Oct. 16, 2023

Actors Strike Unresolved as Talks Collapse

Talks on the actors’ strike took a hit as the union and major Hollywood studios have suspended negotiations, meaning the production of shows and films could remain on hold. By: Dylan Low

The actors’ union SAG AFTRA have gone on strike since July, bargaining for issues such as compensation and the industry use of artificial intelligence.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) claim to have paused talks, saying, “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.”

SAG-AFTRA have retaliated, accusing AMPTP for “bully tactics” and stating, “Industry CEOs have walked away from the bargaining table after refusing to counter our latest offer.”

The studios then responded claiming SAG-AFTRA had unrealistic requests, with one of their proposals attesting to a success-based viewership bonus will value higher than US$800m per year, which AMPTP says will “create an untenable economic burden.”

The actors’ union then responded by distributing a letter to their members, which says that AMPTP had overestimated and misrepresented the cost by 60%. According to US media, they were "profoundly disappointed" the strike talks have been abruptly stopped.

SAG-AFTRA then released a statement, "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.”

This breakdown in talks between both parties could mean film and television productions this upcoming autumn remain put off.

 

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