Los AngelesCNN
Another potential strike looms on the horizon in Hollywood following a year marked by actors and writers taking to the picket lines.
Negotiations for a new contract between the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), a union representing musicians in the entertainment industry, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are set to commence on Monday.
The AFM aims to secure a contract that aligns with the evolving landscape of streaming media, emphasizing the need for AI protection, enhanced wages, improved healthcare benefits, better working conditions, and fair residual payments for streamed content.
Musicians involved in soundtrack recordings reportedly face a significant decline of 75% in earnings from streaming platforms due to reduced residual income. The union highlighted the substantial shift in the entertainment industry towards streaming media, underscoring the disparity in compensation for musicians.
Tino Gagliardi, President and lead negotiator of AFM, emphasized the union’s commitment to advocating for musicians’ rights, stating, “Our musicians have been experiencing salary reductions due to changes in the business model. It is imperative that we address this issue to ensure our members can sustain their livelihoods.”
With approximately 70,000 members in the United States and Canada, AFM represents instrumental musicians across various domains such as orchestras, bands, clubs, and theaters, contributing to music production for films, TV shows, commercials, and other platforms.
Gagliardi stressed the importance of equitable treatment for these essential workers, asserting, “Music is the heart and soul of our favorite productions, and it is crucial that these workers are treated fairly and compensated appropriately.”
In response, AMPTP expressed optimism for constructive negotiations with AFM to reach an agreement that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of musicians to the film and television industry.
The AFM is gearing up for negotiations with a news conference, rally, and musical performance scheduled in front of the AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.
The impending negotiations by AFM follow extensive strikes in 2023 by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), lasting nearly five and four months, respectively.
Furthermore, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), representing over 170,000 production crew members, faces a contract expiration in July, with the possibility of a strike looming. Matthew Loeb, the guild’s president, hinted at potential action, emphasizing the readiness of members to advocate for their rights.
Considering the significant impact a prolonged strike could have on studios and the California economy, particularly after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the strikes in 2023, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments.
Gagliardi underscored the solidarity among industry professionals, stating, “We are united in our cause and determined to stand together for a better future.”
