Hollywood Studios Make Offer to End 113-Day Actors Strike, Networks’ TV Shows at Risk
Hollywood’s major studios have made a proposal to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in an attempt to end the 113-day actors strike, according to Variety. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers had previously warned the actors union that if a settlement was not reached by the end of this week, TV shows would face cancellations, and there would be further delays in summer theater releases in 2024.
After being absent from the bargaining table for over a week, the CEOs of four studios, including Warner Bros Discovery, NBC Universal, Disney, and Netflix, are expected to rejoin the talks. The union president, Fran Drescher, expressed hope that the studios’ response would seal the deal in an Instagram message on Friday.
It remains unclear whether the studios’ counteroffer will be a last, best and final offer, a term often used in labor negotiations to indicate that no further significant concessions will be made. However, the union could choose to reject the offer and continue the strike, given their current state of negotiations.
Though the studios did not term their offer as last, best, and final, they have suggested that it is intended to conclude the negotiations. SAG-AFTRA will evaluate the proposal before providing a response.
SAG-AFTRA revealed that they made a counteroffer last Saturday and have since been awaiting a response. The union also presented their latest proposals regarding artificial intelligence during a three-hour session on Wednesday.
The negotiations have revolved around several items, with AI being a focal point for the union. The studios have expressed concerns about the increasing number of AI scenarios proposed by the actors without reaching an agreement. SAG-AFTRA is expected to provide a counter on Saturday addressing these concerns.
Despite the ongoing strike and negotiations, both parties are hoping for a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders in the entertainment industry. The studios’ latest offer presents a potential turning point, but the union will carefully analyze the details before making a decision.
The strike and subsequent negotiations have shed light on the actors’ perspective regarding vital elements such as AI, which they view as essential for their future. It remains to be seen how the talks progress and whether both parties can reach an agreement that addresses these concerns.
As the discussions continue, the fate of TV shows and summer theater releases hangs in the balance. The studios’ offer is a significant step towards resolving the strike, but the final outcome will depend on whether SAG-AFTRA finds it acceptable. The entertainment industry and fans alike hope for a swift resolution that allows for the resumption of television production and the timely release of theater projects.
