On the same day the Writers Guild of America ended its 148-day strike with a 99% ratification of the new contract, negotiations are advancing for SAG-AFTRA, as the 2023 actors strike enters a crucial phase.
A joint statement released on Friday SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) confirmed that talks would persist, with negotiations scheduled to resume on Monday.
This development signals a positive outlook as both parties strive to reach a resolution.
The joint statement read, “SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP met for a full-day bargaining session and have concluded. Negotiations will continue on Friday, October 6, with the parties working internally over the weekend, resuming Monday, October 9.”
After months of labor unrest, SAG-AFTRA initiated negotiations with the AMPTP on Monday, marking the first direct discussions since the strike began in July. In an effort to revitalize the talks, the venue was changed to the union’s national headquarters in Los Angeles, departing from the AMPTP’s Sherman Oaks offices.
Furthermore, industry leaders, including Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and NBCUniversal Studio Group chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley, were brought into the negotiations. Following a brief hiatus on Tuesday, talks resumed last Wednesday and Friday.
On Wednesday, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, took a break from bargaining to address the Federal Trade Commission regarding generative AI’s impact on creative industries—a key concern for the union during the 2023 negotiations.
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In his address, Crabtree-Ireland highlighted what he described as a “double standard” in the use of AI by studios and entertainment companies. He questioned why individuals who infringe on copyright-protected content owned by these corporations face substantial financial and legal consequences, while the reverse does not hold true. Crabtree-Ireland argued that individuals whose intellectual property is employed to train AI algorithms should receive equal protection.
The current round of negotiations sees SAG-AFTRA pushing for the implementation of a “comprehensive set of provisions to protect human-created work and require informed consent and fair compensation when a ‘digital replica’ is made of a performer, or when their voice, likeness, or performance will be substantially changed using AI,” as stated by the union.
With the WGA strike now over, hopes are running high as Hollywood’s largest union continues its efforts to address industry-related issues and secure the rights and compensation of its members.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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