Listen: Talks to Continue on Sunday
SAG-AFTRA and Studio Strike Talks Continue on Sunday: A More Optimistic OutlookZ
• SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have met for four consecutive days, indicating hope for a resolution.
• Saturday’s constructive virtual meeting raised optimism among insiders.
• Negotiations were suspended two weeks ago due to disagreement over the streaming revenue-sharing plan.
• There are concerns that delays could affect the 2023-2024 season of scripted TV programs and slow business in Hollywood.
• Duncan Crabtree-Ireland of SAG-AFTRA has reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to negotiations and dismissed rumors as distractions.
• There is renewed hope for a resolution, but the stakes are increasing.
SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are set to meet for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, signaling increasing hope for a resolution.
The guild and studio leadership, led by AMPTP CEO Carol Lombardini, worked through the weekend as they strive to end the 107-day labor strike.
Optimism is growing among insiders following a constructive virtual meeting on Saturday, which notably did not include the presence of four CEOs from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, and Netflix. SAG-AFTRA has presented its latest response and awaits the studio’s delivery of its proposals.
While progress has been made in recent talks, the industry is reaching a critical point.
Two weeks ago, negotiations were abruptly suspended over the guild’s proposed streaming revenue-sharing plan. This led to concerns that AMPTP leaders may opt for brinksmanship negotiations if Halloween doesn’t reach a deal.
This could result in a significant delay, with a potential halt to the 2023-2024 season for scripted television programs and a slowdown in Hollywood business.
In response to such speculation, SAG-AFTRA’s lead negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to the ongoing talks and dismissed rumors as distractions.
The guild also rallied support from its members, showcasing unity and determination.
As SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP continue discussions, there is renewed hope for a resolution, but the industry remains on tenterhooks as the stakes grow higher.