After a pause in negotiations on October 11, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and Hollywood studios have announced their return to the bargaining table. The two parties plan to resume discussions on Tuesday, October 24, at the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, marking a significant development in the ongoing strike.
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The guild sent an email to members on Saturday:
“Dear Fellow Members,
As we mark the 100th day of our strike, we are pleased to confirm the company executives have asked us to return to the table. Official negotiations will resume on Tuesday, October 24.
It is clear that the strength and solidarity shown by our members has sent an unmistakable message to the CEOs. As we have repeatedly said, we are ready, willing and able to engage on a moment’s notice to meet and to work across the table to achieve a deal that is worthy of your sacrifice. Including this morning, just as our bi-annual SAG-AFTRA Convention is underway.
In the coming days there will likely be a lot of interest and potentially noise surrounding our talks. Do not believe anything you hear until it comes from us.
We are focused.
We are determined.
We will not waver.
One day longer.
One day stronger.
As long as it takes.”
The negotiations had been previously disrupted when the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) cited a significant gap between the union and the studios as the reason for the impasse. The primary point of contention was a revenue-sharing proposal from SAG-AFTRA related to streaming. The union initially proposed allocating 2 percent of revenue generated by specific titles on streaming platforms to their casts, a proposal rejected outright by the AMPTP.
However, on October 11, SAG-AFTRA adjusted its request, suggesting charging a set fee per subscriber (less than 57 cents) on streaming services and distributing those funds among actors whose projects appear on these platforms. Talks fell apart after Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos described this proposal as “a bridge too far.”
REELated:
Various other issues contributed to the deadlock, including concerns over the use of AI and obtaining actor consent for digital doubles in franchise projects. The minimum wage increases were also a point of contention, with SAG-AFTRA seeking an 11 percent increase in the first year of the contract, while the studios had offered increases similar to those accepted by the Directors Guild of America and Writers Guild of America: 5 percent in the first year and 4 and 3.5 percent in the second and third years, respectively.
These unresolved matters will be central to the renewed negotiations, as both parties aim to find common ground and bring the strike to an end. The strike, now in its 100th day, has impacted the entertainment industry, leading to calls for a swift resolution and a return to business as usual.
Prominent SAG-AFTRA member George Clooney, in an appearance at a Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet event, expressed concern over the breakdown in talks and urged the studios to rejoin the negotiations. Clooney emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “At least get in the room. Don’t take a vacation.”
Clooney, along with a group of A-listers, had proposed that high-earning members pay more in dues to support the union’s financial needs during the strike. However, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher later clarified that this offer wouldn’t be legally compatible with the union’s contract with the AMPTP and would not impact the ongoing strike negotiations.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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