Hollywood at Ease After Deal Ends Months of Uncertainty

The lights blazed at the Writers Guild of America headquarters practically around the clock this week--until the very moment that studio chiefs and writers stood together before the cameras to declare the end of successful contract talks.

Then the lights abruptly cut out.

“It’s a rolling blackout,” joked Sherry Lansing, chairwoman of Paramount Pictures.

John McLean, the writers’ chief negotiator, quipped, “It was a message from Gov. Davis.” Another negotiator offered, “Is that Mayor Riordan?”

It was a moment of levity after months of uncertainty and hundreds of hours of bruising negotiations, signaling the end to a week of intense anticipation. Reporters howled for the news conference to stop until the lights returned. It wasn’t a power failure, just some television cameraman who kicked out a plug.

Some of Hollywood’s most powerful executives and writers were lined up for the announcement--except for John Wells, the head of the Writers Guild.

“John and his wife, Marilyn, are enjoying their first day with their new son, Jack, who was born last night,” said guild negotiator Michael Mahern, who announced the deal on behalf of the writers.

And there were even a few bottles of bubbly on hand. Ten-ounce bottles of Calistoga sparkling mineral water, but bubbles no less.

Friday began with an electric sense that a deal would soon be announced. Security at the guild headquarters, at Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street, was tighter than in previous days. WGA workers issued new badges for members of the media, red and black squares with gold seals to replace the plain red and green squares that had been used throughout the week.

More than 60 reporters, photographers and television camera operators jammed into the converted bank office that had been carpeted and lined with cubicles to serve as a makeshift media center. The agreement was announced shortly before 4 p.m.

Studio chiefs would not answer questions during or after the news conference. They were ushered into the room through a side entrance and then, just as quickly, escorted out the moment the news conference ended.

When a reporter asked whether the executives would address financial concerns raised by DreamWorks partner Jeffrey Katzenberg weeks ago, specifically that the writers’ demands would bankrupt the companies, they balked.

“No,” roared studio negotiator J. Nicholas Counter, refusing to address the issue. The assembled CEOs, including Katzenberg, just laughed.