Turning up the pressure on SAG to start contract talks as soon as possible, the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers has announced that it's ready to begin bargaining.

"The strike is over," Patric Verrone said, dispassionately but with the hint of a smile. "Our membership has voted. Writers can go back to work."

The DGA's reached a tentative deal with the AMPTP, following six days of negotiations.

The pact was announced early Thursday afternoon amid widespread expectations that the helmers would reach an agreement with the majors.