SAG-AFTRA began negotiations with major studios on Monday to improve the remaining terms of AI and streaming it won during the 2023 strike.
As is customary, the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are monitoring the press blackout to avoid public negotiations.
Talks typically begin with an exchange of proposals, followed by several days of consideration. On Saturday, the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors met and unanimously approved the union’s proposal package.
Before formulating the proposal, the union held several weeks of “wage and working conditions” meetings to solicit member feedback. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin has also been speaking with members in recent months about job losses and other issues.
“This negotiating package is rooted in those conversations,” Astin said over the weekend. “As we begin negotiations with AMPTP, we are united, prepared, and focused on ensuring protections that reflect the realities of today’s industry and the value our members bring to the industry every day.”
SAG-AFTRA plans to hold negotiations with AMPTP until March 6, but the deal could be extended several days beyond that if progress is made. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement by then, the project will return to the table this spring after negotiations with the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
The SAG-AFTRA contract expires on June 30th. In 2023, the union obtained protection for the use of AI to alter or create an actor’s performance. But unions have had little protection against “synthetic performers” who don’t resemble anyone in particular. The union aims to strengthen these protections. Other issues include streaming residue, self-recorded auditions, and health benefits.
The DGA announced its support for SAG-AFTRA on Monday.
A DGA spokesperson said: “Directors, directing teams, performers and all creative workers share a common goal of ensuring fair pay, world-class retirement and health benefits, meaningful workplace protections, sustainable careers, and a future where all of our contributions are respected and valued.” “We are committed to supporting SAG-AFTRA’s fight for fair contracts that recognize our members’ significant contributions to the entertainment industry.”
