Hollywood chiefs are scrambling to prevent an actors strike with last-minute calls. Endeavor boss Ari Emanuel and CAA chief Bryan Lourd have made an offer to help broker a deal between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. Their goal is not just to stop a strike, but to find a way forward for everyone involved, according to a source close to the situation.
The union has been receptive to Emanuel’s outreach and wants to involve him in the negotiation process as talks reach their final hours before the current contract expires on July 12. In an effort to smooth the path to a deal with the actors, the idea of top agency bosses stepping in instead of the writers makes sense, given the tension that still exists between many agents and writers due to the WGA and ATA standoff.
To help with the situation, the AMPTP, led by Carol Lombardini, has suggested bringing in federal mediators. This proposal has been approved by studio chiefs including Bob Iger from Disney, Ted Sarandos from Netflix, and David Zaslav from Warner Bros. Discovery. If it takes a third-party perspective to reach an agreement, so be it, says the source.
The focus in Hollywood right now is on whether the actors will strike a deal or join the writers on the picket lines. Bringing in federal mediators could potentially lead to another extension of talks, but as of now, nothing has been agreed upon with SAG-AFTRA.
In the midst of all this, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher found herself in a furor after being photographed at an Italian fashion show with Kim Kardashian just days before the deadline.
As previously reported, AI and streaming transparency are the main sticking points between the two sides. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of the entertainment industry.
