Listen: SAG AFTRA Negotiator
SAG-AFTRA Negotiator: Productive Talks with Studios, but AI is the Current Focus
• Negotiations between Hollywood actors and studios are progressing, according to SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
• The focus of the discussions is currently on artificial intelligence (AI).
• Talks remain productive and intensive, but no deal has been reached yet.
• AI is a key issue that needs to be addressed for a deal to take place.
• A timeline for reaching an agreement is difficult to predict.
• To break up their intense discussions, a Halloween party has been proposed to allow everyone to relax and recharge.
Negotiations between Hollywood actors and studios are showing signs of progress, according to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator. He described the talks as “productive” but cautioned that a deal was not yet reached. The focus of the discussions is currently on artificial intelligence (AI).
Over the weekend, Crabtree-Ireland and the company representatives worked diligently to move things forward. While he remains cautiously optimistic about making progress, he stressed that there are still substantial issues to be resolved. Despite ongoing rumors, a deal is not imminent, and the negotiations will continue until an agreement is reached.
Describing the mood of the discussions as intense yet productive, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that there are substantive issues that need to be addressed. However, both sides are committed to finding common ground and are determined to keep pushing forward.
When asked about the revenue sharing proposal, Crabtree-Ireland redirected the conversation to the topic of AI, highlighting its importance in the negotiation process. Bridging the gaps in AI is crucial for reaching a deal, and it is an area of significant focus.
While Crabtree-Ireland did not rule out the possibility of a deal happening soon, he acknowledged that it depended on how the companies responded to their proposals. It could either move quickly or experience some disconnect. Therefore, it is difficult to predict a timeframe. However, he assured us that they are fully dedicated to moving the negotiation forward and will continue their efforts until an agreement is reached.
In light of Halloween, Crabtree-Ireland suggested everyone take a break and enjoy a Halloween party. Tomorrow night is an opportunity for people to relax and recharge.