WGA and AMPTP issue joint statement after Wednesday meeting; could a settlement be near?

In a sign that things could be moving forward in negotiations between the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), the two groups have issued a rare joint statement coming off their Wednesday meeting. The WGA and AMPTP will return to negotiations today.

In the statement released on Wednesday, the WGA and AMPTP wrote: “The WGA and AMPTP met for bargaining today and will meet again tomorrow.” OK, that’s not exactly a tome, but it does suggest at least a hint of mutual understanding and progression. It is also noteworthy for being the first time that the groups have issued a joint statement since the strike began back in May. As one studio source put it, “If they’re putting out a joint statement, I’m taking that as a positive sign…Given what’s transpired, this feels different from before.”

On Wednesday, representatives for the WGA sat down with those from the AMPTP, with some big names at the table: David Zaslav (Warner Bros. Discovery), Ted Sarandos (Netflix), Bob Iger (Disney), and Donna Langley (Universal Pictures). Objectively, this itself seems like a step in the right direction. Adding to this, another source claimed, “CEOs have cleared their calendars and want to sit and have a real conversation.”

Negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP have been at a virtual standstill for months now, causing numerous productions to be delayed as writers are barred from doing exactly what they came into the business to do. And with the likes of Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher being blasted as scabs for wanting to bring back The Drew Barrymore Show and Real Time with Bill Maher without much of what makes their shows successes – the writers – we’re seeing just how serious the industry is taking their stance. Both have since been convinced to pause their return.

Do you think the WGA and AMPTP issuing a joint statement and meeting two days in a row is a strong sign that the strike could be over soon? Or does this feel like wishful thinking at this point? Give us your thoughts on the situation below.