SAG-AFTRA’s TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee is awaiting a response from studios regarding their AI counterproposal and comprehensive counterproposal to the AMPTP. Although today was a day of non-talks, sources believe that the studios are reviewing the proposals put forth by the guild. The negotiations will continue tomorrow, marking the 113th day of the actors’ strike. Talks may extend into the weekend, and studio CEOs are on standby for further discussions. Streaming revenue share terms between the guild and the studios are reportedly at a good place, but details remain undisclosed.
On Thursday, there were no formal talks between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. The AMPTP has not responded to the revised AI proposal or the comprehensive counterproposal sent by SAG-AFTRA. However, sources on both sides remain optimistic and warn against reading too much into today’s lack of talks. The AMPTP is expected to respond soon, which will determine the negotiation schedule.
On the picket line, guild members were marching at various studios, including Netflix, Sony, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and Amazon. The picket line was down at Fox and suspended at Universal. The ongoing strike has cost the California economy over $6.5 billion and 45,000 entertainment-sector jobs.
Paramount Global stated that the strike has resulted in nearly $60 million of strike-related idle costs, impacting the company’s TV media and film entertainment segments. The strike has also affected Paramount’s film slate and scripted TV production.
Negotiations have been primarily conducted by Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the guild’s chief negotiator, and Carol Lombardini, the AMPTP president. The CEOs of major studios, including NBCUniversal, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, and Disney, have not participated in recent talks but remain on standby for potential future discussions.
The progress made in the negotiations between the guilds and the studios will serve as a precedent for future talks with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Teamsters next year. Both IATSE and the Teamsters have supported the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, emphasizing union solidarity.
One of the key issues in the negotiations is the protection of actors’ rights regarding AI usage. SAG-AFTRA aims to ensure informed consent and fair compensation for the use of performers’ image and likeness in AI-generated content. The guild’s demand includes payment on a project-by-project basis to prevent abuse and maintain the profession of acting for its members.
As negotiations continue, both sides remain hopeful for a favorable resolution while considering the potential impact on the industry. The response from studios regarding the guild’s proposals will set the tone for future discussions and negotiations.