EXCLUSIVE: SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, responded to AMPTP’s recent statement that disputes the guild’s claims about the studios’ final offer before the strike. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con, Crabtree-Ireland stated, “I’ll certainly tell you, we haven’t said anything that’s been misleading. We put together a chart that accurately reflects the proposals we made and the counters they made.” He emphasized that the 12-page comparison document released on July 17 is accurate and stands by it, calling out the AMPTP for their refusal to engage meaningfully. Crabtree-Ireland also mentioned that their “last offer” to the AMPTP was around 70 pages long. “The general thrust of it is completely correct.”
SAG-AFTRA’s strike began on July 14, with 160,000 members participating after a 12-day extension past the original contract expiration date. This marks the first time since 1960 that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have gone on strike together. While the actors union has not yet responded to AMPTP’s statement, Crabtree-Ireland expressed that the companies have not treated performers fairly and a deal will not be reached until they do. He discussed the stonewalling experienced at the bargaining table and the upcoming picket lines.
Crabtree-Ireland, who has been actively present on picket lines in LA and NYC, attended SDCC for a panel with voice-over actors to discuss the threat of AI to their careers. AI has been a significant point of contention in the negotiations between the actors union, the WGA, and the studios and streamers.
