets for domestic production locations outdoors of los angeles and NY or foreign locations.However, summary of the LA and NY show sheets revealed records for shows shooting in Hawaii, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, England, Nz, Australia, Capetown and Prague additionally to, clearly, LA and NY.With worldwide locations and Hawaii apparently taken care of for with the LA and NY show sheets, the figures supplied by AFTRA seem to signify you'll find roughly 45 AFTRA scripted fundamental cable shows shot in Louisiana, Michigan together with other runaway locations inside the continental U.S.The AFTRA source mentioned it does not matter the actual statistics, the union had made progress for stars by beginning by getting an exhibit day formula and settling up. The foundation mentioned that particular in the system-wide deals, with Disney, while initially talked about with exhibition day residuals, now ship to Sanchez residuals in the initial rerun."THR" requested copies in the union contracts highly relevant to a couple of from the Sanchez shows, but AFTRA declined to discuss these. The union did provide around the not-for-publication basis two-page contract summaries for four suggests that came out to reflect the Sanchez formula is relevant: USA Network's "White-colored Collar" and "Royal Pains," Spike's "Blue Mountain Condition," and FX's "Sons of Anarchy."However, anything summaries supplied by AFTRA don't really match the mid-May 2011 date the union states the 84 percent and 91 percent statistics be a consequence of. Rather, the summaries encompass single-year period beginning This summer time 1, 2011, i.e., of a month . 5 after mid-May. It is not known if the information might have been different in earlier contract summaries.As reported inside our original story, the union also pointed out that FX's "It Definitely Is Sunny in Philadelphia" and tv Land's "Hot in Cleveland," "Happily Divorced," "The Exes" and "Outdated at 35" are beneath the Sanchez formula. "THR" has not seen contract summaries or other documents highly relevant to individuals programs.Despite the fact that obscure character and nomenclature of residuals formulas might make the debate appear irrelevant, it's not working- and middle-class stars rely on residuals to live unemployed. AFTRA does not release statistics about member's aggregate earnings or residuals, but SAG does. The guild's data underscore the value of residuals to stars: normally, roughly forty percent from the performer's total movie or TV wages are residuals.The figure is almost certainly reduced fundamental cable work even when the Sanchez formula may be used, since that formula is less lucrative than broadcast formulas. Nonetheless, fundamental cable residuals are conserve the pocket.The very first Monday morning get in touch with the AFTRA-approved source came a couple of several hours after "THR" reported that SAG had signed a lower fundamental cable deal. The trunk-and-forth reflects a qualification of ongoing tension involving the two unions whilst they goal to merge.Reflecting round the situation, the foundation within AFTRA who spoke on condition of anonymity sent "THR" a disagreement after our conversation Tuesday morning. The statement was the next:For this reason these unions must merge. Not because of so-referred to as "undercutting". Because when separate organizations, honest fact-based discussions over how you can overcome an increasing platform don't occur and rather get politicized. While you union, such issues may be spoken about together while you body to discover a rational approach, based on particulars (and proprietary information that each union has but cannot share separate institutions), which selected people is capable of consensus on. This debate over who undercut who when, really, it absolutely was never about undercutting whatsoever is a great one from the divisiveness that happens as separate: enabling some individuals to consider another group as "anotherInch rather than cooperating in recognition that we're all "us". The Hollywood Reporter

The brand new the new sony to distribute MGM's 'Robocop'

The brand new the new sony Pictures will distribute MGM's remake of "RoboCop," which will star Joel Kinnaman (AMC's "The Killing"). "Elite Squad" helmer Jose Padilha will direct in the script by Josh Zetumer. Strike Entertainment partners Eric Newman and Marc Abraham are coming up with the pic, the remake of Paul Verhoeven's 1987 sci-fier, which starred Peter Weller. "RoboCop" will probably be an origin story, and production is skedded to do this summer season. The brand new the new sony and MGM, which recently teamed on "Zookeeper" and "The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo," may also be partners on "21 Jump Street" as well as the approaching Jason Bourne pic "Skyfall." Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

VIDEO: What's Funny Concerning the Lindsay Lohan Saturday Evening Live Promotions?

Add Phylicia Rashad towards the listing of classic sitcom stars searching to create a comeback next season. However in this situation, Rashad is creating a proceed to drama, joining the cast from the NBC pilot Don' Harm. Within the thriller, an up to date undertake "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Rashad will have... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Steven PasqualePhylicia RashadGood DeedsCosbyThe Cosby Show

'The Town' scribe tapped for 'Top Gun 2'

Paramount has tapped Peter Craig ("The Town") to write "Top Gun 2," which will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films and David Ellison's Skydance Prods. "X-Men: First Class" scribes Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz were hired to write the aerial sequel back in October, but the duo never put pen to paper, indicating that Craig will be starting from scratch. Plot details are nil, though Tony Scott and Tom Cruise are expected to be involved in the sequel, which Paramount is serious about moving forward with. Since writing WB's "The Town," which grossed $154 million worldwide, Craig has adapted the French Canadian hit "Fathers and Guns" for Columbia Pictures. Scribe also rewrote Ted Tally's adaptation of Doug Stanton's novel "Horse Soldiers," which Bruckheimer is producing. Craig is repped by CAA and Management 360. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Social Energy Ratings: Don't Shoot the Messenger, Fringe Fans!

Emilie p Ravin has signed up with an ABC drama pilot, but it is not Beauty and also the Animal. The previous Lost star has became a member of the cast of Americana, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Deadline first reported this news Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Anthony LaPagliaKen OlinMichael SeitzmanEmilie p RavinNorth CountryMark GordonNatalie MendozaBrothers & SistersOnce Upon a TimeLostGrey's AnatomyAmericana

Comic Doug Benson on the Ups, Downs and Delights of Live-Tweeting the Oscars

The Academy Awards telecast stopped being a one-screen experience years ago. An Oscar viewing party is all well and good, but with a computer or phone nearby, a virtual theater full of people will enhance the experience from the first red-carpet arrivals to the music playing over the Best Picture winners speech. Yes, your friends are witty and can also fetch you a beer, but the best jokes about the winners, losers and everything in between are on Twitter. Some professionals make watching the Oscars simply worth the hours (and hours) spent. Doug Benson is one of them. A stand-up comedian and writer including penning jokes for award shows Benson began recording a weekly podcast called Doug Loves Movies in 2006. Movieline talked with the devoted movie fan about the fleeting art of live-tweeting cinemas greatest night, who the best hosts are and whether the Oscars ever really pull off comedy. Are you live-tweeting the Oscars this year? How many ceremonies (Oscars, Golden Globes) have you done? I'm planning on it. As long as I can get Internet access wherever I'm watching the show. I live-tweet every show that I can, as long as everyone is seeing it live at the same time. The Grammys are on a tape delay on the West Coast, so its not fun live-tweeting that when the East Coast saw it all hours before. What's been the entertainment value of the Oscar ceremonies of the past few years? There is very little entertainment value. Thats why I live-tweet during it. To entertain myself and anyone else who might find the whole thing boring. I love movies, and I love that the Oscars honor filmmakers that do great work, but the whole thing is usually a fucking slog. The Golden Globes were so boring this year, I lost interest in live-tweeting it halfway through. Do you think the Twitter/comedian commentariat builds up the mythology ofthe Oscars? It makes the Oscars more tolerable, for sure. Which is good for the Oscars, I guess. When the jokes are lacking on the show, people can turn to Twitter for some laughs, instead of turning the show off and finding something of value to do with their night. What do you think about the relationship between comedy and the Oscars? Having written for several award shows, I know that banter is tough to pull off, even by performers known for their comedic chops. Because the whole setup is so artificial, and the audience in the auditorium really doesnt give a shit about hearing jokes. They just want to win or lose and go to a party. Should most presenters stick to non-comedic intros? That can be even more deadly than trying to be funny. When the Oscars trot out an actor to tell us how sound editing works, the home audience trots to the kitchen or the bathroom. My favorite intro I ever wrote for someone, which was actually approved and said by Jennifer Jason Leigh on the Independent Spirit Awards: Without screenwriting, movies would be plays. Is there anything you're looking forward to at the Oscars this year? Billy Crystal singing about Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Its always weird to me that he sings a medley about nominated movies, even if its serious shit like Schindlers List and Saving Private Ryan. Where would you rank Billy Crystal among the past Oscar hosts? Definitely up there with Johnny Carson and Bob Hope as the best. Those guys know how to say something funny after something silly just happened, and in a self-deprecating way. I liked when Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosted together. I even liked the David Letterman year. A comedian is always going to be the best choice. Follow Doug Benson's Academy Awards live-tweeting at @DougBenson. [Photo: Robyn Von Swank]

Netflix to eliminate share of top movies

Losing the Netflix-Starz agreement is often more really felt among the 2010 records, including Disney's 'Toy Story 3.'The impending expiration of Netflix's movie deal with Starz within the finish in the month will reduce its business of top movies available among subscription VOD services, according to new data come up with by investment firm Piper Jaffray.Netflix retains 17% in the finest grossing movies inside the U.S. of history couple of years, most likely probably the most connected having a service. However in the conclusion of February that 17% figure drops to 11% when Netflix's distribution deal with Starz expires. That's still a significant number in comparison to zero at Netflix rivals Amazon . com . com Prime Instant Videos and Hulu Plus, which has always situated itself weight reduction from the hub for catch-up viewing of Television show than films. While only one of the top 50 movies of 2011, Disney's "Gnomeo and Juliet," took it's origin from the pact, losing that agreement is often more really felt among the 2010 records, where three in the top 12 box-office draws of the year all came from from Disney including No. one inchPlaything Story 3," additionally to "Twisted" and "Tron Legacy." Two more Disney films, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of the timeInch and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," will be in the most effective 50 too. Another studio covered inside the Starz deal, The brand new the new sony Pictures, does not have records inside the top 50 from either year because high-grossing game game titles like "The Karate Kid" were already removed Netflix due to another contractual dispute between Starz and also the new the new sony.The Starz films -- licensed for under $20-Thirty Dollars million in 2008 -- were seen as instrumental to Netflix' rapid growth over time. But founder Reed Hastings recommended for his letter to traders lately connected fourth-quarter earnings the 15 Disney movies incorporated inside the deal only constituted 2% of total viewing. Netflix formerly thought that this content covered inside the Starz deal represented 8% of total viewing, nevertheless the streaming service has since re-licensed a couple of from the content too.Although total top game game titles is probably not the key indicator from the subscription VOD service's value, given they typically tout the potency of their extended-tail catalog, Netflix has put growing concentrate on having the ability to obtain programming inside the pay-TV window through handles Relativity, EPIX and Open Road. The completely new data supplies a glimpse to the comparative talents in the rival subscription VOD services. While both companies get observed for each deal they've created with art galleries in addition to their total quantity of game game titles, gauging the quantity of most broadly used game game titles offers a apparent method of comparison. However, box-office receipts and tv ratings doesn't imply these game game titles retain their relative recognition online.Nevertheless the research also found Netflix is finding more momentum round the TV side, where it's closing the area on Hulu Also within the way to obtain top Tv shows. Hulu Plus presently provides 49% in the finest rated Television show within the last couple of years compared to 44% for Netflix on one measure. When Piper Jaffray experts checked in on companies last August, Netflix what food is at 32% while Hulu Plus what food is at 53%. While Netflix remains known to like a film-centric service, chief content officer Ted Sarandos indicated late a year ago that 50-60% of the total viewing arises from TV programming.Amazon . com . com taken care of just for 6% of top Tv shows, up from 1% last August. Amazon . com . com introduced this year's week that it's Prime library had showed up at 15,000 game game titles after twelve several weeks in operation. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com