As expected, the writers and studios are breaking bread for the first time in weeks - four days after the Directors Guild nailed a deal that was expected to thaw (if slightly) relations between scribes and suits.
But here's the question: has it thawed anything? The WGA is maintaining radio silence again in the wake of the DGA deal, saying only that it's studying the thing and will get back to us at some point. Also, influential blogger/pundit extraordinaire, Nikki Finke - and someone who's read with a near-rabbinical zeal by striking writers - has already labeled the DGA deal a "s&*%!y"one. So...?
In any event, a little while ago, this was the statement from WGA honcho, Patric Verrone:
"We have responded favorably to the invitation from the AMPTP [studios] to enter into informal talks that will help establish a reasonable basis for returning to negotiations. During this period, we have agreed to a complete news blackout. We are grateful for this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion with industry leaders that we hope will lead to a contract. We ask that all members exercise restraint in their public statements during this critical period.
"In order to make absolutely clear our commitment to bringing a speedy conclusion to negotiations, we have decided to withdraw our proposals on reality and animation. Our organizing efforts to achieve Guild representation in these genres for writers will continue. You will hear more about this in the next two weeks."
Translation: The Guild is taking off the table a minor sticking point - proposals to rep reality writers, for one - but no word, of course, on the WGA stance with regards new media residuals.
What of Finke's "s&%$#y" evaluation? Per one source, "I feel, and so do some of my colleagues, [that] Finke's...reference doesn't do anyone any favors. It's time for the confrontational...posture to be dialed back so the brass tacks folks can get down to 'em without distraction. "
After this morning's Oscar noms, Gil Cates - Mr. Oscar Producer himself and resolute optimist on the feasibility of the Feb. 24 ABC show, told Variety: "A month is a long time way - look at Iowa. There will be lots of clips - we have a long history, 80 years, to explore." What's interesting in this quote is the phrase "lots of clips..." Meaning, "in lieu of lots of stars...?"
In another peace pipe move, the WGA said it wouldn't picket the forthcoming Grammys (that'll make CBS very happy).
Meanwhile, the DGA pact will top the agenda of the WGA's Negotiating Committee, which meets a few hours from now.