SAG-AFTRA announced on Saturday that it had adjourned its 2023 national convention in order to focus on renewed talks with studios, marking a clear commitment to resolving the actors’ strike.
The national convention, which began on Friday, was originally scheduled to run through October 23. However, contract talks had been on pause since October 11 when the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing studios in negotiations with Hollywood guilds, abruptly left the bargaining table.
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SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed disappointment at having to adjourn the convention early but emphasized the urgency of the Negotiating Committee getting back to work to secure a fair contract.
The strike by Hollywood actors has now lasted for 100 days, marking the longest such action against TV and film studios. It has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, disrupting the production of various television shows and movies.
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The strike centers on a proposed streaming revenue-sharing plan by SAG-AFTRA, which suggested allocating $1 per streaming service subscriber to the guild for distribution among its members. Studios opposed this plan, characterizing it as a “Levy” on streaming services.
In response, the union clarified that the proposal averaged to 57 cents per subscriber, disputing the studios’ claims. Additionally, other key issues, such as protections related to artificial intelligence, were not fully resolved when negotiations broke off.
Hopes of ending the strike had increased after the Writers Guild of America reached a historic deal in September. However, negotiations with the actors’ guild had halted, tempering these hopes. The decision to adjourn the convention and return to talks with studios provides renewed optimism that the strike may soon come to an end.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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