Writers will not picket Grammys

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/7204200.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Striking US film and TV writers have decided not to picket next month's Grammy awards in Los Angeles.

The move comes as writers begin talks with studios aimed at paving the way for formal negotiations to end the 11-week long dispute.

The Writers Guild of America wants its members to receive more money for work distributed online or on DVDs.

Grammy organisers say there could be an interim agreement to allow writers to work on the prestigious music awards.

Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy - which organises the Grammys - said he was "pleased" with the guild's decision not to picket the ceremony.

"In light of this, we are gratified that the awards will focus solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show," he said.

The dispute has already derailed this month's Golden Globes ceremony and leaves a question mark hanging over the Oscars.

Informal talks

The guild says it has dropped immediate demands for reality and animation shows to be unionised, though it insists efforts will continue.

Beyonce is among those nominated for a Grammy for record of the year

Guild leaders are talking to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents more than 350 production companies.

In a statement the Writers Guild of America said it would begin "informal discussions" to determine if there is a basis for both parties to return to formal negotiations.

It follows a similar procedure used to resolve a dispute with the Directors Guild of America.

But the writers want about three times as much money for DVD releases and downloads than the directors achieved.