Today's Talks Productive; "Reasonableness Ruled The Day"

I am thrilled to give you a report on how today's much-anticipated resumed contract talks went between the writers and the producers. And they went well, according to my sources. "It was very productive, very level-headed, and it seemed as though the producers came ready to bargain," an insider told me tonight. "Reasonableness ruled the day.

"In fact, the AMPTP reps for the studios and networks showed up to the first day's negotiating session since the WGA strike began November 5th with what was described to me as "a very comprehensive proposal which laid out to all the entire roadmap to the deal. Over the course of the session, the producers addressed every single issue, and the writers listened and kept getting up to caucus.

"According to my sources, both sides spent the day recapping where they'd left off negotiations back on that Sunday November 4th, which was the last time the WGA and AMPTP faced each other. "So they basically went through all the proposals on the table: what they'd already agreed upon, and where they needed to go from here," an insider explained to me. "Tomorrow, they really start advancing the ball forward.

"There will continue to be a news blackout on the contract talks, meaning no end-of-day statements by either the AMPTP or WGA, "because no one wants to be the one to derail any progress," and to that end my lips are sealed about the site of the meetings. Right now, both sides plan more negotiating sessions not just for Tuesday but also for at least Wednesday. "It's anyone's guess where this process goes," a source explained to me, "Today, they spent time on old business. Tomorrow, they handle new business -- and that's where the rubber can really meet the road."

LOST Star Michael Emerson to Join Picket Line in NY

Michael Emerson (LOST) is one of many stars that will be rallying for the writers on the picket lines of the strike in New York.

WHAT:As the WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA STRIKE ENTERS ITS FOURTH WEEK, Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) members will again be on the picket lines instead of at work, writing sitcoms, primetime dramas, daytime soap operas, late night television shows, entertainment/ talk shows, reality shows, movies, and more.

In a major show of support by the city’s labor community, the WGAE is holding a massive SOLIDARITY RALLY on TUESDAY, NOV. 27TH. The rally’s message is "We’re all in this together, and we demand a fair deal!

"WHERE AND WHEN:
Tuesday, November 27th – WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

WHO:
Nearly 1,000 people expected to be on hand. Joining the striking WGAE members at the rally will be: Senator John Edwards, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Tim Robbins, Michael Emerson, Joe Pantoliano, Colin Quinn, Aasif Mandvi, Tony Goldwyn, Evan Handler, Gilbert Gottfried, Randi Weingarten (UFT), Ed Ott (Central Labor Council), Gary Lebarbera and Denis M. Hughes (NYS AFL-CIO), Sam Freed (SAG NY President), Richard Masur (former national president of SAG), WGAE leaders, and more. Interview opportunities will be available.

Also on hand will be members of the WGAW, SEIU, SAG, UNITE-HERE, UFT, national and NYS AFL-CIOs, and the New York City Central Labor Council.

Dare We Hope A Deal Has Been Struck...?

As the WGA strike begins its 4th week, I've been told positive news about today's resumption of contract talks between the writers and the producers. So positive, in fact, that I'm almost fearful to post it. But here goes: a very reliable source tells me that there appears to be a deal seemingly in place between both sides.

"It's already done, basically," the insider describes. That's because of the weeks worth of groundwork by the Hollywood agents working the writers guild leadership on one side, and the studio and network moguls on the other. I was told not to expect an agreement this week. But my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas.

Look, I don't want to raise false hope here. But this source has been very accurate in the past. The negotiations starting today will have a news blackout, so don't expect any significant leaks. But consider the real possibility there's been a breakthrough. Still, I must caution that this is Hollywood -- where defeat is snatched from the jaws of victory nearly every time.

Source: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/dare-we-hope-a-deal-has-been-struck/