ROBERT DE NIRO - SAG, AMPTP AWAIT RESULTS OF AFTRA VOTE

Further talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were in de facto recess while both sides awaited results of a ratification vote by members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists on their own deal with the AMPTP. At the same time, SAG mounted a last-ditch ad campaign urging AFTRA members to vote down the deal. Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter reported today (Monday) that some SAG members are planning to challenge the validity of the AFTRA vote if, as expected, the contract is approved. One unnamed SAG member told the trade publication: "Only affected members should vote on the contract. ... Allowing broadcasters and disc jockeys to vote on it, that will be challenged." On the other hand, Robert De Niro became the latest prominent actor to voice his opposition to SAG's strategy. Appearing at a news conference at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic, De Niro said of the actors' stance, "I do not know if it is the right time to be doing this at all with the [U.S.] economy the way it is."

07/07/2008