"All My Children" and "One Life to Live" have gone on hiatus.
According to The Wrap, the two soaps started a planned hiatus early amid a labor dispute with International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees - Local 52. The Wrap reported I.A.T.S.E. believes the two revived soaps went over budget and violated a labor agreement.
"All My Children" and "One Life to Live" emerged from the TV graveyard in late April online, after more than a year off airwaves. The soaps were shortened to half-hour installments, then Prospect Park, the production company behind the shows, announced the soaps would no longer air five days a week. Instead, each soap will air two episodes a week.
The Wrap reports Prospect Park's deal to revive the canceled soaps allowed it to pay union members less than the standard rate as long as it did not spend more than $125,000 an episode, but there are allegations the company did go over that amount.
"As a result of a dispute with the IATSE, The OnLine Network is beginning a long-planned hiatus for both All My Children and One Life to Live tomorrow instead of June 17," Prospect Park said in a statement. "The hiatus is scheduled to end on Aug. 12 pending resolution of this labor issue. Right now we have 40 episodes of each show ready to post through September, and if we can resolve this issue by August, we can get back into the studio on time so audiences will enjoy uninterrupted postings of their favorite shows.
"We believe we have met all contract requirements with IATSE, and as an internet start-up, and per our contract with the IA, we cannot afford, and our business model cannot sustain, traditional broadcast rates.
"The writers, directors, actors and rest of crew have been supportive of the shows and our success. Both 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children' consistently earn top rankings on both Hulu and iTunes since launch just over a month ago. The popularity of the shows is matched by the continued passion and excitement from the fans. We are committed to these shows, and to the nearly 300 jobs they produce, thus we are exploring every legal and logistical option to maintain our production schedule."
