SAG-AFTRA negotiations hit a snag as studios walk out.

Major Film ⁢and Television Studios Give ‍Up on Negotiating⁤ with Performers’ Union

The Alliance Of ⁤Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) made a surprising announcement on Wednesday, revealing that they have decided ⁢to walk away ​from talks ​with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG)​ and American Federation of ⁢Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) after five days of negotiations. The ⁢AMPTP stated that the⁣ gap between the two parties was too wide and that further conversations were ⁢no longer⁤ productive.

Studios and ​Union Clash Over Proposals

SAG-AFTRA responded to the⁣ AMPTP’s decision by expressing their disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter. They claimed‌ to have made significant counteroffers, including a revamped revenue share proposal that would cost the companies less than 57¢ per subscriber ‌annually. However, the ⁣studios⁢ rejected their proposals and refused to make any⁣ counteroffers of their own.

The AMPTP criticized SAG-AFTRA’s offer, stating that⁤ it would create​ an economic burden ⁢of ‌over $800 million per year. In response,​ SAG-AFTRA accused the studios of exaggerating the cost ⁤by 60%.

Contentious Issues and Consequences

The AMPTP’s final offer before​ ending the talks included substantial wage increases, pension and health benefits totaling $177 million,‌ and ⁣advanced consent for the use of ⁤AI-generated digital replicas. However, SAG-AFTRA argued that performers hired ​for franchises would still need to give consent ⁣on their first day⁤ of employment.

While the negotiations‌ continue, the strike ‌has had repercussions⁤ beyond SAG-AFTRA members. Non-union members, like podcast ⁤producer and director Evelien Kong, have also been affected as they‍ are unable‌ to ⁣hire performers for their projects. Kong⁢ expressed gratitude for the unity among those involved but emphasized the importance of being able to ​make a living.

Contrasting Agreements with Other⁤ Guilds

In contrast to the ongoing dispute with SAG-AFTRA, the ⁤AMPTP has reached agreements with⁣ the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Director’s Guild ⁤of America (DGA). The AMPTP claimed that they offered the same terms that were⁤ ratified by the DGA and WGA, including general wage ‌increases, High-Budget subscription video on demand residuals, and⁢ viewership bonuses.

SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for 90 days, but even during the strike, union members are allowed to appear ​on talk shows, variety programs, televised competitions, and similar platforms.

Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.

What are the specific demands made by SAG-AFTRA that ‌the studios deem excessive and unrealistic?

Ent and frustration. The union accused the studios of being ⁢unwilling to make fair and reasonable proposals that would benefit their members. SAG-AFTRA also criticized the studios for their lack of flexibility and refusal to negotiate ⁤on important⁣ issues, such as streaming residuals and workplace harassment protections.

On the other‌ hand, ​the studios argue that SAG-AFTRA’s demands‍ are excessive⁤ and⁤ unrealistic. They claim that the union’s ‍proposed increases in wages and‌ benefits would place an unsustainable financial burden on the studios and lead to widespread layoffs and budget ‍cuts. The studios also contend that SAG-AFTRA’s position ⁣on streaming residuals disregards​ the current economic realities of the industry.

Implications⁤ for Performers

The breakdown in negotiations ‍has‍ significant implications for performers‌ in⁤ the film and television industry.‌ Without a new collective bargaining agreement, actors and other performers ⁤will continue to work under⁢ the terms of the previous contract, which expired in⁣ June.‍ This⁤ means that they will not benefit from any potential improvements or updates to their wages, working conditions, and‌ contractual protections.

Furthermore, the lack of⁤ progress​ in negotiations raises concerns about future projects and employment⁤ opportunities for actors. ⁢If the‍ studios and ‌SAG-AFTRA​ cannot reach a mutual agreement, it could result in delays or cancellations of upcoming productions, affecting not only performers but also crew members, production companies, and the overall industry.

Media Landscape Changing

The ongoing dispute between the studios⁤ and SAG-AFTRA reflects broader ​challenges and changes in the media landscape.‍ As streaming platforms and online content continue to gain popularity, traditional studios are faced​ with new economic ⁢and distribution models. With the rise of streaming services, the studios argue that ‍their revenue⁢ streams have been significantly impacted, necessitating cost-saving measures.

On the other hand, performers argue that they ⁢should receive fair compensation ⁣for their work, regardless of the platform on which it⁤ is distributed. They believe that as the industry evolves,⁣ their contracts and working conditions should also adapt to reflect the changing landscape.

The relationship⁢ between studios and unions has always been complex, with both parties having their⁣ own interests and priorities. However, as the negotiations between AMPTP ‌and SAG-AFTRA reach an impasse, it is clear that finding common ground is becoming increasingly challenging.

What’s Next?

With the studios and SAG-AFTRA unable to ‍reach ⁤an agreement, the‍ next‍ steps remain uncertain. It is possible that both‍ parties could return to⁣ the negotiating ⁣table in the future, with⁤ a renewed willingness to find a compromise. However, there ⁢is also the possibility​ of⁤ further disagreements and potential ‍industrial action by SAG-AFTRA members.

In the meantime,⁣ performers and their representatives will continue to advocate for fair treatment and compensation. The ‌outcome of this dispute has far-reaching ⁢implications not only for the industry but also for the relationship between major studios and performers. The ⁤resolution‌ of these issues will shape the future of‌ the film and television industry and impact the lives and careers of countless performers.