SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher is set to resume negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) next week. Talks will begin on Monday, marking the first discussions since the more than 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA went on strike over two and a half months ago. This comes just one week after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the AMPTP reached a tentative contract agreement.
Drescher expressed satisfaction with the Writers Guild’s agreement but emphasized that each guild has its own unique needs. “We’re happy WGA came to an agreement but one size doesn’t fit all,” Drescher told CNN. “We look forward to resuming talks with the AMPTP.”
During the negotiations, SAG-AFTRA negotiators will meet with several executives from AMPTP member companies to work on new television and theatrical contracts. One of the key issues being addressed is contract changes related to streaming residuals and artificial intelligence. Actors are also seeking better relocation expenses for those working out of state or country, as well as limited long breaks between television seasons to provide greater stability for actors under contract.
The WGA has already voted to authorize its members to return to work following their tentative agreement with the AMPTP, while SAG-AFTRA has remained on strike since July 14. The resumption of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP provides hope for a resolution that would allow actors to return to work in the near future.