It seems as though the AMPTP finally woke up to reality and realized they’re going to have to give ground on new media.  This weekend’s serious negotiations about new media revenues with the directors’ guild (DGA) suggest that the moguls’ spa getaway did them some good to clear their heads.

United Hollywood has the scoop and perspective for what it all means:

The WGA’s sister guild the DGA began formal negotiations over the weekend and announced it was within “shouting distance” of a deal. That being the case, many writers believe it is important to let the DGA negotiate in an atmosphere of utmost seriousness backed up by large, forceful pickets from the WGA.[...]

Essentially, the DGA is the debate team, and they have an important away meet. Everyone hopes the debate team brings home the big trophy, and we can celebrate together in the next few weeks. Until that happens, come out and support the writers by wearing your school colors of red, white and black. Go team!

Meanwhile, the writers are showing some good momentum in their quest to break the AMPTP by negotiating for and receiving their same demands with small to medium sized production studios – in addition to David Letterman’s Worldwide Pants, the Weinstein company, and United Artists, today the WGA announced a deal with Media Rights Capital, an independent studio with significant corporate financial backing.  It’s good news for writers that can go back to work, but it’s also good news to see yet another defection from the AMPTP conglomerate.

The deals have been announced in rapid succession over the last couple of weeks, and the writers are picking up some good momentum.  This latest news about the DGA negotiations progressing is promising – but it is just the first of several battles to be fought over the next weeks and months.

The moguls still have yet to fully emerge from the steam of the saunas – with any luck, they’ll be struggling to keep their towels on when they finally realize everyone is serious about new media.