"The strike is over," Patric Verrone said, dispassionately but with the hint of a smile. "Our membership has voted. Writers can go back to work;" this from Variety referring to Patric Verrone, the Writers Guild of America West top man.
Shortly before 7pm, Tuesday the 12th of February (why do I feel like I’m reporting on the end of a war?) Verrone announced at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, that some 92.5% of the 3,775 ballots cast were in favor of ending the strike. 3,492 votes yes, while 283 voted to continue the striking – though what they hoped to accomplish with further strikes is beyond me.
So when can the writers go back to work? Well they already are, especially in the case of those writing for the upcoming Oscars ceremony.
Naturally, the American Motion Picture and Television Producers were quick to weigh in with their thoughts on the strike resolution. "This is a day of relief and optimism for everyone in the entertainment industry," read the statement credited to CBS' Leslie Moonves, MGM's Harry Sloan, NBC Universal's Jeff Zucker, News Corp.'s Peter Chernin, Paramount Pictures' Brad Grey, Sony Pictures Entertainment's Michael Lynton, Walt Disney Co.'s Robert Iger and Warner Bros.' Barry Meyer.
"The strike has been extraordinarily difficult for all of us, but the hardest hit of all have been the many thousands of businesses, workers and families that are economically dependent on our industry. We hope now to focus our collective efforts on what this industry does best -- writers, directors, actors, production crews, and entertainment companies working together to deliver great content to our worldwide audiences."
For a look at what your favorite show is doing and when it might be back, check out this link here for a full run down.