Waiting Game.

IT's getting harder to fathom the rationale behind the unwillingness of the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild to sit down at the table with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

Yes, the parties are miles apart and stuck in a residual quagmire, but there's no way that can change unless the parties start talking. It's also a certainty that all the parties -- and the region -- have much to lose if no deals can be made.

Assurances by the guilds and producers that strikes are not a forgone conclusion are growing increasingly hollow. The threat of a work stoppage has created an environment in which a de facto strike now exists. And the natives are getting restless. Despite claims of near unanimity, guild members and others whose livelihoods are television and film production are losing patience.

The WGA seems to be betting that ratcheting up the deadline pressure will force concessions from the producers. It's a dangerous ploy that seems especially ill-conceived given the amount of programming -- much of it unscripted -- that the studios already have in the can.

Meanwhile, beset by infighting, SAG has taken a seat on the sidelines. Although its contract doesn't expire until July 1, there is no reason for actors to wait to begin hashing out the complicated residuals issues that will be the focus of its negotiations.

The AMPTP and the guilds will all have to make concessions before new deals are struck, but right now the producers are the only party ready to talk. The guilds need to take their seats at the table, and take them now.