SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood’s largest employers are set to begin formal bargaining talks following the performers union’s strike on July 14. These negotiations will focus on crucial issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), streaming residuals, and minimum rate hikes.
The talks, which will take place at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, will feature senior industry executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. With the recent settlement reached by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), there is hope that this agreement can lay the groundwork for SAG-AFTRA’s upcoming negotiations.
Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA, has emphasized the importance of addressing actors’ specific needs in the new contract. Following the WGA’s successful contract negotiations, where they secured wins on key priorities and improved payment terms for screenwriters, SAG-AFTRA aims to achieve similar goals. One major focus for the union is advocating for improved payment terms for vulnerable members, given the impact of inflation on working actors’ finances.
In addition to payment terms, SAG-AFTRA will also address the regulation of generative artificial intelligence and the reuse of actor likenesses using rendering technologies. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, it is crucial for the union to ensure that actors’ rights are protected in this digital era.
Moreover, SAG-AFTRA is pushing for a boost in streaming residuals and a low double-digit hike in minimums. With the rise of streaming platforms and their increasing popularity, the union recognizes the need to adequately compensate actors for their work in these mediums.
As negotiations commence, both SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood’s largest employers have a significant task ahead. Balancing the demands of the performers union and the economic considerations of the industry will require careful deliberation and compromise. However, with the recent successes of the WGA’s negotiations, there is hope that SAG-AFTRA can secure a favorable outcome for its members, ensuring fair treatment and improved conditions for actors in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment business.
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