Screenwriters in the US say they have reached a tentative deal with studio bosses that could see them end a strike that has lasted nearly five months.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) said it was “exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers”. WGA members must still have a final say.
It is the longest strike to affect Hollywood in decades and has halted most film and TV production.
A separate dispute involves actors, who are also on strike.
The writers’ walkout, which began on 2 May, has cost the California economy billions of dollars.
The WGA leadership and union members need to agree a three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers before they return to work.
The guild’s message on the proposed deal said details still had to be finalised, and it was not yet calling off the strike, but “we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing”.
Hollywood trade publication Variety reported that staff on late-night talk shows could return to work as soon as Tuesday following the announcement, adding broadcasts could resume as soon as October.
But in its message to members, the union’s negotiating committee asked for patience on details of the pact.
“What remains now is for our staff to make sure everything we have agreed to is codified in final contract language,” the union said.
“And though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you, we cannot do that until the last ‘i’ is dotted.” (BBC)
