EXCLUSIVE: The SAG-AFTRA negotiations took a pause today, leaving everyone in suspense. Despite the rumors of a nearly finalized deal between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP, today was a day of waiting, according to an insider. The studios remained silent on this 112th day of the actors’ strike, not responding to the guild’s revised AI proposal or their comprehensive counter. As a result, no formal talks occurred between negotiators Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Carol Lombardini.
However, both sides remain optimistic and caution against reading too much into today’s lack of talks. A guild source explained, “If they got back to us in a couple of hours, then I’d think they weren’t taking [the proposals] seriously. This is how it should work if we want to get to a good and fair deal.” While no further talks have been scheduled, it is expected that the AMPTP will respond “soon-ish,” which will determine the next steps in the negotiation process.
In other news, there seems to be progress in reaching a comfortable agreement on a streaming financial revenue share for performers, although details are still scarce. Both SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP declined to comment on these developments.
On the picket lines, guild members marched at various studios, including Netflix, Sony, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and Amazon. Guild chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland even joined the picket line at Amazon’s Culver City headquarters.
The strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have taken a toll on the California economy, costing over $6.5 billion and 45,000 entertainment-sector jobs. Many working families have gone without a steady paycheck for six months.
During Paramount Global’s earnings call, CFO Naveen Chopra revealed that the strikes have resulted in nearly $60 million of strike-related idle costs for the company. CEO Bob Bakish acknowledged the impact on the company’s film slate and scripted TV shows, expressing hope for a swift resolution.
While the CEOs of major studios have not been directly involved in recent negotiations, they remain on standby for any last-minute meetings. The progress made by writers and actors in their dealmaking will set the foundation for future negotiations with IATSE and the Teamsters.
The issue of AI rights remains a priority for SAG-AFTRA. The guild aims to protect not only top talent but also extras and performers at the bottom of the call sheet. They insist on fair compensation and informed consent for the use of their likeness in AI projects. The guild proposes that AI be used and paid on a project-by-project basis to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of the acting profession.
As negotiations continue, the industry anxiously awaits the resumption of feature and TV production. Filmmakers are already working on editing existing footage while preparing for upcoming talks with IATSE. The outcome of the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will have a significant impact on the future of the entertainment industry.
