- SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are close to ending the actors’ strike after a weekend of negotiations.
- Main issues being negotiated are additional compensation for streaming shows and protection of performers’ likenesses in AI technology use by studios.
- Pickets are scheduled at major studios in Los Angeles and New York City this week.
SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP seem to be in the “final stretch” of reaching an agreement to end the actors’ strike, after extensive negotiations over the weekend. However, both parties are yet to find common ground on key issues such as providing additional compensation for streaming shows and addressing the role of AI in the entertainment industry. The latest statement from the Fran Drescher-led SAG-AFTRA mentioned:
“Over the course of the weekend, we have discussed all open proposals, including AI, with the AMPTP. Both parties will be working independently Monday and re-engage in scheduling at the end of the day. Join us and flood picket lines in the morning. Make your voices heard.”
SAG-AFTRA has also scheduled a full week of pickets at major studios in Los Angeles and New York City. While insiders from both sides have expressed optimism, they also note that some issues still need to be resolved. No comments have been provided regarding the talks by SAG-AFTRA or AMPTP as of now.
Negotiation teams include SAG-AFTRA Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, AMPTP President Carol Lombardini, Disney CEO Bob Iger, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley. SAG-AFTRA has been pushing for fair streaming revenue residuals as well as protecting performers’ likenesses concerning studios’ use of AI.
Crabtree-Ireland had previously criticized Hollywood studios’ proposal for using AI technology, saying, “This ‘groundbreaking’ AI proposal that they gave us yesterday, they proposed that our background performers should be able to be scanned, get one day’s pay, and their companies should own that scan, their image, their likeness and should be able to use it for the rest of eternity on any project they want, with no consent and no compensation. So if you think that’s a groundbreaking proposal, I suggest you think again.”
Reaching an agreement on streaming revenue for actors seems to be the most challenging part of the current deal. Talks officially restarted on October 24th, primarily focusing on minimum rate increases and success-based bonuses for streaming content. With major film releases like Mission: Impossible 8, Disney’s Snow White, and Pixar’s Elio being postponed, studios are feeling the pressure. There are lingering concerns over the $6.5 billion economic loss to California due to the strikes, but studios are hoping for a resolution.