Studio negotiators and writers resumed negotiations yesterday amid rumors the two sides may be ready to kiss and makeup after three weeks of protests and picket lines.

But it could still take several days, or weeks, to craft a deal, because of the complexity of the issues and the mistrust that has characterized previous bargaining sessions, people close to the negotiations say.

"They've got a lot of work to do," said Jonathan Handel, an entertainment-industry attorney and former associate counsel for the Writers Guild of America. "It's time for both sides to buckle down in order to put this town back in business."

An estimated 50 TV shows and a handful of movies have stopped production since the strike began, throwing thousands of people out of work and hurting local businesses.

Some of the most popular programs on television have been shut down, including dramas such as "Cold Case" and "Desperate Housewives," late-night shows and several sitcoms, including "Till Death," "The Office" and "My Name Is Earl."

If the strike lasts another two weeks, virtually all prime-time series and sitcoms shot in Los Angeles will halt production, costing the region's economy an estimated 20 million U.S. dollars a day in direct spending, industry officials said.

While TV networks have been hit hardest, film studios also have been affected. Last week, Warner Bros. postponed production of "Shantaram," starring Johnny Depp, adding to the number of films that have been delayed because scripts won't be ready.