The Writers Guild of America and the major Hollywood studios on Sunday night reached a tentative deal on a new film and TV contract that would end a strike that has lasted nearly five months.

The writers have been on strike since May 2, seeking protections from the ways in which streaming and other industry shifts have threatened their livelihoods.

But the deal does not mean that the strike is immediately over or that the entertainment industry can return to work right away.

What does the WGA-AMPTP deal mean?

It’s an agreement on a new three-year film and TV contract, which includes key gains demanded by screenwriters. They’ve been fighting for better pay from streaming shows, language governing the use of artificial intelligence and other protections.

But it’s only a proposal at this point.

In order to take effect, the contract must be ratified by a majority of the guild’s 11,500 film and television writer members. Ratification is expected, given the strong support WGA leaders have received from the rank-and-file. Guild members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing leaders to call the strike, which began on May 2.

What’s the next step now that an agreement has been reached?

Guild leaders said in a message to members on Sunday night that WGA staff will now comb through the contract to make sure that “the last ‘i’ is dotted” before sending the full proposal to members.

The union’s negotiating committee will vote on whether to recommend the contract and send it to the WGA West board and the council for the WGA East for approval. Those votes are expected to take place Tuesday.

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