The "buzz" seems to be that producer-writer (and former WGA President) John Wells is now in the mix, talking to the power brokers on both sides, trying to get them close enough to avoid the strike. This is an old, cherished tradition in Hollywood labor negotiations. Years ago, the legendary super-agent Lew Wasserman would end strikes. Everyone would stake out their hardass, "I'm not budging" positions and then Uncle Lew would make his calls and work out ways they could climb down from their mountains without losing too much face…and a deal would emerge. Since Wasserman went to that big ten-percentery in the sky, others have filled this role.
Wells is an odd choice…or maybe not. His regime at the WGA was peaceful but many felt that too much of his heart was on the producing side of his life. Neither he nor his shows suffered any hardships because of the policies he invoked, which is not necessarily a bad thing but it can raise red flags of concern. I suspect a lot of members are leery of his involvement — more so than if the person filling that position was, like Lew Wasserman, inarguably on the side of Management. Still, a lot more of our members are eager to see the Producers come across with enough in the areas of DVD and Direct Delivery that we can avoid a strike, or at least a long one. The AMPTP has taken such a firm position against movement in those areas that it's probably necessary for a third party to massage things and give everyone an out.
If John Wells can be that person and break that logjam, good for him. Whether he succeeds or not, it may be a good sign that these conversations are even occurring. Because that probably means the logjam is breakable.