One studio executive who was briefed on the talks but spoke on the condition of anonymity to minimize disruption to the discussions said the issues still to be resolved were pricing and the timing of YouTube releases. YouTube appears willing to do so if the studios agree to give it access to enough of their newer films close to when they come out on DVD, the person said. Movie studios have been pushing YouTube to consider charging for certain types of content, said a person briefed on the discussions. The negotiations between YouTube and the studios were first reported on the Web site of The Wall Street Journal. Wilkes, the studio’s “Mad Men” series has been downloaded about two million times through Apple’s iTunes store. Wilkes said, has enjoyed considerable success with offering movies and television shows through Apple. Peter Wilkes, a spokesman for Lionsgate, also would not comment specifically but said that the company was “always exploring alternatives” that would help it make more money from its films. Scott Rowe, a spokesman for Warner Brothers, and Jim Kennedy, a spokesman for Sony Pictures, declined to comment.

YouTube, which has long sought to add more professionally produced video, said in a statement, “While we don’t comment on rumor and speculation, we hope to expand both on our great relationships with movie studios and on the selection and types of videos we offer our community.”

YouTube, which already offers some older movies on its site free, is talking with Lionsgate Entertainment, Sony and Warner Brothers about making newer ones available, said one person briefed on the talks, which were intended to be confidential. It would also put YouTube, which is owned by Google, in direct competition with services from Netflix, Amazon and Apple, which allow users to buy or rent movies online. If an agreement is reached, it would be a major change for YouTube, which has built a huge audience by offering an eclectic collection of free video clips and earns most of its revenue from advertising. SAN FRANCISCO YouTube, the largest video site, is in negotiations with major Hollywood studios for a deal that would let its visitors pay to watch full-length movies, according to two people briefed on the negotiations.

Youtube paid movies