Hollywood has stopped writing.

The Writers Guild of America are on strike, and the American entertainment industry is in trouble.

The last time the WGA went on strike was in 1988, and cost the industry a reported $500 million. This time, the 12,000 member strike could cost at least $1 billion.

In this picture, actress Eva Longoria speaks to the press during a break in filming of her hit show, Desperate Housewives.

Seen behind Eva, in the blue tee-shirt and baseball cap, is Julia Louis-Dreyfus -- best known for playing Elaine in Seinfeld -- who is actively picketing with the writers of her currently-halted show, The New Adventures Of Old Christine.

Photograph: David McNew/Getty Images