WGA & AMPTP confirm talks set to resume Wednesday as strike nears five months

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are to resume formal discussions on Wednesday.

The WGA confirmed the news in a note sent to its members, adding: “You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible.”

It continued: “We’ll reach out again when there is something of significance to report. In the meantime, please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines – for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members, and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes.”

The news comes a month since the WGA described the AMPTP’s most recent counter offer in August as “neither nothing, nor nearly enough”.

It also comes amid US reports that studio bosses are getting increasingly frustrated with the delays, with both Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Disney chief Bob Iger taking a more direct interest in the dispute.

The AMPTP revealed its latest offer – first put forward on 11 August but only made public a week later – to the WGA, with the studio and streamer union president Carol Lombardini describing the “comprehensive package” as meeting “the priority concerns” of writers.

However, the WGA said that the overall package “failed to sufficiently protect writers” and required further discussion.

More recently, companies including Disney, NBCUniversal and CBS Studios have been suspending non-writing producer deals, with Lionsgate making its own moves yesterday.

The WGA has been on strike since 2 May, with actor’s union SAG-AFTRA also halting work, bringing Hollywood productions to a standstill.