The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are scheduled to resume negotiations on April 17 in an attempt to reach an agreement on a new contract before the current one expires May 2. As reported in this week’s lead story, there’s concern as to the impact a possible writers’ and/or actors’ strike would have on the commercialmaking business. Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan hopes to help avert any strike action by heightening public awareness of just how much the city’s economy would be damaged in the event of a strike or strikes. Through a mayoral discretionary fund, he has hired the Milken Institute and Segabo Associates to conduct a study that will pinpoint how many jobs and how much tax revenue would be lost, and which sectors of the economy would be hurt. "Any strike would devastate thousands of innocent victims who are not represented at the bargaining table, across a range of industries," stated Riordan, who added that a strike or strikes would cause tax revenue shortfalls that could affect vital city services…
Bicoastal/international Propaganda Films is relaunching Independent, its division that reps feature directors for commercials, and has announced the signing of filmmaker Bryan Singer (Apt Pupil, X-Men) who just helmed an international 7-Up spot for BBDO, New York…
Word is that John Nelson, overall visual effects supervisor on Gladiator, will be repped as a spot director by Los Angeles-based Rhythm & Hues. Gladiator won this year’s Oscar for best visual effects….
iXL Digital Video Group, New York, a division of Atlanta-based Internet services company iXL, has been bought by former iXL Digital Video Group employees and relaunched as Creative Bubble, New York. Principals in the company are: general manager Rob Ortiz; senior editors John Tierney and Pat Carpenter; creative director Doug Dimon; executive producers Robin Horlick and Carl Levine; chief engineer Tim Dwight; and operations manager Karl Pilegis…
Victor Mulholland is set to join Manhattan Transfer, New York, as a senior colorist on April 30. Mulholland is currently on staff as a colorist with Post Perfect, New York….
Composer Jon Mooney has joined the New York office of bicoastal Face The Music….
Composer/sound designer Peter Rundquist has joined the staff of Sacred Noise, New York….
