DGA Likely to Begin Negotiations in December

In the absence of renewed WGA negotions, directors are likely to begin their own negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers sometime next month.

Media analysts depict three possible scenarios as the industry grapples with its first strike in 19 years: 1) The WGA and AMPTP could restart negotiations and the DGA could wait it out 2) The DGA could take up talks during the strike and reach and impasse 3) The DGA could take up negotiations during the strike.

"We should resolve everything as quickly as we can," the studio insider told The Hollywood Reporter . "So if (DGA executive director) Jay Roth were to call, I'd drive to his house right now."

There's a strong sense that prenegotiations assurances can be secured and that the DGA and studio reps will engage in actual contract talks soon , analysts say.

If the DGA quickly negotiates a contract, the WGA will face a decision of whether to use it for their own template or continue to strike.

Three years ago, writers continued working for five months after their contract expired. When the DGA reached a contract with the AMPTP, conceding on DVD residuals for health and pension gains, the WGA accepted a similar contract.