John Wells, executive producer of ''ER'' and ''The West Wing,'' elected president of WGA West on a get-tough platform. Wells asks members not to write extra scripts. Talks start with a news blackout after Wells says the two-week deadline could be dropped if there is progress. Revamped proposals exchanged.
Talks nearly break down over foreign residuals.
It is the first of 30 such meetings. Directors Guild reiterates criticism of WGA creative rights proposals but agrees to some limits on the ''a film by'' credit. Talks resume with news blackout.