It looks like the WGA and the major studios have finally reached a tentative deal for a contract, seemingly bringing an end to the 146 day strike. 

The strike, which was the longest in the union’s history, was successful in securing what the guild has called an incredible win for tv and film writers. 

However, the devastating effect on the livelihoods of the thousands of cast and crew workers who’ve been out of work for months cannot be ignored. 

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” WGA’s negotiating committee wrote in a memo to members on Sunday night, though they did not release specific deal points to the public. But it’s speculated that the deal includes bonuses tied to successful streaming shows and movies, as well as addressing concerns regarding AI in the writers room. 

However, it might be quite some time before workers are able to return to set. The deal must go on to be ratified by the union’s 11,500 film and TV writers before the strike can officially be called over. The WGA’s negotiating committee is very likely to recommend that the board approve the contract as early as Tuesday, when it will then be sent to members for a vote. WGA members will then be able to return to work, but they must first wait for the guild’s authorization – though it will be months before we see a real ramp up in Hollywood again.

Todd Holmes, associate professor of entertainment at Cal State said, “It’s one of those things that doesn’t happen just overnight. There’s gonna be a ramp-up time to get the writers back to work and to get productions moving again.”