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Hollywood Producers and Writers Make a Deal

Aired May 04, 2001 - 12:14   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As we told you, CNN has learned there could be some progress in the writers' talks with producers. Let's bring in our Sherri Sylvester in Hollywood -- in Los Angeles.

Sherri, good morning -- good afternoon.

SHERRI SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. And CNN has confirmed through sources that a deal between Hollywood's producers and writers could be near. In fact, Deputy Mayor Ben Austin has told CNN that those involved directly in the talks did call Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and tell him -- assure him that there is a deal to be made.

Now, both sides have spent long hours at the bargaining table this week. They broke off full negotiations a little earlier than usual last night, while some small subcommittees stayed on to hammer out individual issues. And many saw that as a very good sign. Of course, the writers are back to work. They are continuing under their contract that did expire Wednesday at 12:01 a.m.

Again, as soon as we get word on what that deal might be, we'll let you know live. I'm Sherri Sylvester reporting from the Writers Guild of America in Los Angeles.

KAGAN: Sherri, thank you very much. I'm sure the mayor will be happy to hear that. He's very concerned, not just with the writers and producers, but the impact that would have on the southern California economy.

STEPHEN FRAZIER, CNN ANCHOR: $6 billion, I think, they had projected it could cost them.

KAGAN: A lot of popcorn.

(LAUGHTER)

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