UDPATED with SAG-AFTRA statement: The actors strike, now in its 116th day, shows no signs of ending soon. The guild has stated that there are still several important issues, including AI, that have not been resolved. They promise to keep members informed as negotiations continue. Here is the full letter:
The guild’s response to the studios’ “last, best & final” offer was delivered earlier today. New negotiations are being scheduled, possibly starting tonight. AI has been a major point of contention since the beginning of talks, with concerns about the effectiveness of protections in a new deal. Studio executives acknowledge that AI is not foolproof and anticipate further negotiations with other unions in the coming months.
PREVIOUS EXCLUSIVE, 2:38 PM: While a deal may not be reached tonight, SAG-AFTRA and the studios are preparing for new negotiations. Both sides are expected to meet virtually later today and possibly into the night. The exact meeting times have not been confirmed yet, but they are expected to be set soon. It is unclear if the CEOs of major studios will be involved in these talks.
This potential meeting comes after SAG-AFTRA responded to the studios’ “last, best and final” offer. The response was measured, according to a guild member, as they reviewed the proposal over the weekend. Studio insiders remain optimistic about reaching an agreement and believe that talks could continue into this week. The studios’ offer includes significant wage increases for actors, increased performance compensation for streaming series and films, and “full” AI protections.
Despite the studios’ efforts, a deal has not been reached yet. One insider on the studio side expressed disappointment as they had to cancel a scheduled production.
You may recall that the ongoing strike has caused significant disruptions in TV and film production. SAG-AFTRA pickets have been active, shutting down shoots and enforcing union rules. The combination of the writers strike and the actors strike has cost the California economy billions of dollars and resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs.
If a new deal is reached, it remains uncertain how quickly actors can return to work and promote new projects. With 160,000 members in SAG-AFTRA, the logistics of returning to work during a contract ratification period may be more challenging compared to the smaller WGA. In the meantime, SAG-AFTRA members and their allies continue to picket in Los Angeles and New York.
This week will also see Warner Bros Discovery and Disney facing scrutiny from Wall Street as they release their quarterly earnings and look ahead to the future.
