SAG-AFTRA Concludes Negotiations with Major Studios, Will Resume Talks in June
SAG-AFTRA recently wrapped up a month of negotiations with major studios without reaching a new contract, with plans to resume talks in June. The outcome was not entirely unexpected, as negotiators had hoped to reach a deal by March.
Both SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP acknowledged the productive bargaining sessions, extending beyond the original schedule. Formal negotiations are set to continue later in the spring before the current contract expires on June 30. The press blackout will be respected, with updates expected in the coming months.
The union initially began talks on Feb. 9, with an original end date of March 6. Despite some positive signs, an additional week was added to the schedule in hopes of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
The upcoming negotiations with the Writers Guild of America, starting in May, served as a deadline for the SAG-AFTRA talks. Subsequent talks with the Directors Guild of America are also scheduled before the June 30 contract expiration date.
Key figures leading the negotiations include Duncan Crabtree-Ireland for SAG-AFTRA and Greg Hessinger for the AMPTP. Discussions have covered various topics, with artificial intelligence emerging as a challenging issue.
SAG-AFTRA is seeking to regulate the use of “synthetic performers,” such as digital avatars like “Tilly Norwood.” Negotiations in 2023 focused on consent and compensation for AI replicas, with a potential “Tilly tax” as a new proposal for this year.
Other issues on the table include health and pension funds, exclusivity windows, and increased residuals on streaming platforms. The negotiation process will continue as both sides work towards a fair and comprehensive agreement.
