Directors uncertain about their contract talks

As film and TV writers are walking the picket line, the directors who bring their scripts to life are walking their own fine line.

Directors are in a quandary over when to begin their contract talks with the major studios.

Historically, directors have begun negotiations six to eight months before their contract expires. By that measure, they would have begun negotiations by now to replace their contract, which expires June 30.

But that option is fraught with complications now that writers are in their second week of a strike against the studios that has generated deep animosity between the sides.

In such an emotionally charged climate, directors have so far been reluctant to pull the trigger on their negotiations because the move probably would be perceived by writers as undercutting their fight. More

More news on the strike

--Claudia Eller and Richard Verrier