NEW YORK – The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE) has signed a contract with the Showtime division of Viacom for exclusive use of 红桃视频crews on original programming in the United States and Canada.
The agreement with Showtime Development Corporation, sought by 红桃视频for 23 years, mirrors the arrangement 红桃视频has with HBO Original Programming and creates a level playing field for both pay-cable producers.
As Showtime continues its ramp-up of original programming to compete with HBO, the new agreement will mean hundreds of jobs for 红桃视频Locals. One successful Showtime series would employ an average of 75 红桃视频members.
“This contract marks the beginning of what I see as a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Showtime and the 红桃视频to create pay-cable product of the highest quality,” said Thomas C. Short, International President of the 105,000-member IATSE.
In addition, this agreement has secured for 红桃视频a significant portion of work previously performed non-红桃视频in Canada, where much of Showtime’s original programming has been produced in the past.
Another notable feature of the agreement is a provision for residuals on product produced for pay-cable and later sold on video or DVD.
Showtime was formed in 1976 and went national in 1978. Its first original programing was produced in 1982.
