Schwarzenegger tries to end Hollywood writers strike

Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking aim at the Hollywood writers strike and trying to settle it.

Photo: Schwarzenegger tries to end Hollywood writers strike

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, known best in his pre-politics days for roles as "The Terminator," said he is talking to both the writers and the studios, urging them to settle the strike that began Monday and has already forced several network shows to stop filming.

The dispute, now in its fifth day, is having a major effect on the state economy, Schwarzenegger said in a Thursday news conference in Sacramento, the state capital.

Schwarzenegger, a former A-list actor, said the writers, union officials and studio executives will not feel the financial crunch as much as electricians, set designers and other behind-the-scenes workers.

The last writers walkout in 1988 lasted 22 weeks and cost the industry $500 million (€341 million).

The entertainment industry contributes an estimated $30 billion (€20.46 billion) a year to the Los Angeles economy, or about $80 million (€55 million) a day.