Representatives for Hollywood production studios may meet with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Friday to resume contract talks, according to a Deadline report.

Hollywood writers have been on strike since May 1, as a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) could not be agreed upon.

The AMPTP represents film and TV production companies such as Netflix, Disney, Apple, Amazon, Discovery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount and Sony. Additionally, the AMPTP could not come to terms on a new contract with Hollywood actors, leading to a July 15 strike from members of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

The mass entertainment work stoppage has already been felt in the industry, as leading actors have not been allowed to promote new movies over the past two weeks.

It was also announced that the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards would be postponed due to the strike.

The awards show was scheduled for September 18, with the Creative Arts Emmys scheduled for September 9 and 10 and a replacement date has not been announced as of this writing.

Vendors and producers were reportedly told the event would be delayed.

“We are going to win this fight,” actress and SAG-AFTRA member Shari Belafonte said during a July 27 rally outside of Fox studios. “Just like we did in the ‘Me too’ movement we are the ones who set the standards for what will work. We need to set the example for all humankind.”

Attempts at government intervention have occurred, with the Los Angeles City Council introducing a motion that would call on the writers and production companies to continue negotiations. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also offered to personally mediate negotiations.

The White House also held a listening session for the “responsible” use of artificial intelligence (AI), with members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA attending, as AI has been a key factor in their negotiations with production companies.

“Right now, we discussed what it would cost if it went for six months, so we’re looking for the long haul,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said at the start of the actors’ strike. “The gravity of a commitment like this is not lost on any of us. It’s major. But we also see that we have no future and no livelihood unless we take this action, unfortunately.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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