Title: Hollywood Suspended in Negotiations Between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood Studios
Date: November 2, 2023
Hollywood remains on the edge of its seat as negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) continue. The talks, which entered a critical phase on Thursday, involve crucial matters such as artificial intelligence (AI), among others.
According to a source from the union side, negotiations were still ongoing as of Wednesday evening, with focus placed on the AI issue that has become a sticking point in the contract talks. Notably, Hollywood CEOs have been absent from the negotiation table, while AMPTP president Carol Lombardini led the discussions on behalf of management.
Although progress is being made, a studio-side source reported slow movement in the negotiations as of Wednesday. The Negotiating Committee representing SAG-AFTRA met to discuss and finalize their response to AMPTP’s AI counter-proposal. Subsequently, they presented their revised proposal to AMPTP representatives during a three-hour meeting. However, the union still awaits a comprehensive counter-proposal package from AMPTP, which was submitted on Saturday in response to outstanding issues.
Despite hurdles, a deal appeared imminent as of Tuesday. While guardrails on AI usage by entertainment companies remained a significant point of contention, several prominent actors suggested that a tentative agreement could soon be reached. However, it was acknowledged that resolving the remaining deal points might require a few more days.
In a show of solidarity, members of SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee joined president Fran Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland for a crowded “Unity Picket” outside Disney Studios in Burbank before negotiations on Wednesday. With signs reading phrases such as “Your offer was bananas!” and “Bxtch Betta Have My MONEY,” picketers chanted “one day longer / one day stronger.” Drescher highlighted the support from other entertainment unions like IATSE and the Teamsters in a video message. She also addressed reports about her negotiating style, emphasizing her ability to lead with intellect, wisdom, empathy, and authenticity while holding a plush heart-shaped toy called ‘love.’
Hollywood eagerly awaits the outcome of these negotiations as the industry seeks to navigate the complex landscape of AI implementation and ensure a fair deal for all parties involved.
[Source: Hollywood Reporter]