The Writer’s Stike May Be Over

Toward the end of October 2007, the WGA went on strike and refused to write any new material for television or movies until they were able to be paid fairly for their work as it was seen on the internet. The strike was expected to be wrapped up quickly, but when Thanksgiving came and went, most hope was lost, especially after the AMPTP refused to come back to the negotiating table. Studios and networks started breaking the news that shows like Heroes, Lost, and Battlestar Galactica probably wouldn’t be able to finish their seasons. Heroes wrapped up already, Lost is back but with only 8 of 16 episodes scheduled, and the remaining 10 episodes of the entire Battlestar Galactica series are up in the air.

As much as I want a complete Lost season and a satisfying resolution to one of the best shows on television (Battlestar), I would gladly give both up so that the WGA could get a fair deal. I would have never complained, even if the strike took 5 years. Why? For one, because what they were asking for was completely reasonable and shocking that it wasn’t already being provided, and two, because someday, I still hope to be a part of the WGA.

The good news is that the strike may finally be over.

LOS ANGELES — Informal talks between representatives of Hollywood’s writers and production companies eliminated the major roadblocks to a new contract, opening the prospect of a tentative agreement between the parties as early as next week, according to people who were briefed on the situation but requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak.

A deal would end a crippling writers strike that is now entering its fourth month.

To read more, follow this link.

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EDIT 2 DAYS LATER:  Don’t read too much into this.  Apparently the AMPTP sent out a bunch of press releases saying “the end is almost near,” in an effort to weaken the picket lines and public support.  It almost worked, because I, too, thought that the end was near.  It’s not.  Read here and here.  Just because the two sides are talking doesn’t mean they are any closer to signing a contract.