Osbournes Variety Show In Dispute With Writers Guild
The Osbournes' variety show might have to look outside the Writers Guild of America to find people to craft the scripts. According to the "Hollywood Reporter," guild leaders have instructed its members not to sign on for the show, and accuse FreemantleMedia -- the company producing the program -- of trying to underpay its writers. A WGA rep explains that the show, which has the tentative title of "The Osbournes: Loud and Dangerous," should have the same type of writing agreement as such programs as "The Carol Burnett Show" or "Laugh-In" did. But Freemantle is calling it a "nontraditional" show, claiming it includes a mix of scripted and reality TV segments. The show's "half-scripted" classification has a significant impact on the writers' fees. Fremantle's David Shall says his company was trying to work out a deal with the WGA in good faith, but a union rep called the offer a "sub-standard contract."
Fox announced plans for the Osbournes variety show over the summer. Six episodes have been ordered. The series is scheduled to launch later this year as a Christmas special. |