Associated Press

Globes Discussing Possible Deal With WGA

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 2, 2008) – Award show fans, fear not! It appears the Golden Globes might take place with the full support of the WGA. If a deal is made between the “Globes” and the WGA, then nominated celebrities are expected to attend.

Access has learned the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which wholly owns the “Golden Globe Awards,” has begun discussions with the WGA to broker an interim agreement, similar to the one David Letterman’s Worldwide Pants production company reached.

It appears the “Globes” have been working behind closed doors since this weekend to reach a deal with the WGA.

“I am happy to announce that on Saturday morning, December 29, 2007, our attorneys began discussions with the Writers Guild of America to enter into an interim agreement similar to that entered into by the WGA and Worldwide Pants, which permits writers guild members to go back to work writing for “The Late Show with David Letterman,” said Jorge Camara, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said in a statement to Access.

“We feel that the “Late Show with David Letterman” agreement is very reasonable, and hope and expect the WGA will agree to the same terms and ultimately permit the “Golden Globe Awards” to be broadcast as scheduled, without picket lines, on Sunday, January 13,” said Camara.

The “Globes” president voiced his support for the striking writers, saying, “We strongly support the WGA and the efforts they are making on behalf of writers, and applaud the fact that they have agreed to allow certain industry awards shows to move forward with WGA writers and be broadcast. Much like the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Film Independent’s Spirit Awards, we want to enter into an agreement with the WGA that will allow the entertainment industry to celebrate the outstanding work of creative individuals in addition to millions of fans nationwide. It is only fair that we be afforded the same opportunity as these other awards shows.”

Camara also echoed the important philanthropic contributions the broadcast of the “Golden Globe Awards,” allows the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to make to the community. In the last few years, they have donated approximately $8 million to organizations including The Film Foundation, Sundance Institute, Film Independent, American Cinematheque and schools including USC, UCLA, and Cal Arts.