Unions representing professional actors are gearing up for contract talks with studios and producers, both sides said in Los Angeles Tuesday.

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In a joint statement, the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers said they would start talks Dec. 6 on a new three-year TV/theatrical contract. Labor and management agreed to a news blackout during the talks, which will be held at AMPTP headquarters in Los Angeles.

The talks -- aimed at producing a contract to replace the one that will expire June 30 -- are likely to be difficult.

The Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America wrapped up recent contract talks without a major fight over getting a larger share of the growing revenue stream from DVD sales and rentals. But SAG President Melissa Gilbert has made it plain her union will bargain hard for a larger slice of the DVD pie.

"It's time for us to be more fairly included in the studios' explosive growth and success," she said.