After deliberating for reportedly 12 hours, Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is poised to deliver its response to the studios’ “last, best, and final” offer. The details of the union’s counterproposal have yet to be revealed.
While an immediate deal may not be in sight, both SAG-AFTRA and the studios are actively working towards a fresh round of negotiations, possibly within hours.
“Dear SAG-AFTRA Members,
The TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee analyzed and thoroughly discussed the AMPTP’s counter proposal all day and well into the night and will continue our deliberations on Monday.
We will keep you updated.
In solidarity and deep gratitude,
Your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee”
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The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing the studios, conveyed in a Zoom meeting last Saturday that the current offer stands as their ultimate proposition and that they will not engage in further negotiations. This “last, best, and final” offer introduced by the studios includes provisions like a success bonus for streaming shows, increased minimum rates, and crucial protections related to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
While the studios and the entertainment community await SAG-AFTRA’s response on Day 116, some members of the union’s negotiating committee have expressed their discontent with the offer on social media. Four committee members even retweeted a call for high-profile actors to exert pressure on studio CEOs to return with a more favorable deal.
The studios have made it clear that if an agreement is not reached soon, it could impact their 2024 summer movie schedules and the upcoming television season, which has already faced disruptions. The hope is that if SAG-AFTRA accepts the deal, production can resume in mid-January, although executives have cautioned that this might not be enough to save 13-episode seasons of some broadcast shows.
REELated:
One of the central themes of the recent negotiations has been the utilization of AI technology in the industry. SAG-AFTRA is pushing for greater control over AI uses, particularly in the creation of “digital doubles.” They are advocating for minimum pay rates for AI-generated digital likenesses and stringent consent requirements.
Sources suggested to Deadline that virtual discussions could resume later today, extending into the night, though specific meeting times have yet to be formally set as of now. The participation of key executives like NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Disney’s Bob Iger, and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos is currently uncertain.
While the industry awaits SAG-AFTRA’s response to the studios’ “last, best, and final” offer, the union continues its strike actions, with picketing scheduled in New York and Los Angeles through Thursday. A break in picketing is scheduled for Friday to observe Veterans Day.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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