Hollywood writers reach tentative deal to end strike

The nearly five-month shutdown also hit small businesses that support film and television production

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The union representing screenwriters reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to end a historic strike after nearly five months, raising hopes that a crippling shutdown of movie and television filming could be near an end. Actors remain on strike, but the deal with writers might help them find a resolution soon as well.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced the deal on Sunday in a joint statement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the group that represents studios, streaming services and production companies in negotiations. The agreement must be approved by the guild's board and members before the strike officially ends. That could happen this week.