Negotiations are set to continue on Wednesday as the studios aim to salvage the 2024 summer box office amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The union resumed bargaining on Tuesday after almost two weeks of a deadlock that has led to a 103-day strike. The studios delivered a new offer on the most contentious issue, streaming residuals, in hopes of breaking the impasse. In response, SAG-AFTRA informed its members that talks would continue the next day and urged them not to believe anything they read in the press unless it comes directly from the union.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers also responded to the union last week regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence. The two sides have been at odds over issues such as minimum compensation for digital replicas and the scope of consents needed for their use, as well as AI training.
With the combined writers and actors strikes just a week away from lasting six months, the studios are eager to reach a deal within the next ten days to save the summer movie season and part of the 2023-24 TV season. If the strike extends into November, it is feared that more film releases will be delayed, and there will be little chance of producing even half a season of network TV.
Disney CEO Bob Iger’s call to invite SAG-AFTRA back to the table buoyed the union’s leadership on Saturday. However, the union has faced significant pressure to end the strike in the past week. A group of A-listers, led by George Clooney, presented an alternate set of proposals to the union, which were subsequently rejected. Additionally, Zachary Quinto, known for his roles in “Star Trek” and “Margin Call,” posted an Instagram video urging members to support leadership and emphasized the importance of solidarity in negotiations.
Amidst these developments, several members of the negotiating committee expressed gratitude for Quinto’s support. As negotiations resume, the future of the entertainment industry hangs in the balance, with both sides eager to reach a compromise and save the summer box office.