Talks begin between writers and TV producers
Representatives of the nation’s screenwriters, filmmakers and television producers will meet for the first time today to try to head off a strike that threatens to cripple the entertainment industry later this year. Today’s meetings mark the beginning of a two-week negotiation period between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Officials for the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP). The parties will be trying to hash out terms of a new three-year labor contract for the writers’ union, which claims 14,000 members. The writers are demanding a new contract that gives them a greater share of "residuals," revenues from sources such as syndication and foreign rights. It will be hard for the TV industry, however, to meet the union’s demands; not only are profits generally on the decline for the industry, but the producers also need to worry about looking tough for the actors' unions, who have threatened their own strike later this year. If no agreement is reached by Feb. 5, talks are unlikely to resume before April. The WGA’s existing contract runs out May 1.


'Sex & the City' and 'West Wing' tops at Globes
"Sex and the City," "The West Wing" and a certain not-so-reformed drug addict were among the winners at last night’s Golden Globe Awards. The ceremony, which was held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was broadcast on NBC. The network’s own political drama "The West Wing" was awarded best drama series by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which holds the event. Martin Sheen, who plays the President of the United States on "Wing," won best actor in a drama series. The best actress award for drama went to "Once and Again’s" Sela Ward. HBO’s "Sex and the City" won best musical or comedy series, and star Sarah Jessica Parker took home the best actress award in that category. "Frasier’s" Kelsey Grammer won the nod for best actor in a musical/comedy series. And yes, despite yet another arrest that threatens to land him right back in jail, Robert Downey Jr. won best supporting actor for his role opposite Calista Flockhart on "Ally McBeal."

MLB and 'Scariest Places' come to Fox Family
Major League Baseball, a family-oriented reality series and an animated comedy starring Alicia Silverstone will be among the additions to Fox Family’s schedule this year. The network announced the new shows on Friday at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif. The baseball games will air Thursday nights on Fox Family beginning April 5 and run throughout the season. The reality show, "Scariest Places on Earth," got its start on the network as a five-part special. The show, which dares families to stay overnight in spooky settings, is hosted by Linda Blair, star of "The Exorcist." The new animated series, "Braceface," features the voice talent of Alicia Silverstone as an eighth-grade girl. Silverstone will also executive produce.

USA rolls out its new, post-wrestling lineup
USA Networks' strategy for getting back its mojo now that the WWF has left: a little reality and a lot of mystery. Among the new shows announced by the cable network at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif., last week were several mystery series and specials and a couple of reality shows. "Thoughtcrimes," an hour-long mystery series, tells the story of telepath Freya McCallister, whose powers give her the ability to stop crimes before they are even committed. "Mob Wives," another hour-long drama, comes from "Goodfellas" author and screenwriter Nick Pileggi. "Ms. Tree," based on the mystery thriller comic of the same name, is a detective tale told from the point of view of a sexy young private eye. "Daylight Robbery" is a one-hour action drama series about four housewives who commit crimes during the day and are home in time to serve dinner to their families. "Combat Missions," from "Survivor" creator and executive producer Mark Burnett, is an hour-long reality series which will follow eight four-person teams of special forces veterans through a competition for a $400,000 grand prize. The 15 episodes will challenge the teams on military-style missions. USA will also air "Street Justice," a one hour special hosted by the former head of the Hell's Angels in New York and "Oz" star Chuck Zito. Another one hour special, "Repo Man: Stealing for a Living" will follow real-life repo men as they attempt to reclaim unpaid-for goods.

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