SAG-AFTRA Responds to Studios, as Some Progress Seen Toward Ending Strike
27.10.2023 - 00:39
/ variety.com
Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer SAG-AFTRA delivered its response Thursday to the latest proposal from the major studios, as the two sides appeared to be making progress toward ending the actors strike. The sides are expected to pick up negotiations again on Friday. Both sides are trying to avoid another breakdown in talks, and each one has a strong incentive to get to a deal.
The studios have warned that next year’s summer blockbusters could be postponed, and TV shows could be canceled, if no deal is reached in the coming week. The union sees that as an empty threat, but is also dealing with growing restlessness among its A-list members. On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA reduced its demand for a first-year increase in minimum rates from 11% to 9%.
That inched closer to the studios’ position, which stands at 7%. Still, some cautioned against getting overly optimistic. “Nothing was resolved,” a studio source said.
A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson also issued a brief statement. “SAG-AFTRA declines to comment due to our ongoing negotiations and deep focus on negotiating in good faith to secure a fair deal for SAG-AFTRA members,” the spokesperson said. The two sides are still at odds on many other issues, including artificial intelligence.
Some progress has been seen in that area, though SAG-AFTRA continues to demand that the union be allowed to veto uses of AI in creating digital replicas. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has agreed to obtain consent from performers — though the precise details are still uncertain — but has drawn the line at giving the union a veto as well. There is also a long list of unresolved items that have received less public attention, but which may take considerable time to sort out.
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