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The Writers Guild of America has insisted that members will return to picket lines today despite strong rumours it was close to a deal with producers.
Talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were said to have moved towards an agreement on the controversial topic of new media residuals at the weekend.
Expectations were raised of a draft agreement coming this week though that would still need approval from the WGA West board, WGA East council and both guilds' members.
February 15 is apparently seen as the resolution deadline if any of the current season's programming or the coming pilot season are to be saved. The Academy Awards, which would be badly hit by a continuing strike, will be on February 24.
However, the last official word from the WGA was that no deal had been reached and it would be back picketing this morning.
It wrote to members: "While fully mindful of the continuing media blackout, we write you to address the rumours and reports that undoubtedly you have been hearing.
"The facts: we are still in talks and do not yet have a contract. When and if a tentative agreement is reached, the first thing we will do is alert our membership with an e-mail message. Until then, please disregard rumours about either the existence of an agreement or its terms.
"Until we have reached an agreement with the AMPTP, it is essential that we continue to show our resolve, solidarity, and strength."
