It’s All Gravy

The Strike: Day 15

Well, not exactly gravy. Though the strike is still on and picketing will continue today, both sides have agreed to resume negotiations after the holiday break. The development could be construed as an early victory for the writers as AMPTP head Nick Counter had previously stated his refusal to resume negotiations until the picketing stopped.

According to Reuters and the Hollywood Reporter, the talks, scheduled for November 26th, were brought to life through third party dialogue:

Elected officials and industry figures have attempted to provide back-channel assistance in bringing the parties back to the table.

Top talent agents have been in the center of some of those efforts, as the major agency companies have been on the bleeding edge of economic impact from the WGA strike. The Lourd-assisted breakthrough came Friday, at a meeting the agent hosted at his home attended by studio executives and WGA officials.

Other public figures helping to get the parties talking again include Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, both of whom met with guild leaders and telephoned studio chiefs.

Here’s hoping this negotiating session won’t see anyone forced to do The Worm (or The Crab).

Read More Fancast Coverage of the Strike