This photo is a metaphor.Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Writers Guild contract negotiations broke down last night before the midnight deadline (presumably so members of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers could go trick-or-treating), and a strike could be called at any minute, possibly as soon as tonight, reports Variety. Vulture buddy Nikki Finke says strike captains have told all WGA members to pack up their personal belongings when they leave work today, ratcheting up fears of a possible box shortage.

Talks reportedly stalled over the issue of DVD residuals — writers now get about four cents from the sale of every disc, and they would like to see this double, particularly since the unrated two-disc special edition of Superbad is being released on December 4.

Strike in Limbo As Contract Expires [Variety]
"Box Up Personal Items When You Leave Work Thursday": WGA's Strike Checklist [Deadline Hollywood Daily]