Negotiators representing Hollywood studios and actors met on Tuesday for the first time since November, hoping to kick-start talks that have triggered a bitter split at the Screen Actors Guild.

The union, which has been working without a TV/theatrical contract since the old one expired on June 30, is divided between moderates who favor a quick resolution to the impasse and hardliners opposed to the negotiations and any resultant tentative agreement.

The moderates won a key battle last month by forcing the ouster of SAG's executive director and chief negotiator Doug Allen, and the negotiating committee.

The recast team, led by new chief negotiator John McGuire, met the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) at the latter's offices in Sherman Oaks. Both sides did not comment on the talks' progress. Talks are also scheduled for Wenesday.

Small, simultaneous rallies with the opposing SAG causes took place outside the venue.