Posted by 
Listen: Studios and SAG AFTRA To Hold Talks
Studios and SAG-AFTRA to Hold Talks on Friday to Settle Remaining Issues
Negotiations continue as both parties work towards ending the long-running strike.
• On Friday, AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA will resume talks to settle remaining issues on the long-running strike.
• Areas of discussion include streaming compensation, minimum rates, and the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Actors are pushing for control over using their likenesses and performances regarding AI negotiations.
• The possibility of negotiations extending into the weekend is uncertain.
• Studios are increasingly concerned about the potential impact on the 2023-2024 TV season and delayed release of major theatrical films due to the strike.
On Friday afternoon, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will meet with SAG-AFTRA to discuss and negotiate all the remaining open items.
Last Thursday, the guild paused bargaining while awaiting a response from the AMPTP regarding artificial intelligence and a comprehensive counter-proposal. However, talks are now set to resume.
Insiders from the studios are optimistic about reaching a deal, particularly on artificial intelligence usage, streaming compensation, and minimum rates. These areas have seen significant progress, paving the way for discussions on AI-related matters. While actors worry about AI replacing or devaluing their onscreen performances, studios are keen on embracing the technology for its efficiencies and cost-saving potential.
SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, emphasized the guild’s focus on securing members’ control over using their likenesses and performances for digital replicas during AI negotiations.
The possibility of negotiations extending into the weekend, as was the case last week, remains uncertain.
With the strike approaching its four-month mark since July 12, studios are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential impact on the 2023-2024 TV season and the delayed release of major theatrical films. In fact, “Elio” from Disney/Pixar and “Mission: Impossible 8” from Paramount have already been pushed back to summer 2025 release dates