**Title: SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Remain at a Standstill as AMPTP Delays Response**
*Subtitle: Both Sides Remain Optimistic as Talks Await AMPTP’s Response and Picketers Continue to March*
**Date**: [Current Date]
**Byline**: [Author’s Name]
In the ongoing 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), little progress was made on Thursday as both parties awaited a response from the AMPTP. The recent flurry of rumors suggesting an imminent deal has turned into a waiting game, with no formal talks taking place on the 112th day of the actors’ strike.
According to insiders, the AMPTP has yet to respond to the revised AI proposal sent by the guild on Wednesday, as well as the “comprehensive counter” submitted by SAG-AFTRA on October 28. This lack of response resulted in Guild Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and AMPTP President Carol Lombardini not engaging in formal negotiations today.
Despite the lack of progress, sources on both sides remain optimistic and caution against reading too much into the non-talks of the day. A guild source informed Deadline that a prompt response from the AMPTP would have raised concerns about the seriousness with which the proposals were being considered. The source emphasized that such a waiting period is necessary to achieve a good and fair deal.
No official announcement on further talks has been made, but industry insiders anticipate the AMPTP’s response to be forthcoming. This response is expected to determine the future negotiation schedule.
In a separate area of the negotiations, optimism reigns as both parties seem to have reached a “comfortable place” regarding a streaming financial revenue share for performers. However, specific details about the agreement remain scarce.
As is the norm during these negotiations, neither SAG-AFTRA nor the AMPTP provided any comments or updates to Deadline. The silence from both sides leaves eager industry observers eagerly awaiting any news.
On the picket lines, guild members suspended their activities at Fox and Universal but continued to march at Netflix, Sony, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and Amazon. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland even joined the picketers at Amazon’s Culver City headquarters, showing his support for the cause.
The strike action that began in early May with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and continued with SAG-AFTRA in mid-July has had a profound economic impact on the California entertainment industry. To date, it is estimated that the strikes have cost the state’s economy more than $6.5 billion and resulted in the loss of 45,000 entertainment-sector jobs. Many working families have endured a six-month period without a steady paycheck.
During Paramount Global’s earnings call, CFO Naveen Chopra revealed that the strike-related idle costs for the company amounted to nearly $60 million. These additional expenses were incurred to retain production capabilities during the strike. CEO Bob Bakish further underscored the strike’s impact on the company, explaining the changes made to the film slate due to continued strike effects.
While everyone hopes for a speedy resolution, paramount global CEO Bob Bakish expressed his desire to return to work soon. He has not been directly involved in the negotiations but has received frequent briefings.
The involvement of the core CEO “Gang of Four” from NBCUniversal, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, and Disney in the talks has been temporarily suspended. Negotiations have been handled by negotiators Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Carol Lombardini, with periodic briefings given to the CEOs. However, the CEOs are ready for any sudden developments that might require their presence.
Film and TV production studios are eager to restart projects, particularly those that were halted midway, such as “Deadpool 3,” “Mission: Impossible 8,” and “Gladiator 2.” Despite the limited shooting days remaining in the holiday-filled two months of 2023, efforts are underway in the editing and cutting rooms to ensure a timely release in 2024.
The progress made by the writers and actors in their negotiations will serve as a benchmark for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Teamsters’ talks next year. Both IATSE and the Teamsters have been vocal supporters of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, emphasizing union solidarity.
One of the key concerns for SAG-AFTRA is ensuring that AI rights extend to extras and performers lower on the call sheet. They are determined to prevent the endless replication of members’ likenesses without proper compensation. SAG-AFTRA proposes that AI be used and paid for on a project-by-project basis, safeguarding against exploitation and preserving acting as a viable profession for their vast membership of 160,000.
As negotiations continue, the industry watches eagerly, aware of the potential impact that AI could have on the future of the entertainment business.