SAG says informal talks held with studios

Guild says talks continue, studios say no new meetings planned

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updated 10:34 p.m. ET Aug. 4, 2008

LOS ANGELES - The Screen Actors Guild said back-channel talks are under way with Hollywood studios on a contract to replace the one that expired on June 30.

The guild’s executive director, Doug Allen, sent an e-mail message to members on Sunday saying union leaders were involved in informal meetings and exchanges with producers.

However, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers countered that no meetings on the contract have taken place in three weeks and none were planned.

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The alliance said the sides are attempting to schedule only a meeting to deal with outstanding grievance claims.

The studios reiterated their call for the guild to accept their final offer made on June 30.

Actors have kept working during the dispute that includes new-media production and residual issues.

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