Film bosses bid to avert Hollywood strike

Hollywood film bosses are to meet writers in a bid to avert a strike that could cripple movie and television production in the US.

Members of the Writers Guild of America say they want more money for TV shows and films, particularly those shown in foreign countries.

The talks, set to begin on January 22, are to take place nearly three months before the guild's current contract expires.

Negotiations between the writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, a coalition representing major studios and networks, is scheduled to last two weeks.

Barry Linden, spokesman for the producers' alliance, say they hope to sign a new contract as soon as possible.

A writers' strike could coincide with other potential walkouts following the expiry on June 30 of contracts for the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.