Studios say goal is to keep “production going” while talks between WGA and AMPTP begin Tmrw

Just hours before the WGA and studios begin tedious discussions about a new common contact, the alliance of film and television producers decided to publicly play nice and firm.

“The AMPTP companies are approaching these negotiations and the next with the long-term health and stability of the industry as our priority,” the trade body led by Carol Lombardini said in a salvo before the call on Sunday. “We are all partners in planning the future of our business together and we are fully committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with all our negotiating partners,” AMPTP continued.

“The goal is to keep production going so we can all keep working and keep bringing consumers the best entertainment product on earth,” they concluded in a not-so-subtle rumble during recent WGA strikes. to soften.

With Ellen Stutzman as chief negotiator and former guild presidents David A. Goodman and Chris Keyser as co-chairs, the 25-strong WGA will meet with the studio team tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. at AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks.

The Guild’s demand pattern, which WGA members recently approved by the largest majority yet (98.4% vs. 1.6%), provides a glimpse into the Guild’s overall goals during the negotiations. These include “significantly” increasing minimum requirements across the board; combating “abuse of mini-spaces”; increased residues; and “standardized compensation and time to maturity for feature films, both in theaters and in streaming.”

If a tentative agreement is reached, the WGA West Council and WGA East Council will decide whether to recommend the agreement and send it to members for a vote on ratifying the treaty.

But there may still be a long way to go.

“We’re having these discussions without illusions,” one well-connected WGA member told Deadline. “A strike is not something to be taken lightly, but it should not be ignored, especially now,” added the veteran writer. The WGA last attempted in 2007-2008 – a bitter strike that lasted 100 days.

To put the stakes in a bleak perspective, the guild’s FAQ page details what will happen if an agreement isn’t reached before the current contract expires on May 1st.

If it is determined that an acceptable agreement cannot be reached, the negotiating committee may recommend that the WGA West Council and WGA East Council hold a strike authorization vote. If the WGAW Board and WGAE Council approve the negotiating committee, they authorize a membership vote. Additional general meetings may be held in connection with voting. If a majority of members vote in favour, the WGAW Council and WGAE Council, in consultation with the Bargaining Committee, have the power to call a strike after the contract has expired [on May 1]and there is no acceptable agreement.

“The WGA leadership may not call a strike until members have given their consent and the current contract has expired. If a strike is declared, members will be prohibited from providing covered typing services to companies that do not have an agreement with the WKV. To demonstrate unity and determination, authors participate in other collective actions that push the AMPTP to improve its offerings. Negotiations can continue during a strike.

If past negotiations are any indication, both sides are likely to immediately agree on one thing: to impose a media blackout on the talks. “Given the sensitive nature of these negotiation sessions, communication with members may sometimes be restricted,” the guild also notes on its website’s FAQ page.