The hopeful rumors that have popped up everywhere are hard to ignore, but the WGA leadership has sent out a message to its membership reminding them that there is, in fact, not a deal yet. So … deep breath. I can’t help feeling cautiously optimistic, but this serves as a reminder that things are still unsettled.
From UnitedHollywood:
Letter From the Presidents – State of Negotiations
Sunday, February 3, 2008. . .
To Our Fellow Members,
While fully mindful of the continuing media blackout, we write you to address the rumors and reports that undoubtedly you have been hearing.
The facts: we are still in talks and do not yet have a contract. When and if a tentative agreement is reached, the first thing we will do is alert our membership with an e-mail message. Until then, please disregard rumors about either the existence of an agreement or its terms.
Until we have reached an agreement with the AMPTP, it is essential that we continue to show our resolve, solidarity, and strength.
Picketing will resume on Monday. Our leverage at the bargaining table is directly affected by your commitment to our cause. Please continue to show your support on the line. We are all in this together.
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAWMichael Winship
President, WGAE
EDITED TO ADD: Deadline Hollywood Daily posted this earlier tonight:
Chernin Tells Super Pals “Strike Is Over”
So I’ve just been told that Peter Chernin did make it to Super Bowl XLII after all. (Heck, it’s News Corp’s Fox Sports televising it, and Phoenix is only an hour’s corporate jet ride away.) And the mogul is telling Hollywood folk there that “the strike is over”, according to emails coming fast and furious out of that venue.
I’m sure the WGA members are going to keep the pressure up until a deal is announced (and fans should, too), but I’ll admit that it makes a nice change to be able to post about hopeful rumors. I’m eagerly awaiting the day when there’s *really* good news to announce.
I’m depressed and happy at the same time. Yay for progress, sadness for no resolution yet. But solidarity really is the key. YAY!
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That they’re even holding dialogue is what I’m grateful for. That December period when the Moguls walked away from the bargaining table was the worst.
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Pardon me while I (NY’er that I am) to interrupt the strike discussion to gloat about the superbowl, it was an awesome game.
NY GIANTS RULE! :D
What did Stephen call? He said NY would win didn’t he? Whoo hoo!
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I, for one, am actually glad that Chernin made it to the Super Bowl, because, had he missed it, he would have missed the greatest game EVER, and then he would have brought a bad mood to negotiations this week. Don’t need that.
Of course, this is assuming he’s not a Patriots fan (in which case: tough luck, Peter). Giants Rule!!!!
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@Rebnej,
Funny you should mention Chernin attending the Superbowl. According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, insiders claim he had some pretty interesting words about the strike while he was in attendance.
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@Lisa:
Yeah, I think it’s kind of weird that he was telling people that the strike is over when a deal hasn’t even been presented to WGA members for a vote. He could have at least toned it down to “we have a deal,” or something along those lines. His arrogance is truly astounding.
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@Rebnej,
I know — seriously! What a way to lead people on by saying stuff like that (Chernin, not Nikki Finke). It’s hard to dismiss all the info that’s been circulating lately about how close both parties are to a deal. But, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Keep talking, guys. Writers, stay strong (and warm!)!!
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