The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, and the Hollywood Studios, known as the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), have reached a tentative agreement after almost four months of striking and negotiating. This preliminary agreement, which halted the strike and allowed actors to return to work, was unanimously approved by the SAG-AFTRA leadership and negotiating committee.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive chairman and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, mentioned to Rolling Stone that the possibility of reaching an agreement this week was uncertain until the last moment. The two parties engaged in extensive communication and online meetings over a 10-day period.
“After 118 days on strike and 35 days of negotiations, it has been a lengthy process, but I believe we have achieved our goals,” Crabtree-Ireland stated.
Following the producers’ final offer on November 4, SAG-AFTRA expressed that the agreement did not fully meet their request for AI rights.
The tentative agreement will be presented to the union’s 160,000 members for approval after the SAG-AFTRA National Board votes on it. Crabtree-Ireland discussed the challenging negotiations and key points of the deal, such as wage increases, residuals, and AI protections with Rolling Stone.
The negotiating council, including Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, gathered outside Warner Brothers in Burbank, California, during the negotiations.
The intense and complex environment during the week-long discussions with Hollywood producers was characterized by uncertainty until the last moment. The agreement addressed crucial issues, particularly regarding artificial intelligence.
Regarding AI safeguards, SAG-AFTRA secured provisions ensuring that actors are informed and compensated when their likeness is used through AI technology. Additionally, protections are in place for deceased performers’ images, allowing their estates to approve or disapprove of usage.
The revenue-sharing model, now a streaming-participation benefit, was a contentious topic during negotiations. The agreement aims to provide streaming actors with a sustainable income source.
The agreement introduces significant changes in streaming revenue distribution, potentially impacting residual payments based on the producer’s earnings.
SAG-AFTRA initially requested an 11% pay raise in the first year, but members can now expect “above-style” minimum wage increases, exceeding the initial 5% proposed for the first year.
While the most challenging part is over with the agreement reached, further discussions with the board and membership are necessary to educate and guide members through the significant changes ahead.
