Hollywood’s biggest stars meet with SAG-AFTRA to discuss failed negotiations with studios and streamers.

Hollywood’s biggest stars meet with SAG-AFTRA to discuss failed negotiations with studios and streamers.

• Hollywood’s biggest stars met with SAG-AFTRA guild officials via Zoom to discuss the failed negotiations.
• George Clooney, Emma Stone, Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry, and Scarlett Johansson attended, offering their support and raising questions.
• The agents sought a new three-year contract, but the CEO Gang of Four suspended deliberations due to disagreements over revenue sharing and AI.
• Last week, SAG-AFTRA proposed changes to benefit actors from streaming content, but the AMPTP disputed the estimated cost.
• This meeting shed light on the ongoing efforts by the union to ensure fair compensation for its members.

George Clooney, Emma Stone, Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry, and Scarlett Johansson, among other top talent guild members, had a detailed debrief with guild president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland via Zoom.

The focus of the meeting was SAG-AFTRA’s revenue-sharing proposals presented to the AMPTP and the CEO Gang of Four. Since initial talks began in June, these proposals have caused tension between the guild and the studios/streamers.

Studio bosses suspended deliberations on October 11 due to disagreements over revenue sharing and AI.

During the discussion, Clooney, Johansson, and the rest of the group strongly supported the union leaders seeking a new three-year contract. They had many questions and suggestions and provided valuable feedback.

While the union did not confirm or deny the meeting with the A-listers, they emphasized that meetings with members of all profiles are regular and will remain private.

Last week, SAG-AFTRA, alongside Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Disney, proposed changes to benefit actors from the success of streaming content. However, the AMPTP disputed the estimated $800 million per year cost.

Overall, the meeting shed light on the recent breakdown in negotiations and the continued efforts to seek fair compensation for guild members.