Striking writers in talks to launch Web start-ups
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Dozens of striking film and TV writers are negotiating with venture capitalists to set up new companies that would bypass the Hollywood studio system and reach consumers directly with video entertainment on the Web.
At least seven groups, all comprising members of the striking Writers Guild of America, are planning to form Internet-based businesses that, if successful, could create an alternative economic model to the one at the heart of the walkout, which is in its seventh week.
Three of the groups are working on ventures that would function much like United Artists, the production company created 80 years ago by Charlie Chaplin and other top stars who wanted to break free from the studios.
‘It’s in development and rapidly incubating,’ said Aaron Mendelsohn, a guild board member and co-creator of the ‘Air Bud’ movies, who is involved in a group he says comprises top film and TV writers. ‘We’re creating an alternative place for distribution, with more control over our content.’ Read more
--Joseph Menn