The contention between Hollywood studios, TV networks and writers been growing as studios and networks have been accelerating production on movies and shows in preparation for a possible strike.
One of the strategies being used by the networks is to create more reality shows and other unscripted offerings to hedge against a possible walkout.
"It's simply sound business," said J. Nicholas Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
"Based upon the public statements of the Writers Guild, it's quite clear these are going to be very contentious negotiations," he said. "Their statements are bellicose, so we've got to prepare for the worst."
On the part of Hollywood studios, they're increasing the rate of production also in 
case a strike formulates, and also in preparation for next year when they will have to renegotiate the contracts for actors and directors when they expire. They are also preparing for the worst by stockpiling shows like they've done in the past.
A number of shows have even been started months before normal to finish before the October 31 deadline when the current contract expires.
Some of the issues the Writer Guilds are concerned about are compensation for their work being put on all the new platforms and devices that have emerged and become popular over the last several years. The current compensation structure is similar to that used for DVD rights, and which writers think is too low.
While the Writers Guild says it's going get tougher on the studios this time, I don't think they're in a position of strength to push their weight around too much. They aren't going to financially hurt the conglomerates that own media companies now.
That and the fact that this is a new world from even a few years ago. The studios and networks are struggling to find new revenue generators as income from movies and TV has been dropping. It's hard for them because the digital market is still emerging and hasn't settled into a specific model or predictable flow of income yet. That makes it difficult to give away too much before that comes about, which could still take several years.
The studios asked the Guild to begin negotiations in January, which they refused, and instead they won't begin until July, not giving much time to iron out the numerous issues in front of them.
With the declining viewership on TV, and more dollars being directed toward the Internet, I don't see much good that could possibly come out of a strike. Both sides have a lot at stake. For viewers, they'll go get their content on the Internet and watch it; something that hasn't been there in former negotiations.
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