The AMPTP recently walked away from discussions with the Writer's Guild of America, who has been on strike against the companies of AMPTP since November 2007.

The WGA has stated on numerous occasions that they are looking to create an agreement regarding "new media," which would include Internet downloads or streams.

This deal makes it possible for directors to continue to create shows from existing scripts, or new scripts using non-WGA writers. TV fans and studios alike are starting to feel the pressure of no "24," "Lost," "Prison Break," or the possibility of no new shows next fall season. It's yet to be determined whether this deal will help end the writer's strike, or if the relationship between the DGA and WGA has been hurt.

In a press release sent out by the DGA, few points were highlighted:

1. Increase both wages and residual bases for each year of the contract

2. Establishes DGA jurisdiction over programs produced for distribution on the Internet

3. Establishes new residuals formula for paid Internet downloads (electronic sell-through) that essentially doubles the rate currently paid by employers.

4. Establishes residual rates for ad-supported streaming and use of clips on the Internet.

The WGA has yet to officially respond as the statement was released only hours ago. However, the collective blog of WGA members and strike captains at United Hollywood made mention of the possible deal with reluctance to rush to a conclusion: "The next few days will no doubt be full of furious debate and discussion over every aspect of this deal. We'll continue updating as we get more, which we expect will be very soon. But the issues here are too important to rush to a conclusion about."