Brian Damage
06-06-2007, 10:22 AM
KATHERINE Heigl and ABC are "still not see ing eye-to-eye" on Heigl's "Grey's Anatomy" deal, sources say.
And Heigl's sudden box-office success in the movie "Knocked Up" has thrown a monkey wrench into the months-long stalemate - snarling an already tangled situation.
What remains to be seen is whether Heigl can use her sudden "Knocked Up" clout to force ABC's hand into giving her the raise she's been demanding.
Some say her new visibility won't make a difference in her contract negotiations.
"She doesn't have a lot of leverage right now," says one talent agent familiar with the type of long-term deal Heigl signed with ABC.
"The movie doesn't do anything to help her. A big opening doesn't mean [the box-office] will sustain itself.
"It depends on who you are - if you're a good citizen, [a network] will try to help you out."
Heigl is no shrinking violent when it comes to her "Grey's" contract, and she's been adamant in voicing her displeasure with ABC.
Heigl says her per-episode salary should be on par with series stars Ellen Pompeo and Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey.
ABC says Heigl is under a long-term contract.
Insiders expect Heigl to return to the "Grey's" set when filming resumes next month.
(She's currently in Rhode Island shooting a new movie, "27 Dresses.")
"Katherine loves playing Dr. Izzie Stevens," her publicist said yesterday.
"She is grateful to all the 'Grey's' fans for their support, and she is hoping ABC will recognize her value and worth."
Co-star T.R. Knight's status on "Grey's" is also up in the air - but it's widely assumed he'll return to the show next season.
Knight had a tough year after co-star Isaiah Washington used a gay slur to refer to him - forcing Knight to "come out" a short time later.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06062007/tv/dr__izzie_future_grey_er_tv_michael_starr.htm
And Heigl's sudden box-office success in the movie "Knocked Up" has thrown a monkey wrench into the months-long stalemate - snarling an already tangled situation.
What remains to be seen is whether Heigl can use her sudden "Knocked Up" clout to force ABC's hand into giving her the raise she's been demanding.
Some say her new visibility won't make a difference in her contract negotiations.
"She doesn't have a lot of leverage right now," says one talent agent familiar with the type of long-term deal Heigl signed with ABC.
"The movie doesn't do anything to help her. A big opening doesn't mean [the box-office] will sustain itself.
"It depends on who you are - if you're a good citizen, [a network] will try to help you out."
Heigl is no shrinking violent when it comes to her "Grey's" contract, and she's been adamant in voicing her displeasure with ABC.
Heigl says her per-episode salary should be on par with series stars Ellen Pompeo and Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey.
ABC says Heigl is under a long-term contract.
Insiders expect Heigl to return to the "Grey's" set when filming resumes next month.
(She's currently in Rhode Island shooting a new movie, "27 Dresses.")
"Katherine loves playing Dr. Izzie Stevens," her publicist said yesterday.
"She is grateful to all the 'Grey's' fans for their support, and she is hoping ABC will recognize her value and worth."
Co-star T.R. Knight's status on "Grey's" is also up in the air - but it's widely assumed he'll return to the show next season.
Knight had a tough year after co-star Isaiah Washington used a gay slur to refer to him - forcing Knight to "come out" a short time later.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06062007/tv/dr__izzie_future_grey_er_tv_michael_starr.htm