While one major strike has been resolved, Hollywood is still frozen in its tracks as another continues. The actors’ union and major studios are heading back to the negotiating table two weeks after talks were halted. This positive development may possibly end the strike that hit the 100-day mark – but many are still skeptical.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers walked away from negotiations on October 11, saying that the sides were too far apart on key issues. Studio leaders were reportedly miffed that four senior executives spent five full days meeting with the actors’ guild without any progress.
After the Hollywood execs walked away from the negotiating table, SAG-AFTRA leaders Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland increased the picket activities and went on a media tour to send a message to the studios that the terms presented during negotiations were not sufficient to end the work stoppage.
There has been mounting pressure from both sides to find a resolution for the strike as the window to shoot TV shows and movies before the year ends is closing. Industry experts are eyeing the week of November 6 as a possible date to get some filming done on stalled projects, especially TV shows that were ready to begin production when the strike started.
The SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP announced over the weekend that negotiations will resume. The statement also mentioned that some of the executive leaders from AMPTP member companies will be present during the negotiations. “SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will meet for bargaining on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. Several executives from AMPTP member companies will be in attendance,” the joint statement said.
The actors’ union also separately confirmed the resumption of talks. According to the statement to its members, it was the studios – probably feeling the strain of an overall weak year – that reached out to resume negotiations.
“It is clear that the strength and solidarity shown by our members has sent an unmistakable message to the CEOs. As we have repeatedly said, we are ready, willing, and able to engage on a moment’s notice to meet and to work across the table to achieve a deal that is worthy of your sacrifice,” the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee statement said.
It is clear that the strength and solidarity shown by our members has sent an unmistakable message to the CEOs. As we have repeatedly said, we are ready, willing and able to engage on a moment’s notice to meet and… (2/5) pic.twitter.com/NfyM06CM4i
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 21, 2023
George Clooney reportedly met with the SAG-AFTRA leadership last week to present an alternative proposal for securing higher streaming residuals. The meeting also included A-listers Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, Ben Affleck, and Tyler Perry.
While not directly confirming the identity of the actors, a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson quite diplomatically said, “We meet with members of all profiles every day and we won’t be commenting on those private conversations.”
The meeting with Clooney and other A-listers has reportedly ruffled some feathers within the SAG-AFTRA leadership. The actors’ union is said to interpret this as a sign that actors are now restless with the strike inching closer to 100 days.
Hopefully, the resumption of talks will see both sides agree on resolutions to key issues such as the use of AI and revenue sharing from streaming platforms. If the strike doesn’t end soon, we may be looking at a year without new movies or seasons for our favorite TV shows. It is not only the actors that are affected but also the production crews and businesses that rely on the movie industry.
Official negotiations resume on October 24th. We will be keeping you posted on the latest developments.
