Friday, January 25, 2008

Marvel Signs Interim Deal With WGA

Lionsgate and Marvel studios have signed interim deals with the striking Writers Guild of America, the union said.

The deals announced Thursday followed separate guild pacts with other independent production companies such as United Artists, The Weinstein Co. and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants.

The guild said such agreements confirm it is possible for writers to be compensated fairly and for companies to operate profitably.

Lionsgate's new projects include Sylvester Stallone's ``Rambo'' sequel, ``Saw 5'' and the TV show ``Mad Men.''

Upcoming comic-book film projects from Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment Inc., include 'Iron Man' and 'The Incredible Hulk.'

The writers guild, on strike since Nov. 5, is in informal talks with studio bosses to reach a contract agreement and end the costly 11-week walkout that has idled much of the entertainment industry.