Negotiations between studios and actors halted due to ‘bully tactics’.

Major Studios and SAG-AFTRA ‍Talks Halted,​ Actors Strike Continues

Just ​as talks between ⁤major studios and SAG-AFTRA seemed to be going well, they came to an abrupt halt,‌ ending hope of resolving the ⁣ongoing actors strike anytime soon.

Industry professionals were ⁢hoping⁤ that​ the recently⁢ ratified contract between the‌ Writers Guild ⁢of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) would spur a similar ​agreement with the actors as both ‌were on strike ⁤at the same time. But now talks are halted, and the work stoppage will continue.

“After ​meaningful‌ conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP ‍and⁤ SAG-AFTRA ‍is too ⁤great,⁣ and conversations ‍are no longer moving ⁢us in a productive direction,” the group said in a statement, per ‌ Deadline. This led ​to those conversations ⁣being ⁣“suspended” ‍for now,⁣ the outlet noted.

The main point of contention seems ‌to be actors receiving compensation for streaming shows.​ The negotiating‍ team for major studios estimated that the‌ proposed resolution would ⁤cost them $2.4 ⁣billion for the ‍length of the three-year‌ contract, or $800 million per year.

“We hope that SAG-AFTRA will reconsider and⁢ return to productive negotiations soon,” the AMPTP statement said.

The statement⁤ also laid out some of the specific items⁤ offered in its proposed ‍contract, which the organization said‌ was similar to that which was ratified recently by WGA. These items included ‍“the highest percentage​ increase in minimums in 35 years, which would⁣ generate​ an ‍additional $717 million⁢ in wages and $177 million in​ contributions to the Pension and Health Plans during the contract term” and “a 58% increase in salaries for major role (guest star) performers wages on High Budget SVOD​ Programs.”

There would also be wage increases ‌for other employment categories, including singers, dancers, ⁤stunt people, and other industry workers. The proposed ⁢contract also included artificial intelligence protections, another major concern that led to the strike ⁣in the first place.

“On common issues, such as general wage increases, High-Budget SVOD⁢ residuals, and viewership ⁤bonuses, the ‌AMPTP​ offered the same terms that were ratified by the DGA‍ and WGA. Yet SAG-AFTRA ⁣rejected these,” the AMPTP statement said.

Meanwhile, the actors union had⁣ a ⁢different take on⁤ how the talks‌ broke down. “We have negotiated with them in‍ good faith,⁤ despite the fact that last ‌week they ⁣presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth​ less than they proposed⁢ before the strike began,” the SAG-AFTRA‍ shared as part of a series of tweets on Thursday.

“We have made​ big, meaningful counters ⁢on our end, including completely transforming our revenue share proposal, which ‌would cost the ⁢companies less ⁢than ⁣57¢ per ​subscriber each year. They have rejected our proposals and refused to counter,” the statement continued. “Instead they use bully tactics. Just tonight, they intentionally misrepresented to the press⁣ the cost of‍ the above⁢ proposal –​ overstating it by 60%.”

How do streaming residuals⁢ differ from ⁤traditional TV ⁣residuals, and why is this a point of contention?

Oductive negotiations,‍ but we ‍cannot afford to agree to terms that would have such a significant impact on our business,” the AMPTP said in ​a‌ statement.

The actors, on the ​other hand, believe that their demands are fair and​ necessary, especially given the‍ rise of streaming platforms and the amount of revenue generated⁣ from online content. They‍ argue that actors deserve ⁣a fair share of the profits from ⁤these platforms, just like they receive compensation for traditional‍ TV ‍and film⁢ projects.

One of ⁤the key points of contention is the residual payments for streaming shows. Currently, actors receive a percentage of the‍ revenue from each additional airing of‍ a ‍traditional TV episode. However, streaming services operate differently, with shows being available ‍on-demand ‍and often being watched multiple times by‍ viewers. Actors argue that they should ⁢receive​ appropriate compensation‌ for each view or streaming of their ‍work.

The issue of streaming residuals is⁣ not ⁣new, and it has been a point of contention between​ actors and studios for several years. While some⁤ progress⁢ has been‍ made in recent negotiations, it ‍seems‌ that⁢ a deal has yet to be reached that satisfies⁣ both parties.

The ongoing actors’ strike has had a ⁢significant impact on the entertainment industry, causing delays in production schedules and affecting ‌the livelihoods of​ actors and crew members. Many popular TV ⁢shows⁢ and films have been put ‍on hold or postponed indefinitely as a result.

It is clear that both the major studios and SAG-AFTRA are⁤ determined​ to stand their ground on this ⁢issue.⁢ While negotiations may have temporarily stalled, it is likely that talks ⁣will resume‍ in the future as both parties recognize ⁣the importance of‍ finding ‌a resolution.

In the meantime, actors and⁤ industry professionals affected by the strike continue to face⁤ financial uncertainty and ⁢challenges.‌ The‍ strike highlights the ongoing⁣ struggle between content ‍creators and distributors in the⁤ rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As the industry continues to navigate these‍ complex issues, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a compromise that ⁤benefits both ‍actors and studios. ⁤The future of the⁣ entertainment industry relies on collaborative efforts and fair agreements that address the changing dynamics of content consumption.

Until then, the strike continues, and audiences eagerly await the resolution of this⁤ impasse to see their favorite shows and performances ‍return to the screen.