EXCLUSIVE: Exciting News: SAG-AFTRA and the studios are gearing up for more discussions! While a deal to end the 106-day strike by the 160,000-strong guild may not be reached tonight, talks will continue throughout the weekend. The location of these talks is still undecided, but we’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, it seems that the major studio executives, including Disney’s Bob Iger and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, weren’t entirely impressed with the guild’s latest proposals. But despite this, both sides recognize the importance of continuing the conversation and building on the progress made so far.
In the previous round of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA proposed a charge of approximately 57¢ per subscriber annually for the streamers, which didn’t sit well with the studios. However, they have since put forth an offer that includes increased bonuses based on the success of streaming shows and movies, as well as a rise in minimum rates. Both parties have shown a willingness to compromise, with SAG-AFTRA adjusting their ask from an 11% rise to 9%.
While there hasn’t been much news today, silence can be a good sign as it indicates ongoing discussions. Yesterday’s face-to-face meeting between the studios and the guild left both sides cautiously optimistic about reaching a new deal. However, there are still some sticking points, such as success-based compensation and AI, that need to be addressed.
In a show of solidarity, numerous actors, including Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jon Hamm, and Sarah Paulson, released an open letter stating that they would rather stay on strike than accept a bad deal. This echoes the sentiment expressed by other A-list actors, such as Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, who are ready to strike if necessary. It’s clear that many members of the guild are not willing to make peace with the studios just yet.
The stakes are high for both sides, as a failure to reach a deal in the coming weeks could have devastating consequences for the entertainment industry. With the global production of Hollywood TV shows and films at a standstill, the first half of 2024 could be a complete write-off. Additionally, the California economy has already suffered a $6.5 billion drop since May, along with the loss of 45,000 entertainment industry jobs.
Despite the challenges, actors have always fought for fair compensation in the face of technological advancements. Streaming is no exception, and many actors feel that they haven’t been adequately compensated for their work on streaming platforms. The question remains: where is the money? SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher believes that it lies in the pockets of the CEOs and on the balance sheets of the companies.
So, this weekend, everyone is working hard to find a resolution and ensure that actors are fairly compensated. As the famous Loverboy song from the 1980s goes, “Everybody’s working for the weekend.” Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing negotiation.
