After watching the return of Bill Maher on Friday night where he echoed what I’ve been saying for months is that both the WGA and this writer’s strike are stupid and stupidly organized.

It seems that this present air of discontent along with the fact that the talks between the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) and WGA have broken off are signals that there is not much optimism to be expected from those two sides negotiating. Instead, the AMPTP will begin its negotiations with the Directors union - the DGA - in essence is the de facto negotiator on behalf of sister union the WGA.

The 11 week strike must end soon or massive layoffs and losses to the Los Angeles area economy will occur and I will never get to see what happens to Vince and the gang on “Entourage.” However, both the actors union SAG and the WGA have begun to downplay the expectations saying:

“We wish the DGA well and hope that they achieve a fair deal that incorporates principles that will benefit all creative artists,” “The DGA has to do what is best for its membership, but it is important to remember that they do not represent actors and writers.”

Here’s why I am slightly optimistic, the DGA negotiating committee will be chaired by Gil Cates and Jay Roth. Roth himself was a studio head and Gil Cates is an award show director. Cates knows the pressing need to get things moving as far as the legacy of Hollywood is concerned - he’s directed the Oscars telecast and that very Hollywood institution is being threatened. Roth on the other hand is a director, but he’s run studios - most recently Sony co-venture Revolution Studios and so he’ll be chummy with and in the same mindset as the likes of Robert Iger - the head of Disney - and Rupert Murdoch who owns News Corp which in turn owns 20th Century Fox.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117978931.html?categoryid=2821&cs=1

• Will SAG reach an agreement with the studios before Monday midnight deadling?
• Strike is over…. (almost)
• SAG and AFTRA split up negotiations with AMPTP
• SAG signs interim deal with The Film Department
• Breakthrough in Writers Strike negotiations