The Writers Guild of America (WGAE) has urged its members not to work on ITV’s US remake of Saturday Night Takeaway until it has reached a deal over working conditions.
Following NBC’s decision last week to order a version of the entertainment format, fronted by How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris, the New York-based union has reminded its members of the talks it is currently holding with ITV.
The WGAE is embroiled in discussions with the British broadcaster over employer-provided health benefits, minimum compensation levels and paid time off at its ITV Studios US production arm.
According to a WGAE statement, the Saturday Night Takeaway remake could only be written by its members.
WGAE executive director Lowell Peterson said it was “deeply puzzling” why ITV had opted to fight the union.
“ITV has sought to expand and deepen its presence in American television – spending hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire US production companies and attempting to expand into dramatic and variety programming,” he said.
“It is difficult to perceive how this strategy could possibly succeed if ITV cuts itself off from the talent and experience of Guild members.”
An ITV spokeswoman added: “ITV Studios America is very excited about the series. We are looking forward to putting together a talented team, but we are not yet in production and no air dates have been set.”
In a letter to ITV executives Peterson said the WGAE was “strong and united”.
“There is not a separate guild for people who write and produce episodic dramas, or a separate guild for people who write and produce comedy/variety shows, or a separate guild for people who write and produce non-fiction television shows.”
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