Following the steps of the other networks, ABC has reduced its script order by cutting 40 scripts from the currently development season, representing a third of its slate. Full story from medialifemagazine:
Strike update: ABC becomes latest to cut script order Yet another network has slashed its development for next season as the writers’ strike drags on, inflicting the deepest cuts yet. ABC released nearly 40 scripts, according to reports, representing a third of its development slate. Prospects for the 2008-’09 season are up in the air with pilot season now being threatened and networks such as NBC saying they will abandon an upfront presentation altogether. CBS became the first to reduce its pilot order last week, followed by the CW and Fox earlier this week. NBC insists that it will not be cutting its order, though the company has announced a cutback in future pilot development as part of greater cost-cutting measures at parent company NBC Universal. Earlier this year, ABC Studios terminated some 30 writer deals as a cost-cutting measure, also citing the ongoing writers’ strike. Though producers and writers have begun talking informally, there have been no formal negotiations to end the nearly three-month-old strike since producers walked away from the table on Dec. 7. Yesterday did see yet another smaller studio, “Saw” producer Lionsgate, sign an interim deal with the Writers Guild of America similar to past deals with United Artists and Worldwide Pants.
