Negotiations between the leaders of SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP show promising progress, raising hopes that Hollywood could avoid a second strike.
In a recent video message to members, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged the positive trajectory of the talks without disclosing specific details.
Drescher expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating, “We are having an extremely productive negotiation that is laser-focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you.” The discussions with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers commenced on June 7 and have drawn considerable attention in light of the ongoing writers’ strike that began on May 2.
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While the writers’ strike has already halted almost all scripted production in Los Angeles, an actors’ strike could potentially cause even greater upheaval in the film and TV industry. If an agreement can be reached with the actors, it would likely increase the pressure on the Writers Guild of America and the AMPTP to resolve their standoff. Guild leaders have stated that they would not be bound by terms negotiated by other guilds.
Actors have been vocal in their support of writers and have similar demands to improve pay and working conditions, which they argue have been negatively impacted during the streaming era. SAG-AFTRA members have already granted their leaders the authority to call for a strike if a new film and TV contract cannot be reached before the current one expires on June 30.
The last actors’ strike took place in 2000 over a dispute regarding their commercials contract, while the previous major strike against film and TV studios occurred in 1980.
Despite the existing tensions, SAG-AFTRA leaders remain optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement that would prevent another walkout. Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged the limited time left before the contract expires and expressed hope, saying, “We remain optimistic that we will be able to bring the studios, networks, and streamers along to make a fair deal.”
Representing around 160,000 performers and broadcasters, SAG-AFTRA is seeking increased wages to counter inflation, higher residuals from streaming, and safeguards against the use of AI. Additionally, the union aims to strengthen contributions to its health and pension plans and reduce the prevalence of self-taped auditions, a trend that gained momentum during the pandemic.
The video message was initially reported by Deadline.
