LOS ANGELES —  The union for striking Hollywood writers said Wednesday it is pursuing agreements with several small independent producers that would allow at least some of its members to begin returning to work.

John Bowman, chief negotiator for the Writers Guild of America, said he hopes to have deals in place in time to make an announcement next week. He said the agreements would address writers' demands to be compensated for work that appears on the Internet.

Negotiations between the guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke off on Dec. 7. On Saturday the guild said it would attempt to go around the AMPTP and negotiate directly with the producers.

Bowman spoke with reporters after a City Council committee urged both sides to return to the bargaining table.