The WGA signs the largest indie movie distributor Lionsgate and tentpole-generator Marvel (Spidey, Iron Man, Fantastic Four) to interim agreements though clobberin’ time it ain’t

By Alex Ben Block

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) – 1/24/2008 – On the eve of its release of the new “Rambo,” Lionsgate has become the first motion picture distributor to sign an interim agreement with the Writers Guild of America. Until now, all of the side deals have been with production companies who distribute their movies through other entities, such as Marvel Studios, which also signed an interim agreement today. The Lionsgate deal in particular has symbolic importance coming in the same week writers and management are holding informal talks, but overall neither the Lionsgate nor Marvel’s pacts it is not very important in the scheme of things.

There are several reasons they are not a big deal. First of all, Lionsgate doesn’t actually produce many movies or TV shows, but rather works with producers who supply it with the products; which means it uses very few WGA writers. Marvel uses WGA writers but is not a distributor.

Second, all of the deals signed by the writers don’t change anything for the half dozen giant entertainment conglomerates who dominated the movie and TV business, and who control the AMPTP.

Finally in the end, all of the interim agreements will be put aside and whatever final contract is worked out between the WGA and AMPTP will rule anyway.

The agreements with Lionsgate and Marvel is patterned after earlier deals with production entities United Artists, Worldwide Pants, Spyglass Entertainment, MRC, Jackson Bites, Mandate Films, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.

Among the best known Lionsgate releases have been Academy Award winner “Crash,” the horror franchise “Saw,” and Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.” The company also produced the TV series Weeds (on Showtime) and Golden Globe Award winner “Mad Men” on AMC.

Marvel Studios is descended from the company that first created comic books featuring such popular characters as Spiderman, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, Daredevil and Ghostrider. After many corporate changes, it became an impendent live action film studio last year. Among upcoming movies it has announced are “Iron Man” with Robert Downey, Jr. (to be released by Paramount May 2, 2008), “The Incredible Hulk,” (to be released by Universal June 13), “ Thor,” “Ant-Man,” and “The Avengers.” .

Meanwhile, the striking writers and the top Hollywood moguls including Peter Chernin of News Corp. completed a second day of informal talks which are expected to lead to more formal negotiations for a new contract. The talks are under a press blackout by both sides.