Los Angeles - The Screen Actors Guild started talks Tuesday with Hollywood producers on a new contract that would prevent a strike similar to the screenwriters action that paralyzed Hollywood over the winter.

The talks for a three-year deal are expected to focus on increased payments for shows distributed over the internet and other digital media. The guild is also concerned that studios are compressing work into fewer days, reducing pay for actors who aren't in starring roles.

The start of talks came after SAG split with the union representing most TV actors to conduct its first solo negotiations in 27 years.

"I'm prepared to go in and fight like hell," said SAG President Alan Rosenberg, who added that he would also be flexible. "We're going in to make a deal. I have no desire to be on strike." (dpa)