In a classic David versus Goliath scenario, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) stands against Hollywood studios in a labour agreement stalemate. At the core of the dispute are the “several essential items” about artificial intelligence guidelines, which the union feels have not been adequately addressed in the studios’ “last, best and final offer.” This standoff comes after intense negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), who are unwilling to make further concessions.
The union spent the past Sunday and Monday meticulously evaluating the proposed deal without indicating whether the AMPTP would re-engage in talks or let the conversation fizzle out. Representatives from the AMPTP have remained tight-lipped, declining immediate comment when approached by CNBC.
The tension between the two parties has been palpable since mid-July when SAG-AFTRA members initiated a work stoppage, prompting a breakdown in initial negotiations with major studios such as Disney, Paramount, Universal, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite a brief resumption of talks in early October, a resolution seemed distant as discussions faltered for several weeks.
Only later in October did the conversations pick up again, but to no avail, as the two entities remained at loggerheads. The actors’ union has been vocal about its demands for improved wages, better working conditions, and fortified health and pension benefits. A key sticking point has been the establishment of clear guidelines for the use of AI in future productions, coupled with a call for greater transparency from streaming services concerning viewership figures to ensure fair residual payments paralleling those of linear TV.
The 116-day strike has caused a significant ripple effect throughout the industry, halting marketing campaigns and stalling productions, leaving many of Hollywood’s film and television projects in limbo.
As the standoff persists, the stakes are high for both SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. The union’s unwavering stance on AI guidelines reflects the growing concerns over technology’s role in the industry and the protection of artists’ rights. The resolution of this conflict will shape the future of labour agreements and set a precedent for integrating AI in creative endeavours. The industry watches with bated breath as both sides navigate this complex and evolving landscape.