LOS ANGELES (AP) — Striking Hollywood writers were informed by union leaders on Tuesday evening that a meeting is being planned with studio representatives. This marks the first official contact between the two sides since the commencement of the strike three months ago.
According to an email sent to its members, the Writers Guild of America revealed that the head of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing major studios, streaming services, and production companies, has proposed a meeting on Friday to explore the possibility of restarting contract negotiations.
The email stated, “Following the meeting, we will provide you with further updates. Rest assured, credible information will be directly communicated by us rather than through rumors, as we have consistently emphasized.”
As of now, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has not extended a similar gesture to union leaders representing Hollywood actors. These actors have been engaged in a strike since July 14.
“I had anticipated that we would have already initiated some form of dialogue with the industry at this point,” remarked Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA, during a conversation with The Associated Press on Tuesday. “Regrettably, that has not yet transpired, although I maintain a positive outlook.”
When questioned about the potential for discussions with either guild, a representative from the AMPTP responded via email, stating, “Our commitment to reaching mutually advantageous agreements with both Unions remains steadfast.”
Negotiations between screenwriters and their employers crumbled on May 1, followed by the commencement of the first of two strikes that have brought Hollywood production to a halt. Core issues fueling the strike encompass salary structures in the face of inflation, utilization of leaner writing teams for abbreviated TV show seasons, and authority over the integration of artificial intelligence in the screenwriting process.