MUMBAI: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner-run United Artists Films (UA) have reached a mutually beneficial independent agreement.

UA has thus become the first Hollywood major to reach a deal with the striking screenwriters. While the details are not being disclosed, the agreement addresses the issues important to writers, including new media.

As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will be able to work with United Artists while the strike against other companies continues.

The agreement is unique to United Artists Films and does not involve Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), which is a shareholder of United Artists Entertainment.

WGA West president Patric M Verrone says, “United Artists has lived up to its name. UA and the WGA came together and negotiated seriously. The end result is that we have a deal that will put people back to work.”

UA co-owner and CEO Paula Wagner says, “This agreement is important, unique, and makes good business sense for United Artists. In keeping with the philosophy of its original founders, artists who sought to create a studio in which artists and their creative visions could flourish, we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the WGA.”

This deal opens the door for further agreements to be struck with companies like The Weinstein Company.