LOS ANGELES – Hollywood writers have indicted “Law & Order” and creator Dick Wolf for allegedly hiding evidence that could show whether producers are stockpiling scripts to beat a potential strike.
The charge comes as writers and producers continue in early talks to renew a contract that’s set to expire May 1. It’s believed that studios are bracing for a walkout and collecting additional scripts so movies and TV shows can be produced.
It’s not a violation for studios to ask for more scripts, but management cannot pressure writers to produce additional work. The charge against Wolf is the first one filed on these grounds, during this bargaining round.
“We heard from a number of writers (across Hollywood) that they’re being pressured but so far they’ve been declining,” Writers Guild of America spokeswoman Cheryl Rhoden said.
“We don’t know absolutely whether this particular show or that particular show is doing additional writing. But we are requesting the information because we’re trying to ascertain if there are any labor violations.”
The union says Wolf Films and NBC are refusing to hand over information the WGA is contractually owed about production schedules and writing assignments.
Universal City Studios Inc., Studios USA Television, USA Development and Studios USA Pictures Development also are named in the NLRB charge that targets “Law & Order” and its spinoff, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Writers also filed a separate charge against Wolf’s “Arrest and Trial.” The union wants to know if writers on that show are being paid under terms of the contract.
Wolf shot back yesterday and accused the union of unfairly singling him out.
“It is clear I am being targeted because I am one of the only people who is willing to speak on the record about the ultimate cost of a strike to working writers,” Wolf said in prepared statement.
“I have been a Guild member for over 20 years and have publicly stated that there are inequities in the current residual structure, on cable, DVD and a variety of other platforms, which must be addressed by the producers.
“I cannot believe that the timing of this announcement, which coincides with an Entertainment Weekly article in which I am quoted, is coincidental.”
Even though current bargaining talks are coming months before the contract ends, it’s believed that the two sides must hammer out an agreement soon or have negotiations suspended until April – greatly raising the chances for a strike.
A writers’ strike in 1988 lasted 22 weeks, forcing a delay of that fall’s TV season.
