SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers will meet for further negotiations in the former’s ongoing strike, the parties announced on Wednesday.
“SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP met for a full day bargaining session and have concluded. Negotiations will continue on Friday, Oct. 6, with the parties working internally over the weekend, resuming Monday Oct 9,” a joint statement said.
The studios and streamers and the guild concluded its second session of talks at SAG-AFTRA’s Miracle Mile headquarters in Los Angeles, with little detail coming about the framework for a potential deal — or, more importantly, what might be holding it up.
The mood in Hollywood is equally panicked and exasperated as the industry awaits on outcome from the negotiations. After the Writers Guild of America reached a deal in late September, many have been cautiously realigning calendars and preparing to spring back into action. This not only includes a log-jam of shuttered productions, but also an attempt to salvage the film awards season by trotting out star talent.
SAG-AFTRA is seeking a favorable new three-year contract from the producers. Key deal points include increased protection for actors from advancing AI technology, as well as unprecedented profit participation from streaming revenue. The WGA was successful is seeking similar points.
Leading the talks for SAG-AFTRA is executive vice president Duncan Crabtree Ireland and union president and “The Nanny” star Fran Drescher. AMPTP president Carol Lombardini is representing the producers. As with the WGA talks, top media CEOs are also at the table, notably: NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Disney’s Bob Iger, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav.
