SAG-AFTRA Says Hollywood Studios 'Walked Away' From Negotiations

Contract talks between Hollywood studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors' union have come to a halt, aggravating the three-month work stoppage over critical issues like streaming revenue and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

This impasse disrupts efforts to resolve the labor tensions that have brought a substantial portion of US-based film and television production to a standstill, causing significant economic losses in California and leaving numerous crew members without employment.

Suspended Negotiations Between Hollywood Studios and SAG-AFTRA

It must be noted that since July, SAG-AFTRA has been on strike. Negotiations resumed with studios last week after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) concluded its work stoppage, initially raising hopes for a swift resolution with actors.

But late Wednesday, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) announced the suspension of talks following a review of the most recent union proposal.

"Negotiations between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA have been suspended after SAG-AFTRA presented its most recent proposal on October 11," the AMPTP said in a press release.

"After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction," it added.

In response, SAG-AFTRA expressed "deep disappointment" with the industry CEOs' decision to walk away from the bargaining table without presenting a counteroffer. The union said it was taken aback by the studios' latest offer, which was notably less favorable than their pre-strike proposal.

The union voiced concerns over the studios' alleged reluctance to safeguard performers from potential AI replacements, address wage increases in line with inflation, and allocate a modest portion of the substantial revenue generated by performers' contributions.

SAG-AFTRA said it made substantial concessions, including an overhaul of its revenue-sharing proposal, which would entail a cost of less than 57 cents per subscriber annually for the companies. However, these proposals were rejected.

'Bully Tactics'

SAG-AFTRA viewed the studios' tactics as an attempt to mislead members and undermine solidarity.

"Instead they use bully tactics. Just tonight, they intentionally misrepresented to the press the cost of the above proposal - overstating it by 60%. They have done the same with A.I., claiming to protect performer consent, but continuing to demand 'consent' on the first day of employment for use of a performer's digital replica for an entire cinematic universe (or any franchise project)," the union said in a statement.

The union acknowledged the hardships faced by their members and fellow union members from IATSE, Teamsters, and Basic Crafts, reiterating their commitment to resolving the ongoing issues.

They invited members to join picket lines and solidarity events across the country, emphasizing their determination to continue negotiations for as long as necessary. But as of writing, the union said there would be no SAG-AFTRA pickets in New York City or Los Angeles on October 13 due to "safety concerns."