US television networks and film studios are gearing up for a possible strike by scriptwriters next month.

Unions representing the writing staff report that people are being asked to do extra work in case the walk-out goes ahead.

The Writers' Guild of America (WGA) and studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, are currently in negotiations.

Each side has accused the other of inflexibility and, if no deal is reached, a strike could begin on November 1. The last one, in 1988, lasted 22 weeks and cost the film industry an estimated $500 million (£250 million).

Patric Verrone, from WGA, told trade publication Daily Variety: "A strike on November 1 is a real option.

"What I'm hearing from our screenwriters and showrunners is that they're being asked to schedule additional table reads, prepare additional scripts and squeeze in more shows, which may be physically impossible in that amount of time."

Nick Counter, president of the producers' alliance, confirmed employers would be ready if there was industrial action: "The companies all have contingencies and will be ready in the event that a strike occurs."

A studio vice president commented: "We are trying to get as much stuff as possible shoved through. It's as hot as I've ever seen it. And whether or not they strike on November 1, we have to act as if they will."