Summary

The Writers Guild of America strike has been going on for close to 100 days, but negotiations are set to restart this week. Hollywood is facing major battles as studios clash with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA guilds, causing delays in film releases. The meeting this Friday between the WGA and the AMPTP marks a significant step forward, although a deal may not be made immediately.

As the Writers Guild of America strike is closing in on its 100th day, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is officially looking to restart the negotiations this week. Hollywood is going through some of its biggest battles right now, as studios are fighting with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA guilds. With actors and writers looking for better deals, studios have been forced to delay multiple projects, including films that were already going to be released in the coming weeks and months.

In a note that was sent out by the WGA committee to their members, via Deadline, they confirmed that the AMPTP is looking to set up a meeting for this Friday, August 4. The trade added through its sources that this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a deal made immediately, but that “it marks the first significant step toward progress since the writers strike began May 2.” The note also had the committee stressing to be “wary of rumors,” sharing the following:

The AMPTP, through Carol Lombardini, reached out to the WGA today and requested a meeting this Friday to discuss negotiations. We’ll be back in communication with you sometime after the meeting with further information. As we’ve said before, be wary of rumors. Whenever there is important news to share, you will hear it directly from us.

RELATED: Every Show Confirmed To Be Affected By The WGA Writers Strike

Renewed Talks Are A Positive Sign – But The Fight Isn’t Over

As the WGA strike lasted throughout the summer, it is a massively positive sign that renewed talks are now back on the table. However, it is imperative to remember that this is only a big step forward, and not necessarily the beginning of the end. As a big reminder, there is a reason why the strike went into effect, as the AMPTP was not willing to agree to most of the demands made by the WGA.

Despite a meeting taking place this Friday, negotiations will not necessarily go smoothly. The AMPTP are likely still going to be trying to compromise as much as possible. Even if the WGA and AMPTP makes a deal within the next few weeks, this would only be half of the battle won as there is still the SAG-AFTRA strike that is happening. Whether the AMPTP is going to be making a similar request to their guild in the coming days or weeks remains to be seen, as they may want to start with the WGA first before SAG-AFTRA talks get started.

Friday will definitely be interesting to follow as more updates are bound to come out through the WGA committee, whether it be in official statements or across social media. Needless to say, the fact that the AMPTP are attempting to resume negotiations is hopefully a sign that they have realized the value that screenwriters bring to content. Ideally, both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes will at least be over by the end of the year, with writers and actors finally getting deals that reflect the hard work they all put into the many TV shows and movies that the studios are dependent on.

Source: Deadline