TOM CRUISE - WEINSTEINS SET TO FOLLOW UA

The WEINSTEIN CO. is preparing to seal a deal with striking writers, following in the footsteps of TOM CRUISE's studio United Artists (UA). According to reports, Harvey and Bob Weinstein are waiting for UA to announce their agreement with the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) before revealing they have struck an identical deal - allowing both studios to hire striking writers. A source tells the New York Post, "They've always had a good relationship with the writers and are in a unique position to address the issue." Because both the Weinstein Co. and United Artists are independent companies, they have less pressure from financial backers to stand up to picketing writers. WGA members have been on strike since 5 November (07), causing chaos to the U.S. TV and movie industries.