The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the labour group representing studios and streamers agreed on a new contract that could end the historic 146-day writers strike after days of nearly round-the-clock bargaining.

The WGA has informed its members and strike captains that they have agreed in principle on all deal points pending finalizing contract language. Both the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers confirmed the tentative agreement.

Ratification of the provisional three-year agreement would be necessary for some 11,500 WGA members. Details of the deal were to be divulged in the coming days as the union seeks member approval.

The WGA's negotiating committee called for patience over the fine print of the deal, saying they had to make certain everything agreed upon was properly documented. Votes on the pact will be held by both the negotiating committee and another vote by both the WGA West's board and the WGA East's council, which could occur with a formal end possibly after ratification.

During the final weekend of bargaining, attorneys huddled prior to the studios putting forth their "best and final" offer on Saturday night. Talks continued Sunday, finishing with further requests from the union.

The news elicited applause in Hollywood, where filmmakers at an awards gala for the Burbank International Film Festival were heard cheering after the announcement was made. As cautious optimism built among writers on picket lines, there had been increasing hope this week that a deal could be struck as progress appeared to have been made on significant issues during the waning days of talks.